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The Antique Rose Emporium continues a long tradition of gardening in the Independence and Brenham area.
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The Baylor Rose,
developed by Emporium owner Mike Shoup, commemorates the historic association
between Baylor University
and Independence. |
“Tuesday 31st
Came home in the rain. Set out Umbrella China trees.”
January 31, 1865.
“24th Set out
31 peach trees, 6 pear trees, & 9 apple trees—Attended Funeral of Mrs. Smith Sister of Tillie Shannon.” December 24, 1883.
From the diary of
Baylor President
William Carey Crane.
The Texas Collection,
Baylor University.
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| Restored stone kitchen at the Antique Rose Emporium. |
As early as the 1850s, commercial nurseries offered a wide variety of plants and trees, and many residents took an interest in the plantings on their properties. These historic associations appealed to Mike and Jean Shoup when they were selecting a location for their eight-acre garden center in 1984.
The impressive McKnight-Hairston House, a two-story stone house with expansive wooden porches, stood on this property for over a century. Both the McKnight and Hairston families were early residents in Independence. The L-shaped house was located just across the road from Baylor University’s Male Campus. A number of outbuildings completed the complex including a detached kitchen, smokehouse, milk house, corncrib, and barn.
Privately Owned
When the Shoups acquired the property, ruins of the stone kitchen were the only remaining evidence of the early structures. Today, the restored kitchen is the centerpiece of the Antique Rose Emporium. Other buildings have been moved to the site or built to complement the historic setting. |
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“Treasures and Trellis” is a circa 1850 classical cottage that was moved from Cat Spring—35 miles south of Independence. |
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The Antique Rose Emporium is a great place to visit and wander about the gardens and buildings any time of the year.
Location |
Highway 50, south side of Independence |
| Hours: |
Monday-Friday: 9 am–5:30 pm
Sunday: 10 am–5:30 pm
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| Phone: |
979-836-5548 |
| Mailing address: |
9300 Lueckemeyer Road, Brenham, Texas 77833 |
| Website: |
AntiqueRoseEmporium.com |
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Find where this site is located on our Independence Map.
Return to TOURING INDEPENDENCE to see other historic sites.
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