Family Day at the W.H. Stark House

Take a trip back in time during the late 1800s and early 1900s to experience what it was like growing up in the W.H. Stark House through the perspective of the young H.J. “Lutcher” Stark during their annual Family Day event Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests of all ages can walk through the first and second floors of the house plus have the opportunity to learn about the Stark family and home, as well as enjoy vintage games such as pickup sticks and sack races throughout the Carriage House and Grounds. Admission to Family Day is free of charge.

The W.H. Stark House was built from 1893-1895. The Queen Anne style has many Victorian architectural features including bay windows, a turret and an asymmetrical floor plan. Three brick chimneys with corbelling work connect to nine fireplaces. The historical house was solidly constructed to survive the extreme weather that sometimes occurs in Southeast Texas. The foundation is brick with concrete plaster to offer structural strength and protection from high water. The exterior walls are 10 inches thick with two layers of diagonal storm sheeting, while the interior double walls are 16 inches thick. Cypress is the basic material for the structure, due to the damp conditions of the area. All of the lumber for the framework came from the family-operated Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company, and each board was measured and cut for a precise fit.

Miriam and William Stark occupied the house until 1936 with their only surviving child, H.J. “Lutcher” Stark. The family collections include art, furniture, household accessories, food service objects, rugs, linens, and more representing many different styles over 50 years. The Starks were also avid collectors and their home featured these items and others they inherited from their families

“Even though he grew up in a privileged family, the family knew the importance of working,” said Tabitha Henderson, Stark House Museum education and programming manager. “He had to do chores like sweeping the driveway and working in the garden. He would just love to be outside and collect seashells. We actually have a letter written from him to his mother Miriam about crawfishing and collecting buttons with his grandfather in Louisiana. Young Stark was their only surviving child, so they were very cautious about him playing sports.”

Timed tickets will be available to enter the house, but while you wait, games of many varieties can be played such as sack races, jump ropes, horse shoes, chalk, bubbles and giant jingo sets. Once inside the house, partake in activities like pick-up sticks, jacks, spinning tops, magnetic paper dolls as well as view the grandeur and beauty of “Brilliant: Cut Glass from The W.H. Stark House Exhibition,” which is located on the second floor of the Carriage House.

Debuting at Family Day is the allnew Bridge City ISD STEM Bus. Visitors at will be able to participate in age-appropriate science experiments with the STEM Bus Team, all focused on amenities that Lutcher had while growing up.

“We will also have a new interactive sensory board featuring historical objects such as an original intercom used by Miriam Stark and an original light switch from The Stark House,” added Henderson.

“This day will be a great experience for all ages where our guests will be able to learn about history in a fun and interactive way,” she said. “We have a funfilled day planned and we look forward to the community joining us at The W.H. Stark House.”

The W.H. Stark House is located at 610 Main Ave. in Orange. For more information about Family Day or The W.H. Stark House, please visit view whstarkhouse.org.