Trueheart - HABS No. Tex-323 Survey, Survey Marker & Casa Vieja Plaque
HABS No. Tex-323 - Dec. 1, 1936, Bartlett Cocke, District Officer
CASA VIEJA (Residence)
Builder: James L. Truehart
Present Condition: Excellent Number of Stories: Two
Materials of Construction: Stone foundation and walls; wood floor and stairs. New back porch. New galvanized roof over wood shingles.
Other Existing Records: Plaque at house placed by DeZavala Chapter of Historic Landmarks Association reads as follows: “Casa Vieja House built in 1848 by James L. Treehart, Texas pioneer and prisoner of Perote. DeZavala Chapter of Texas Landmark Association 1924.”
Additional Data:
The Spanish words “Casa Vieja” means “Old House.” The house was built by James L. Truehart, a Texas Pioneer in 1848. Walls are built of local native limestone, plastered on inside, stuccoed on outside. The wood frame porch on the south is obviously a later addition. Original pitched shingle roof is now covered with galvanized iron.
There are but two main rooms on each floor; Living room and Kitchen on first floor and two bedrooms on second floor. Each of the first floor rooms includes a fireplace designs of which are similar. Both rooms on second floor, south porch, is a later addition.
The old ranch house is typical of many built during the middle of the 19th century and its main charm lies in the simplicity of construction. Thick walls and the boxed cornice, the latter of which is quite unique in design add to its charm and character.
Casa Vieja is in excellent state of preservation and its present owner full appreciates the value of this early Texas landmark. Other additions and changes are at present contemplated. The house is being occupied at present by Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Goeth, who contributed this information.
Click here for 1936 HABS photos of the house and stone archway
CASA VIEJA KILN AND ARCH
HABS No. Tex-324 December 1, 1936, Bartlett Cocke, District Officer
Date of Erection: 1848
Builder: Unknown Present Condition: Excellent; Materials of Construction: Rock
Other Existing Records: See plaque at house “Casa Vieja” short distance from the Kiln and Arch. Plaque by DeZavala Chapter Texas Landmark Association 1924.
Additional Data:
There are two dome shaped rock kilns located about 400 yards from Casa Vieja where lime was made during the construction of the house in 1848. Lime was made here from time to time whenever additions or repairs were needed.
There is also a picturesque stone archway which was built at the same time that spans a creek enabling the builders to carry lime from the kilns to the house.
Information contributed by Mrs. Fred C. Goeth. Blue Wing Road, San Antonio, TX