Columbus, Colorado County
Ornate Victorian house built for millionaire cattleman - banker Robert E. Stafford (1834-90), one of the organizers of Columbus Meat & Ice Co. Stafford built home and opera house in same year, 1886. By design, he could sit in his bedroom and see opera house stage performance, next door. Home lost a cupola in 1909 hurricane; it was owned by the Staffords until 1915, then sold to Mrs. Helena Miller, whose descendants still preserve it. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark - 1974. [Supplemental plate] After the death of Mrs. Helena Miller on April 14, 1936, house was inherited by E.G. Miller, who is the present owner. (1973)