Galveston Historic Homes Tour to Kick Off with Grand Preview and Antique Appraisals

The bust featured in the photo was created in the image of Great Grandmother Knox, married to John Henry Hutchings, Sr. by an artist named Rancoulet. Galveston Historical Foundation will find it's true value at The Grand Preview on May 2. Estimates vary between $800 to $20,000, but GHF is leaving it to the experts at Simpson Galleries to find out the real value. — The bust featured in the photo was created in the image of Great Grandmother Knox, married to John Henry Hutchings, Sr. by an artist named Rancoulet. Galveston Historical Foundation will find it’s true value at The Grand Preview on May 2. Estimates vary between $800 to $20,000, but GHF is leaving it to the experts at Simpson Galleries to find out the real value.

Galveston Island, Texas – GHF’s 1940 Sears Building, at 2202 Broadway, will play host to an evening of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and appraisals of your personal historic items from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2. The kickoff event for the 40^th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour will feature appraisers from Houston’s Simpson Gallery, who will be on hand to view and appraise your personal items during this special Homes Tour kickoff. Don’t have anything to appraise? The event will be set up to allow spectators to see for themselves the items on display. For those bringing an item for appraisal, only items able to be carried in by the owner are allowed.

“The Grand Preview is an opportunity to learn about your heirlooms or antique treasures.” says Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director. “We look forward to seeing what our members and friends bring for an informed appraisal as we kick off the 40th anniversary of Homes Tour.”

In addition, ticket holders will be able to tour the 1886 Adolph and Lena Nitsche House and the 1907-1908 Thomas Lucas Apartments in advance of Saturday’s Homes Tour start. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at galvestonhistory.org or by calling 409-765-3404. Your ticket to The Grand Preview also comes with tickets to the 40^th Annual Tour held the first two weekends in May.

ABOUT THE APPRAISERS

Simpson Galleries has been serving Houston’s need for the very best in antique sales venues for over forty years. Beginning in 1962, William Simpson started educating himself and others in the art of collecting fine antiques and art objects. William Simpson Jr., and his wife have continued the legacy of quality antiques dealers providing unmatched knowledge and dedication to the industry that has pleased them for so long. William and his wife travel internationally to remain proficient within the auction business, surrounding themselves with the knowledge and standards that make auctioning available to the Houston area.

ABOUT THE PREVIEW EVENING HOUSES

1886 Adolph and Lena Nitsche House – 1617 Ball (Homes Tour Debut)

German immigrants Adolph and Lena Nitsche built this Victorian style, two-story house next door to St. Paul’s German Presbyterian Church, to their east. During the 1900 storm, the Nitsche house was severely damaged. Lena was there alone, having been widowed a few months before. She oversaw repairs to the building in 1901 and lived there until her death in 1914.

Restoration in Progress, 1907-1908 Thomas Lucas Apartments, Lucas Terrace – 1407 Broadway (Homes Tour Debut)

Brick mason and English immigrant Thomas Lucas constructed his first apartment building, Lucas Row, in 1894. Situated on the corner of Broadway and Sixth Street facing the beach, the building was completely destroyed by the 1900 hurricane. Lucas salvaged the bricks and rebuilt on the site of his personal residence, taking six years to complete the project. Once completed, Lucas Terrace was advertised as being “superior” to all other apartments in the city.

For more information on Galveston Historical Foundation’s 40^th Annual Galveston Homes Tour or any of the associated special events, please contact Will Wright, Director of Marketing & Special Events at 409-765-3404, [email protected] or visit galvestonhistory.org