Historic Plaque, White Elephant Saloon (Blach Building)

Photograph of a historic plaque in Albany, Texas. It reads: "White Elephant Saloon (Blach Building). The land on this site, Lot 9, Block 3 of the original town plat of Albany, was purchased in 1882 by noted local restauranteur Charles Hartfield. He planned to build a restaurant next door, and the pending establishment was much anticipated by local diners. Shortly before his death in 1884, Hartfield sold the lot to Alabama businessman Max Blach. Blach was vice-president of the Albany Water Company. He and partner N. H. Burns brought a system of running water to the town in 1884. Blach began construction on this one-story native stone structure in March 1884. The building was completed in April and leased to J. R. Davis, who put it to its most infamous use. The White Elephant Saloon opened for business on May 1, 1884. Among its instantly popular features was a white elephant display which was removed from the rooftop early in the establishments heyday. The perpetrators were believed to be citizens who disapproved of the saloon's raucous business. Despite its popularity, Davis announced his intent to close the saloon in February 1886. The Blach building soon was leased to W. M. …
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

[Historical Marker: John Richard Winters (January 23, 1908 - August 11, 1997)]

Photograph of a historic marker for John Richard Winters (January 23, 1908 - August 11, 1997) in Palo Pinto, Texas. Text: Tax-Assessor-Collector for Palo Pinto County from January 1, 1947 to March 31, 1987. Longest tenured Tax Assessor in the State of Texas at the time of his retirement. Active participant in civic affairs and community projects throughout the county: Sea Scout Troop Leader; President of the Mineral Wells Junior Chamber of Commerce; Charter member, Captain and Secretary of Palo Pinto County's Sheriff's Posse; Secretary of Palo Pinto County Livestock Association and its FFA-4H Club Junior Livestock Show; Palo Pinto Masonic Lodge; Mineral Wells Masonic Lodge; Old Settlers Reunion. President of Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas in 1862. Retired from U. S. Army as Chief Warrant Officer after 21 years of service in Europe in World War II and active reserves. Instrumental in County Contribution to state-wide screw worm eradication program; re-introduction of wild turkeys into Palo Pinto County; publication of Palo Pinto County History Books; Centennial Celebration; Erection of Historical Markers in Palo Pinto County. Remembered for his untiring efforts to promote Palo Pinto County and Improve the quality of life for all its residents throughout his 89 year …
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Jackson Warehouse, Albany

Photograph of the Jackson Warehouse in Albany, Texas. It is a one story wooden building, with a car parked in front.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Memorial - Texas Civil War Frontier Defense 1861 -1865

Photograph of a Civil War memorial in Breckenridge, Texas. It reads: "Texas Civil War Frontier Defense (1861 - 1865). Texas made an all-out effort for the Confederacy after voting over 3 to 1 for secession. 90,000 troops, noted for mobility and heroic daring, fought on every battlefront. An important source of supply and gateway to foreign trade thru Mexico, Texas was the storehouse of the south. Camp Breckenridge and other posts on this line were backed by patrols of state rangers, organized militia, and citizens posses scouting from nearby "family forts". This was part of a 2000 mile frontier and coastline successfully defended by Texans."
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Memorial to Williams, Dyess, and Grantham

Photograph of a memorial to Lt. General Robert Boyd Williams (1901-1977), Lt. Colonel William Edwin Dyess (1915-19430, and Rear Admiral Emery Arden Grantham (1914-1998) in Albany, Texas. Note: After consulting official records, it was determined that Rear Admiral Emery Arden Grantham's name is misspelled on the memorial. The proper spelling of his given name is Emery, not Emory as indicated on the memorial.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Miniature oil derrick on the grounds of the Shackelford County Courthouse

Miniature oil derrick on the grounds of the Shackelford County Courthouse.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Monument to Ledbetter Salt Works

Granite monument. "Ledbetter Salt Works C. S. A. Located 8 mi. southwest on Salt Prong. Hubbard Creek, discovered 1861 by trail drivers. W. H. Ledbetter began extensive development of deposits in 1862. With increased Civil War demand for salt, a large furnace was built, kettles and materials for refining were brought from East Texas by wagon. Salt in large quantities was furnished Confederate troops west of the Mississippi, State Militia, area ranches and towns. Smoking or salting were only ways to preserve meat. When South levied a meat tithe, salt vital to cure bacon for military"
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Mural in Breckenridge

Mural in Breckenridge. Displays local businesses: Bender's Drugs, Thompson Furniture Company, Kings Chocolates, Star Drug Store.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Mural in Weatherford - Parker County Peach Festival, July 8, 2006

Mural in Weatherford - "Parker County Peach Festival, July 8, 2006", near the courthouse square.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Mural - Spirit of the Buckaroos, Breckenridge football

Mural - Spirit of the Buckaroos, Breckenridge football
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Palo Pinto County Courthouse

Palo Pinto County Courthouse, built 1940, architects Preston M. Geren and M. A. Howell.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Parker County Courthouse

Parker County Courthouse, built 1885 by architects Dodson & Dudley.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Parker County Courthouse

Parker County Courthouse, built 1885, architects Dodson & Dudley
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Parker County Courthouse

Parker County Courthouse, built 1885, architects Dodson & Dudley.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Parker County Courthouse, detail of windows.

Parker County Courthouse, detail of windows. Parker County Courthouse, Weatherford, built 1885, architects Dodson & Dudley
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Shackelford County Courthouse

Shackelford County Courthouse, erected 1883, architect J. E. Flanders
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Shackelford County Courthouse

Shackelford County Courthouse, constructed 1883, architect J.E. Flanders.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Shackelford County Courthouse

The Shackelford County Courthouse, constructed in 1883 by architect J.E. Flanders.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Sinclair Gasoline building, Albany

Sinclair Gasoline building, Albany. Sign says it is for sale or lease, this building has been restored to look like a old style gas station.
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Stephens County Courthouse

Stephens County Courthouse, built 1926, architect David S. Castle
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Stephens County Courthouse, detail of window

Stephens County Courthouse, detail of window, engraved "Justinian".
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Stephens County Courthouse, detail of window "Moses"

Stephens County Courthouse, detail of window "Moses"
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Stephens County Courthouse, Historic Plaque

Stephens County Courthouse. Stephens County's first courthouse, erected in 1872, was a small pine building with desks for county officials lining the walls. In 1883, a new three-story red stone courthouse with a tower replaced the original structure. Discover of oil in Breckenridge in the 1920s resulted in a dramatic increase in population that led to the need for a larger courthouse and jail. Voters approved a bond in June 1924 to build a new courthouse and architect David S. Castle of Abilene designed the building constructed in 1926. Although not occupied until December 1926, a grand dedication ceremony was held here on July 4, 1926. The porch and sandstone entryway from teh 1883 courthouse were retained and are located at the southeast end of the square. During the depression of the 1930s, the courthouse became a financial burden and was refinanced. The last payment was made in 1962, thirty-six years after its completion. The four-story Stephens County Courthouse is a fine local example of the classical revival style and features limestone construction, arched entry doors and monumental primary entry stairs rising to triple arched entry doors, with ten columns above. (1997).
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History

Texas Cattle Trail Monument, Albany

Monument to the Texas Cattle Trails, shaped like a longhorn. "Texas Cattle Trails to Dodge City, Kansas and other Northern points, 1875-1890."
Date: April 14, 2006
Creator: Belden, Dreanna L.
System: The Portal to Texas History