502 East Walnut Street, Coleman, Texas

south side - 1916 map

The 1916 map is the first map on which, that what was to become 502 East Walnut, was included. At this time a one story "L" shaped house was at this location.

south side - 1923 map

By 1923, the one story house had either been removed and replaced with a part one story and part two story, or the original house had been remodeled into the part two story. There was a large "L" shaped porch on the north and east corners and a small porch on the southwest corner.

"In 1929, William M. Simmons, and his wife Nell, were residing at 502 East Walnut Street. He was the manager of the Coleman Steam Laundry, located at 506 East Walnut Street. Living at this address was Herman U. Schmidt, an attendant at Laundry Service Station. Rooming at this address were John L. Jones, and his wife Bess. He was the owner of Laundry Service Station. Ira Sims (colored) was a yardman at this address. He resided at the rear of 502 East Walnut Street." (Coleman City Directory, 1929 - Hudspeth.)

south side - 1930 map	south side - 1948 map
By 1930, the two story part of the house had been extended to the east side, and the "L" shaped porch on the front modified into a straight porch. I don't think the southeast part of the house had been extended, but just appears so on this maps. It is shown as being a stucco house in 1948.

"In 1962, Nell Simmons, widow of William Simmons, was residing at 502 East Walnut Street. She was the owner of this dwelling. Her telephone number was 625-4861. Also living at this address Jackie Hammonds and his wife, Jettie Hammonds. He was the owner of Hammond's Texaco, a gas station located across the street at 501 East Walnut Street." (Polk's - Coleman City Directory, 1962.)

east and north sides	north side
January 17, 2004 - at the time of Walnut Street construction north and west sides

A house fire was reported around 5:50 pm at the corner of East Walnut and San Marcoe Streets. The house was owned by Darlene and Lee Meador and is a total loss. There were two people at home at the time of the fire. No information on possible injuries at this time. Below are pictures as emergency personnel tended the fire.

(colemannews.com, 24 February 2009.)

north and west sides	north side
west and south sides	west and south sides

Old Home in Coleman Burns to Ground
by Billie Mercer

A fire started at approximately 5:50 p.m. Monday evening in Coleman, Texas completely destroyed the the home of Lee and Darlene Meador. The large two-story home, which was quite old, was quickly engulfed in flames that could be seen for some distance. The home is lcoated at 502 East Walnut Street. Firefighters responded as quicly as possilbe but were unable to save any part of the home. The Meadors, nor the Coleman Fire or Police Departments, have yet to determine the cause of the fire. No one was injured. An investigation continures.

We had an opportunity ot speak to Fire Chief Richard Hensley Tuesday afternoon. Of course, our immediate question was, "Do you know what caused th fire?" Chief Hensley said, "No, I am not sure taht we will ever be able to determine the cdause. With the age of the house and the intensity of the fire we may never know. However, an investigation does continue."

Also, it is believed that at one time Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Mitchell owned and lived in the home. That was sometime back but we do not know who lived there before the Mitchells. It certainly is considerably old and Cheif Hensly said he believed it was built in the early 1900's.

(Coleman Chronicle and DV, Coleman, Texas, 26 February 2009.)