Norton-Orgain House
Main St., Salado, TXThe Norton-Orgain House, built about 1872, is an excellent example of the 19th-century vernacular I-house in central Texas. Contextually, it relates to Community and Regional Development in Texas and it is being nominated as an amendment to the Historic Resources of Salado (N.R. 1983) which consists of 18 other archeological sites and period buildings which comprise early Salado. It has a high degree of integrity and is an important part of a significant concentration of buildings that portray the ambiance of a pioneer Texas community. Thus, the house meets National Register Criterion C at the state level of significance as it embodies the distinctive characteristics of an I-house with transitional Victorian detailing found in early Texas. Its plan, siting, materials, and detailing are characteristic of this period.
The Norton-Orgain House is believed to have been constructed in 1871-72 by Mr. Edward R.A. Buckles, as property ownership records show a significant increase in the value of the property during this period. After a brief occupancy by Mr. Buckles, the property was purchased by Col. Nimrod Lindsay Norton (1830-1903) and his wife Mary, in the fall of 1873.
Col. Norton had come to Texas from Missouri in 1867 after distinguished Civil War service as a field staff officer for General Sterling Price and as an elected member of the Second Confederate Congress. After a brief stay in DeWitt County, Col. Norton and his wife came to Salado, which served as their home until the mid-1880s.
During this time in Salado, Col. Norton's accomplishments were many. In addition to significant contributions as a charter member of the local Grange and other local agricultural activities, Col. Norton was selected in 1879 by Gov. Oran Roberts to survey state-owned lands in northwest Texas that had been designated by the Legislature for sale to finance the construction of the new State Capitol building. Norton surveyed all or parts of Dallam, Hartley Oldham, Deaf Smith, Palmer, Castro, Bailey, Lamb, and Hockley counties in the Panhandle. This work, along with his letters describing the country, the camp life, and the flora and fauna, was partly responsible for the opening of the High Plains to settlement.
Upon completion of the survey work, Norton was called upon in 1880 to serve as a member of the Capitol Building Commission. This three-man commission had the duty to review designs and plans, select materials, and supervise the construction of the new Capitol. After local limestone was rejected for the exterior, a major controversy arose regarding the merits of Indiana limestone versus Texas granite for the finish material. col. Norton finally resolved the issue by donating the granite from a quarry in Burnet county (northwest of Austin) that he owned with W.H. Westfall and G.W. Lacey. To avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest associated with this donation, Norton resigned from the commission shortly after the donation. So significant were his contributions to the Capitol that the Texas Legislature passed a "resolution of gratitude" which stated "To col. Norton more than any other person, Texas is indebted for the magnificent structure that adorns Capitol Hill." The Legislature also offered col. Norton a free office in the Capitol, finished in 1888, for life.
Norton's duties and interests took him away from Salado, he sold the property to John (1829-?) and Kate Orgain in 1882. John was one of the founders of Salado College in 1859 and served as the county superintendent of schools. Kate was a prominent educator in the central Texas area for many years. She was the author and editor of several books that she used to teach at Salado College and at Salado's Thomas Arnold High School. Her Amasavuourian (Love of Knowing) Society encouraged education and cultural pursuits to Salado women. The couple's commitment to education and their settling in Salado reflects the importance of higher education to the development and growth of Salado.
The Norton-Orgain House is a fine example of a vernacular I-house as expressed in early Texas and in Salado. It is sited facing the old Goodnight cattle trail which ran through central Salado. Its proximity to the trail and orientation gave it a formal appearance to those passing by and also allowed natural cross ventilation from the prevailing southeasterly breezes. The center hall plan was typical of Texas homes, many of which evolved from dogtrot cabins.
The Norton-Orgain House has pleasantly proportioned windows and doors, similar in size, scale, and proportion to openings found on Greek Revival houses. The 2-story full-length gallery was reconstructed in 1990-1991 based on historic photographs. According to local folklore, the porch was removed in the early 20th century after a child fell to his death from the upper level. The elaborate turned columns on the second floor are probably not original, as the details, attached brackets and balustrades suggest the later Victorian/Eastlake period. The scale and proportion of the building, roof, windows, and doors are not Victorian. The Doric columns on the first level appear to have been added after the Victorian period. The retention of a full-length gallery and lack of classical detailing around the windows implies an attempt to update the house. This change may well have been in response to the popularity of the Colonial Revival style at the turn of the century in Texas, or to the strong Greek Revival character of many pioneer Salado homes. The house is constructed of materials widely available in Texas -- cypress (foundation posts and joists), oak, pine, and limestone.
The Norton-Orgain House is now an integral part of the properties included in the Historic Resources of Salado (NR 1983). Like most of the historic houses in Salado, Norton-Orgain House utilizes the L-plan with a symmetrical five-bay front and transitional detailing. Previously ineligible for inclusion in the multiple resource nomination due to its deteriorated condition and loss of integrity, it has been carefully restored inside and out, using extensive photo documentation, and is once again a representative example of local vernacular architecture. Its central location on Main Street makes the house highly visible to all who live in Salado and to the many who pass through. Its early ownership by three prominent Salado citizens, along with its familiarity with form and style make the Norton-Orgain House an integral part of the settlement and development of Salado as do the other members of the Historic Resources of Salado.
The present owner took advantage of the rehabilitation tax credit program and completed the renovation of the Norton-Orgain House in 1991. The Norton-Orgain House is the only building being nominated. The 2-story guest house was converted, during the 1990-91 renovation, from a garage (built in 1959) and is not being considered in this nomination.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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.