Continued Growth and Expansion
When the company's founder William Nickerson, Jr. died in 1945, Houston became president and Beavers was elevated to board chairman. Under the new leadership, the company continued its expansion. Eventually Golden State Mutual had offices in 14 states with over $4 billion in policies.
As a major institution within the black community, representatives of Golden State Mutual were active in the civil rights movement. They also amassed an extensive collection of art by African American artists, which included works by Richmond Barthé, Hale Woodruff, Charles Alston and Varnette Honeywood.
In 1948, Golden State Mutual opened a new office at West 1999 Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles, which was designed by Paul Williams.
However, in the wake of integration, Golden State Mutual as well as other black-owned businesses began to lose market share and influence. In 1962, when Beavers took on the added role as president of the National Insurance Association, it was apparent that something needed to be done to insure the continued viability of black-owned businesses.
In 1970, Houston's sons, Norman B. Houston and Ivan J. Houston, took over active management of Golden State Mutual. While the company continued to succeed, rough financial waters lay ahead.
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