The Architecture

This 1890s Queen Anne style Victorian cottage is the home of Historic Waco Foundation. Its teal green color was found beneath layers of paint and is now set off by its original white “gingerbread” trim.

The Family

Mr. Hoffmann was the son of a German physician who immigrated to the United States during the Civil War and was immediately conscripted into the Union Army. During Reconstruction he was sent to Texas with Union forces and decided to make Texas his home. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffmann were the dedicated parents of two daughters, Fay and Bird, and a son Harry at the turn of the 1900s.

House Restoration

In early 1986, Clark Concrete Company offered the 1890's Victorian cottage to Historic Waco Foundation. As it was going to be razed, HWF accepted and moved the house to its present location for use as the Foundation's office.

In 1987 this house was moved over 20 blocks to 810 S. 4 th Street from 19 th and Webster Avenue. In order to make the move, the roof was removed, the porch was dismantled, and cross streets were closed. After the move was complete and the house placed on its new foundation piers, the work began on restoration of the exterior and interior. In October 1988, Historic Waco Foundation moved its offices into its new home.

Foundation Office

Hoffmann houses the administrative staff of HWF and historic textiles known as The Heritage Collection. This 3500 plus collection dates from the late 18 th, 19 th, and early 20 th centuries. Selected artifacts from this collection are exhibited throughout the year in HWF’s four historic house museums.

Funds for the Foundation's preservation, education and maintenance programs are provided from several sources including the special events Christmas on the Brazos, Attic Treasures, and other fund-raisers. In addition, other funds are derived from interest income, memberships, hotel/motel tax allocation from the city's hotel occupancy tax, admissions and gift shop revenues. The Foundation has a membership base of approximately 1,000 memberships (individual/couples and corporate).

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