History

Dressed up for Brunson Night Saloon Now Serves Art Current Board of Directors Lori An Gobert, President Bonnie Roberts, Vice President Pierce Arthur, Treasurer Diane Callen, Secretary Irene Spurrier Mary Bell Rogers Patrica Zeiger Kathy Salguero Carl Aeschbacher Pat Johnson, Exhibit Director Thomas Truchard, Gallery Administrator History of the Art Center Charles Brunson emigrated from Germany and started a saloon business here in Columbus in 1866. Brunson was doing so well that in 1891 he and his partner, Slutter built a two story building at 1014 Milam Street. Almost a hundred years later, in 1985, it was purchased by the Live Oak Art Club, and became the home of the Live Oak Center. It bears a Texas State Historic marker and a listing in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Cast iron columns and tall paneled doors have the typical proportion of Victorian era structures. Constructed of brick block ,it has cypress wood braced walls, heart pine floors with plaster interior walls.

Brunson Bar Scene Original Walnut Bar The original Eastlake walnut bar is installed in the rear gallery and is used to serve drinks and food during receptions. The back portion of the bar is currently being restored to complete the look of the original bar.

The Whiskey Warehouse- for Barrel Storage The Whiskey Warehouse The patio in the rear of the building is planted in Texas natives and is paved with bricks salvaged from nearby demolished structures. In the back corner of the patio sits the Whiskey Warehouse, the storage room for the original saloon. It's the oldest outbuilding in Columbus. With a decorative brick border and original wooden doors it adds shade and privacy to the enclosed courtyard. With generous donations from the Nesbitt Memorial Trust the patio was landscaped and fenced in 2005. With the addition of an outside stairway the building is on the way to having a second story available for community use.