Explore The Connell House, a historic home showcasing rich history. Visit this historic home and discover the stories behind its walls. The Connell House: A Window Into Martin County Genealogy Early History of the Connell House: The Connell House, home of the D.J. Connell family from 1902 to 1990, was donated to the Martin County Historical Museum by the late Greta Mae Connell, the home’s final resident. Two rooms of the house—the kitchen and dining room—were originally built in 1881 by Carmelite priests as their residence when they established a colony and mission in Marienfeld (later Stanton). When a larger rectory was built in 1902, D.J. “Charlie” Connell purchased the cottage and brought his bride, Mary Stoeger, here to live. Connell, a carpenter from Missouri, helped construct the Catholic school buildings and built many homes throughout Stanton during his lifetime. Mary Stoeger arrived in Marienfeld in 1883 with her parents, Joseph and Mary Stoeger, from Canals City, Iowa. The Stoeger family had immigrated from Bavaria, Germany, arriving in New York in January 1881. Both families were devout members of St. Joseph Catholic Church and closely connected to the early Catholic community, including Our Lady of Mercy Convent and Academy. Charlie and Mary Connell had eight children, though only four lived to adulthood: Maurice, Mamie, Greta Mae, and John. As their family grew, additions were made to the house as needed. In the late 1920s, the home was remodeled to include electricity, a kitchen cabinet with running water, and a new bathroom. This late-1920s period is the era to which the house and grounds have been restored. Mary Connell died in 1943 and Charlie Connell passed away in 1949. Maurice married Sonora McIlvanie. Mamie married Herbert Tom in 1929, but he died eight months after their marriage; she later worked for many years at First National Bank and died in 1970. Greta Mae never married and worked for many years at the local telephone office. John married Winnie Deavenport, sister of Bob Deavenport. The Connell House is owned and operated by the Martin County Historical Museum. Schedule a Tour of the Connell House The historic Connell House is open for tours by appointment. Visitors are invited to experience this unique piece of Martin County history and learn about the Connell family and the early Catholic community in Stanton. To schedule a tour, please call 432-756-2722. Tours are available to visitors and we welcome school groups, homeschool students, and organizations. The museum has also collaborated with the Martin County Convent to offer tours of both the Convent and the Connell House, providing visitors with a deeper look into the area's early history.

Discover engaging online history talks from our History Museum. Join us for online history talks that bring the past to life! OUR MISSION Discover Our Local Museum Mission Statement: The Martin County Historical Museum exists to preserve local history and educate our citizens of our common legacy. We provide a historical space that encourages people to learn and experience history through tours, classes, workshops, and social events open to the public. Events Preserve the Heritage of Martin County Your membership is more than an entrance ticket—it is a commitment to the conservation of our local story and the education of our community. Support Our Mission Your membership helps preserve Martin County history and supports education programming, exhibits, and community events. Membership Levels: Education/Student - $20.00 Individual - $30.00 Family - $50.00 Patron - $100.00 Corporate - $250.00 Benefactor - $500.00 Visionary - $1,000.00 Memberships can be mailed to: P.O. Box 929 Stanton, TX 79782 We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support. Board of Directors Bob Wilson Interim President Georgeann Walton Vice President Carla Ingram Secretary Ann Quaid Board Member Jay Madison Board Member Plan Your Visit Museum Hours Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location 207 E. Broadway Stanton, TX 79782 Contact Details (432) 756-2722 museum@martincountymuseum.org Micki Dillard Executive Director

Explore our history museum exhibits and discover captivating stories from the past. Visit our museum for an unforgettable experience today! Discover Texas Pioneer Heritage Through Engaging Exhibits Explore a journey through the heart of Martin County history, from permanent collections to rotating displays that bring the pioneer spirit to life. Pioneer Life Step back in time and experience the daily lives of the early families who settled in Martin County, featuring original artifacts from the pioneering era. Agricultural Roots Discover the tools and techniques that transformed this rugged West Texas landscape into a thriving agricultural community through generations of labor. The Carmelite Monks Uncover the story of the German friars who founded Marienfeld in 1882, building the first Catholic Church in West Texas and planting the seeds of our town. FEATURED ARTIFACT 1928 Ford Model AA Stanton VFD First Firetruck In 1926, Stanton voters approved a $10,000 bond issue to fund the construction of a new City Hall. The building provided space for city offices as well as housing for the community’s fire truck and firefighting equipment. This development was a major step forward for the town, which had suffered the loss of numerous buildings due to a devastating fire in earlier years. Around this time, a volunteer fire department was formally organized to better protect the growing community. Bland Cross and Otis Blackerby served as the department’s fire chiefs, helping lead Stanton into a new era of improved fire protection and civic progress. The firetruck is presently undergoing an extensive restoration at the Texas Fire Museum in Dallas, TX. Once restoration is complete, the firetruck will return to the museum where it will be proudly displayed as an important part of Martin County’s history. This restoration is dedicated to the memory of Danny Ireton, a well known, respected Stanton resident and a dedicated volunteer firefighter who gave his life while serving his community. The Exhibit Gallery Previous 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 Next 01 / 13 Close Previous Next 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 Plan Your Visit Experience the legacy of Martin County in person. Ready to explore our history? For full museum hours, location details, and touring information, please return to our home page.