U.S. Post Office
a.k.a. Hillsboro City Library
118 S. Waco St., Hillsboro, TXThe Renaissance Revival City Library is architecturally one of the most sophisticated structures in Hillsboro. Designed by architect James K. Taylor, the structure's form appears to be related to McKim, Mead, and White's Boston Public Library of 1888-92, and Florence's Foundling Hospital, built in 1914. Other Texas cities such as Plainview, Temple, and Huntsville possess similar post office buildings. As both the post office and library, the ornate Hillsboro building has served major governmental and educational needs in the community.
The lot that the building occupies was the site of the city's first fire department, founded in 1883 and officially organized in 1885. Although the property was purchased by the government in 1910, actual work did not begin until 1912. After continuous operation through the 20th century and increasing service demands, the Post Office constructed a new building on West Franklin Street in 1967. On February 14, 1968, the City of Hillsboro gained possession of the building and selected architect William Chambe of the firm of Rucker and Chambe in Temple to draft exterior restoration plans. Renovation of the interior was begun a year later. Dedicated in 1971, the newly restored library has continued to serve local civic, cultural, and educational needs.
Bibliography
Hillsboro Mirror, January 13, 1965.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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.