H.R. No. 825
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Brazos Historical Society is celebrating the
100th anniversary of the Schuster House in Freeport during spring
2017; and
WHEREAS, In 1917, the year the City of Freeport was
incorporated, the two-story home was built on a foundation of heavy
cedar blocks by George Schuster and his sons, Manuel, Henry, and
Joe, all experienced carpenters; its exterior is graced by a
wraparound porch supported by large columns, and the interior
features 10-foot ceilings and many windows to keep rooms cool in the
summer; and
WHEREAS, The stout construction and favorable location made
the home a place of refuge during hurricanes; in addition, it was
used by the Catholic community for catechism classes before their
church was completed; and
WHEREAS, Following the death of his parents, Joe Schuster
purchased the home in 1951 from the family estate with his wife,
Valentine; she continued to live in the home until her passing in
1981, and her children maintained it for the ensuing two decades; in
2003, descendants established the Schuster House Corporation and
placed the home and many original furnishings in the care of the
Brazos Historical Society, which undertook a 10-year restoration
project; the house is now open to the public as a museum, and in
2016, it received an Official Texas Historical Marker from the
Texas Historical Commission; and
WHEREAS, Historic homes are an irreplaceable cultural
resource, and the careful preservation of the Schuster House allows
Texans to learn more about our state's architectural heritage and
the everyday lives of our forebears; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of the
Schuster House and commend the members of the Brazos Historical
Society for their stewardship; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Brazos Historical Society as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Bonnen of Brazoria
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 825 was adopted by the House on March
23, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House