The purpose of the Friends of Lord-Higel House is to promote, restore, and sustain the local historic landmark known as the Lord-Higel House. The membership is also committed to educate the public about the pioneer era in Venice history through publications, events, and social gatherings in the community.

The Lord-Higel House is named for the first owner/builder (Joseph H. Lord) and the first resident/grove manager (George Higel). Restoration of this structure will create a venue for depicting the lives and times of the pioneer settlers of the Venice area. Local residents and visitors will learn about pioneer history and obtain information about other area attractions.

According to lumber invoices, the house was constructed in 1896. It was built on the highest ground of 90 acres purchased four years earlier by Joseph H. Lord to establish a citrus grove. Designed in the Queen Anne style, the two-story house was constructed of heart pine. In 1950 the house was moved and the wrap-around porch with support columns made of cypress was removed. It was also converted into a duplex at that time.

The house was converted back to a single family home in the 1990s and in 2005 was given to the City of Venice and moved again. This time to a lot on Granada Avenue where it will remain. Many original features remain and others will be replicated and restored, including the porch.

Your membership will help make the restoration complete.

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