Leon & H. Blum Building

Leon and H. Blum Building. Leon and H. Blum, "Importers of and Wholesale Dealers in Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, Hats, Boots and Shoes, Notions, etc.", was founded by Alexander and Leon Blum in 1858 under the firm name of A. Blum and Bro. In 1865 the firm was reorganized and the name changed to Leon and H. Blum with partners Leon, Hyman and Sylvain Blum., Under the leadership of Leon Blum, known far and wide as the "Merchant Prince of Texas," the firm prospered and in its most successful years did a business of $5,000,000 per annum serving Texas, Mexico, and the Territories with offices in Galveston, New York, and Paris, France., In the disastrous fire of June 9, 1877, the Leon and H. Blum four story establishment on the northeast corner of 22nd and Strand burned down. In 1879, this imposing building on Mechanic Street, designed by architect Eugene Heiner for Leon and H. Blum, was erected as their new place of business. The original building was 120 feet square at the corner of 24th and Mechanic. Additions to the east in 1882 and 1884 gave it its present dimensions, as pictured here., It is a three story building stuccoed and scored to resemble stone, with ornamental facings, cornice and trimmings as well as a first floor arcade. In the composite style it is a fine example of late 19th century commercial architecture., In 1882 the Leon and H. Blum Land Company was incorporated with Leon Blum as president; Sylvain Blum, vice president; and A. Ferrier, secretary and treasurer, with offices in this building. The company had land for sale in 150 counties in Texas. On March 26, 1896, Leon and H. Blum, wholesalers, filed for bankruptcy and went out of business. The business was then sold to Mistrot Bros. and Co., also a wholesale dry goods firm, which occupied the building from 1896 to 1917., The building was sold in 1923 to The Galveston Tribune, an afternoon daily newspaper. The Tribune was published here until 1926 when the paper and property were sold to the News Publishing Co., publishers of The Galveston Daily News., In 1981 George and Cynthia Mitchell purchased the building from the Revolving Fund of the Galveston Historical Foundation. In 1985 they completed restoration and renovation of the building as the elegant Tremont House and opened with a gala Mardi Gras celebration. The mansard roof was added to allow a fourth floor for the hotel and to recapture the roof configuration depicted in early engravings., The Tremont House is beautifully done in the tradition of the old Tremont Houses. These formerly stood on Tremont Street at Postoffice and Church Streets, and were the epitome of fine hotels and famous for their distinctive appointments and excellent cuisine.