Edward Steves Homestead
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
Front Exterior of Steves Home "Edward steves homestead" by Larry D. Moore. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edward_steves_homestead.jpg#/media/File:Edward_steves_homestead.jpg
Backstory and Context
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The homestead was donated to the San Antonio Conservation Society by the granddaughter of Edward Steves, Edna Steves Vaughn, in 1952. The homestead has been restored to its original French Second Empire style and furnished with time-appropriate pieces. Some of the furniture featured are a mosaic table displaying an image of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City as well an 1857 Chickering and Sons grand piano, which was donated by Yale University.
In addition to the main house, the property includes a carriage house, servants quarters and a brick structure known as "The River House." The carriage house is even older than the main house dating back to 1875. The stone structure was restored in 1976 and 1977. In 1877, the servants quarters were added to the property and housed a gardener and stable boy; in 1983 and 1984, the quarters were restored and are now where tour tickets are sold.
The River House was a natatorium--the first in San Antonio. According to the San Antonio Conservation Society, "The pool was brick-lined and filled by an artesian well located on the property. Local tradition relates that Mrs. Steves swam every day at two o'clock no matter what the weather. " The pool has been covered with flooring, and the San Antonio Conservation Society hosts events and activities there.