Oldest House in Rockport on Tour

The 1868 Fulton-Bruhl house is 144 years old and has a new face. Due to the careful restoration by Anne and Jeff Hunt, the home has been preserved for generations to come. You may visit the home on the Christmas Tour of Historic Homes that will be Friday, November 30, 4-8 PM and Saturday, December 1, 10 AM – 4 PM in Rockport and Fulton.

The Fulton-Bruhl house has the prestigious designation of a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark awarded by the Texas Historical Commission. It was constructed for Judge John Williamson Moses and Victoriana in 1868. Moses sold it to James C. Fulton and Frances in 1872. In 1907 James Fulton sold the house to his daughter Harriet and her husband Alfred L. Bruhl. Albert and his father Louis H. Bruhl had opened a drug store in 1891. Bruhl was mayor of Rockport three times and served on the Navigation District board. The Bruhl’s daughter, Gladys Bruhl Gibson, lived in the house for over two decades then her son, Charles Albert Gibson, retired from New York to live in the family home. After his death in 2003 the house was put on the market.

Fortunately for the house, and for Rockport, the Hunts discovered and purchased the property in 2009 and began the restoration. Anne posted notes and photographs on the construction at “Saving the 1868 Fulton-Bruhl House” http://1868-rockport.blogspot.com/.

The home has a central hall design with symmetrical window and door openings. It was built of cypress and long-leaf pine and held together by square nails. The cottage was remodeled by James Fulton when Greek-Revival elements, Italianate porch supports and dormers were added. A rear annex was added to the main house as a kitchen. This wonderfully restored home will bring back a picture of yesteryears in Rockport.

It will be featured on the Christmas Tour of Historic Homes, November 30 and December 1. Visit www.aransashistorycenter.org to learn more or purchase tickets.