Christian-Matern house in Marble Falls celebrating a Victorian Christmas
FROM STAFF REPORTS
MARBLE FALLS — Visitors can enjoy a Victorian-style Christmas on Dec. 7 thanks to the owner of the Christian-Matern house.
The Falls on the Colorado Museum board is sponsoring the annual Victorian Christmas Open House from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Christian-Matern home, 603 Seventh St.
The house was built in 1892 and received a Texas historical marker in 1997. As stated on the marker, the late Victorian structure shows Queen Anne-style influences with decorative woodwork and protruding bay windows.
Caryl Calsyn owns the old home and has hosted the museum event for several years, officials said. Decorations for the Christmas season match the Victorian style and include a 12-foot Christmas tree in the front bay window, a gingerbread church in the kitchen and a Victrola in a bedroom.
The house was built for George Christian and his wife, Juliet. Christian was one of 10 owners of the Texas Mining and Improvement Co. who developed Marble Falls. Juliet was the daughter of the town’s founder, Adam Rankin Johnson. The couple married in 1887.
Ivo B. and Mina Matern bought the house in 1908 and owned it for 51 years. Matern was a merchant and a rancher who served as mayor of Marble Falls in 1937. Other house owners followed until Calsyn purchased the property in 1992 and started restoration of the house.
Museum board members will assist Calsyn in welcoming visitors and setting the dining room table with enticing refreshments. Ed Bergin will serve as a roving accordion player to add music to the occasion.
The open house is free. However, donations to the Falls on the Colorado Museum are welcome. For more information, call Calsyn at (830) 693-4791.
editor@thepicayune.com