San Antonio, Bexar County
Jewish-Russian immigrant Oscar Berman was in Texas by the 1880s. He wed Rachel "Ray" Finklestein c. 1890 and became a businessman in Luling, Caldwell County, parterning with Getzel Zadek. They later opened a wholesale liquor business in San Antonio. With Prohibition in 1918, they branched into other businesses, including loans. In 1906, work began on the Berman House, designed by noted architect Harvey L. Page. The Neoclassical design with Prairie influences features Corinthian and Doric columns, deep eaves, corbelled chimneys, and a full-height entry with unique inward-curving first-floor porch. Enlarged with wings in the 1920s, the home has since been restored to its original design. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2006