THE END OF AN ERA

On July 20, 2022, the La Grange Garden Club officially turned over ownership of the N.W. Faison House to the Faison Preservation Society (FPS). The club has owned and preserved the house for the last sixty-one years. Garden Club President Pennie Lee explained, “Our members felt it was time to cede control of the historic structure to FPS, who has been assisting us in its preservation since 2006. Our members are ready to focus solely on gardening.” “The fact that the house even exists is a stroke of luck,” said Arnold Romberg, President of FPS. “We owe them a large debt of gratitude for saving this important piece of Fayette County history.” The miracle came about in the 1960s when Garden Club member Verna Reichert toured Bellengrath Gardens and other areas of the deep south. At that time, all phases of conservation were part of the garden club’s mission. Additionally, there was no chapter of the State Historical Society in La Grange. The organization decided to purchase the home, turning it into a museum and garden center.

The four Kruschell sisters, known for their local philanthropy, loaned the club money to purchase the house in July 1961. The women then went to work raising money by holding weekly rummage sales as well as soliciting donations and grants. They personally cleaned the house from top to bottom. The house was repainted, furniture restored, termites killed, rugs purchased -- you name it, they did it. Finally, on May 4, 1962, the home was open to the public.

“The House is on the National Register of Historic Places at the state level of recognition for its social history,” Marie Watts, Vice President of FPS, explained. From 1870 to 1872, freed woman, Louisiana Brown, owned the house. She was one of the first African American women in the state to own property. N.W. Faison, early La Grange settler and member of the Dawson Expedition, deeded the house to her.

The house, located at 822 South Jefferson across from the Fayette Public Library and Archives in La Grange, is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and by appointment.

Concerned public spirited citizens wishing to make donations in support of this cause can send contributions to Faison Preservation Society, P. O. Box 681, La Grange, TX 78945, or can easily do so on-line at www. faisonhouse.org. At this website, select DONATE NOW and then Donate under ENDOWMENT FUND. Enter the requested details and select Credit Card or PayPal. Thank you notes with tax deduction receipts will be promptly send to all donors. We hope you will join us in this effort. We are all incredibly grateful for your donations.