The Higdon Family Association, Inc.

Located on the corner of Fifth and Main Streets and at 268 ft/82 m tall, the Blackstone Hotel is the tallest hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. It is noted for its art deco with terra cotta ornament with setbacks on the top floors. The hotel was constructed in 1929, and sat vacant for nearly 20 years. The Blackstone Hotel guest list is full of notable people including Presidents of the United States ranging from President Harry Truman to President Richard Nixon. The hotel was also host for a few movie stars. The building was restored in the late 1990s and is still in use today.

The 23-story, 284 room Blackstone Hotel had its official grand opening on October 10, 1929. The hotel was built by cattleman C.A. "Gus" O'Keefe. In the mid-1930s, Fort Worth's first radio station, WBAP, was based out of the Blackstone Hotel. During the 1950's the hotel changed to the Hilton Hotel, when it was purchased by Conrad Hilton. Hilton constructed a new addition which included shops, swimming pool, and a ballroom with more meeting rooms. In 1962, the hotel reverted to its former name of Blackstone Hotel and operated under it for twenty years.

From 1982 until 1999, the hotel was vacant or under restoration, by it present owner, Historic Restoration, Inc. In 1999, the hotel reopened as a Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

Learning about genealogy from each other is a big hit with members at the annual meeting. Talking and meeting old members and new members in the hospitality room is another joy of the annual meeting. It is always interesting to find out how one branch of the family connects to another. Seeing a new part of the nation and its wonderful cultural events is another big draw for attending the annual meetings.