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THE PALM HOUSE
Narrative by - Mrs. J.W. Ledbetter
The Andrew J. Palm House is believed to have been built
in 1873. In the records of June 1, 1871, Volume 13 page
586, it is stated that S. M. Swenson in consideration of
$366.66 in Gold dollars sold 112 acres of land to Andrew
J. Palm. Lot #15 of the Holder League, recorded and
plotted on page 119, of [1] Volume 13 (For earlier
records see bibliography). Later Mr. Palm added acreage
to the original purchase. This is still in the Palm
Estate and none of the original 112 acres has been sold.
The Palm House was located on Palm Valley Boulevard
about 3 miles from Round Rock, -Texas and about 1 mile
from the Palm Valley Lutheran Church, which was built in
1871[2]. This church has a Historical Marker dedicated
in 1971. [3] The Palm Valley Rail road Flag Stop was
about 1/4 mile from the Palm Home. [4]
The Palm House consists of the two front remaining rooms
of the original structure, a hall between, and a gallery
running across the entire front. Material was apparently
hauled from Austin, Texas by the owner and was pine and
cypress. No alterations have been made in the house.
The rooms are large and high ceilinged, with windows
typical of the period. The beautiful front door has two
long panes of glass. The house has been restored to its
original appearance, as far as can be discerned. The
original fireplace has been reconstructed, and is still
a working fire place. Outside blinds, wooden curtain
rods, and the original door bell are in place.
The old cistern has been moved and reconstructed in the
town yard. The house has been kept in excellent
condition through the years by the. Palm Family. Old
fashioned shrubs and flowers have been planted as near
as possible to the original plantings.
Mr. Andrew J. Palm came to Texas (Palm Valley) with his
mother, and five brothers in 1853. He was 14 years of
age at the time, and was the fourth son. His mother,
Mrs. Anna Palm, was encouraged and aided in this move by
Swante Palm, brother‑in-law, who was Swedish Consul to
Texas. [5] He immigrated to Texas in 1844. A nephew, Mr.
S. M. Swenson, Commissioner of Swedish immigration also
helped her. Mr. Swenson was said to be the richest
Swedish immigrant in Texas, and at one time owned over
100,000 acres of land in Texas. Both men visited in the
Palm House.
Andrew J. Palm was born in Sweden in 1839 and died in
Palm Valley Nov. 8, 1928. Mrs. Palm, Carolina Nelson
Palm, was born in Sweden in 1851, died in -Palm Valley
in 1929. She immigrated to Palm Valley in 185$. Mr. and
Mrs. Palm were married at Palm Valley on January 7,
1875. [6]The Palm Family consisted of seven girls and
one boy, namely, Esther, Anna, Tilda, Mary, Nora, Louis,
Ruth and Marguirete. (7)
Mr. Palm was a farmer and rancher in the Palm Valley
Community during all his married life. He was
civic-minded, loved his community, and was instrumental
in arranging for, and providing financially, for, other
Swedish' families to come to Palm Valley. He arranged
for jobs and homes for them until they became
established. [8] Mr. Palm was a trustee of the Palm
Valley Lutheran Church when it was organized and built
in 1871.
The plans for the church may be found in the Sir Swante
Palm Library at the University of Texas. This Library
and other manuscripts were given to the University in
1897, by Sir Swante Palm.
The history and growth of this country side community
are parallel to the history and growth of the town of
Round Rock, which it has so greatly endowed with
community enrichment a testament of the courage and
faith of these Swedish pioneers that settled in Palm
Valley is illustrated by a true story told of the voyage
of the Anna Palm Family from Sweden in 1853. A storm
arose at sea and the captain, believing that the ship
could not be saved, called the passengers together and
explained the desperate situation. Mrs. Anna Palm, her
family beside her, requested the captain to take her on
deck. The captain, fearing she would be swept overboard,
refused. After persuasion he assisted her on deck. With
arms uplifted to heaven, she prayed for their safety.
Soon the storm ceased, and all were safe. [9]
The second week in December 197 was a memorable week in
the current history of Round Rock, Texas, when the
hundred-year-old home of the Andrew J. Palm Family was
moved to town. It was moved', from its country-side
location to its second and permanent location beside
the City Hall on Main Street in Round Rock, Texas.
This move was made with the expectation that the old
home would become the Palm House Museum for the town,
Round Rock has a very rich historical heritage, and a
museum for the town has long been the dream of many
citizens.
The move to town was made possible by the donation of
the Palm House to the Chamber of Commerce, by Miss Mary
Palm, and Marguerite Palm Stockman, the two remaining
members of the family. Both sisters were born in the
house, as were the other six children.
The move itself was managed and provided for by the
Chamber of Commerce. This museum became a reality when
the constitution and By-Laws were adopted, and the State
Charter granted on July 7, 1977.
The museum has progressed nicely. One room is designated
as an elegant Victorian Parlor, and is now authentically
furnished. The other room is a pioneer kitchen and is
also fully equipped. The furnishings are all over one
hundred years old. The hall between the two rooms
contains an antique display cabinet with items of
interest, and an antique desk for registering guests.
The Chamber of Commerce dedicated the museum to the
people of Round Rock in a public ceremony, on July 7,
1977. An office for the Chamber of Commerce has been
added to the back, and the museum is open each week day
from 9:30 to 3:30 and on special occasions.
All service clubs, many interested individuals, and the
local Historical Chairman of Williamson County
Historical Commission have planned, cooperated, donated
and worked toward the success of the museum
.
Because of the role of the Palm Family in the life of
the community, and the use of the Palm House as a
museum, the citizens of Round Rock wish to commemorate
the structure with a historical marker, that the
contribution .and history of this community may be
better recognized and preserved.
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