Richard E. and Ella Sodke Kloepper House
New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Texas native Richard E. Kloepper and Ella Sodke married in 1906, the same year construction began on this house. A prominent local businessman, Richard was a founding member of New Braunfels State Bank, and of the local First Federal Savings and Loan Association. The couple moved from the house with their only son, Kermit, in 1911. A subsequent owner was Albert Voss, whose family lived here for many years. The Queen Anne home, built of longleaf pine, retains much of its original detailing, including porch spindle frieze, decorative shingling, and a bracketed window hood on the front projecting wing.Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-2003
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Richard Kloepper and Ella Sodke married in 1906 and began building this longleaf-pine home the same year. A prominent New Braunfels businessman, Richard helped found both the New Braunfels State Bank and a local savings and loan. The family lived here only a few years before moving on, but the Queen Anne house — with its spindled porch frieze and decorative shingling — has kept much of its original character.
Why it matters
The home reflects the prosperity and civic ambition of New Braunfels' German-American community as it built the banking institutions that anchored a growing Texas town.
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Related people
- · Richard E. Kloepper
- · Ella Sodke Kloepper
- · Albert Voss
Themes & tags
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