Our House

My house was built around 1910 in Red Oak, Texas. I was very fortunate that all the original documents have been passed down to each home owner.

I say around because I have a copy of the deed from the sale of the land which was in 1905.  It was purchased by the Couch family from the Ligon Family for $205 dollars on July 24, 1905. So between 1905 and 1910 the house was built.

This is downtown Red Oak and a picture of the Ligon store.

The Ligon's were the big family in town and their house is still standing also.  It is just down the street from us.  Ironically, one of my daughter's friends is the great-great grand daughter of the Ligon's.

On December 26, 1921 The Couch family sold the house to L.C. Cavitt. I'm not sure how I have an original deed but I'm glad I do!

Here is a picture of the Cavitt family.  I was able to meet Mr. Cavitt's grandson and he told me his grandfather use to say "I have the second nicest house in Red Oak" referring to the Ligon house being the nicest.  haha

Mr. Cavitt is the man sitting in the middle in the light colored suit.  If you're standing in front of the house this was taken on the left side facing East.

I was told Mr. Cavitt ran the Ligon farm.  He also had his own chickens and had a small peach orchard on the property.  There was also a smoke house which sadly burned right before the previous owners put it on the market. 8(

This is a picture of one of Mr. Cavitt's sisters from what I was told.  The house in the background is also still there but now with several house in between!  I love everything about this picture.  Her dress, the fence and the car!  This picture is taken with her facing the house.

Mr. Cavitt lived here for 40 years.  He obviously loved this house and as with every owner since took very good care of it.

After his death it was sold to the Sandling family on March 10, 1961.  The records I have say he owed 5,250 with a payment of 75 dollars a month.  It does not say if he put any money down.

From now on I will refer to the next owners by last name initial as these people are still living and probably do not want their names on my blog.

From what I was told it sat empty for several years and then sold to the "F" family.  She is the one I credit for gathering such great historical information.  Her first name is Sharon so if you're out there THANK YOU!  She wrote to the son of Mr. Cavitt (the father of the grandson I spoke to) and he wrote back with such a great letter.

After the "F" family it was sold to the "N" family.  They had two daughters and they are credited with the kitty cat wallpaper border in the boys room and this strange office type carpet that was through out the house.  Both of which have since been removed. Haha  But they are also credited for putting in the pool.  Thank you!

It was then sold to the "B" couple.  This guy did so many great things for the house.  He re-plumbed the entire house.  He also re-built the old well and made it into basically a cistern for watering.  He ran lines throughout the yard.  I rarely have to use city water for watering the yard.

Then on November 30, 2011 we bought it!!