   |
 |
 |
Local Information |
|
history places of worship dining events shopping agriculture schools government souvenirs |
|
 |
Visitor Information |
 |
Relocation Information |
 |
Member Area |
|
|
Events |
2007 Winterfest Historic Homes Tour
Dec.1 & 2, from 2 to 6 p.m.
1. The J.F. Remschel House
524 St. Peter
J.F. Remschel commissioned architect Fred Meisenhelder, a skilled German craftsman, to build this house in 1907. The exterior is of cypress siding and intricate inlaid wood floors, lovely fireplaces and etched glass grace the interior. The restoration was begun in 1994 by J.V. Compton, Jr. and completed by current owners, Bill and Mayron Cole.
2. The W.B. Houston House
621 St. George
This Queen Anne Victorian house was built in 1895 by William Buckner Houston, a noted Texas trail driver. It features towers, turrets, wrap-around porches and other unique architectural embellishments. The woodwork throughout the house is longleaf pine. The intricate parquet floors, fireplaces, embossed ceilings and hand painted murals are original. New owners are Dean and Aleathea Wyman.
3. The C.T. Rather House
828 St. Louis
This two-story Victorian Italiante home, finished in 1892, was built by cotton broker Charles T. Rather. All exterior construction is of cypress plank and the intricate woodwork throughout the interior is painstakingly restored longleaf pine. The old well may still be seen on the back porch. Current owners Barbara and Richard Crozier continue the restoration begun by Margaret Scott in the early 1960s.
4. The C.H. Hoskins House
906 St Louis
C.H. Hoskins came to Gonzales in 1895 and in 1910 he was president of Hoskins Mercantile Company. He and his wife, Mary, had this house designed by architect Atlee B. Ayres and construction was completed in 1911. Restoration of this magnificent home has just recently been completed by current owner Linda Finch.
5. The J.B. Wells House
829 Mitchell
The James Bailey Wells house was built in 1885 by T.N. Matthews. J.B. Wells purchased the home and moved his family in from Leesville on January 1, 1890. The 15-room house features some original wall paper, light fixtures and furnishings. Beautiful woodwork is of Florida long-leaf pine. Of special note are three early Texas pieces, a wardrobe, dresser and bed, all crafted of Guadalupe Valley black walnut by local cabinetmaker August Klein. It features a fire escape, lightning rods and indoor plumbing, all of which were quite modern for that time. Only the kitchen and bathrooms were modernized and the house stands now as it was built. The Gonzales Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is the custodian.
