Recent talk of the possible demolition of Houston’s historic Civil War home, the Lynch-Tweed house, rallied history enthusiasts into action last week. The Lynch-Tweed Civil War Home Preservation Society with some newcomers met at Dooley’s Sports Grill in Houston to discuss ways to raise money and awareness of the Lynch-Tweed house’s rich history.
Built by a freed slave for David Lynch in 1858, it was almost burned down by a bushwhacker during the Civil War. The original windowsill still bears the scar.
Local Civil War historian Bill Nichols attended the meeting and shared a federal uniform cuff button and a Civil War pistol bullet found at the home’s location.
The LCWH Preservation Society plans a work day Saturday in preparation for a March 5 Civil War Re-enactment Spring Drill on the home property. The 2nd Missouri “Crows’” Company K, CSA re-enacters, plan to set up camp on the lawn of the Lynch-Tweed house March 4-5.
An organization met to begin the process to renovation the Lynch-Tweed House, which dates to the Civil War in Houston.
“We expect to have 15-20 re-enactors camp and perform military drills,” said Stephen Gale, participant. “It is a type of living history. People can come and see in real time a bit of what a Civil War soldier’s life was more than 150 years ago.”
A Dutch oven cooking group will be on site from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Texas County Genealogical and Historical Society will have a display.
“We are hoping other groups with an interest in history will contact us and participate that weekend,” said event co-organizer Jackie Smith. “The more, the better and this will be an opportunity to see the inside of the Tweed-Lynch house.”
The group’s intention is that the event will raise awareness and assistance in the preservation of the Lynch-Tweed house, which is owned by the City of Houston and was recently targeted for renovation or demolition.
Any group or individual interested in participating or assisting is encouraged to contact Sharon Hayes at the Houston Herald, 417-967-2000, or Smith at 417-260-2800.