CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Historic Mineola home burns in Wednesday morning blaze

Historic Mineola home burns in Wednesday morning blaze

by Meghan McDermott

MINEOLA (KYTX) - A historic home in Mineola was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning. CBS 19's Meghan McDermott was in Wood County today and reports on the priceless history lost in this blaze.

They're in disbelief of the wreckage left behind.

"By the time the fire trucks were here the entire house was engulfed."

In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, a century of priceless memories were lost in smoke.

Its current owner and restorer, Katherine Campos, bought the home three years ago and turned it into an upscale restaurant.

"I'm just profoundly shocked. I can't believe...I can't believe it."

Known today as the Magnolia House for the striking tree on its grounds, it was built in 1906 by Barney Hart. The home gained notoriety from Hart's friend and law partner, former Texas governor Jim Hogg.

"It's a home many people were in and out of." Wood County historical commission chairman Lou Mallory has lived in the community for fifty years.  "It's been a historic treasure and it meant a lot to us."

The home remained in the Hart family for decades, but has changed hands several times, and has been through two rounds of major restoration. It now has two historical markers.

"The first got a subject marker for Governor Hogg and friends, talking about Mr. Hart and Governor Hogg and his law practice and that sort of thing."

The second is a recorded Texas historical marker that had not yet been placed.

"We're presuming it's in the house and we're hoping we can find it and at least save it that we can put in the museum."

It's just one of the many pieces to pick up from this home, full of so many memories.

"Everyone tells me the house will have to come down, and I have no idea now what will become of that property."

The Mineola Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of the fire and where it started in the house, and the City of Mineola is working to preserve the century old magnolia tree that was scorched in the fire.