B uilt for hardware wholesaler, banking and railroad tycoon J.M. Brown, this Italianate home was one of a series of mansions built along Broadway during the height of Galveston's social and economic prominence. It is constructed of brick and cast iron, which helped make it one of the very few homes to survive the Great Storm of 1900 that killed 6,000 people and led to the island's virtual abandonment. What the storm didn't destroy time and neglect almost did. After the Browns moved on, it was home to the El Mina Shrine Temple. By the 1970's, the Shriners had moved out and the house was in line for demolition. Fortunately, a group of preservationists convinced the city of Galveston to spare the wrecking ball and instead buy the property from the federal government for use as a museum. Since 1974 it has been one of Galveston Island's great treasures and is open to the public.
The ghost of Bettie Brown has been seen standing in the Gold Room, standing at the top of the staircase, and heard playing the piano at one of her famous music recitals.
People on tours have reported feeling a presence joining them on the tour.
A chest of drawers purchased in the Middle East stands in Bettie Brown's dayroom. It reportedly locks and unlocks spontaneously even though the key has been missing for years.
Ceiling fans have been known to turn themselves on.
One bed refuses to stay made. No matter how many times a day the sheets are straightened, they end up rumpled anyway.
Emmanuel Kayanja
Tuesday, February 1st, 2005 @ 11:42am
Rating: Three stars. Very Beautiful building, Highly decorative, Inspite of the wierd stories that surround it.
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Emmanuel Kayanja
Three stars.