Historical Homes
It is almost impossible to pass the late Gothic or Victorian gingerbread house in Ladonia, Texas, known as the Haden homeplace without experiencing a nostalgia for yesteryear. When one steps through the gate of the delicate iron fence, one takes a trip back in time. The tall steeple on the cupola, the stained glsss, the rounded shingles, the tall gothic gables, and the delicate tracery of wood embellishing it like a fine lace all contribute to the substantial elegance of the past century.
Later than most gingerbread houses, this one was built in 1894 by the craftsmen Martin and Krause for J. B. Haden, an affluent merchant, and one of Ladonia’s leading citizens. Born neaer Springfield, Missouri, on July 28, 1859, Mr. Haden moved with his parents to Texas in the spring of 1865. Before coming to Ladonia in 1869, they lived in Grayson County and Delta County. In 1880 he began clerking in a store and in 1882 he opened his own general store in Ladonia which was a very successful undertaking from the very beginning.
On July 4, 1882, Mr. Haden married Miss Elizabeth Holderness, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. G. W. Holderness of the nearby community of Oakland in Hopkins County. As was the custom in those days, Mrs. Haden’s bridesmaid, Miss Janey Young, accompanied her home as a wedding guest.
M. and Mrs. Haden had four sons: W. F. (Will), R. C. (Charlies), J. B., Jr. (Joe), and Mauice; and were always grateful that all their sons remained citizens of their native Ladonia. Because of his material success, and his knowledge of the cultural things of life, Mr. Haden was able to build this beautiful house for his family which has always, and still is, the showplace of Ladonia. Mr. and Mrs. Haden celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in this house on July 4th, 1946. In 1950, Mrs. Haden died and Mr. Haden followed her in 1953. Their son, Maurice, continued to live there until his death in 1959, and the house remained in the family until 1963 making a family tenure of 69 years.
By chance, Mrs. Robert E. L. Cook of Dallas, Texas, heard that this stately, elegant old house was for sale together with all its furnishings and appointments. Being a woman of discriminating taste, a student of the arts, and possessing a deep knowledge of cultural values, Mrs. Cook immediately recognized the interior of the house as a veritable museum, reflecting every aspect of gracious living at the turn of the century. From the graceful three piece Louis XVI parlor set of mahogany upholstered in French tapestry and the cut glass of the “Brilliant Period” in china cabinet to the hair receiver on the dresser or bureau upstairs, everything looked as it if might be in the same position it was placed in 1894. The house, set of bois d’ arc posts, was built of the finest cypress and as sturdy as the day it was built. Mr. and Mrs. Cook bought the house at once as their second home, and have proceeded to renovate it, strictly adhering to its 19th century charm.
The magnificent stairway of mellowed pine has been carefully polished though the years until its rope-tuned bannister glows like henna colored satin. It has three turnings, the first landing being the alcove of the cupola. It has three turnings, the first landing being the alcove of the cupola. A delicate fretwork arch separates the long hall, creating a delightful reception area at the entrance. Although little is known of the craftsmen Martin and Krause, the German influence seen in the mantelpiece in the parlor indicates that at least one of them must have received his apprenticeship in Germany. Mrs. Joe B. Haden, Jr. relates that according to family history that when the house was being built that the plans and blueprints were locked up every night. But one day the plans were missing when the receptacle was unlocked; no knowledge could account for them. After three days, they reappeared just as mysteriously as they had disappeared. The mystery was solved, however, when a few months later a house with very similar plans was noticed being erected not too far away.
This house merits preservation not only for the part it has played in the social history of Ladonia, but because of its architectural significance and beauty.
