Only a half an hour before I came across this astonishing article from the Houston Chronicle Magazine I was standing nearly on top of the spot where the “unimpressive, austere, green frame building behind the Rice Physics Building” once sat.
There were at least two buildings here over the years. This one was built very early on for H.A. Wilson to do his nuclear work:
And here’s a tiny peek at a later structure, circa 1970s:
I don’t know if these images are from the first building (my best guess), the second, or some intermediate structure but I’m sure that they are the only glimpses I’ve ever seen of an interior:
Wow!
Bonus: 
The top picture has cars that are 1920’s vintage in it, for what that’s worth. Perhaps even late teens.
Any chance one of them is an Oakland?
Yes, the one I can see in front might well be an Oakland. Top, fenders, wheels, and hood louvers look like Oakland. Might be something else, but nothing is obviously different from Oakland.
Actually, after reading about Professor Wilson again and checking the 1919 Oakland, I am going to say with some confidence that that is indeed Professor Wilson’s car. He would need gloves to keep his hands warm in a touring car.
Nice porch on that first building.
In looking at the roof angles, I am reasonably willing to consider that the later building is a recladding and remodeling of the earlier building.
I’m not opposed to that notion. It has the authentic feel of Rice.
Notice the “Torture Chamber” annotation to the top photo. LOL!
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