Calvert, Texas - History and Pleasure, Part 2 with Pictures

Beyond Main Street

If you have already read Part 1 of Calvert, Texas - Captivating Place of History and Pleasure, you know that it primarily focused on some of the terrific stores and eateries on Main Street.

Lisa (my fellow traveling companion) and I wanted to see more of what makes Calvert such a special place when wishing to see Texas sites of interest..

Using a little brochure sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce which had a map on one side, we were able to follow the self-guided driving tour which showcases many sites of interest.

Within a small and limited area one is introduced to many locations which have plaques identifying these sites as deserving of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Virginia Field Park

This gorgeous green space within the Historic District of Calvert originated in 1868 as a donation for park space from the Houston and Texas Central Railroad.

The proximity of the railroad is one of the reasons that Calvert thrived in its heyday.

One can just imagine the many concerts that have been performed through the years since the large red roofed pavilion and the 2 smaller gazebos were built in 1895.

In 1937 the large pavilion was named in honor of an admired landscaper, Mrs. Virginia Field, and carries her name to this day.  It has been the site of many different gatherings in the past and is probably well utilized today and should be enjoyed long into the future.

Calvert Cemetery

There are many different cemeteries in and around Calvert, but the large spectacular one in the Historic District is simply named after the town.

Dating from 1870, it is filled with gorgeous monuments, one prettier than the next.

Lisa and I both like visiting cemeteries so this was "right up our alley!" Unfortunately due to recent torrential rains that had been in that area, mosquitoes that had hatched were hungry and we provided some live bait for them. So pictures were hastily taken and we retreated before we had provided too much of a feast for the flying insects.

Some of the Angel monuments are shown below... 

More monuments...

Here is a sampling of some others in the Calvert Cemetery...

Note the beautiful gate enclosing one plot within the cemetery in this first photo. It has 2 sheep resting in the shade beneath the weeping branches of a tree.

The Hammond House

The Hammond House is now a Bed and Breakfast in the historic district of Calvert. This imposing building of all of them in the historic district probably has the most interesting history.

Originally it was going to be built as the County Seat Courthouse and jail. Because the county seat was moved to another location, it became a private residence. For a while it became a museum and it once again reverted into private ownership...now a B & B.

A day-trip to Calvert from Houston, allowing for the approximate 4 hour round trip, does not allow much more than an overview.

Having spent most of our time on Main Street, exploring such places as Cocoamoda, Common Scents, The Eloia, Big Cedar Furniture and Zamykal kolaches (details and photos in the first hub), and except for walking through the Calvert Cemetery offering our obviously tasty blood to the mosquitoes...we simply drove around taking photos of the other historic places.

Will share some more of the photos here...

The Parish House

This unique home was actually ordered from a mail order catalog and constructed in 1897.

It is a Queen Anne style and has since been converted into one of the Bed and Breakfast establishments within the Historic District of Calvert, Texas.

For some reason this decorated exterior reminds me of the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. The original architect of this style home certainly must have had fun in designing this!

If you wish to make reservations, here is the number to call: 979-364-3748.

 Another view of the Parish House Bed and Breakfast...

Pin Oak Bed and Breakfast

Located just across the street from the Virginia Field Park this Pin Oak home...now a Bed and Breakfast...is situated on a large tree shaded lot and has an interesting history.

Click on the link to read more about it and see some photos of the inside rooms. The photo of the library is stunning!

It is easy to see why people would be tempted to want to stay in places this beautiful for a short (or even longer) vacation get-away destination.

The Calvert Inn

This impressive home turned Bed and Breakfast used to be inhabited by people who reputedly owned the "largest cotton gin" in the world. The link to the right describes more of the history and shows many photos of the elegant rooms inside of this grand establishment.

Prepare yourself to be royally pampered!

Calvert sports one of the largest historic districts in the State of Texas. One imposing structure after another greets one's vision when walking or driving through these streets to the right of the downtown area.

The Church of the Epiphany

This is an Episcopal Church and this is what is written on the official historic medallion affixed to the building:

"Originated June 6, 1870 by Bishop Gregg. Oldest church edifice erected in Calvert. Has been used continuously since parish was founded. Fine wood scroll work and lancet windows compliment the Victorian architecture. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967"

The Barton Home

This historic sign was posted outside of the fencing surrounding the Barton Home.

It certainly appears to be a solidly built as well as a beautiful home as viewed from the street.

The concrete posts were also outside of the decorative iron fencing.

Through the years these were probably often used as hitching posts where people tied up their horses while visiting the family inside of this homestead.

These same concrete posts are seen elsewhere in Calvert's Historic District.

Below is a sampling of other sites Lisa and I saw that day while driving through the residential section of Calvert's Historic District. Obviously there is much more to see, but this will give readers an impression of just how pretty this town is if one gets off of the Main Street ( Highway 6 ) that is a primary passageway in this part of Texas.

Back to Main Street...

I'll leave you with some final photos taken on Main Street in Calvert, Texas. Lisa and I truly enjoyed our day trip to that locale and hope to return someday and see more of what Calvert has to offer.

Hopefully you enjoyed this hub ( Part 2 ) about Calvert, Texas and learned something about the history and all the many things that can be done for pleasure while viewing these pictures and reading a bit more about this unique historic town.

Texas sites

Hope you enjoyed this look at some of the history and pleasure to be derived when visiting Calvert, Texas. There are a great number of Bed and Breakfast establishments, a beautiful cemetery and a downtown holding many treasures just waiting to be discovered. Some of those "treasures" can be seen in part 1 of the hub about Calvert, Texas. Pictures can do just so much. This town is definitely worth a visit in person to be fully enjoyed when checking out Texas sites.