McKinney-McDonald House - Galveston, Texas - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

"The McKinney-McDonald House is significant to Galveston as one of the fine examples of Victorian architecture which survived the devastating Hurricane of 1900 and represents an example of the evolution of Galveston's rich 19th century architectural heritage. Located near the East End Historic District, the house is similar to the Victorian houses represented in the district, but is distinctive as an excellent example of the elaborately detailed Eastlake style.

Built ca. 1889 by Liberty S. McKinney, the house has features typical of Galveston homes during this period--the two-story, raised, frame structure with prominent double gallery. However, the McKinney-McDonald House represents a subtle break away from the symmetrical Victorian houses typical of Galveston and introduces elements, such as the front bay, off-set gallery, projecting corner pavilions, and the northeast corner wing. In addition, the house is particularly unique in its lavish display of ornamentation. The bays have richly molded detail and carved friezes. The gallery on the south and east facades display bold three- dimensional detail in the variety of curved, circular and rounded shapes, rows of spindles, and turned posts. Even the foundation of the house and rear chimney have elaborate brick molding and decorative detail.

Liberty S. McKinney who had moved to Galveston in 1876, built this prominent home ca. 1889. During the Hurricane of 1900 the McKinney family and several friends survived the storm sheltered in this house. McKinney was engaged in the wholesale grocery business for 20 years, but in 1898 branched into the real estate and insurance business in partnership with J L. Boddeker and E. D. Beall. By 1901, however McKinney sold the business and the house to Boddeker and presumably left Galveston. Boddeker probably rented the house between 1901-1905, for there is no evidence he ever lived at this address.

In 1905 the house was sold to Dominic D. McDonald, a young attorney in Galveston. McDonald was born in Pentwater, Michigan, in 1871 and received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1893. Shortly, thereafter, he moved to Galveston, Texas, where he practiced law for nearly 50 years. McDonald replaced all the trees and shrubbery that were lost in the Great Storm and the 14 live oak trees on the grounds date to this time. He was also responsible for filling in the basement during the island grade-raising in 1907. Judge McDonald died in 1941 and was survived by his wife Elva LeMoine McDonald and three children. Mrs. McDonald continued to live in the house until her death in 1972." - Texas Historical Commission Atlas

 The house was damage significantly during Hurricane Ike and is for sale awaiting someone to purchase and restore this former Victorian gem.

Street address: 926 Winnie St. Galveston, Texas County / Borough / Parish: Galveston Year listed: 1976 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1875-1899 Historic function: Domestic Current function: Vacant Not In Use Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   04/05/2017 jhuoni visited it 06/05/2011 run26.2 visited it 01/21/2011 WalksfarTX visited it

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