Black, E. B., House
508 W. 3rd St., Hereford, TXThe E. B. Black House, built in 1909 by Emmett Vanderbugh, is a good example of late Victorian architecture with the advent of the Colonial Revival influence, as interpreted in the Texas Panhandle. E. B. Black's residence at 508 W. 3rd St. was built only ten years after Hereford was named and four years after its incorporation. As one of the town's earliest civic and commercial leaders, Mr. Black was president of the Hereford Commercial Club (a forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce), and was mayor of Hereford from 1932 to 1934.
He was instrumental in the creation of the Hereford Independent School District and the Central School and sponsored the construction of the first high school. He was also a leader in the First Methodist Church, where he was Superintendent of the Sunday School for thirty years. The Black home was planned to accommodate guests for church and community social gatherings. As one of the few large homes in Hereford, it was used frequently for these purposes.
While Deaf Smith County was created out of the Bexar Territory in 1876, settlement and growth didn't occur for another 20 years. When the Santa Fe Railroad crossed southeastern Deaf Smith County, residents of the county seat, La Plata, voted to move the townsite to the railroad. The new town was called Bluewater until it was learned that there was already a town by that name in the state. The name was then changed to Hereford after the cattle grazing the adjoining prairies.
E. B. Black, born in Russell County, Alabama in 1866, moved to Texas in 1882 and eventually settled in Cleburne. He moved to Hereford in 1901 and established his furniture store and undertaking business, E. B. Black Company. Mr. Black served on the school board as early as 1904. The first high school he sponsored in 1926 is now part of Stanton Jr. High School.
Following Mr. Black's death in 1945, the house and its furnishings remained in the family until 1976. At this time the house and furnishings were deeded to the Deaf Smith County Commissioners Court to be managed and maintained by the Deaf Smith County Historical Society, Inc.
The house will be used as an adjunct to the Deaf Smith County Museum after restoration has been completed. Receptions, club meetings, and teas will be held in the first floor rooms, and the house will be used by homemaking and building trades classes in the public schools. It will be open to the public on specified days for viewing.
Local significance of the building:
He was instrumental in the creation of the Hereford Independent School District and the Central School and sponsored the construction of the first high school. He was also a leader in the First Methodist Church, where he was Superintendent of the Sunday School for thirty years. The Black home was planned to accommodate guests for church and community social gatherings. As one of the few large homes in Hereford, it was used frequently for these purposes.
While Deaf Smith County was created out of the Bexar Territory in 1876, settlement and growth didn't occur for another 20 years. When the Santa Fe Railroad crossed southeastern Deaf Smith County, residents of the county seat, La Plata, voted to move the townsite to the railroad. The new town was called Bluewater until it was learned that there was already a town by that name in the state. The name was then changed to Hereford after the cattle grazing the adjoining prairies.
E. B. Black, born in Russell County, Alabama in 1866, moved to Texas in 1882 and eventually settled in Cleburne. He moved to Hereford in 1901 and established his furniture store and undertaking business, E. B. Black Company. Mr. Black served on the school board as early as 1904. The first high school he sponsored in 1926 is now part of Stanton Jr. High School.
Following Mr. Black's death in 1945, the house and its furnishings remained in the family until 1976. At this time the house and furnishings were deeded to the Deaf Smith County Commissioners Court to be managed and maintained by the Deaf Smith County Historical Society, Inc.
The house will be used as an adjunct to the Deaf Smith County Museum after restoration has been completed. Receptions, club meetings, and teas will be held in the first floor rooms, and the house will be used by homemaking and building trades classes in the public schools. It will be open to the public on specified days for viewing.
Commerce; Education; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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 Deaf Smith County
Deaf Smith County Timeline
Deaf Smith County, located in the Panhandle of Texas, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche. However, after the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the region, leading to conflict with the native populations.
In 1876, the Texas Legislature established Deaf Smith County, named after Erastus "Deaf" Smith, a deaf mute scout and hero of the Texas Revolution. The county was officially organized in 1890 with the town of Hereford serving as the county seat. Agriculture quickly became the dominant industry, with cattle ranching and farming driving the local economy.
The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further spurred growth in Deaf Smith County. It opened up new markets and opportunities for farmers and ranchers to transport their goods. The population grew steadily, and new towns and communities were established throughout the area.
In the 20th century, Deaf Smith County faced a series of challenges, including the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and the Great Depression. However, the county survived and rebounded with the help of federal programs and initiatives. Today, the economy of Deaf Smith County is diversified, with agriculture, manufacturing, and retail sectors contributing to its prosperity. The county's rich history and resilient spirit continue to shape its identity and pave the way for a promising future.
In 1876, the Texas Legislature established Deaf Smith County, named after Erastus "Deaf" Smith, a deaf mute scout and hero of the Texas Revolution. The county was officially organized in 1890 with the town of Hereford serving as the county seat. Agriculture quickly became the dominant industry, with cattle ranching and farming driving the local economy.
The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further spurred growth in Deaf Smith County. It opened up new markets and opportunities for farmers and ranchers to transport their goods. The population grew steadily, and new towns and communities were established throughout the area.
In the 20th century, Deaf Smith County faced a series of challenges, including the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and the Great Depression. However, the county survived and rebounded with the help of federal programs and initiatives. Today, the economy of Deaf Smith County is diversified, with agriculture, manufacturing, and retail sectors contributing to its prosperity. The county's rich history and resilient spirit continue to shape its identity and pave the way for a promising future.
Deaf Smith County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Deaf Smith County, Texas.
- 1838 - Josiah Hughes Bell settles in the area, becoming the first English-speaking settler in what is now Deaf Smith County
- 1874 - The Texas Legislature officially establishes Deaf Smith County
- 1881 - The town of Hereford is founded as the county seat
- 1913 - The county experiences a major oil and gas boom, leading to rapid growth and economic prosperity
- 1929 - The Great Depression hits, causing significant economic hardship in the county
- 1935 - The Works Progress Administration (WPA) builds Palo Duro High School, the first high school in Deaf Smith County
- 1955 - Pantex, a nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility, is established in the county, becoming a major employer and economic driver
- 1969 - The Deaf Smith County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history
- 1995 - The Hereford Independent School District constructs a new high school building
- 2017 - Deaf Smith County celebrates its 143rd anniversary