Ruth Lester Memorial House

Historic Lodging and Event Rentals in Jefferson, Texas

Located at 211 Henderson Street in historic Jefferson, Texas, the Ruth Lester Memorial House offers a distinctive lodging experience connected to the history and hospitality of the Excelsior House Hotel. Guests may reserve the private upstairs accommodations, which include two bedrooms, one shared bathroom, and sleeping space for up to four guests. The historic property is also available by arrangement for tours, small meetings, photography sessions, bridal gatherings, and approved special events.

Stay at the Ruth Lester Memorial House

The private upstairs lodging area includes two bedrooms and one shared bathroom. One bedroom is furnished with one double bed, while the second bedroom includes two twin beds. The accommodations can host up to four guests and are reserved together as one private lodging unit.

The History of the Ruth Lester Memorial House

The Nesmith Residence

The Ruth Lester Memorial House in Jefferson, Texas, has a long and varied history. The house was built around 1860 by Robert W. Nesmith, a contractor associated with regional stage lines.

Convent, Hospital, and School

In 1869, the property was purchased by the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and used as a convent, hospital, and St. Mary’s Private School. Father Jean Marie Giraud, who arrived in Jefferson in 1867, purchased the residence with $6,000 provided by his diocese in France.

Father Giraud established the private school for local parishioners after six nuns from St. Louis, Missouri, agreed to operate the school and hospital. The sisters traveled down the Mississippi River, entered the Red River, and continued to Shreveport, Louisiana. From there, they traveled by train to Marshall, Texas, and then by stagecoach to Jefferson.

After a five-day journey, the sisters arrived before the convent was ready for occupancy. They spent two nights at the Excelsior House Hotel, which had been established in 1858. St. Mary’s opened three days later, and the sisters operated the school from 1869 until 1875.

Jefferson’s Jewish Community

In 1875, the property was acquired by the Sinai Hebrew Congregation of Jefferson and became the home of Rabbi Aaron Suhler. In 1876, Rabbi Suhler and the congregation constructed an adjoining synagogue on the property.

The synagogue served Jefferson’s Jewish community until the early 1950s. As the congregation declined and members moved away, the synagogue was eventually deconsecrated and rented for secular uses.

The Garden Club and Diamond Bessie

On April 22 and 23, 1955, the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club, founded in 1939, presented the first performances of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial in the former synagogue.

The Garden Club purchased the property and both historic structures in 1966. The former synagogue later became known as the Jefferson Playhouse and continues to serve as the performance home of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial.

The Ruth Lester Memorial

Extensive renovations began in 1970, and the house was dedicated as the Ruth Lester Memorial in honor of Ruth Graham Lester, a longtime Garden Club member and an energetic advocate for Jefferson and historic preservation.

Today, the Ruth Lester Memorial House is part of the Excelsior Foundation’s continuing effort to preserve Jefferson’s historic properties. These properties include the Excelsior House Hotel, the Jay Gould Car, the Jefferson Playhouse, and the Ruth Lester Memorial House.

The Foundation maintains these historic landmarks so their architecture, stories, and cultural significance can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.

Meetings, Tours, and Special Uses

In addition to overnight accommodations, the Ruth Lester Memorial House is available by arrangement for tours, small group meetings, bridal gatherings, photography sessions, and other approved events. Meeting and event reservations are arranged separately from overnight stays, and access to downstairs rooms or the kitchen may be included depending on the approved use.

For tickets to tour the Ruth Lester Memorial House or to reserve it for small group meetings and approved events, call the Excelsior House Hotel at (903) 665-2513.