Colonial Dames Open Ximenez-Fatio House


The story of tourism 150 years ago in St. Augustine is
undergoing a transformation of sorts at the historic
Ximenez-Fatio House on Aviles Street, where mem-
bers of the Colonial Dames of Florida, who own the
fascinating old house, have recently completed an
exterior restoration.
The Colonial Dames have owned the Ximenez-Fatio
House since 1939, and since that time have endeavored
to show a way of life in St. Augustine 150 years ago, the
story of early tourism.
THE HISTORY OF THE Ximenez-Fatio House dates
to 1798. Andres Ximenez was the first owner, and the
structure, which later became a private boarding
house, was first used as a store and warehouse
downstairs, with a home upstairs.
One interesting point about the location, notes Mrs.
Norma Lockwood, chairman of the Dames' research
and restoration committee, is that it has always been
used as commercial property.
It became private boarding house in the late 1820's,
and the Dames are endeavoring now to "more ac-
curately depict a boarding house of the territorial
days." The period now being depicted is from the 1820's
to the 1840's, and the name Fatio comes from Louisa
Fatio, who operated it as a private boarding house.
THE PRIVATE BOARDING HOUSE of the
territorial days is open to the public three days a week
through Labor Day. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Inside the house, visitors will see the downstairs
parlor and handsome dining room furnished as they
might have been when Miss Fatio was innkeeper.
Upstairs, visitors will see her private living quarters
with a handsome bedroom suite and parlor opening
onto a balcony.
Two stories of L-shaped additions show individual
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thExplorer

Week Of
Sept. 28
Through
SOct. 4



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guest rooms, also furnished with period furniture as
they were for 19th century tourists to the old city.
Lovely gardens and a separate kitchen area complete
the most interesting tour.
THE DAMES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED in the Fatio
house restoration for the past 10 years undertaking
various sections of the old house as money became
available. The organization has been assisted in the


work by restoration consultants and the Historic St.
Atgustine Preservation Board to make the story of
ea-'ly tourism as accurate as possible.
"hey have also been awarded grants and con-
tributions to help pay for the restoration, including
funds from the Edyth Bush Charitable Fund, the Jessie
Ball duPont Educational, Religious and Charitable
Trust, the Barnett Bank of St. Augustine and the
Charles E. Merrill Trust.


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V1J7Rear View Of Ximenez-Fatio House Shows Guest

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