Clendenen-Carleton House
a.k.a. Carleton House
803 N. Main St., Bonham, TXUtilizing elements of the Eastlake and Stick architectural styles, the Clendenen-Carleton House is a fine example of the vernacular Victorian residences built by prosperous merchants and professional men in North Texas during the last quarter of the 19th Century. Its north, south, and, particularly, east facades display the elaborate and imaginative structural and ornamental features that made this building mode such a popular one at the time.
Adding an authentic touch to the original feeling of the property is the boldly initialed stone carriage block of the home's builder, Albert Joseph Clendenen. It is the only one known to remain in Bonham and one of the only two in Fannin County. The structure has retained virtually all of its original architectural features and should be easily stabilized and restored to its original condition. All of the external decorative and structural elements are intact or easily duplicated or restored.
The few additions to the Clendenen-Carleton House (sunporches on the south elevation, and the back porch and kitchen to the west at the rear) were made sixty to seventy-five years ago, utilizing the same type of materials and construction used in the original portion of the structure. These additions, rather than detracting from them, actually add to the significance of the property in that they indicate adaptive uses made to meet current needs at the time of modification.
The two previous owners of the house prior to its acquisition in 1976 by Dr. William F. King were Albert Joseph Clendenen, its builder, and Dr. James C. Carleton, who acquired it in 1914.
Little is known of A.J. Clendenen, son of pioneer Bonham doctor Andrew Clendenen, except that he was in the ice business, possibly operating one of Bonham's first ice plants. His first wife was of the Castleberry family, and his second was a Hartfield. He died in Collins County in 1930.
The home's second owner was James C. Carleton, a Bonham doctor for more than 40 years, who received his training in 1893 at the Louisville Medical College. The son of Clark Carleton, he married Joanna White and had three children. The Carleton family was a socially prominent one in the Bonham community.
Upon his death in 1931, his widow and daughter May remained in the home, his daughter being the last Carleton to reside there. The present owner of the Clendenen-Carleton House, Dr. William F. King plans to refurbish it to its 1914 condition.
Local significance of the building:
Adding an authentic touch to the original feeling of the property is the boldly initialed stone carriage block of the home's builder, Albert Joseph Clendenen. It is the only one known to remain in Bonham and one of the only two in Fannin County. The structure has retained virtually all of its original architectural features and should be easily stabilized and restored to its original condition. All of the external decorative and structural elements are intact or easily duplicated or restored.
The few additions to the Clendenen-Carleton House (sunporches on the south elevation, and the back porch and kitchen to the west at the rear) were made sixty to seventy-five years ago, utilizing the same type of materials and construction used in the original portion of the structure. These additions, rather than detracting from them, actually add to the significance of the property in that they indicate adaptive uses made to meet current needs at the time of modification.
The two previous owners of the house prior to its acquisition in 1976 by Dr. William F. King were Albert Joseph Clendenen, its builder, and Dr. James C. Carleton, who acquired it in 1914.
Little is known of A.J. Clendenen, son of pioneer Bonham doctor Andrew Clendenen, except that he was in the ice business, possibly operating one of Bonham's first ice plants. His first wife was of the Castleberry family, and his second was a Hartfield. He died in Collins County in 1930.
The home's second owner was James C. Carleton, a Bonham doctor for more than 40 years, who received his training in 1893 at the Louisville Medical College. The son of Clark Carleton, he married Joanna White and had three children. The Carleton family was a socially prominent one in the Bonham community.
Upon his death in 1931, his widow and daughter May remained in the home, his daughter being the last Carleton to reside there. The present owner of the Clendenen-Carleton House, Dr. William F. King plans to refurbish it to its 1914 condition.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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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Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
About Fannin County
Fannin County Timeline
Fannin County, Texas is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1837 and was named after James Fannin, a prominent figure in Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw, before European settlers began to venture into the region.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Fannin County played a significant role in the struggle for independence. The Battle of Village Creek took place in the county, where Texian troops clashed with Mexican forces. Although the Texians won the battle, the conflict ultimately led to the massacre of James Fannin and his men at Goliad. This event became a rallying cry for Texan independence and solidarity.
In the following years, Fannin County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s expanded trade and transportation, leading to increased prosperity. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and cattle production taking center stage. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the region's economic growth.
Throughout its history, Fannin County has faced challenges, including natural disasters such as devastating floods in the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, the resilient community has always managed to recover and rebuild. Today, Fannin County is a thriving area, known for its rich history, charming small towns, and agricultural heritage.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Fannin County played a significant role in the struggle for independence. The Battle of Village Creek took place in the county, where Texian troops clashed with Mexican forces. Although the Texians won the battle, the conflict ultimately led to the massacre of James Fannin and his men at Goliad. This event became a rallying cry for Texan independence and solidarity.
In the following years, Fannin County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s expanded trade and transportation, leading to increased prosperity. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and cattle production taking center stage. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the region's economic growth.
Throughout its history, Fannin County has faced challenges, including natural disasters such as devastating floods in the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, the resilient community has always managed to recover and rebuild. Today, Fannin County is a thriving area, known for its rich history, charming small towns, and agricultural heritage.
Fannin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fannin County, Texas.
- 1836: Fannin County is established as a county of Texas.
- 1837: The county's first courthouse is constructed in the town of Warren.
- 1839: The county seat is moved to the town of Bois d'Arc.
- 1843: The county seat is relocated again, this time to Bonham.
- 1845: Texas becomes a state, and Fannin County is officially recognized as part of the state.
- 1858: Construction of a new courthouse in Bonham is completed.
- 1861-1865: Fannin County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
- 1872: The first railroad is completed in the county, boosting economic growth.
- 1886: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Bonham, resulting in a significant rebuilding effort.
- 1896: The Texas State Normal College is established in Bonham, later renamed Texas A&M University-Commerce.
- 1905: Construction of a new courthouse in Bonham is completed.
- 1930s: Fannin County experiences an economic decline during the Great Depression.
- 1940s-1950s: Fannin County sees growth and development due to World War II and the subsequent post-war economic boom.
- 1994: The county's current courthouse, a historic and architectural landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.