luluIn Houston, the old continually gives way to the new meaning that much of what represents its history has been lost. Smack dab in the middle of this city, however, is an oasis where a few old buildings telling something of a different time have been located.
This is Sam Houston Park surrounded by the tall buildings that are Houston’s skyline and busy freeways. It is 20 acres first established as a park in 1899.
I’m thinking this sprawling oak tree may be as old as the park.
In addition to its open space where people gather for quiet moments or to play a noontime game, the park tells a story of various segments of society.
There is a modest cottage nestled there
alongside a mansion that belonged to prominent citizens, including William Marsh Rice who founded Rice University.
Another has all the conveniences that were available in 1905.
There is an church built by immigrants in 1891
and a cottage once belonging to freed slaves that dates back to 1823.
Though little is left of the original belongings, the houses contain pieces that are representative of the period in which they were built. These have been donated or carefully curated by The Heritage Society, a nonprofit that maintains the buildings. The park itself is a City of Houston Protected Landmark and a State of Texas Historical Site.
Former governor John B. Connally stands tall in its midst welcoming visitors like you and me to Sam Houston Park.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
A couple of weeks ago we visited one of the few historic neighborhoods in Houston and were privileged to have a peek inside a friend’s home. Today join me in visiting the beautifully redone carriage house where the owners’ personalities really shine. They love the country, ranch life and hunting, and that is reflected in every inch.
There is so much to like here it’s hard to know where to start. This large open space is a terrific place to chill with family or friends.
The bar is so Texas with beautiful woodwork reminiscent of the stairwell in the main house. 
My favorite feature here is the hammered copper sink. It is touches like this that make the carriage house so special.
and this one is a young girl’s dream.
This cheerful space, part of a fully equipped kitchen, looks out to the pool and green space and is a great example of my friend’s attention to detail. Note the floor of antique French tiles, the colors of which are repeated throughout the carriage house.
There is nothing not to like in the carriage house the use of which is a far cry from the original. I think I would be happy spending time here. How about you?
Today, the street remains a gracious oasis, a trip back in time. The houses, of course, have been updated to include conveniences suitable for today’s living, but the lovely architectural elements remain intact.
No exception is my friend’s home which she is generously allowing me to share. 
From the front door 
to every nook and cranny, there are traces of the past.
The incredible stair rail is Victorian dating back to the 1800’s. The home’s original owner had it disassembled from another of his locations for installation here. Its beauty sets the tone for the entire house.
Tall ceilings were characteristic of the era as is the beautiful marble fireplace surround.
Where neutrals keep tight areas from being too dark, there are surprising splashes of color in upholstery choices.
Though the spacious kitchen has been completely updated, it retains much of its original feel thanks to the style of the appliances and the cabinets.
As in other of the houses on this street, the dining room was designed for entertaining. In this beautifully appointed room, it is easy to imagine elegantly clad men and women arriving by horse drawn carriage for an enchanting evening.
What is wonderful about the home today is that it not only provides glimpses into another time, but it totally reflects the warm character of the people who now live here. I give total kudos to my friend who has so lovingly decorated it, making every decision as to how it should look and feel. For all the years I have known her, she has been collecting unique pieces that are now so at home in their space. She must have known all along where they were waiting to go.
There are whales to watch especially this time of year when they are breeding. They were there, but all I saw were their blows.
the summer cottage of Franklin Roosevelt.
The site is now an international park established during the Johnson years and maintained beautifully by both Canada and the United States.
The cottage is a lovely place with views to Passamaquoddy Bay and open spaces to be explored.
