Frazier, Dr. Jacob Moore, House
a.k.a. #35
618 N. Wall, Belton, TXThe Frazier House is a good example of an evolutionary domestic design with a mixture of late Victorian and bungalow architectural elements. Contextually it relates to Community and Regional Development, specifically to the growth of the middle class in Belton during the peak years of the cotton boom and the consequential construction boom in modest residences. The house is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion c, significant in the area of Architecture, as an archetypal Arts & Crafts bungalow of the early 20th century.
The Frazier House is estimated to have been built (in its current configuration) between 1905 and 1915 for Dr. Jacob Moore Frazier. Frazier studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and moved to Belton with his wife Minnie in 1894. In addition to his private practice, he served as a physician for Baylor College for Women, a post that he held until 1936. Frazier also taught Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene at the college for many years.
The house consists of two stylistically different parts suggesting that the bungalow was built around an earlier house or that the builder incorporated old habits in the new design. The lower floor features typical late Victorian elements in the elongated windows with pedimented architraves. The upper story, with its spreading side gable, broad eaves, shaped brackets, and rafter tails, emulates the Arts & Crafts bungalow. This juxtaposition of styles suggests that the house was constructed in two phases: the lower portion was probably built sometime before the turn of the century and the porch and upper floor were most likely added sometime between 1905 and 1915. Despite its Victorian core, the Frazier House as altered is an excellent example of the Arts & Crafts style bungalow of the early century.
Local significance of the building:
The Frazier House is estimated to have been built (in its current configuration) between 1905 and 1915 for Dr. Jacob Moore Frazier. Frazier studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and moved to Belton with his wife Minnie in 1894. In addition to his private practice, he served as a physician for Baylor College for Women, a post that he held until 1936. Frazier also taught Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene at the college for many years.
The house consists of two stylistically different parts suggesting that the bungalow was built around an earlier house or that the builder incorporated old habits in the new design. The lower floor features typical late Victorian elements in the elongated windows with pedimented architraves. The upper story, with its spreading side gable, broad eaves, shaped brackets, and rafter tails, emulates the Arts & Crafts bungalow. This juxtaposition of styles suggests that the house was constructed in two phases: the lower portion was probably built sometime before the turn of the century and the porch and upper floor were most likely added sometime between 1905 and 1915. Despite its Victorian core, the Frazier House as altered is an excellent example of the Arts & Crafts style bungalow of the early century.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
About Bell County
Bell County Timeline
Bell County, located in central Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1850 by Thomas M. Bigham, who built a log cabin near the Lampasas River.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen