Victorian estate in the heart of Conroe transformed into wedding, event facility
by Brad Meyer

More than 100 years after it was constructed as the premier residential estate in Conroe, the iconic Victorian mansion located near the downtown area continues to serve the community as a setting for special events.

   
Pictured is the exterior of the old Wahrenberger home in Conroe. The grand Victorian house is now a wedding and event facility by the name of Heather's Glen. John Wahrenberger was an entrepreneur and visionary in Conroe's early years

Conroe entrepreneur John Wahrenberger constructed his stately manor, a 6,600-square-foot, three-story, 11-room house, at 200 E. Phillips Street in 1912 for his wife Mittie and their two children. It was considered one of the grandest homes in the county at the time because of its size, design and furnishings.

Since 1993, the building and surrounding lots have been transformed into Heather’s Glen, a unique wedding and event center. The form and function may have changed, but the building maintains its Victorian appearance, charm and appeal.

“There is a wonderfully elegant charm and elegance about the original structure,” said Heather George, proprietor of Heather Glen. “We’ve had many expansions and restorations, but we plan to keep the Victorian look – people love it.

Born in 1862 bear Austin, Wahrenberger was orphaned at the age of seven. He worked at a variety of jobs before moving to Montgomery in 1886. Three years later he moved to Conroe and worked as a clerk in a general mercantile store.

The Wahrenberger family, top, daughter Mary Agnes, son John C. Wahrenberger, wife Mittie Carson Wahrenberger and John Wahrenberger

After marrying Mittie Carson, the daughter of his boss, Wahrenberger started his own general merchandise business that became one of the retail operations of its kind in Southeast Texas.

A catastrophic fire that destroyed most of downtown Conroe in February 1911, spared Wahrenberger’s building. Nonetheless, he rebuilt the store out of brick as required of new construction by upgraded city building codes. Tearing down the old structure and rebuilding the 7,800-square-foot building from fireproof materials cost Wahrenberger more than $20,000 – a significant sum of money in that era – equivalent to nearly $500,000 today, according to Consumer Price Index.

It was during this time period Wahrenberger constructed his stately home, only two blocks from his place of business. But Wahrenberger’s holdings extended beyond retail. He established Wahrenberger’s Lumber Company, employing more than 100 men: open one of the first gasoline stations in Conroe at the corner of West Phillips and Main streets and established one of the first funeral homes in Conroe.

Wahrenberger also served in a variety of civic capacities, including Montgomery County district clerk and deputy sheriff; started the First Methodist Church of Conroe; started what would become First National Bank; served on the board of Conroe Independent School District and Conroe City Council and many other activities benefiting the community.

John Wahrenberger was an entrepreneur and a visionary,” said Larry Foerster, chairman of the Montgomery County Historical Society. “Conroe and Montgomery owe a debt of gratitude to him.”

Wahrenberger died in 1933 at the age of 72, but his Conroe home continues to be a place of celebration in the community. Heather’s Glen has tripled the footprint and modernized facilities, but maintains the charm of the original structure.

“There are rumors of Miss Mittie’s ghost inhabiting the building,” laughs George. “But I’ve lived her 20 years and never seen a sign of such things – but if it were true, I think she’d be happy with how the home has been maintained.”

For information on Conroe and Montgomery County history, visit www.heritagemuseum.us or call 936-539-6873. For information on Heather’s Glen, visit www.heathersglen.com or call 936-441-6611.

Reprint from The Courier
September 8, 2013, p 1D

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