Elton M. Hyder, Jr. was a highly accomplished graduate ofUniversity of Texas law school. His service as Assistant to the State of TexasAttorney General in the 1940’s, led to his appointment on the prosecution team for Japanese war criminals of World War II. It was during the time of these trials that he met and married Martha Rowan, daughter of the Rowan Oil Companies founder, Charles Rowan.
The Hyders traveled the world collecting art, furniture, and documents, mostly related to law.
By the mid 1960’s they had acquired quite a large collection. They arranged with the University of Texas School of Law to loan items of their growing collection to the Tarlton Law Library. Martha enjoyed placing the furniture and other objects, decorating the various rooms.
Martha Rowan Hyder was a philanthropist and patron of the arts. She was a guiding force behind the Van Cliburn International PianoCompetition, became a vice president and trustee of the National Symphony, and a member of the International Committee of the New York City Ballet.
Brent Hyder, eldest son of the Hyder power couple, has taken the helm at the Elton M. Hyder, Jr. Charitable and Education Fund. He has been a champion of historical restoration projects for many years. His own home in Fort Worth, Fairview, is one of his passion projects. Built in 1893, he has restored it to its former glory, this was just the beginning of his preservation projects. Brent is currently working on a restoration of the water wellhead of the French settlement, LaReunion; established in 1855, near Dallas.
Many pieces in Lark Mason Associates Fine and Decorative Arts sale are from the Hyder’s extensive collection, owned by the Elton M. Hyder, Jr. Charitable and Education Fund. The online auction is running on iGavelAuctions.com from March 22 – April 12, 2022.
