Aber and Haberle Houses
823 and 833 S. Bolton St., Jacksonville, TXSited adjacent to one another, the Aber and Haberle houses are related both architecturally and historically. As a pair of Queen Anne/Eastlake residences, the two structures form an impressive ensemble, with fine ornamental detailing in wood and brick. Erected by brothers-in-law, the houses are associated with two of the most prominent businessmen in turn-of-the-century Jacksonville, whose brickyard and lumber mill interests are reflected in the construction of the houses.
The two houses erected by Edgar Aber and his brother-in-law Frederick Haberle represent the apogee of house construction in 19th-century Jacksonville, Texas. Brick residences are not common in this east Texas community, and the proximity and similarities of the two houses make them even more unusual and significant. The popularity of Queen Anne/Eastlake mode of residential design in Jacksonville is reflected by the William Walter Newton House of 1902, listed on the Register in 1982. The impressive character of the Aber and Haberle houses stems, in large part, from the nature of the careers of their builders, Edgar Aber and Frederick Haberle.
Edgar Aber, a native of Seneca, New York, moved to Texas in 1879 from Michigan, where he was active in furniture manufacturing. He first settled in Troup, Texas, and operated a sawmill there. After a brief stay in Topeka, Kansas, Aber moved to Jacksonville. Aber's business in Jacksonville centered around the manufacture of building materials, most notably bricks and millwork. Aber's brother-in-law and partner, Frederick Haberle, arrived in Jacksonville in 1890 from Michigan. The firm operated by the two men supplied much of the building materials used in the construction of homes and commercial buildings in Jacksonville at the turn of the century.
In 1896, Aber and Haberle decided to turn to the manufacture of crates and baskets for the packing of locally grown produce, most particularly peaches. This venture was to prove quite successful, and the business continues to operate today, with one of the plants located immediately to the north of the two residences.
In 1904, Aber sold his business interests to his brother-in-law and moved his family to St. Joseph, Michigan. Frederick Haberle continued to direct the operation of the factory and served as the president and director of the Box Manufacturing Association. Both houses remained in the hands of the Haberle family until 1979. The Aber House was owned at that time by Glen Haberle, Frederick Haberle's son, while the Haberle House was owned by Haberle's grandaughter, Mrs. Mary Louise Mason. At that time both houses were purchased by Timberline Construction Company, owned by Bill H. Bailey, Jr. The Aber House was sold in 1981 to Mr. & Mrs. George Blailock. Both houses have been restored by their respective owners, with the Haberle House serving as Mr. Bailey's office, with additional space leased to other tenants. The Aber House serves as Mr. & Mrs. Blailock's residence. The efforts of the two owners have insured the preservation of these two important structures as reminders of their builders' importance to the community.
Local significance of the building:
The two houses erected by Edgar Aber and his brother-in-law Frederick Haberle represent the apogee of house construction in 19th-century Jacksonville, Texas. Brick residences are not common in this east Texas community, and the proximity and similarities of the two houses make them even more unusual and significant. The popularity of Queen Anne/Eastlake mode of residential design in Jacksonville is reflected by the William Walter Newton House of 1902, listed on the Register in 1982. The impressive character of the Aber and Haberle houses stems, in large part, from the nature of the careers of their builders, Edgar Aber and Frederick Haberle.
Edgar Aber, a native of Seneca, New York, moved to Texas in 1879 from Michigan, where he was active in furniture manufacturing. He first settled in Troup, Texas, and operated a sawmill there. After a brief stay in Topeka, Kansas, Aber moved to Jacksonville. Aber's business in Jacksonville centered around the manufacture of building materials, most notably bricks and millwork. Aber's brother-in-law and partner, Frederick Haberle, arrived in Jacksonville in 1890 from Michigan. The firm operated by the two men supplied much of the building materials used in the construction of homes and commercial buildings in Jacksonville at the turn of the century.
In 1896, Aber and Haberle decided to turn to the manufacture of crates and baskets for the packing of locally grown produce, most particularly peaches. This venture was to prove quite successful, and the business continues to operate today, with one of the plants located immediately to the north of the two residences.
In 1904, Aber sold his business interests to his brother-in-law and moved his family to St. Joseph, Michigan. Frederick Haberle continued to direct the operation of the factory and served as the president and director of the Box Manufacturing Association. Both houses remained in the hands of the Haberle family until 1979. The Aber House was owned at that time by Glen Haberle, Frederick Haberle's son, while the Haberle House was owned by Haberle's grandaughter, Mrs. Mary Louise Mason. At that time both houses were purchased by Timberline Construction Company, owned by Bill H. Bailey, Jr. The Aber House was sold in 1981 to Mr. & Mrs. George Blailock. Both houses have been restored by their respective owners, with the Haberle House serving as Mr. Bailey's office, with additional space leased to other tenants. The Aber House serves as Mr. & Mrs. Blailock's residence. The efforts of the two owners have insured the preservation of these two important structures as reminders of their builders' importance to the community.
Industry; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
About Cherokee County
Cherokee County Timeline
Cherokee County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Kickapoo, and Cherokee. In the early 19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the region, resulting in conflicts with the indigenous populations.
In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.
During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.
In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.
In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.
During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.
In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.
Cherokee County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cherokee County, Texas.
- 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
- 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
- 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
- 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
- 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
- 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
- 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
- 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
- Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.