McFaddin–Ward House facts for kids
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McFaddin House Complex
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McFaddin–Ward House in 2007
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 McFaddin House Complex
Location in Texas
McFaddin House Complex
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1906 McFaddin St., Beaumont, Texas |
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| Area | 9.9 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1906 |
| Architect | Henry Conrad Mauer |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000942 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1971 |
The McFaddin–Ward House is a beautiful old home in Beaumont, Texas. It was built in 1906 in a grand style called Beaux-Arts Colonial Revival. This large house, about 1,190 square meters (12,800 square feet), still has its original furniture. It shows how a very important family lived for 75 years. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about history. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it is a special place worth protecting.
Contents
A Family Home Becomes a Museum
The McFaddin–Ward House has a rich history. It was first ordered by Di Vernon Averill. She hired an architect named Henry Conrad Mauer to design it. The house was sold the very next year.
The McFaddin Family Moves In
In 1907, William P.H. McFaddin bought the house. He moved in with his wife, Ida Caldwell McFaddin, and their three children. Their children were Mamie, who was 11, Perry Jr., who was 9, and James Caldwell, who was 6. The family came all the way from Huntington, West Virginia.
The Carriage House and Family Life
A large building called a carriage house was added in 1907. This building was very useful. It had a stable for horses, a place to store hay, and a garage for cars. It also had a gym and living areas for the people who worked for the family.
Years later, in 1919, the McFaddins' daughter Mamie married Carroll Ward. The new couple decided to live with Mamie's parents. They stayed in the house for their entire married lives.
Preserving History for Everyone
Mamie McFaddin Ward wanted to make sure the house would be saved. Before she passed away in 1982, she created a special foundation. This foundation helped turn the house into a museum. The McFaddin–Ward House Museum opened its doors to the public in 1986.
Visiting the McFaddin–Ward House
The McFaddin–Ward House is a unique place to visit. It is one of the few house museums that still has its original furniture. This means you can see exactly how the family lived long ago. It is also one of the few Beaux-Arts Colonial homes open for tours.
Tour Information
You can take a guided tour of the home from Tuesday to Saturday. These tours are for guests aged 8 and older. Friendly volunteers called docents lead the tours. They share interesting stories about the house and the family. Tours usually last about one to one and a half hours. It is a good idea to make a reservation before you go.
On Sundays, you can explore the first floor of the house on your own. The carriage house and the beautiful grounds are open to everyone during museum hours. Outside, you will find large lawns, pretty flower beds, and lovely rose gardens.
Educational Programs and Events
The museum offers many educational programs. These programs teach both children and adults about history. The McFaddin–Ward House often hosts special events. These include lectures, fun celebrations, and summer camps. They also have open houses where everyone is welcome.
New exhibits and displays are often changed. This keeps the museum fresh and exciting. Christmas is a very special time at the house. There are special events and an open house. Visitors can enjoy eggnog and taste old McFaddin family recipes. Then, they can tour the first floor of the house.
Recognition and Features
The McFaddin–Ward House is a very important historical site. In 1976, it was named a Texas State Historic Landmark. This shows its importance to the history of Texas.
The home has also been featured on television. It appeared on Arts & Entertainment's "America's Castles" as a "Lone Star Estate." Only three homes in Texas were chosen for this show. The house has also been included in several important books about architecture.
See also
