See the Full story on Pilgrimage 2024 events: https://marioncoherald.com/2024/05/03/77th-pilgrimage-takes-place-this-weekend/
The Schluter House/602 E Taylor
The Schluter House was built by Frederick Augustus Schluter, one of the first six settlers in Jefferson. The land was purchased in 1847 and construction began in 1850, with completion in 1856.
Mrs. Schluter chose the location, the corner of E. Taylor and Line street because it was the highest point in Jefferson and would not be subject to flooding.
The home remained in the Schluter family until 1948, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Blains purchased it from a granddaughter. The home was later sold to a Mr. and Mrs. Mouton where they lived until 1994.
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Whitaker purchased the home from the estate of Mrs. Mouton in 1994. After restoration of the property, Dr. Whitaker had a stroke, and the home sat
empty for several years.
Cindy and Larry Pinkerton purchased it in 2004 and made extensive restorations.
Many original pieces are among the historic features of the home.
The home continues to reflect the past with impressive double front doors and ornate chandeliers throughout. The pocket doors in the dining room and parlor, and magnificent fireplaces are some of the unique features of the home.
The Manse/401 E Delta
The Manse is registered as the oldest house in Jefferson. The one-story raised cottage is one of the most notable examples of the Greek Revival style in East Texas. It features an elegantly carved sunburst over the entrance, 14-foot-high ceilings with rich crown moldings and original heart-of-pine floors. Originally a two-room home, begun in 1839, the Manse is largely made of cypress wood. In approximately 1850, three rooms were added forming a U-shaped structure.
This home was first owned by Gen. James Harrison Rogers. General Rogers was an important figure in the writing of Texas’ cessation documents. In 1903, his family sold it to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for use as its parsonage. It became known as the Presbyterian Manse.
The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club purchased the Manse in the 1950s, doing much to restore the property. In 1961, the garden club sold it to Martin Jurow, a movie producer (Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Pink Panther series). They sold it to then CDR Laura Pace Omer, NC, USN, in the autumn of 1994.
Captain Omer undertook significant renovations. Her cousin Gordon Bingamon, AIA, designed the kitchen & the bath.
The Vines House/106 Clarksville Street
The Vines Home was built sometime in the 1860 by an unknown builder, and is named for Sheriff John M. Vines, a Confederate veteran who once lived in the house.
The one-story, five-bay front home is of frame construction with Cypress clapboards, gable roof with plain wide cornice and returns, fluted Doric tetrastyle portico and a rear ell with gable roof.
The home is a typical example of the smaller one-story Greek Revival cottage.
Vines was born in Alabama in 1844. It is not known when he came to Jefferson. Records indicate that he joined the W. P. Lane Rangers, (Company B, 1st Regiment of Texas Partisan Rangers) in 1861. He was mustered out on May 20, 1865, with rank of farrier.
Vines was one of the Jefferson citizens incarcerated in “The Stockade” by Union occupation troops. Vines served as sheriff-tax collector for Marion County, 1874-1876.
In April 1877, he was sent as agent of the State of Texas to bring Abe Rothschild back to Jefferson from
Ohio to stand trial for the murder of “Diamond” Bessie Moore (one of the sensational murder trials of the 19th century.) He later served as the construction superintendent for the Jefferson Federal Courthouse, 1888.
He died on July 4, 1914, and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery.
Carol Harrell is the current owner and is restoring the home and looks forward to sharing it with you during Pilgrimage.
Atalanta Rail Car/201 W Austin Street
Located on bustling Austin Street, across from the Excelsior Hotel, is the Atalanta, the private rail car of notorious railroad baron, Jay Gould, of New York City. Elaborately designed and elegantly furnished, The Atalanta has an observation room, two baths, a butler’s pantry, a kitchen, and a dining room. Visit this unique rail car built in 1886 and discover how it came to Jefferson.