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The Anderson Farmstead

Originally Built in Midlothian, Texas, 1896

Home of SOCO Coffee House – Where Fresh Brews Mingle with Historic Charm and Warm Hospitality.

Originally located on the Anderson Farmstead in Midlothian, Texas, this charming old Victorian house was moved to Founders Row and fully refurbished, refreshed, and repurposed by skilled craftsmen who lovingly returned it to its original glory. The building boasts many fine features, such as a sweeping veranda, hardwood floors, hand-crafted wood features, high-peaked gables and dormers, and many more stately embellishments.

The Historic Anderson Farmstead from Midlothian built in 1896

History

Built in 1890

A news article published in Italy News Herald on its Fiftieth Anniversary, Dec. 15, 1939, stated, “The First Christian Church of Italy will be celebrating its fiftieth birthday next year. The Church has been serving the community in one way or another since 1890. However, according to other records, the group that formed the church began functioning as an organized body of worshipers as far back as 1875. At that time they met in the old community school house known as the “Buttermilk School House.” It was used as a school all week and served as a church meeting place for various denominations on Sunday.

More of the Story

When the South Italy school house was built the congregation carried on its work there and in 1890, transferred its activities to the building in Italy, Texas that has now been relocated to Founders Row in Midlothian, Texas. The building was completed the following year in 1891, and at that time, the church took the name, The First Christian Church of Italy, and was been known by that name until it moved to Founders Row and was shortened to The Old Church. Names of the original charter members include: the John Couch family, the Jim Couch family, the George Stroud family, the S. M. Dunlap family, the George Hamlett family, the Will Jennings family, the Willis Pruitt family, the Dr. A. B. Robuck family, the H. A. Erwin family and the Tom Johns family.

Source: Ellis County TXGenWeb. All Rights Reserved.

The tenant in The Old Church is

Wilson’s Seafood

Fresh Seafood and Cocktails

Wilson’s Seafood has its roots in the heritage of the late David C. Wilson, a renowned foodie and founder of David’s Seafood in Cedar Hill. Wilson’s Seafood will continue his legacy by serving the community and the delicious fare for which he was will known for.

Shawn & Suzanne Wilson

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Historic Photos

When John Penn Anderson drove the first nail into the Anderson Farmstead in 1896, he could never have imagined how far that moment would echo into the future. For decades, generations of Andersons were born and raised within its walls as the farm flourished. In time, industry transformed the area, and the old homestead grew quiet as younger generations sought their place in the modern world.

Now, the family’s legacy has come full circle. The stately farmhouse they once called home has been carefully relocated to Founders Row, where it has been meticulously restored for a vibrant new life. Its sweeping veranda, gleaming hardwood floors, hand-crafted woodwork, high-peaked gables, dormers, and other graceful details have been lovingly brought back to their former glory by skilled craftsmen dedicated to preserving their original character and charm.

The Move