Karbach-Flowers Home

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Now, every good house has got a story layered into its walls, and this one in Caldwell County's got at least two good ones worth your time. We're talking about the Karbach-Flowers Home, a two-story residence that's been standin' since 1911, and the lives that filled it read like a pretty fine chapter of Texas history.

A local cotton buyer by the name of Julius W. Karbach, born in 1869, had this place constructed that year. He hired a builder named Louis Neeb, and Neeb did not cut corners.

The house came out with characteristics of both the Victorian and classical revival styles. Two stories. Built to last.

Built to impress. That's the kind of statement a cotton buyer makes when things are going well. Julius Karbach, who lived until 1943, had himself a proper home.

But in 1924, the house changed hands. The new owner was Martin Owen Flowers, born in 1874, a former Lockhart city attorney. Now, Martin Flowers wasn't a man who stood still.

He went on to be elected Caldwell County judge, which is already a story worth tellin'. But then, during the administration of Governor W. Lee O'Daniel, Martin Owen Flowers served one term as secretary of state, from 1939 to 1941.

Secretary of state. Started as a city attorney, ended up running in some pretty high circles. He passed in 1944.

Two families, one house, and somewhere between cotton money and statewide office, this place held it all together. And it's still standin', restored by Mr. and Mrs. R.

L. Hanna in 1978. Some houses, friend, just refuse to be forgotten.

What the marker says

Local cotton buyer Julius W. Karbach (1869-1943) had this two-story residence constructed in 1911. Built by Louis Neeb, it features characteristics of the Victorian and classical revival styles. In 1924 the house was purchased by Martin Owen Flowers (1874-1944), a former Lockhart city attorney. Later elected Caldwell County judge, he also served one term as secretary of state (1939-41) during the administration of Governor W. Lee O'Daniel. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980 Incise in base: Restored by Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Hanna, 1978