Day 09 - Galveston, Tx

Last night Rob found a better route to get us back to Galveston to avoid that terrible traffic we experienced on our way North from the ferry. We wanted to visit the Moody Mansion, and Michele found out that another of the big mansions had self-guided tours. We got out the door around 9:30 and had easy traffic for the 35 miles south. The mansion had its own parking lot so we could park off-street without worrying about the bike and trailer. 

The Moody Mansion was built from 1893-1895 by a wealthy widow who hired an englishman architect. She died soon after in 1899 and it went on the market. William Moody Jr. bought it in 1900 for his wife and young family. His father was from Virginia and got his law degree from UVA in the 1800s. He also served in the Civil War in the Confederate Army. He moved to Galveston to take advantage of business fortune, getting involved in cotton, railroads, finance and more. William Jr. expanded the business and started many of his own. He and his wife had four children, three of whom lived into their 90s. Their oldest, Mary, inherited everything, by then also included ranches, newspapers, hotels, and insurance. 

The house is 40 rooms and we saw about 20 on this tour. Most of the decor and furniture is from the original owner. There are eight species of wood used in the house. This is the formal reception room. The chairs were tiny, so we don’t think anyone sat in here long. The walls had silk fabric as its wallpaper. The wood trim is (sacrilegiously) painted cherry.

The library was beautiful and much of the kids’ education occurred here. 

We asked about the carved desk and chair and it is one of the few items not in the docent book. The nice docent lady told us she thinks it is rosewood, and it has many animals carved into it. 

In the back we liked the butler’s pantry with the speaking tube system.

The dining room table expands for 20 guests. 

The family spent most of their time in the living room. 

The second floor housed the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

There is a third floor and basement we could not see on this tour. This house tour was special in that we could freely roam through most rooms and closely look at objects and furniture.

After immersing ourselves in Moody life, we walked about a mile for lunch at Shykatz Cafe. Huge menu and very good chicken wrap. After lunch we walked a few blocks to the Bishops Palace mansion. 

Built by Colonel Gresham from 1886-1892. He was a lawyer who also was from Virginia, and lived there with his wife and nine children. A church bought the house in 1923 and it was the Bishop’s residence. 

The woodwork was equally impressive in this mansion.

The built in dining room cabinet area was so ornate. It reflected nautical themes and has its own half dome made of wood.

Mrs. Gresham was a gifted artist and painted many of the paintings and ceilings. The house has its own chapel.

The tub had three spigots, the third being for rainwater as it was believed to be more gentle on women’s hair.

We have more pictures, these are just a sampling. Michele took at least one pic in every room of both houses.

We walked the mile back to Moody’s Mansion and suited up for our drive back to our hotel. Traffic was decent on the same alternate route. We relaxed in our room a few hours then had dinner across the street at the Iguanas Ranas Cantina Mexican restaurant. Tomorrow we visit Space Center Houston museum at the NASA Johnson Space Center!