McFaddin-Ward House Museum Presents Sporty Summer 2025 Interpretation
Beaumont, TX; Jun. 16, 2025 – The McFaddin-Ward House Museum is getting the ball rolling on summertime fun with its new interpretation, “Three Cheers for the Home Team: A Sporting Summer with the McFaddins,” opening to the public on Friday, June 20, during admission-free tours of the historic home.
“Like today, sports were popular in early 20th century America, and the McFaddins enjoyed a variety of them as both players and spectators,” said Victoria Tamez, McFaddin-Ward House curator of collections. “With ‘Three Cheers for the Home Team,’ we wanted to highlight some cherished sports with special objects from the collection, such as a Carroll Ward’s football helmet and pants, which are rarely displayed inside the home.”
Carroll Ward, husband of Mamie McFaddin, was a star football player who made the All-Southwest team playing for Texas A&M in 1909 and 1910. He was posthumously inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. His football memorabilia will be on view in the north bedroom.
“Rooting for your favorite team is a time-honored tradition—whether from the stands or from your living room. Through diary entries and letters, we know the McFaddins cheered along at many A&M football games and gathered around the radio at home to listen to the World Series,” Tamez said. “While nods to sports activities will be seen throughout the house, room designs will also feature an array of colorful pieces and light, airy dresses that bring to life a sunny summer season with the McFaddins.”
On the first floor, the dining room and breakfast room will be set for casual family meals with festive dinnerware, multicolored glasses, and vibrant floral centerpieces. The library, the family’s customary after-dinner gathering place, will center around an evening enjoying a baseball game on the 1941 Philco Radio and an ice cream dessert with special cups and forks. A selection of the McFaddin ladies’ stunning lace dresses will be displayed throughout the house.
The McFaddin-Ward House Museum offers admission-free docent-led and self-guided audio tours for adults and children ages eight and up. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. All tours begin at the Visitor Center at 1906 Calder Avenue in Beaumont.
The museum encourages reservations, but walk-ins are always welcome and are accommodated with tours scheduled as available. Group tours are also available by reservation. For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.
“Three Cheers for the Home Team” will be on view through the end of fall.
Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family that lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features admission-free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house exhibit, and gardens.
