Mason-Foster House
Del Rio, Val Verde County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native of New York, local businessman James H. Mason (1835-1916) constructed his home here shortly after he purchased the site in 1887. He later developed a spring on the property for mineral baths and a medicinal drink. John J. Foster (1867-1935), a Del Rio attorney and civic leader bought the residence in 1905. During his ownership major additions were made to the home, originally a four-room frame structure. Interior detailing included artwork by Foster's wife Mary (1868-1958). The residence remained in the foster family until 1962. (1980)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
New York transplant James H. Mason built a modest four-room frame house on this Del Rio site soon after buying it in 1887, later developing a spring on the property for mineral baths and a medicinal drink. In 1905 attorney and civic leader John J. Foster bought the place and greatly enlarged it, and his wife Mary added artwork to its interior detailing. The home stayed in the Foster family until 1962.
Why it matters
Homes like this trace how enterprising newcomers built up a frontier border town, turning natural springs and personal ambition into the civic fabric of Del Rio.
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Related people
- · James H. Mason
- · John J. Foster
- · Mary Foster
Themes & tags
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