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1-4-1967
NOTE: Information submitted to Texas State Historical Survey Committee to use for the writing of a proper inscription for the historic marker to be placed at the intersection of a new F-M Road leading to the Winedale Stagecoach Inn. oooOooo THE WINEDALE STAGECOACH INN The Winedale Stagecoach Inn, located in northeast Fayette County, is an outstanding example of early Texas architecture. A two-story frame house of eight rooms and a galleried porch across the front, it com- bines both Anglo-American and German architectural features. The origin- al portion of the house was very probably a one-room house built by Wm. S. Townsend in 1834. It was after the house was bought by Samuel K. Lewis in 1848 that it was enlarged to its present form. It is built of local cedar sawn in heavy square timbers and utilizing a braced frame construction. The plan of the house with a central open hall, two rooms on each side and chimneys in the gable ends is typical of the Anglo- American house, while the window details and woodwork suggest the work lof German craftsmen. The increase in the size of the house in the 1840's made it possible for the owner (Samuel K. Lewis), to accomodate travellers and the house became known as "Sam Lewis' Stopping Place". Although stage routes in that area are not clearly established, it was a stagecoach stop during 1the Lewis' tenure. It is also believed that Lewis was responsible for the remarkable interior decoration of the Inn, a feature which adds much distinction to the structure. The decoration consists of a painted ceiling, borders, and over-mantel panels found in the major rooms. The most elaborate work is on the ceiling of the second-floor parlor. This consists of a classic medallion and a garland design with a floral border. These paintings are the work of a skilled professional painter and are believed to have been done by Rudolf Melchior, a member of a German family of artists who came to this country (Texas) in 1853. In 1963 Miss Ima Hogg bought the Winedale Stagecoach Inn for the pur- pose of restoring and preserving it. Following a most careful and ex- pensive restoration of the Inn and barns and slave quarters, and the addition of several other early Texas houses to the property, Miss Hogg gave the property to The University of Texas to be used as a center for the study of the history and culture of ethnic groups who migrated to Texas early in the 19th century.