Hallettsville in Lavaca County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Lay-Bozka House

Photographed by Dave W, February 14, 2026

1. The Lay-Bozka House Marker

Inscription.
One of distinctive structures of 19th century Texas. Sometimes called the "Wedding Cake House". Built 1878-1882 by B. J. E. Dietz at cost of $4,750 for Dr. James E. Lay, local physician and Civil War veteran. The architect was Victor Hugo, a French diplomat. Native stone walls are 18 to 24 inches thick. Wood used was cypress. Mansard roof. Windows of variant designs and sizes. Owned and preserved since 1948 by former Mayor M. I. Bozka. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5369.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 29° 26.529′ N, 96° 56.855′ W. Marker is in Hallettsville, Texas, in Lavaca County. It is on Fairwinds Street east of Mulberry Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 Fairwinds St, Hallettsville TX 77964, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

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the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First National Bank of Hallettsville (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Kahn & Stanzel Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); 50th Anniversary of Battle of Galveston (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lavaca County Fallen Heroes (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hallettsville (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lavaca County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cole Theatre (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hallettsville.

Photographed by Dave W, February 14, 2026

2. The Lay-Bozka House Marker

Photographed by Dave W, February 14, 2026

3. The Lay-Bozka House Marker

Home from the original gate.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.