WHERE IS IT?

“Powell House” This striking pink and white home is a highlight of passing through Queen City. Because of its elaborate and colorful decoration, it is not expected and is a surprising view. It almost seems edible like a gingerbread house.

Do you know its name and why it is designated? That’s your “Where Is It?” mystery for this week. The answer is below.

“Medallion” Medallion and Historic Landmark plaque on the front porch of the Mathews-Powell house in Queen City.

Answer

Mathews-Powell House Victorian residence built 1878 by William Franklin Mathews (1840-1900) and wife Harriet India Sharp.

Mathews was a Confederate veteran and farmer who moved to Queen City when it was founded (1877). He became a successful merchant.

The house was owned by various people after 1895. It was bought in 1918 by Ross A. Powell (18831937) and wife Gussie Boyd (D. 1920) Like Mathews, Powell was a merchant. The property was recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1973 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. It has an official State Historical Medallion placed by the Texas State Historical Survey Committee.