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Munzesheimer Manor, built at the turn of the century by
a German immigrant for his new bride, is a magnificent testimony to the
Victorian era. Built entirely of pine and cedar, the house has provided a
comfortable home for several prominent Mineola families and boasts of large
rooms with high ceilings. Seven fireplaces with antique mantles, many bay
windows, and a large wrap around porch complete with rocking chairs and wicker
furniture.
The house has two parlors, a large formal dining room,
and four guest rooms, each with its private bath. The guest rooms have been
named in honor of previous owners and the wife of the builder, and are furnished
with period furniture reminiscent of each family. Each guest bath is furnished
with an antique footed bathtub ranging from four to six feet in length.
Gustav Munzesheimer, a young German immigrant, was part
of a large family who had been in the Wood County area since the early 1870's.
The family was quite active in the community and several members served as city
aldermen. We have copies of several original documents pertaining to the early
years of the home and would welcome the opportunity to share them with you.
Several brothers were also active in shipping cotton from this area to New
Orleans via the river boat terminus in Jefferson, Texas, 70 miles to the east of
Mineola. This small town and our home share quite a history and we are happy to
share them both with you.
In addition to the four guest rooms in the main house (Blasingame,
Perry, Cowan, and
Thomas), three sleeping rooms are located in cottages adjacent to the house.
These rooms are at ground level and have their own private entrance.
The Conductor’s room
and the Engineer’s room are decorated with a
railroad theme. These two rooms reflect the association between Mineola and the
"iron horse" which dates back to 1873.
The Tack room, the third
cottage sleeping room, is built on the site of the stable and is the most
private of all the rooms. Lumber from an old house being demolished down the
street was used for the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and one of the walls.
All in all, Munzesheimer Manor Bed and Breakfast inn
offers a total of seven guest chambers -- four upstairs in the main house and
three cottage rooms. Each one is very unique and reflects its own personality.
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