The Walsh-Osterhoudt House is among the oldest residential structures
remaining in Davie and is significant because it was built during
the early agricultural development of western Broward County. The
main part of the house appears much the same today as it did when
it was built. Later additions such as a sun room, kitchen wing and
back portion were added throughout the years 2004 to 2008.
| Osterhoudt Sisters |
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| Moving the house unto the museum property |
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| 1930’s |
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On Saturday, December 4, 2004, the former home of Colonel Charles
A. & Katherine M. Walsh (1912-1932) and the Bud & Betty Osterhoudt
family (1958-2004) began the journey from its original site at 6880
Griffin Road to the site of the Old Davie School to save it from demolition.
Its original site had been purchased for a new housing development.
The four Osterhoudt daughters made it a condition of the land sale
that Jordan and Harold Klemow of Klemow, Inc. (the developer) would
sponsor the relocation of the house and the Osterhoudts would donate
the house to the Town of Davie for the Davie School Foundation's collection.
This was made possible by funds raised by the Davie Historical Society
and a $41,250 historic preservation grant from Broward County.
The house was built for Colonel Charles A. Walsh and his wife,
Katherine, c.1912. The Walshes moved to Davie around that time and
Charles became President of Wacico Groves Corporation, the developer
of the pioneer Everglades orange. Katherine was the organizer and
first president of the Broward County Federation of Women's Clubs
and the first president of the County Welfare Board. She was also
the sister of Davie pioneer Helen Viele, who with her husband Harry,
owned and operated Viele Groves. The Walshes also helped to organize
the Davie Community Church (1916).
| New roof courtesy of a Broward County grant |
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The Walshes occupied the home until 1932 (both died that year). Then
in 1955 the residence was bought by the Osterhoudt family. The Osterhoudt
family is important to the Old Davie School because Betty Osterhoudt
taught first grade there for 25 years. She had lived within walking
distance of the school throughout her career until she retired in
1976. After her retirement, Betty served as a docent and was the acting
school teacher for the school tours when the school reopened as a
museum in 1997.
| First Baptist Church members help out |
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