2202 Decatur

In 1888 Louis Kolbe bought 2 lots on the NW corner of Decatur and Hemphill, and in 1888 or 1889 he built the five-bay center hall Folk Victorian cottage now at 2202 Decatur on lot 6.  For many years the address was 2204 Decatur.  Louis Kolbe's parents were German immigrants who were among the earliest settlers in a large German farming community in what is now Spring Branch, and in the 1880 census Louis is 22 and is living with his parents on the farm.  In 1886 he married Miss Mary Frey.  In 1880 she was living with her parents and 4 siblings in Ashland Co., Ohio.  Her parents were German immigrants, and her father was a stone mason.  In about 1890 they moved to Houston.  Her father George Frey, Sr. bought lot 5 from his son-in-law and in about 1891 built the house at 2204 Decatur (for many years the address was 2208).

Once he left the farm Louis Kolbe made his living in Houston as a clerk.  He and his wife sold 2202 Decatur in 1913 and moved to the Heights.  In 1915 they are living at 1037 Boulevard.

In 1939 Paul Colletti, an Italian immigrant and shoemaker, bought 2202 Decatur.  He lived for many years at 2112 Lubbock and owned several houses in the Sixth Ward which he maintained as rental property.  2202 Decatur was sold by Colletti descendants in 1978.

For additional historical details click here.