Special by Seguin Conservation Society
(Seguin) — The 29th Holiday Home Tour presented by the Seguin Conservation Society will satisfy a lot of curious people with this wonderful example of a Craftsman style “Airplane” Bungalow built in 1919. Sitting at the corner of E. College and Bruns Street in the College Heights area of Seguin, Mr. E.C. Willman, built this house. Mr. Willman was the owner of the horse drawn trolley system in Seguin and he was also the builder of the Zuehl mini mansion located at 434 N. Camp Street built in 1906. He was obviously a busy man as he later dealt in real estate. While living on E. College Street the Willman daughter, Glendora, was married to H. Dwight Gates in the backyard and they resided in the small cottage at the rear of the property.
The house has also been inhabited by E.H. Graser and wife Louise during the 1970s. Daughter Marge Graser Lehnhoff and husband F.W. “Fritz” Lehnhoff, were the inhabitants from 1990n to 2003. Fritz was coaching at TLC, until 1950. After a successful coaching career in other regions retirement returned them to Seguin and this house. The back cottage was a place for Marge to enjoy her hobbies of miniatures, dolls, quilts and other arts.
In 2009 Douglas Parker and son Zachary purchased the house as investment property. It was a rental and then some foundation work was done before being sold to 1915.
The Perez’ bought the house in 2018 after moving from San Antonio. They have renovated the master and guest bathrooms and the kitchen. Once renovations began, original chimneys were uncovered showing off the beautiful brick that had been hidden by stucco. This is a wonderful part of the house to view. There was also a chimney in the garage and Blain and Anita believe that it was a Blacksmith Forge as there are two hitching posts on the Bruns Street side of house.
As the original owner, E.C. Willmann owned the horse drawn trolley and it would make sense that he might need such a spot for re-shoeing.
Another great opportunity to relive some of Seguin’s past! There are so many interesting places on the tour. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets at Gift & Gourmet, Keepers Interiors, the Chamber Office or on-line at thetexas.org. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 6 pm. $20 pre-sale and $25 day of tour at all tour sites.