Johnson House
a.k.a. Masonic Temple
1030 Belvin St., San Marcos, TXThe construction of Lloyd and Jessie Johnson's home on Belvin Street created quite a stir. It was easily the most elaborate, ambitious residence in the San Marcos of 1919. The notice given to the house is well deserved. It is a bold reflection of the Renaissance Revival style so popular earlier in the Northeast. With its low-hipped roofs and indented spaces, the Johnson House even bears a slight resemblance to one of the archetypes of the style, the Breakers of Newport, Rhode Island. Atlee B. Ayres, arguably the best of the early 20th-century Texas architects, designed the home using the finest materials on the interior and exterior.
Johnson, a native San Marcan, was a very wealthy man, having made his fortune as president of the Mutual Mercantile Company and owner of 3,000 acres in Hays County. He was director of the State Bank and Trust Company and president of the Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Johnson was well-known and active in social and church circles. Reports on the cost of building their home varied widely, from $45,000 to 75,000. At any estimate, it was an expensive project. It appears they gave architect Atlee Ayres a free hand. The house easily measures up to any of the grand mansions he built in San Antonio and elsewhere.
The Johnson family occupied the building until 1937 when it was sold to the Masonic Lodge, which continues to use the building for meetings and social occasions.
Johnson, a native San Marcan, was a very wealthy man, having made his fortune as president of the Mutual Mercantile Company and owner of 3,000 acres in Hays County. He was director of the State Bank and Trust Company and president of the Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Johnson was well-known and active in social and church circles. Reports on the cost of building their home varied widely, from $45,000 to 75,000. At any estimate, it was an expensive project. It appears they gave architect Atlee Ayres a free hand. The house easily measures up to any of the grand mansions he built in San Antonio and elsewhere.
The Johnson family occupied the building until 1937 when it was sold to the Masonic Lodge, which continues to use the building for meetings and social occasions.
Bibliography
San Marcos Record, October 31, 1919.
New Encyclopedia of Texas, p. 2238.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks files, Texas Historical Commission Interview with Jack Wood, June 10, 1982.
New Encyclopedia of Texas, p. 2238.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks files, Texas Historical Commission Interview with Jack Wood, June 10, 1982.
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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In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.