Judge Williams House a Link
to Conroe’s Past
by
Brad Meyer
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Judge Williams house at 709 San Jacinto Street in Conroe was
constructed in 1904. At the time, building a stately residence in a
wooded area three blocks from the center of downtown Conroe was
considered odd because it was so far from all the community had to
offer.
At the turn of the century, building a stately residence in a wooded
area three blocks from the center of downtown Conroe was considered odd
because it was so far from all the community had to offer – which at the
time wasn’t much. |
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But over the years, progress greatly expanded the population and
activity in Conroe, surrounding the uniquely elegant home built by Judge
William N.
[His
middle initial is "M", jhs] Williams at 709 San Jacinto Street in 1904. The
white frame structure has evolved and been upgraded over the years, but
it remains standing as a testament to early life in Montgomery County. |
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Born in 1863, Williams was a
highly successful lawyer in Montgomery County. He attended the
University of Texas law school and practiced in Montgomery for many
years before moving to Conroe. While there is no record of his being
elected or appointed as a judge, he was known to the local community as
“Judge Williams.” |
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Larry Foerster, chairman of the
Montgomery County Historical Society, said it’s possible Williams was a
municipal judge or Justice of the Peace at some point, but just as
likely it was a term of respect afforded him by local residents. He was
also chairman of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County. |
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Williams’ granddaughter Suzie
Brignac, 78, whose father was Post Master in Conroe for many years, grew
up in the house across the street and remembers playing in the house and
its spacious yard. |
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“Conroe was great back then,”
she said. “Everybody knew everyone and looked out for each other. It was
a different time.” |
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Brignac recalled she and her
friends would walk six or seven blocks to the local bakery early in the
morning as a young child and no one thought twice about their security.
She also remembered her grandfather’s maid doing laundry in a big pot
over an open flame in the back yard. |
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“We’d pitch blankets over
clotheslines to make tents in the backyard and have slumber parties,”
said Brignac. “My father came to check on us with a flashlight and
scared us to death.” |
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Brignac also recalled her
grandfather didn’t drive – he had a chauffeur that would drive him on
errands and to appointments after he retired. |
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Following Williams’ death in
1951, the home was sold to Dick Coyle who purchased the home for Soules
Insurance to clear up a boundary dispute. The home was subsequently
purchased by Wallace Lampton and then Dean Pike, who transformed the
structure into the restaurant Buddy Puddles in the 80s. |
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“There were some major upgrades
to the building when it was converted to a restaurant,” said current
owner James Knez. “They put in commercial grade electrical wiring and
plumbing and structural steel beams for reinforcement.” |
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The restaurant, however, didn’t
last long and soon the building served as law offices for Rodney Tow. He
operated in the building for several years until he moved his practice
to The Woodlands. |
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In 2000, Knez purchased the
property for his law offices. He removed the carpeting and restored the
original wood floors to their original condition throughout the
building. |
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“The building has a lot of
character and class,” said Knez. “It’s a pleasant place to work.” |
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Knez said he has worked in
modern office buildings, but greatly prefers the look and style of the
Williams residence. |
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“It’s nice to be able to
preserve this house,” he said. “It has the original appearance on the
outside, but it’s very functional inside.”
The Judge Williams House at 709 San Jacinto Street in Conroe circa
1920. Born in 1863, Williams was a highly successful lawyer in
Montgomery County. The home has been a restaurant and several law
offices. Today the Jim Knez Law Office is housed there.
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Brignac agreed, saying she
appreciates the fact the building continues to stand and serve the
community. |
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“We’ve lost a lot of old
Conroe,” she said, “but my grandfather’s house is still standing – and
that’s a good thing.” |
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For
information on Conroe and Montgomery County history, visit www.heritagemuseum.us or
call 936-539-6873. |
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The Courier
August 11, 2013 |
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