May 2, 2024

Content Tagged "Galveston"

The League-Kempner Mansion in Galveston is endangered without its determined new savior

The League-Kempner House represents the last great house of the Broadway Castle District designed by Nicholas Clayton.

One of the most intriguing houses in Texas is, until recently, one of the most endangered.  The last of Galveston’s privately owned Gilded Age homes, the League-Kempner Mansion is in danger of loss without its determined new savior.  At 1710 Broadway, the home was built by Galveston aristocracy John Charles League and Nellie Ball in 1893.  It represents the last great house of the Broadway Castle District designed by Nicholas Clayton, architect of the Bishop’s Palace.  Following League’s death in 1916, matriarch of the Kempner family Eliza Seinsheimer Kempner acquired the home.  Eliza employed Houston architect to the oil barons …continue reading

Galveston’s Rosenberg Library Museum

The Rosenberg Library, Galveston, a TroysArt photo

It’s no secret that Galveston Island is rich in history. The best known cultural attractions are without a doubt architectural—such as The Bishop’s Palace. And for connoisseurs of fine art there is a multitude of art galleries downtown. But I must admit that I had no idea that there is actually fine art available for viewing in a museum setting. The Rosenberg Library isn’t just a repository for books. Born in Switzerland, Henry Rosenberg immigrated to Galveston in the 1840s and got crazy rich. When he died in 1893 he left almost a million dollars to charity, including $400,000 to …continue reading