Menard-Ganter House
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Medard Menard followed his well-established cousin, Michel B. Menard, to Galveston where he married Susan LeClere in 1838. He built this house in 1882 for himself, Susan and their daughter, Marie, and her children. The home was purchased by Herbert J. Ganter and his wife, Bertha, in 1902. Its traditional Galveston form is represented by a front gallery with Eastlake detailing, dormered second level, and single door primary entrance with transom. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1992
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Medard Menard followed his well-established cousin, Michel B. Menard, to Galveston, married Susan LeClere in 1838, and built this house in 1882 for his family. In 1902 it was bought by Herbert and Bertha Ganter. With its front gallery and Eastlake detailing, dormered upper level, and transom-topped entrance, it is a fine example of the traditional Galveston house form.
Why it matters
The home ties a later generation of the Menard family β kin to one of Galveston's founders β to the island's distinctive Gulf Coast architecture and immigrant-founded merchant society.
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Related people
- Β· Medard Menard
- Β· Susan LeClere
- Β· Herbert J. Ganter
- Β· Michel B. Menard
Themes & tags
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