Martin-Lowe House
507 W. Fifth, Clarendon, TXThe Martin-Lowe House was built in 1904 by F. D. Martin. His wife Nellie S. Martin owned a very fine mercantile store and was energetic in civic activities. Also, he and his wife added much to the musical and social life of the community. In 1926 R. H. Muir, Sr. sold the house to S. W. Lowe and wife Lilac, and this was to be the Lowes' home for the next fifty-six years. This Queen Anne structure, with the Lowe family as the occupants, weaves a well-established social and civic fabric in Clarendon's heritage. Many factors add to the elaborate texture of the Martin-Lowe House, and each occupying family (Martins, Calhouns, Muirs, and Lowes) added to the historic significance of the structure.
On April 30, 1904, the Clarendon Chronicle carried an item in its Local and Personal Column stating that "F. D. Martin will begin the erection of a handsome residence in south-west Clarendon in the coming week."1 On July 20, 1904, another news item appeared which stated that "the new residence of F. D. Martin was well underway and would make quite a showing when completed."2 The Martins, natives of Tennessee, owned a very fine mercantile store which advertised tailor-made suits, real Valencia lace handkerchiefs, and linen and Battenberg material.3 The Martins were most sympathetic to the arts. Clarendon was proud to have an opera house during this era, and "it is said that many times the female singers would dress at the Martin house for the performance."
The Martin House was acquired in 1910 by San Antonio rancher John M. Calhoun and his wife Annie Moss, who used the structure as a summer residence. R. H. Muir, a rancher, cattle buyer, and inspector, bought the house four years later, continuing the tie with ranching, the key industry of the region.
S. W. Lowe and his wife Lilac bought the Martin-Lowe House in 1926 and lived there for fifty-six years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lowe first lived in south Texas, although after they finished college and were married they came to this area. Mr. Lowe was Dean of Goodnight Baptist College, which was located about 20 miles northwest of Clarendon. Mrs. Lowe served as matron in charge of the girls' dormitory. They then moved to Clarendon where he became the high school principal. In 1919 Mr. Lowe decided to go into the grocery business and did this for twenty years. He served three terms as judge of Donley County. The Lowes were active in the First Baptist Church, where Mr. Lowe served as a deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent for twenty years taught a class for over fifty years, and was an active lay preacher. Mrs. Lowe taught the beginners' Sunday School class for over forty years.
During the fifty-six years that the Lowe family lived in the present house, they opened their doors for district and local church affairs, receptions for visiting dignitaries, club meetings, weddings, and funerals. Mr. Lowe died in 1968 and Mrs. Lowe in 1982. Clarendon in 1904 was very much a frontier of American culture and arts. It is hoped that the restoration of this fine historic house will help preserve a feeling of the times for future generations.
Local significance of the building:
On April 30, 1904, the Clarendon Chronicle carried an item in its Local and Personal Column stating that "F. D. Martin will begin the erection of a handsome residence in south-west Clarendon in the coming week."1 On July 20, 1904, another news item appeared which stated that "the new residence of F. D. Martin was well underway and would make quite a showing when completed."2 The Martins, natives of Tennessee, owned a very fine mercantile store which advertised tailor-made suits, real Valencia lace handkerchiefs, and linen and Battenberg material.3 The Martins were most sympathetic to the arts. Clarendon was proud to have an opera house during this era, and "it is said that many times the female singers would dress at the Martin house for the performance."
The Martin House was acquired in 1910 by San Antonio rancher John M. Calhoun and his wife Annie Moss, who used the structure as a summer residence. R. H. Muir, a rancher, cattle buyer, and inspector, bought the house four years later, continuing the tie with ranching, the key industry of the region.
S. W. Lowe and his wife Lilac bought the Martin-Lowe House in 1926 and lived there for fifty-six years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lowe first lived in south Texas, although after they finished college and were married they came to this area. Mr. Lowe was Dean of Goodnight Baptist College, which was located about 20 miles northwest of Clarendon. Mrs. Lowe served as matron in charge of the girls' dormitory. They then moved to Clarendon where he became the high school principal. In 1919 Mr. Lowe decided to go into the grocery business and did this for twenty years. He served three terms as judge of Donley County. The Lowes were active in the First Baptist Church, where Mr. Lowe served as a deacon, and Sunday School Superintendent for twenty years taught a class for over fifty years, and was an active lay preacher. Mrs. Lowe taught the beginners' Sunday School class for over forty years.
During the fifty-six years that the Lowe family lived in the present house, they opened their doors for district and local church affairs, receptions for visiting dignitaries, club meetings, weddings, and funerals. Mr. Lowe died in 1968 and Mrs. Lowe in 1982. Clarendon in 1904 was very much a frontier of American culture and arts. It is hoped that the restoration of this fine historic house will help preserve a feeling of the times for future generations.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Loading...
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
About Donley County
Donley County Timeline
Donley County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. The first European explorers, including Spanish conquistadors, began to explore the region in the 1500s.
In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.
The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.
However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.
Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.
In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.
The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.
However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.
Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.
Donley County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Donley County, Texas.
- 1876: Donley County is formally established on August 21, with Clarendon as its county seat.
- 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is constructed through Donley County, bringing economic growth and improved transportation.
- 1890: The population of Donley County reaches its peak with over 8,000 residents.
- 1908: The first courthouse is built in Clarendon, but it is later destroyed by a fire in 1909.
- 1910: A new courthouse is constructed to replace the one destroyed by fire, which still stands today.
- 1930s: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impact Donley County, causing economic hardships and population decline.
- 1947: The Greenbelt Reservoir is completed, providing a reliable water source for the county's agriculture and livestock industries.
- 1950s-1960s: The construction of Interstate 40 through Donley County improves transportation and spurs economic development.
- 1980s-present: Donley County faces challenges of modernization, including technological advancements and changes in the agricultural industry.