Hardy-Williams Building
a.k.a. Williams Pharmacy;Hillburn's Pharmacy;See Also:Hays County C
127 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, TXThe Hardy-Williams Building is the best preserved of the commercial structures on the north side of the courthouse square and is strongly reminiscent of the pre-boom, late 19th century. Of rough- and smooth-cut limestone, the building is accented with round arches on its second floor. Several businesses important to small-town life have occupied the structure.
The building was constructed before 1886 by H. Hardy as a feed store. At one point, there was a double door that allowed horse carts to enter. Talmadge and Hudson then operated a hardware store at this address. During the first decade of the 20th century, probably in 1906, Dr. William C. Williams opened his medical office upstairs. His brother, John, ran Williams Drugstore downstairs. Dr. Williams, a native of nearby Caldwell County, and a 1905 graduate of the University of Tennessee's Medical School, also ran the San Marcos Sanitarium at 1251 Belvin. Following Dr. William's death in 1947, the business was sold to Mr. B.D. Hillburn, although the building remained in the hands of Williams' heirs. John Carson now runs a drugstore there, and the soda fountain continues to be a downtown gathering point.
The building was constructed before 1886 by H. Hardy as a feed store. At one point, there was a double door that allowed horse carts to enter. Talmadge and Hudson then operated a hardware store at this address. During the first decade of the 20th century, probably in 1906, Dr. William C. Williams opened his medical office upstairs. His brother, John, ran Williams Drugstore downstairs. Dr. Williams, a native of nearby Caldwell County, and a 1905 graduate of the University of Tennessee's Medical School, also ran the San Marcos Sanitarium at 1251 Belvin. Following Dr. William's death in 1947, the business was sold to Mr. B.D. Hillburn, although the building remained in the hands of Williams' heirs. John Carson now runs a drugstore there, and the soda fountain continues to be a downtown gathering point.
Bibliography
Interview with John Carson, March 1982.
Interview with Myrtle Penn Williams Tarbutton, April 29, 1982.
San Marcos Record, Golden Anniversary Issue, September 20, 1962.
San Marcos Record, November 7, 1947.
Interview with Myrtle Penn Williams Tarbutton, April 29, 1982.
San Marcos Record, Golden Anniversary Issue, September 20, 1962.
San Marcos Record, November 7, 1947.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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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About Hays County
Hays County Timeline
Hays County, located in the central part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. However, the first recorded European arrival in the region occurred in 1690 when Spanish explorers made their way through the area.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
Hays County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hays County, Texas.
- 1837: Hays County is officially established as a county when the Republic of Texas is formed.
- 1848: The county seat is established in the town of San Marcos.
- 1856: A charter is granted to create the Hays County Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Association.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many men from Hays County volunteer for service in the Confederate Army.
- 1881: The International-Great Northern Railroad is completed, connecting San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
- 1903: Southwest Texas State Normal School (now known as Texas State University) is established in San Marcos.
- 1938: The Blanco River floods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Hays County.
- 1996: The Hays County Courthouse, built in 1909, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2015: The county experiences widespread flooding from heavy rains, resulting in several deaths and extensive property damage.