Noon Rotarians Take Field Trip

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Published on November 4 2015 3:50 pm
Last Updated on November 4 2015 3:50 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Noon Rotary took a field trip for the November 4 meeting, gathering at Austin Mansion owned by Billie Jansen of Walnut Street Weddings.

The mansion, constructed by Calvin Austin in 1892, was originally part of the Illinois College of Photography, an institution that attracted students from around the world. The facility was purchased by Kingwood Oil Company in 1935, part of the oil boom in the region in the 30s and early 40s. The facility then became Kingwood Apartments and lost much of its lustre.

That's when Newlin and Donna Martin rode to the rescue, purchasing the facility in 1992 and undertaking a massive renovation with the help of EHS instructor Jim Zumbahlen and his Building Trades class. The project was documented by This Old House magazine. The renovation led to the Martins' operating the facility as Garnet Hall, a bed-and-breakfast.

The Martins later sold the B&B to the Debenham family, who used the structure as their residence, and then the Debenhams sold the house to Craig and Dominique Mueller. When the Muellers moved back to Houston, the house went on the auction block, and was purchased by Jansen.

Jansen indicated the facility is expanding beyond weddings to other special events including a murder mystery.

Noon Rotarian Dave Ring served as weekly program chairman, noting his daughter's wedding was the first event held once Jansen was allowed to operate the facility.

Noon Rotarians had the opportunity before and after lunch to tour the three-story mansion.

(FROM LEFT, AUSTIN MANSION AND WALNUT STREET WEDDINGS OWNER BILLIE JANSEN AND NOON ROTARY WEEKLY PROGRAM CHAIRMAN DAVE RING)