The McFaddin-Ward House
Historic House Museum in Beaumont, Texas
The McFaddin-Ward House has recently installed two new display cases that will allow visitors to get closer to objects than they’ve ever been before. Brilliant, cool lighting in the cases highlight details of beads, gemstones, and craftsmanship. They sit below large portraits of Ida Caldwell McFaddin, the first lady of the house, and her sister, Ouida …
The McFaddin-Ward House was built in 1905-1906 in a Beaux-Arts Colonial style. Its furnishings and décor reflected the lifestyle of the family that lived there for seventy-five years. The family collected objects and chose to live with things they liked. This reflected their tastes and the changing trends of the times. Some objects they chose …
Since ancient times, coffee was said to have healing properties. After-dinner coffee was thought to assist digestion, enhance endurance, and act as an antidote for inebriation. The Middle Eastern custom of drinking very hot, black coffee in small cups traveled to Europe along with the beverage, in the 17th century. It was the French, in …
The McFaddins collected a lot over their years spent in the house, including many pieces destined for the two dining areas of the home.If you’ve visited the museum, you’ve seen examples of these lavish tablescapes, often set with exquisite pieces of china, silver, cut glass, and others. A new exhibit at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum’s …
Do you enjoy shows like Downton Abbey and wonder how many families enjoyed such opulence? The McFaddins lived the glamour of the Edwardian period and we have the family stories and artifacts to learn about their lifestyle of luxury. From fine dining to festive clothing, the McFaddins lived what we see on popular shows of …
We are all familiar with the stories of World War I and their global impact, but have you ever wondered what contributions were made in our hometown? World War I: Home and Away, an exhibit by summer intern Arthur Garrison focuses on Southeast Texas’ contribution to the war and specifically those of the McFaddin family. …
In the last century, the tradition of writing was the main way to keep in touch with friends and family over long distances. Some writing implements and accessories from this era lent a certain luxury to this important social ritual that we relish, even today. A dedicated letter writer, Ida McFaddin kept up with communication …
Our summer edition of Tried and True: Traditions of a Southeast Texas Family, features some exciting details, including the winning place setting from our Click to Curate campaign. The exhibit, which includes Dresden, will be on display through November. Dresden was made by the Saxonian Porcelain Factory, ca. 1920, in the town of Freital just …
In the early twentieth century, the wealthy employed large numbers of people to support their lifestyles. These working people were essential, both for their service, and for the status they brought to their employers. Visit the carriage house for a step back in time! Tour the servant’s quarters and see how one of the McFaddins’ …
