Free gift for mom and grounds /gardening tours

Special to The Leader

Family is an essential part of the story at The W.H. Stark House, and the history of the Stark family is filled with important, dynamic women. Celebrate the important women in your life this Mother’s Day with a special tour at The W.H. Stark House offered May 9 through May 13. All moms or mother-figures will receive a free thyme or oregano plant as a gift. You “orega-know” Mom deserves a special Mother’s Day this year!

Families are invited to bring children ages 6 and older for these guided tours, which include the Tower Room and the new exhibition, The World War I Home Front: Orange Goes Over the Top.

On Saturday, May 13, celebrate moms of all types with a special look at families, plant-life and family treasures during the program, How Does Your Garden Grow? Special tours at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. explore the past and present gardens at the Stark house led by Jennifer Bucker, Director of Horticulture at Shangri La Botanical Gardens. In addition to speaking about the plants at the Stark House, Buckner will also answer questions about local flora, including what thrives in southeast Texas’ hot and humid climate and how to take care of house and garden plants.

Mother’s Day became an official U.S. Holiday in 1914, after only six years of local celebrations. Anna Jarvis, widely considered the founder of Mother’s Day, wanted to honor her mother with a memorial. In 1912, Anna trademarked both, ‘Mother’s Day’ and the ‘second Sunday in May.’

Admission prices are $6 for adults; $5 for seniors, students and children. Stark Cultural Venues Members are free.

The W.H. Stark House Tour is a walking tour through a 14,000 square foot, three-story home that stands much as it did at the turn of the 20th century, with fifteen rooms of original family furnishings, personal effects and decorative arts, including antique rugs, original textiles, silver, cut glass, and antique porcelain. Built in 1894, The W.H. Stark House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. All tours start at the Carriage House at 610 W. Main Avenue (just behind The W.H. Stark House) and parking is available in the Lutcher Theater parking lot. Stairs are an essential part of the tour. Admission is limited to individuals 6 years and older. This tour takes approximately 45 minutes.