The Benefield House
1009 S. Line Street in Jefferson, Texas
Tucked away in the charming town of Jefferson, Texas stands a true gem of history and hospitality. The J. H. Benefield, Sr. home was known as the "Gay 90's" house because of the many social affairs that were held in the drawing room when Jefferson was a leading port in Texas. Located at 1009 S. Line Street, it is a Queen Anne Victorian style house, with fine architectural details, as is typical of the spacious old homes built around the turn of the 20th century. The house became a recorded Texas landmark in 1966.
The plot of land that this beauty proudly stands on was originally owned by Lucy A. Alley, the wife of none other than Daniel N. Alley, a founding figure of Jefferson. In 1881, Julius Ney purchased the property for $875 and hired the skillful craftsman, E.S. Hooper and Will Singleton to build this grand home. The original structure was recorded as a charming one and a half story frame house with six rooms, a porch and one bathroom.
On June 14, 1907, a young bachelor, J.H. Benefield, brother to famous novelist Barry Benefield, purchased the house and property for $2000. The young Benefield later brought his bride, Justa Glass Benefield, to the house and together they raised two children. In 1933, the Benefield's began renovations. During this period a large bedroom with a sitting room was added downstairs as well as two new bathrooms upstairs. For nearly a century, spanning from 1907 to 1998, a member of the Benefield family has graced the halls of this historic residence.
Since that time, the residence has gracefully transitioned through the hands of several subsequent owners, each giving their unique touch through thoughtful renovations that have collectively contributed to the beauty it radiates today. The home retains its authentic allure, boasting the original "heart of pine" wood floors, working fireplaces, dormers and unique turret. The distinctive turret, accompanied by exquisitely crafted stained-glass windows, stands as a testament to the timeless craftsmanship that graced this home.
The current owners and innkeepers, Tommy and Nicole Blakely are excited to share their home with you on the 2024 Candlelight Tour of Homes.
La Masure
506 S. Friou Street in Jefferson, Texas
Originally built in 1919, this delightful example of Southern Creole architecture has recently undergone a complete renovation, creating a unique residence in the heart of Historic Jefferson. Retaining its original character, it features hand-thrown terra cotta tile floors, shiplap walls, exposed rafter ceilings, tall glass French doors and windows, and a length-of-the house second-floor balcony.
Prior to 1940, Pete Henderson built a garage apartment on this property while living in the Episcopal Church's Rectory, a block and a half away on Friou Street. In late 1946, Pete enclosed the garage of the apartment and made the apartment into a two-story house. In the late 1950s, Pete built Henderson's Auto Supply, selling and repairing tires, in downtown Jefferson. Peter Henderson, son of Pete Henderson, was a native Jeffersonian and the retired owner of Henderson's Auto Supply, resulting from his father's dedication to the tire business.
For over 52 years, Peter was a member of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Drill Captain, assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief. For 37 years, Peter served as the dedicated lighting technician for the garden club's production of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial. The residence's current owner and restorer is Ben Mauldin.
The Tarry House
419 Polk Street in Jefferson, Texas
The Tarry House is an American Craftsman style home which emerged between 1900 and 1929. These homes were a backlash against the Industrial Revolutions mass-produced Victorian architecture, which prized ornamental decoration as opposed to the Craftsman's natural and simplistic form. The Craftsman homes were very popular in California and the Midwest, however, the Tarry Home, built in 1919 by Radford Tarry, is purported to be the oldest brick Craftsman in East Texas.
The Tarry House was in utter disrepair, a shell if you will, but was purchased in 2019 by a local contractor, Joe McDonnell and his wife, Carmen, only the second owners of the home and began its restoration keeping the original windows, attic framing, wrap-a-round front porch, and front facade of the home using the original brick. The Benson's then purchased the home and completed the renovation. The townspeople of Jefferson were delighted when the McDonnells took on this task of bringing the Tarry House back to life, and now that it's completed the current owner, Mike Chandler, wants to share it with you on the Candlelight Tour of Homes.
A Touch Of Grace
302 S. Friou Street in Jefferson, Texas
A Touch Of Grace is a traditional Ranch style home built in 1970. An early map of Jefferson shows that a large L-shaped house stood on the lot. The homeowners, during extensive landscaping, uncovered many treasures from its past occupants. Along with the beautiful landscaping, a front porch, back screened in porch, and a family/craft room were added taking the home from a Ranch to a charming cottage both inside and out.
The homeowners, Bill and Grace Daddario moved to Jefferson in April 2022 from the Arlington area. Their love of Jefferson's charm, history and friendly people was the reasons they moved to Jefferson. The couple also loves decorating for Christmas and are overjoyed to be sharing it with you on the Candlelight Tour Of Homes.