Braun, George, House
421 N. Austin Ave., Denison, TXConstructed in 1882 for one of the most prominent businessmen in De Denison, the George Braun House is an interesting example of the Italian Villa style as interpreted in Texas. Once among the showplaces of the city, the house at 421 North Austin Avenue is significant as the only extant example of the architectural style in the community, and the last opulent residence on North Austin Avenue.
George Braun moved to Denison from St. Louis in 1879 where he had been employed with the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. It was here that he established the Depot Saloon near the prestigious Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Station. In addition to the saloon enterprise, he also established the Northern Lake Ice Company which led to the sale of fish, oysters, celery, and other rare foodstuffs almost unpurchasable on the sun-blistered Texas prairie.
Mr. Braun contracted with a local builder-architect, J. B. McDougle, to build a residence suitable for a man of his stature. The house was begun in 1882 and completed in 1883. Carpenters from his native Germany were summoned for the construction. The great houses of St. Louis having been designed in the fashionable Italian Villa style, a house of similar opulence was selected for the Braun family. Therefore, this is the only known example of this style in the city.
After his death in 1903, George Braun's wife Minna was the sole recipient of his estate. She lived in the house until 1919, at which time it was sold to Charles J. Harrison. Joseph G. Cain bought the house from C. J. Harrison in 1923 and lived there until 1952. Mr. Cain sold the house to his son-in-law Bryan Steen, who lived there until 1975, at which time it was sold to Joe Pollaro. Mr. Pollaro plans to restore the house and grounds to their former elegance, and maintain his office as well as his residence there.
Local significance of the building:
George Braun moved to Denison from St. Louis in 1879 where he had been employed with the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. It was here that he established the Depot Saloon near the prestigious Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Station. In addition to the saloon enterprise, he also established the Northern Lake Ice Company which led to the sale of fish, oysters, celery, and other rare foodstuffs almost unpurchasable on the sun-blistered Texas prairie.
Mr. Braun contracted with a local builder-architect, J. B. McDougle, to build a residence suitable for a man of his stature. The house was begun in 1882 and completed in 1883. Carpenters from his native Germany were summoned for the construction. The great houses of St. Louis having been designed in the fashionable Italian Villa style, a house of similar opulence was selected for the Braun family. Therefore, this is the only known example of this style in the city.
After his death in 1903, George Braun's wife Minna was the sole recipient of his estate. She lived in the house until 1919, at which time it was sold to Charles J. Harrison. Joseph G. Cain bought the house from C. J. Harrison in 1923 and lived there until 1952. Mr. Cain sold the house to his son-in-law Bryan Steen, who lived there until 1975, at which time it was sold to Joe Pollaro. Mr. Pollaro plans to restore the house and grounds to their former elegance, and maintain his office as well as his residence there.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
About Grayson County
Grayson County Timeline
Grayson County, Texas has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area that is now Grayson County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Tonkawa, and Shawnee. However, European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1800s, leading to conflicts and the eventual displacement of the Native American populations.
The county itself was established in 1846 and named after Peter Wagener Grayson, a lawyer who served in the Texas legislature. Grayson County quickly grew as settlers moved into the region, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching. The county's economy flourished with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which facilitated transportation of goods and boosted trade in the area.
During the Civil War, Grayson County largely supported the Confederacy, and many residents volunteered to serve in the Southern army. After the war, the county faced challenges as it struggled to rebuild and recover from the economic and social impacts of the conflict. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of prosperity to Grayson County. Oil fields were developed, attracting workers and boosting the local economy.
Today, Grayson County continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community. It is home to several cities, including Sherman, the county seat, and Denison. The county is known for its natural beauty, including Lake Texoma, which is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. Grayson County also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate its unique history and traditions.
The county itself was established in 1846 and named after Peter Wagener Grayson, a lawyer who served in the Texas legislature. Grayson County quickly grew as settlers moved into the region, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching. The county's economy flourished with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which facilitated transportation of goods and boosted trade in the area.
During the Civil War, Grayson County largely supported the Confederacy, and many residents volunteered to serve in the Southern army. After the war, the county faced challenges as it struggled to rebuild and recover from the economic and social impacts of the conflict. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of prosperity to Grayson County. Oil fields were developed, attracting workers and boosting the local economy.
Today, Grayson County continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community. It is home to several cities, including Sherman, the county seat, and Denison. The county is known for its natural beauty, including Lake Texoma, which is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. Grayson County also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate its unique history and traditions.
Grayson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grayson County, Texas.
- 1836 - The Republic of Texas is established, including the area now known as Grayson County.
- 1846 - Grayson County is officially organized and named after Peter W. Grayson, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
- 1850 - The first courthouse is built in Sherman, becoming the county seat.
- 1871 - The arrival of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad sparks growth in the county.
- 1872 - Sherman is incorporated as a city.
- 1896 - The Red River Bridge, connecting Grayson County to the Oklahoma Territory, is completed.
- 1900 - The population of Grayson County reaches over 40,000 residents.
- 1930s - Grayson County is affected by the Great Depression, but starts recovering through federal programs.
- 1960s - Lake Texoma is created by the Army Corps of Engineers, providing recreational opportunities.
- 1990s - Grayson County experiences rapid growth due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
- 2006 - The Grayson County Courthouse, built in 1910, undergoes major renovations.