L. A. and Adelheid Machemehl House facts for kids
The L. A. and Adelheid Machemehl House is a special building in Bellville, Texas. It was built a long time ago, in the early 1900s. This house was a very important place for the German Texan community. Many social events and parties happened here! It's even recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark.
The Machemehl Family Story
The Machemehl family came to Texas in 1849. Johann Machemehl (1816–1880) and his father, Michael Machemehl, led the way. They settled in the Bellville area. Johann was well-educated and used to be a forester in Annaberg, Germany. His first wife, Henrietta, sadly died in Texas in 1850. Johann married two more times and had more children. He passed away in 1880 and is buried in the Machemehl Cemetery.
Johann's son, Paul Machemehl (1845–1932), is famous for something interesting during the American Civil War. Many German Texans, including Paul, traveled to Mexico. They didn't think the war between the North and South was their fight. Documents show that many Germans joined Paul Machemehl during this time.
Paul's son, Louis A. Machemehl (1881–1952), was a big leader in the German Texan community. He was also a rancher and helped people buy and sell land and cattle. He married Adelheid Reichardt (1882–1949) from Cat Springs. Her father died just before she was born.
Louis and Adelheid Machemehl had a son named Charles W. Machemehl (1922–2005). Charles was a brave soldier in World War II. He fought in Europe and received several important medals. These included two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. By the end of the war, he was a captain and worked with a famous general, Matthew B. Ridgeway.
About the House: Design and Location
In 1920, Louis A. Machemehl asked a famous architect, Alfred C. Finn, to design his house. The house is in Bellville, Texas. It's built in a special style called an Airplane Bungalow. This means it's one and a half stories tall. The upstairs part is set back from a big, wrap-around porch.
This porch was a very popular spot! Many parties, celebrations, and dances for young people happened there. They would dance to music from a Victrola, an old-fashioned record player. The house also has a great view of the historic German Texan town of Cat Springs.
Today, big magnolia and oak trees surround the house. It's located about one and a half miles from the town square. The architect's original drawings of the house are kept in the Houston Public Library. The Machemehl House is officially recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark. The family lived in the house until 1953.
Awards and Recognition
- The Machemehl House was officially named a Texas Historic Landmark in 1992.
- It also won the "Best Front Porch Award" from Arrington's Bed and Breakfast Journal.
