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GIDDINGS-S TONE HOUSE 204 East Stone St Brenham, Texas ,An interesting cornerstone records 1870 as the date of the construction of the Giddings-Stone House. This important historical landmark was remodeled in 1894. The Giddings-Stone House is one of the few extant grand mansions of the Greek Revival style which also already reflects the Victorian style in its projecting bay and in the interior woodwork. Unlike most structures of the Greek Revival style, the Giddings- Stone House is a load bearing masonry building. The walls consist of a four brick thickness on the first floor and a three brick thick- ness on the second floor. The foundation is also brick masonry. One of the most unique features of the foundation is that the bricks (4 thick) are simply stacked upon each other without any mortar acting as an adhesive bond. These stacked bricks are held together by an exterior coating of stuccoed plaster. The large columns at the front of the house have an excellently executed brick core with a cement layer applied to the outside. These huge columns greatly add to the splendor and grandeur of the front porches on both floors. These monolithic columns also hint of the unusually high ceilings of the interior. One of the most interesting features of the house is the impressive stairway. It was constructed in St. Louis and shipped to the house when it was being built in 1870. Although not structurally signif- icant, this carved walnut stairway very admirably compliments the ornate decoration and detail that is obvious throughout the house. Although the Giddings-Stone House is in need of immediate attention, it has the potential of being restored to its earlier magnificent grandeur. Because it is recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as being one of the most important legacies of our heritage, it is to be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Prepared by Duncan G. Muckelroy Historic Preservation Coordinator, Texas Historical Commission Austin, Tx