Through the years, Madisonville has suffered great losses from fires, most often at businesses. One legendary home that burned was the Harper house on Halloween, 1965. It had been unoccupied since June, 1931, but it always attracted attention. It was built by local architect and builder John Douglas Brownlee, for Carl Thurston Harper and Jennie Webb Harper and at the southwest corner of the intersection of Woodrow and Magnolia streets. I haven’t been able to find any good photos of the home, either in its prime or as the aged wreck it became. It had a story, so let me take you back. Folks came before the house.

The Museum’s MCFA exhibit is nearing its last days. We plan to put it all away when June starts.

Texas voters overwhelmingly approved two proposed amendments on Saturday that will provide property tax relief to homeowners. According to the Austin American-Statesman, nearly 85% of voters supported Proposition 2, which raises the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $40,000 starting this year.