Welcome To

103 In 1878, Carey Judson Pilgrim purchased one-half interest in the Gonzales Inquirer, one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in Texas, from Dr. L. L. Beach. He trained for his newspaper career in Austin. When Dr. Beach retired in 1881, Carey became sole owner of the paper. On December 6, 1882, he married Mary Fleda Boothe and built this Greek Revival home in 1883 for his bride. It is a one-story residence with a long hall running through the house, flanked by two rooms on either side. The rooms have double fireplaces with wooden mantels except the one in the living room, which has a carved white marble mantel. Walnut cornices hang over the windows on the south wall, and the floors are wide pine boards. In 1883 Carey sold one-half interest in the newspaper to Henry Reese, Jr. In 1886, due to ill health, Carey sold his remaining interest in the paper to Reese and moved to El Paso to engage in ranching. . C.J. PILGRIM HOUSE 707 St. George Street FACING PAGE LOWER LEFT – Front parlor. The room is centered by an original antique Italian fireplace surround and mantel. Pictures surrounding the fireplace mantel are from four generations taken in the home. FACING PAGE LOWER RIGHT – The antique parlor grand is original to the home and was purchased as a gift by the original homeowner, C. J. Pilgrim to his wife, Mary Fleda. LOWER LEFT – The center hall runs the full depth of the house in the traditional dogtrot style. On display is the desk from the early owner of the Gonzales Inquirer which is still in publication today. Next to the desk is a newspaper rack where he kept the current issue on display. Photographs by Clinton Hille

• Cover