The W.H. Stark House

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The W.H. Stark House

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The W.H. Stark House is an 1894 Queen Anne style home located in downtown Orange, TX. Experience The W.H. Visit whstarkhouse.org to plan your visit.

Stark House during Guided Tours and programs held throughout the year. Miriam and William Stark’s home from 1894 -1936 features incredible woodwork from this American lumber dynasty. Designed with innovative technology and furnished with art, rare books, and treasures from their travels, the Stark House is a testament to local craftsmanship and ingenuity.

10/29/2026

Once upon a midnight dreary…your next late-night read awaits! 📖 🐦‍⬛

Stop by our Little Free Library at The W.H. Stark House and discover a story that keeps you turning pages long after bedtime!

Located on Main Street near the Carriage House entrance, our Little Free Library welcomes readers of all ages to take a book, leave a book and share the joy of reading.

Have a book to share? Donations are always welcome! 📚 🍂

10/28/2026

📢 Attention Orange County Public High School Students! 📢

Are you interested in earning up to $9,000 annually in college scholarship funds? 🎓 To participate, please contact your school’s Stark Reading Contest Director for information on how to enter.

📅 Entry Forms are due to the Stark Foundation by Friday, November 6, 2026.

Please note: Some schools may have earlier deadlines. Be sure to check with your School Director to confirm Entry Form due dates.

🧑‍🏫 School Directors:

- Ron Chevalier (Orangefield High School)
- Melanie Claybar (Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School)
- Bridget Parker (West Orange-Stark High School)
- Hannah Landry (Bridge City High School)
- Stacy Webb (Vidor High School)

🔗 For Entry Forms and additional contest details, please visit: starkfoundation.org/reading-contest.

10/27/2026

Thank you to Next Generation Orange County for joining us at The W.H. Stark House! 🍊

We enjoyed welcoming members for an afternoon of networking, learning about the importance of preserving family documents and photographs and exploring the 1894 Queen Anne home during a guided tour.

We had a wonderful time sharing a little local history and hope to see everyone again soon! 🧡

10/26/2026

Happy National Pumpkin Day from The W.H. Stark House! 🎃

Did you know that during the Victorian era, turnips were commonly used to make jack-o’-lanterns instead of pumpkins? 🫜

As Halloween traditions evolved, pranking became a popular pastime. Young boys would carve frightening faces into turnips and place candles inside to create a spooky glow. 🕯️ This tradition also has ties to the folktale of “Stingy Jack” and helped shape the jack-o’-lanterns we know today.

While Halloween celebrations have changed over the years, many of our favorite traditions have roots in the Victorian era! As you carve your pumpkins this season, remember the history behind this spooky Halloween tradition.

10/21/2026

🔸 "A Touch of Orange: Selections from The W.H. Stark House Collection" - Object Highlight 🔸

This historic pocket watch on display at Stark Museum of Art tells a story of the Stark family’s lasting impact on education in Orange.

The pocket watch comes from the 1918 Stark Reading Contest, founded by Miriam Stark in 1904 to promote literacy among Orange’s youth. Each winner received a gold watch like this one. The Stark Foundation awards $65,000 dollars in scholarship money to Orange County high school students at the Stark Reading Contest each year. Even today, the ten county finalists receive an engraved gold watch.

-
Gruen Watch Company, “Pocket Watch, Watch Chain, Watch Ribbon,” 1918, gold, grosgrain ribbon, metal, The W.H. Stark House, Orange, Texas, Purchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2011, 2011.1.1.1.A-C

10/19/2026

Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of open play mahjong and merriment! ✨️

Join us on Tuesday, November 10 from 5-8PM for A Very Merry Mahjong Night! Before the open play begins, guests will have the opportunity to view The W.H. Stark House beautifully decorated for the holiday season, offering a festive glimpse into the historic home of Miriam and William Stark.

Then, gather in the Carriage House for an evening of friendly mahjong competition, refreshments and seasonal cheer. 🎄 🀄️

This event is presented in partnership with Southeast Texas Mahjong. Mahjong players ready to practice their skills are invited to join the merriment. Beginner mahjong instructions will not be provided.

📲 Register today at whstarkhouse.org/mahjong-night

🧡 Miriam’s mahjong set, crafted from ivory and bamboo, is currently on view in our special exhibition at the Stark Museum of Art.

10/16/2026

Our visitors say it best! 🧡

The W.H. Stark House invites guests to step into history and explore all three floors of the 1894 Queen Anne home with an expert tour guide.

Experience it for yourself and book your free Guided Tour today at whstarkhouse.org/guided-tours!

10/15/2026

Explore upcoming volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Tea Time! ☕️⁠

Join us tomorrow, Friday, October 16 from 9-10AM and discover the many ways you can get involved!

🖼️ Teaching Artist Jessica Kerby will use an artwork in one of the galleries to teach about visual thinking strategies and how to improve critical thinking and collaborative skills while gazing at masterpieces.

This free event is open to both prospective and current volunteers. We will meet at the Stark Museum of Art. For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit starkmuseum.org/volunteer-tea-time.

10/15/2026

Step into the Christmas spirit with the next session of The W.H. Stark House Classics Book Club! 📖

Join us on Thursday, November 12 from 6-8PM in a discussion of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. This holiday classic follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his Christmas Eve encounter with four ghosts. 🎄

Inspired by Miriam Stark’s own book club, this event will explore the history of the book’s publication, its context in Victorian England and Miriam’s love of Charles Dickens. 📚️

🕯️ The session will also include a brief, candlelit tour of The W.H. Stark House decorated in its Christmas splendor.

📲 Advanced registration is free and encouraged. Reserve your spot at whstarkhouse.org.

This program is recommended for ages 16 and older.

10/14/2026

📢 Parents of Orange County Public High School Students 📢

Is your student passionate about reading, public speaking or performing? They could earn up to $9,000 in college scholarship funds through the Stark Reading Contest! 🎓📚

Encourage them to participate by reaching out to their school’s Stark Reading Contest Director for details on how to enter.

🗓 Entry Forms are due by Friday, November 6, 2026 to the Stark Foundation — note: some schools may have earlier deadlines. Be sure to check with the school’s Contest Director:

🧑‍🏫 School Directors:
- Ron Chevalier (Orangefield High School)
- Melanie Claybar (Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School)
- Bridget Parker (West Orange-Stark High School)
- Hannah Landry (Bridge City High School)
- Stacy Webb (Vidor High School)

🔗 For Entry Forms and additional contest details, please visit: starkfoundation.org/reading-contest.

Address

610 Main Avenue
Orange, TX
77630

Telephone

+14098830871

Website

https://whstarkhouse.org/

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