Recently,
I was invited to visit the Old University Building (OEM) on the campus
at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches.
As Historian, Rebel Joan Of Arc 2721, United Daughters of the
Confederacy, there was no hesitation to accept such an invitation. As my
husband, Jim, and I made our annual trek to Jefferson, Texas, to
participate in the Battle of Jefferson re-enactment weekend, we visited
the museum housed on the second floor of this historic building.
Constructed
of handmade red bricks in a modified Grecian style, the OEM was
designed by Mr. Howard of Henderson and erected in 1859. According to
the SFA website, “The building served as a hospital during the Civil War
and as a barrack for Confederate troops.” It also served as part of
Nacogdoches High School until the 1930s and was restored in 1960. The
first floor of the building with its 13’ ceilings, its original hardwood
floors, beautiful antique furniture and accessories is impressive. This
floor is used as an event venue for weddings, receptions, teas and the
like. To me, it looked like the perfect venue for a southern heritage
ball.
We
were in awe as we entered the museum on the second floor, a large room
with 20’ ceilings. We were anxious to see the Civil War artifacts on
loan from the Texas Civil War Museum (TCWM) that recently closed in Ft.
Worth. Among the items we spotted in a display case was a beautiful
redwood walking cane. The handle was carved in the shape of a hand
holding a document. The body was carved with floral and ribbon designs.
It is presumed to have been made in the Confederate Home in Austin,
Texas. (According to the historical marker database, the Confederate
Home was established in 1884 to serve as a residence for disabled and
indigent Confederate veterans). Other items on loan included a knife and
fork set, a tin cup, an ironstone plate and a powder flask. Most
interesting was a wood figure of Robert E. Lee on his horse, Traveler,
carved by T. W. Brown using a pan knife. Brown was a resident of the
Confederate Home. A beautiful brown, silk brocade vest made for Judge
Oran M. Roberts, worn when he presided at the convention for Texas
secession in February 1861, hung in a framed shadow box.
On
a table, situated in the center of this grand room, lay sabers and
muskets. They were anchored to the table but could be lifted just high
enough to feel its weight. I was amazed at the weight of them. Standing
near the table was a mannequin wearing a gray uniform and kepi. Being a
“hat person” I had to try on the kepi….no worries. These items are
educational props for children visiting the museum.
Just
as we were about to walk through the door to exit, there it was, the
“find of the day.” Framed and hanging on the wall was the original flag
of the 17th Texas Consolidated (Dismounted) Cavalry Regiment, Tyler
Unit, X Flag. The description reads that “This regiment was formed on
July 1, 1863, in the Trans-Mississippi Department. The men primarily
came from northeast Texas, including Nacogdoches County. Miss Watson
made the flag out of silk and presented it to the unit on July 6, 1863,
at their camp just outside of Shreveport, LA.”
We
spent over an hour browsing through the museum and found it to be a
perfect “visit to the past” to preface a battle re-enactment weekend.
The
family friendly museum is about a 90-minute drive from Conroe and is
open to the public. It is currently operated by the Federated Women’s
Club and is listed on the National Register (1971) as a Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark. For more information visit www.olduniversitybuilding.com.
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