Denby Building
201 W. Crawford St., Palestine, TXThe Denby Building is a two-part commercial block built in the early 1930s. It is a good example of early 20th century commercial architecture in Palestine. It is nominated to the National Register under Criterion C as an outstanding example of 1930s commercial architecture in downtown Palestine.
The Denby Building is the best and most substantial example of Palestine's more subdued, utilitarian early 20th century commercial architectural design. This modest 2-part commercial block represents the trend away from Palestine's elaborate, turn-of-the-century commercial buildings, which display ornate Italianate, Romanesque Revival, and Queen Anne storefronts. Significant at the local level in the area of Architecture, the Denby Building relates to the broader context of Community and Regional Development of Palestine, Texas: 1846-1945 and illustrates early 20th century commercial development within the city's central business district. The Denby Building is nominated to the National Register under Criterion C as an outstanding example of 1930s commercial architecture in downtown Palestine.
Prominent local architect Theodore S. Maffitt designed the Denby Building, which was constructed about 1935. The building's longest association was with the Denby Furnimre Store, which began occupying the space at the time of construction and remained in the building through the 1950s. During the 1950s the facade was covered with aluminum, but recently this was removed to restore its original appearance. Built near the end of the railroad boom and at a time when the oil industry was producing new jobs and increased growth in Palestine, the Denby Building is one of the best-preserved commercial properties in downtown Palestine. Prior to the 1960s, the city's central business district, like many in Texas, was remarkably intact, but the increased popularity of automobiles contributed to greater decentralization of retail shopping patterns. Land in the outskirts of town was cheaper and there was ample room for parking. As a result, Palestine's downtown, with higher property values and more crowded conditions, was adversely affected by these developments. Property owners often tried to lure customers back to the downtown area by making their buildings appear more "modern," often covering the historic fabric of their buildings with false metal fronts or stucco. Such efforts generally proved futile and many historic commercial buildings deteriorated with time due to neglect, diminished use, and/or fire, all of which combined to greatly diminish the downtown's historic character. This decline spurred the City to participate in the Texas Main Street Project which has generated renewed interest in this area and its buildings. Several restoration projects have been successfully completed; one of the most successful has been that of the Denby Building.
Local significance of the building:
Prominent local architect Theodore S. Maffitt designed the Denby Building, which was constructed about 1935. The building's longest association was with the Denby Furnimre Store, which began occupying the space at the time of construction and remained in the building through the 1950s. During the 1950s the facade was covered with aluminum, but recently this was removed to restore its original appearance. Built near the end of the railroad boom and at a time when the oil industry was producing new jobs and increased growth in Palestine, the Denby Building is one of the best-preserved commercial properties in downtown Palestine. Prior to the 1960s, the city's central business district, like many in Texas, was remarkably intact, but the increased popularity of automobiles contributed to greater decentralization of retail shopping patterns. Land in the outskirts of town was cheaper and there was ample room for parking. As a result, Palestine's downtown, with higher property values and more crowded conditions, was adversely affected by these developments. Property owners often tried to lure customers back to the downtown area by making their buildings appear more "modern," often covering the historic fabric of their buildings with false metal fronts or stucco. Such efforts generally proved futile and many historic commercial buildings deteriorated with time due to neglect, diminished use, and/or fire, all of which combined to greatly diminish the downtown's historic character. This decline spurred the City to participate in the Texas Main Street Project which has generated renewed interest in this area and its buildings. Several restoration projects have been successfully completed; one of the most successful has been that of the Denby Building.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
About Anderson County
Anderson County Timeline
Anderson County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1846 and was named after Kenneth L. Anderson, a veteran of the Texas Revolution. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.
The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.
Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.
The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.
Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Anderson County, Texas.
- 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
- Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
- Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
- 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
- Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
- 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.