Antoinette's Cottage

Born in Houston, Texas, I attended Bellaire High School, University of Houston and HCC, as well as SW Texas State. I discovered Gruene on a camping trip in the Summer of 1974, and knew I had to save this house, in the process saving the town, by writing the development plan, doing all the Research to get Gruene listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the deed restrictions, which were the first protective covenants of an historic district in Texas, Then defending them in court a few years later. I Brought the media to cover the lawsuit, organized a music festival to raise funds for legal fees during lunch break one day, thereby giving Gruene Hall its business plan, bringing the media back to cover the festival and putting Gruene on the map. . I worked in many fields, as a first for women, and was the #1 salesperson for Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages for their 5 state area, besting the next runner-up by over 160% every year. Unfortunately, a second disability forced me to leave that high stress position and I retreated to Gruene to rebuild my house after the neighbors had once again stripped it for the 4th time. It was a need for income that led me to hosting guests in my charming home. I love meeting people and enjoying the interchange which usually means a lot of laughter. History has always been passion of mine, and I delight in sharing historic tidbits gleaned from my research, or from Mr. Henry Gruene Jr. Architecture intrigues me, and this house represents 4 different types of construction, so I had to learn to wear many hats. I enjoyed the challenge, since most of these house parts could not be found except to take down an equally old house. Different building techniques meant few could work with me, as tI was not anxious to overcome their preconceived notions, and I fired many men because of their refusal to learn. Unfortunately, tearing down old houses is happening far too often with the influx of Auschlanders to our little town. I love to share these construction techniques with others as well as little oddities of the house.