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34th Annual
Galveston Historic Homes Tour
May 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2008
Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) has been at the heart of an extraordinary preservation movement on the island for more than 50 years. Since its inception in 1954, GHF has saved hundreds of Galveston’s most important treasures--from humble shotgun houses to Craftsman-style bungalows to nationally significant mansions, sacred landmarks, commercial buildings and maritime artifacts. Every year, in order to showcase the continuing success of the city’s revitalization efforts, GHF opens a diverse collection of restored homes and other buildings to the public during the first two weekends in May.
Enhance your Homes Tour Experience with Two Weekends of Great Special Events!
- On Friday, May 2, the first weekend kicks off with the leisurely First Impression preview evening tour. Saturday evening, May 3, dance the night away high above the The Strand National Historic Landmark District at Moonlight and Martinis, the tour’s bash of historic proportions. For those who enjoy a more traditional workout, each Sunday brings An Exercise in History, a guided walking tour through either the East End or Strand National Historic Landmark Districts. Join Dwayne Jones, Executive Director of GHF, on deluxe coaches, for an insightful tour of The Architecture of Historic Galveston May 3. Once again, mothers will be celebrated at the fifth annual Linen and Lace: A Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show on May 11. A highlight of this year’s tour is the ASID Spring Designer Showhouse, where top designers from Southeast Texas showcase a transformed 1839 Samuel May Williams House. Meet the new Homes Tour artist, Gay Paratore, with special artwork print signings each weekend and enjoy Added Attractions such as the glorious 1892 Bishop’s Palace and the imposing 1890 Ashbel Smith Building, “Old Red.” Many opportunities await Homes Tour patrons for two weekends on Galveston Island.
Homes On Tour
John M. & Catherine Allardyce House, 1859 -1861
1227 Ball Avenue
The Allardyce House (c. 1859) is one of Galveston’s most significant survivors. The house escaped the devastating 1885 fire by only a few blocks, and the debris generated by the 1900 Storm came to rest only a few yards away protecting the house from destruction. Various owners of the house made additions and adjustments since it was constructed, but the soul of an antebellum, middle-class family home shines through.
Marcus C. and Laura McLemore House (Lasker Home for Homeless Children) c. 1870
Addition by Donald N. McKenzie, Architect, 1912
1019 16th Street
Originally built as a private residence for Marcus C. McLemore, the double-gallery, Greek Revival house served as the Lasker Home for Homeless Children for over 80 years. One of the most significant houses in the Lost Bayou Historic District, the house continues to stand as a monument to the philanthropic endeavors of Galveston’s Morris Lasker. The current owner adapted the building, whose spacious rooms once held a family, orphans and school children, into a multi-use property.
Thompson and Company Building Loft, 1877,
Nathaniel W. Tobey, Architect
112 Tremont (23rd Street)
In the 1870s, The Galveston Wharf Company set about expanding the wharf front for the rapidly developing commercial and trade district on the Island. Sitting on land reclaimed from Galveston Bay, the Thompson and Company Building is one of several buildings still remaining from that endeavor. Built by cotton merchants, Wolston, Wells and Vidor, the building is undergoing a complete transformation by the George Mitchell companies into residential lofts and retail spaces.
M. Howard and Minnie Carnes House, 1887
Alfred Muller, Architect
1914 Avenue M
The Carnes House, now known as the Coppersmith Inn, is the work of the young German architect Alfred Muller and a notable example of eclectic Victorian architecture. Muller combined elements of the Stick and Queen Anne styles with a hint of Italianate to render the shortened corner turret and textured shingled walls. The interior staircase is one of the finest and most expressive on the island.
Mrs. Mary Lee's Tenant House, 1888
2018 Avenue M
This gable-front Victorian house, constructed in 1888, is a popular architectural form on Galveston Island. Though the house has been updated over the years, many of its original elements remained beneath the surface. The house is one of the earliest in the Lost Bayou Historic District.
Dr. Cary and Eliza Wilkinson House, 1891
Restoration in Progress
1605 Avenue K
The Wilkinson House is a raised Victorian center hall cottage highlighted with a sunburst gable front. Originally located at 613 19th Street, the house was moved by Galveston Historical Foundation in 2007 using its Revolving Fund. GHF’s research on the house revealed historic photographs showing an original striped roof that is now replicated. A new owner is now rehabilitating and expanding the house.
Roland P. Allen House, 1895
1402 24th Street
The Allen House offers a striking contrast to the houses on the west side of 24th Street. This raised cottage with a gable front features unusual Eastlake windows and door details. This house is part of the site occupied by the 1871 Texas Cotton Press, which when demolished in 1893, opened the area for residential development.
Joseph L. Gengler, Jr. House, 1905
2102 Avenue P
The Gengler House replaced one destroyed by the 1900 Storm. This high-raised gable front cottage is located near the Hotel Galvez with a commanding view of the Gulf. The Genglers spent $3,560 for construction that originally included a cistern, a stable and a chicken house.
R. H. Settle Residence, c. 1912
3202 Avenue Q
The Settle House is a two-story Craftsman house built in an area destroyed by the 1900 Storm. This spacious property includes a number of built-in features, original light fixtures, and an original elevator. Sited on an extra-large lot, this fine house boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around porch common to Galveston.
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