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History
This two-story Queen Anne started life around 1898. To give that number
perspective, Houston was 29 years old. The Civil War of the United
States was only 33 years into history. To know that survivors of the
War Between the States walked in this house can really tie us to our
history, if we're listening.
The home was the swan song for Betty and Frederick Kaufhold, who built a
dairy farm "way out in the country", early protesters against Houston's
"rapidly rising taxes". (Today it stands in the middle of Houston's
Museum and Arts District, also called "The Montrose"; the world renown
Texas Medical Center and Houston's skyscrapers are a scant mile away.)
That's Aunt Burtie in the window upstairs. The photo is around 1900.
Betty and Fred had three daughters, all of who were concerned about the
move so far out into the country, fearful that they may never have
another date. (The nearest mule trolley stopped at what is now about 20
city blocks away). Their worries were not realized . . . every time a
daughter married, Fred and Betty built a house next door for them. (In
fact, the house was pivoted east in the teens -- by mule teams -- to
make room for the last daughter's house). The daughters' dowries are
still standing. Betty was president of her bridge club. Fred had been
a building contractor in downtown Houston. In addition to dairy
farming, we know Fred built scaffolding for the poor souls who were
hanged for their misdeeds or misfortune (pre DNA). The tree from which
they met their Maker still stands in downtown Houston.
Chickens, horses, fresh well water, yummm. The horse's name was Babe.
The man and woman are daughter Fredrika and Her husband, Don.
It's still a comfortable house with comfortable people, and all the
spirits are friendly.
COME SEE US IN THE HEART OF HOUSTON.
YOU ARE WELCOME!
1-800-622-8343
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