Page 14 - Galveston Monthly Apr2019

publisher’s NOTe

A Focus on GAlveston History

The Galveston Magazine staff is proud to be celebrating the magazine’s 10th year
of delivering quality and insightful features about Galveston island to our readers.
Always aiming to entertain and spark conversations, we cannot express how
appreciative we are for all of those who have contributed to making the magazine
what it is today.

As part of our 10th year celebration we are dedicating a section of each issue
to Galveston history. in this April issue we continue our new series: Galveston
Repurposed, which explores Galveston’s uncanny ability to reinvent itself with
th
a specific focus on its 20 century evolution. Repurposed highlights these
reclamations - where old becomes new once again and this month we highlight a
69-year-old building that once served as an orphanage in Galveston.
We also continue our series that focuses on island mansions and grand homes
that have been demolished with a feature on the long lost heidenheimer Castle, a
massive home with an impressive 37 rooms that was located on the East End.
Donna Gable hatch highlights the history of the St. Mary’s Orphanage and the
three-story building that housed it that was completed in 1950. it was built on
the same site as the former orphanage on Avenue Q and 40th Street. By the mid-
1960s, foster care had become a government-funded program and the orphanage
was no longer needed. in 1967 the Galveston-houston Catholic Diocese sold the
property and structure that housed the orphanage. Later that year the building
was updated and converted for use as the Galveston Junior College. The Catholic
institution that had devoted its resources to the care and education of orphaned
youths would now serve as an institution of higher learning for people of all ages.
Then kathleen Maca writes about the heidenheimer Castle, once located at 1602
Sealy. The original portion of the home was built in 1857 for former Galveston
Mayor John Seabrook Sydnor in a much more understated architectural style
than it displayed in later years. The property was eventually sold to Samson
heidenheimer in 1884 and soon after he began a grand expansion of the home
that cost an astonishing $20,000. Totaling an impressive 37 rooms, the home
featured a four-story tower, massive front doors, double parlors, stained glass 3819 Abalone Rd Offered at $748,000
windows, a skylight, and 27 fireplaces. The massive home passed through several
owners until it was heavily damaged during a fire in 1973. That next year the You must see this amazing family home in Beachside Village! Just a few
castle was demolished. years old, the owners have taken great care of the property and they've
added wonderful elements to the benefit of all! This house has an elevator
Of course, all of this Galveston history is merely an addition to our established shaft, a fully fenced yard, and is just steps to the beach via the greenbelt.
seasonal features that cover the latest in wine and gardening, as well as event
calendars, local business happenings, and spotlights on what is going on around Amazing beach views from the spacious decks. The LR/DR/Kitchen combo
the island. is perfect for enjoying with a small or large group. The master suite is
upstairs on the greenbelt side with a private porch and is adjacent to the
Our cover this month is a painting titled “My Little Mermaid in Pink” by Robert bunk room with four twin beds. There are also two junior masters in this
bunk room with four twin beds. There are also two junior masters in this
Peterson. Robert, who is the owner of vacation on Canvas Gallery, has a masterful house. Furniture is NOT included in the asking price but the owners prefer
ability to capture the island environment with brilliant, vivid colors and precise
detail. Along with his original paintings, Robert offers reproductions of his artwork to sell the home furnished and have provided a list of the furniture they
in canvas giclées, cards, paper prints, and one-of-a-kind ceramic tiles. his gallery is are willing to sell with the house. Come see this amazing home and join
located downtown at the corner of Postoffice and 22nd Street. Call 409.974.4066 the other families enjoying life in Beachside Village!
for more details.
Enjoy the island!

John hall, PUBlIShER | JOhN@GALvESTONMONThLy.COM
JOiN ThE GALvESTON MONThLy COMMuNiTy | LikE uS ON fACEBOOk

14 | GALVESTON MONTHLY | APRIL 2019