Cain #3

242 Madison

242 Madison is a wood frame, L-plan Folk Victorian house. The double front doors with blue and red stained glass sit behind a gingerbread porch balustrade. A number of niches and porches add interest to this corner house.

In 1888, Rudolph F. and Hellen Voelcher signed a Deed of Trust with the San Antonio Real Estate Building and Loan Association to build a house on their lot at 242 Madison for $2100. The contract required that Thomas Carrico build the house from plans on file with the company. Mr. Voelcher was proprietor of Central Pharmacy at 202-204 West Commerce Street. Louis and Louise Schrader rented here from 1895 until 1900. There were other renters, including Alfred and Margaret Witte. Elise Groos bought the house from the Voelcher’s in 1904 and Dr. Cain bought it from her in 1907, after he sold his home at 234 Madison. He and Mrs. Cain lived at this address until about 1915, when Mrs. Cain is listed as a widow. She continued to reside at this address until around 1942. Since then the house had several changes of ownership and was divided into many small apartments. The current owner, Graham B. Knight, reduced the number of apartments to three in his renovation.

The King William Area, A History and Guide to the Houses, Mary V. Burkholder and Jessie N.M. Simpson; published by the King William Association, 2017