History of a Romantic Landmark
March 13, 2008
THE W.H. STARK HOUSE
NELDA C. & H.J. LUTCHER STARK FOUNDATION
For Immediate Release
Contact: Patsy Herrington
The W.H. Stark House
409.883.0871
whstarkhouse@starkadmin.org
ORANGE, Texas – Built in 1894, the W.H. Stark House is a perfectly restored 15-room Victorian mansion that represents the typical home of a wealthy turn-of-the-century Southeast Texas family. The Stark House stands alone as the only surviving structure of many that once lined a tree-shaded residential neighborhood in Orange, Texas.
The home belonged to William Henry and Miriam Lutcher Stark, who with their son, H.J. Lutcher Stark, have had an enduring cultural and social influence on this small Texas town on the border of Louisiana. Today, the Stark House is an integral part of the modern Stark-Lutcher complex including the Stark Museum of Art, Lutcher Theater, and Stark Park.
William H. and Miriam Lutcher Stark spent a lifetime collecting the rare and unique decorative objects that are showcased throughout the home and adjoining Carriage House. The Stark House appears much as it did in the 1920s, filled with antique rugs, original textiles, custom-made Victorian furniture, silver, cut glass and antique porcelain. South of the main house is the original Carriage House, where two floors of collections of
the Stark family are displayed. This collection consists of American Brilliant Period cut glass, pressed and pattern glass, milk glass, porcelains, bronze and oriental objects, as well as other 18th and 19th century decorative accessories.
The three-story wood frame Victorian home - with its many gables, galleries and distinctive windowed turret - shows the influences of several architectural styles, mainly Queen Anne and Eastlake. Perhaps the greatest influence on the architecture of the house was Frances Ann Lutcher, Mrs. W.H. Stark’s mother. Mrs. Lutcher’s home was similar to the Stark home in many ways. It is thought that the chief designer for both homes was Fred Wilber, an uncle of Mrs. W.H. Stark, from Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Whatever influenced the architectural style, the design of the Stark House is clearly addressed to the Southeast Texas environment. Twelve-foot ceilings, nine-foot tall windows and a clear north-south orientation of prime living areas to provide cross breezes contributed to livability in a semi-tropical climate.
William Henry Stark moved to Orange from Burkeville, Texas, following the Civil War. He obtained a job with the R. B. Russell & Sons Sawmill, beginning his association with the growing timber industry that would come to dominate his
On Dec. 22, 1881, W.H. Stark married Miriam Melissa Lutcher, who had come to Orange in the 1870s with her family from Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Her father founded the business that would later become the Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company.
In 1886, W.H. Stark became associated with the Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company and served in various capacities until assuming the responsibilities of president in 1912. During his successful career in lumber, oil, rice, insurance and banking, W.H. Stark was recognized as one of the outstanding financial and industrial leaders of Texas.
H. J. Lutcher Stark, William H. and Miriam Lutcher Stark’s one surviving child, continued to manage the family industrial and financial enterprises, and dedicated much of his time to philanthropy, particularly in the field of education and related programs for young people.
It was under the direction of the Nelda C. & H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation that the
residence was restored with strict adherence to the highest standards of restoration practices.
The W.H. Stark House is listed in the national Register of Historic Places and has been
designated as a recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
The W.H. Stark House truly is a unique and extraordinary statement of Texas social history. Through the years, since last occupied by the family in 1936, this residence has served as a community landmark, always a point of interest to residents and visitors alike.
Today the Stark House offers guided public tours and sponsors special seasonal events. Tours are available Tuesday – Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Reservations are requested. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for seniors and students ages 10 and older. Special group tours are offered with prior arrangements. Stair steps are an essential part of the tour. Entrance for tours is through the Carriage House, 610 Main Avenue. For more information call 409.883.0871 or visit www.whstarkhouse.org
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