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Home40th Gingerbread Trail 2008 
Written by Downtown Reporter Almon Home - 1015 West Main Street | Map
This Victorian farmhouse was built by F.B.Kenner in 1903. The original home had two bedrooms and featured a wrap-around porch. The Arts and Crafts style porch columns were added in the 1920’s by the Tune Family. During the Great Depression, the home was converted into a duplex. In 1970, the Woodson family purchased the home and turned it back into a single family home. The side porch and a sunroom were included for additional living space. The Almon’s bought the home in 1989 and completed an extensive renovation in 2005. The hardwood floors are original to the home, as well as the fireplace mantles.
Cole Home - 315 Brown Street | Map
This Prairie-style home was built in the 1920’s, originally as a 4-square home. Although previously renovated, when David and Cathy Cole purchased the home in the spring of 2006, major work began. Numerous architectural items were purchased from a salvage company, including hardwood floors, doors and other items to maintain a rustic, historic feel. The center of the home revolves around the expanded gourmet kitchen, which was inspired by the Texas Hill Country. The centerpiece is the massive island, which forms the perfect gathering place for family and friends. A unique tile and wood floor, granite countertops, and top of the line appliances complete this dream haven. A large family room, complete with its own kitchen, looks over the deep, covered porch and landscaped backyard, complete with a lovely swimming pool and entertaining areas.
Dougherty Home - 319 Harbin | MapThis home was built on land originally designated for the Peter’s Colony in 1851. The 320 acre tract was transferred to E.W. Rogers, founder of Waxahachie, in 1852. When Rogers dies, B.F. Hawkins was named an executor of Mr. Roger’s estate. A portion of the original tract was sold to John Williams and his wife, Cynisca, for whom Cynisca Street is named.
In 1917, another part of the tract was purchased by the City for $2,000, as the site for Waxahachie High School. The buildings once used as the High School are now part of Global High School.
In 1924, T.H. Harbin purchased 52 acres and subdivided it, to form the Hillcrest Addition. The home located at 319 Harbin was built in 1938 by Neil Rice and his wife. Gerre and Bill Barber bought the house in 1949 and began renovations. It is now owned by the Doughertys.
Kollie Home - 1208 East Marvin Avenue | Map
The Park Hill area east of downtown first began development in the mid-1880’s. Mr. Vickery was the largest landowner at that time, and he began selling acreage lots for development. The street railway ran down Vickery Street (now East Marvin) and the peaceful setting enticed many “town folks” to move to the country.
The home located at 1208 E. Marvin was built in 1892 by Samuel and Laura Langsford. After Ms. Langsford died in 1904 and Mr. Langsford in 1911, their son and his family moved into the home. A kitchen with a pantry was added, and bathrooms were installed. Porches along the east and south sides of the home were also added.
In 1918, the Langsford estate sold the home and “about 3 acres” to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Davis, for $7,000. The Davis family lived and farmed the land, and two of their daughters were married in the parlor of the home. Descendents of the Davis family continued to live in the home until 1971.
Mr. R.W. Edwards bought the home in 1971 but used it for rental property. He enclosed a portion of the east porch to install a bathroom and he removed the west porch and replaced it with concrete.
In 1981, Marvin and Juanita Mott bought the home and began extensive renovations. The kitchen was totally remodeled and upgraded. The window in the kitchen was originally from the Ellis County Courthouse.
John and Marsha Luther bought the home and added the extensive landscaping and gardens, as well as additional interior remodeling. The current owners, Pat and Larry Kollie, bought the home in September of 2004 and continue to perform a loving restoration on the home.
Martin Home - 311 Olive | MapVISIT WAXAHACHIE AND THE 40TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD TRAIL. Victorian, Gingerbread, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne are a few architectural styles you'll see in Waxahachie. The 40th Annual Gingerbread Trail celebrates this architecture on Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th, 10 AM to 6 PM. Tour our special selection of five private homes. Get the inside scoop on restoration triumphs and local ghost lore. Visit historically recognized buildings such as the newly restored Ellis County Courthouse, the Ellis County Museum, Sims Library, Ellis County Art Museum and view vintage automobiles parked around the downtown square.
EXPLORE THE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR IN GETZENDANER PARK. Under cool, towering oaks, enjoy colorful crafts and artwork from across the state. Artists present creative gift ideas. There are fun children's activities and plenty of refreshments to satisfy your gastronomic adventures. If you are an arts & crafts vendor and wish to exhibit during the Trail, the number for applications and information is 972-937-0681 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For an online application and show information, follow this link, print out the application, and mail it to: Gingerbread Trail Arts & Crafts Festival, P. O. Box 706, Waxahachie TX 75168. Food vendors should call 972-938-0940 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
BONUS SITE FOR 2008, PAUL RICHARDS PARK. Richards Ballpark recently received a Texas State Historical Marker for serving Waxahachie as a site for major league and minor league spring training camps and Waxahachie High School baseball since 1916. The RBI Booster Club has graciously opened this award winning park for the 2008 Gingerbread Trail. Visit the ballpark and see the new state historical marker, view a pristine baseball field and learn about park namesake Paul Richards, at a monument honoring him and his career. No ticket is required to visit this site.
PAINT HISTORIC WAXAHACHIE! The Ellis County Art Association presents a PAINT OUT competition from May 30th through June 8th. Landscape artists set up their easels and paint "on location" throughout the historic downtown and along Waxahachie’s "Gingerbread Trail". Special artist activities include a 90 minute "quick draw", live auction, and "wet paint sale" of more than 100 paintings completed during the 10 day event. For more information call 972-937-3414, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.elliscountyart.net.
TREASURE HUNT WAXAHACHIE'S EXCEPTIONAL ANTIQUE AND SPECIALTY SHOPPING DISTRICT. Primitives, Early American furniture, dolls, pottery, hand made dresses, award-winning tea rooms, bakeries, and restaurants are all within a casual stroll.
COURTHOUSE TOURS. The Ellis County Courthouse is open for public tours during the Gingerbread Trail. Take this opportunity to be guided inside and out of this exquisite building, ranked in the top twenty architecturally significant structures in Texas.
REVISIT THE PAST, PRESERVE THE FUTURE. All proceeds from the Gingerbread Trail benefit the Ellis County Museum. Tickets are available at information booths, the Museum, selected businesses, and tour homes. On the day of the Trail, adult tickets are $15; children tickets (ages 5-12) $7.
PLACE AN ORDER BEFORE MAY 30th AND GET A $3 DISCOUNT ON ADULT TICKETS AND A $2 DISCOUNT ON CHILDREN TICKETS. To receive this special offer, mail payment and order form or call toll free 1-888-428-7245 with Visa/MasterCard. Free parking and transportation to tour homes is provided and included in the ticket price. For information on accommodations, direct calls to the Chamber of Commerce at metro 972-938-9617 or visit their web site at www.waxahachiechamber.com.
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