Idle Hours
a.k.a. Land Manor
1608 Orange St., Beaumont, TXLand Manor is an excellent example of the Classical Revival style that was popularized in Beaumont at the turn of the century by affluent citizens whose business profits were dramatically increased by the oil discovery at Spindletop and all its related activities. It is an extremely important entity because of the preservation of the associated outbuildings that further illuminate the lifestyles of some of Beaumont's more prominent citizens.
The house was built in 1903 by Frank Tipton Smith for Lemuel Putman Ogden and his wife. Because the house was in the country at the time of its construction, Mrs. Ogden preferred to retain her townhome and named her new country estate `Idle Hours`. Mr. Ogden died in 1908 and his widow sold the house in 1911 to Mr. Benjamin Rush Norvell who in turn sold it to Mr. John Blewett Smyth in February of 1912. Mr. Smyth's family were pioneers in the lumbering industry in the East Texas region. He operated the George W. Smyth Lumber Company in Beaumont and later absorbed the Sabine Town Company of Deweyville, Texas. Because of his ready access to carpenters and materials, it was Mr. Smyth who replaced the downstairs woodwork with mahogany.
In 1923, the Smyths deeded the property to Mr. J. W. Stuart, a contractor of the Magnolia Refinery Company. The Stuarts revitalized the property with extensive landscaping and major roof repairs that resulted in a slight modification to the pitch of the roof. In 1934, a daughter of the Stuart family married Mr. Lee Gerald Griffin. The Griffins owned the home and utilized the property for many years for holiday receptions and traditional celebrations.
The property ceased to become a private residence in 1970 when its ownership changed to become a halfway house for persons attempting to return to independent living from local mental institutions.
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
In the early 1820s, Empresario Joseph Vehlein obtained a contract to settle 300 families in the region. The land, once inhabited by the Atakapa people, soon attracted settlers of various origins, including Americans, Europeans, and enslaved Africans. The area became known for its fertile soil, offering ideal conditions for agriculture and ranching.
The city of Beaumont was established in the mid-19th century and quickly developed into a major trading and shipping center due to its access to the Neches River and the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked a turning point in the county's history, as the region experienced a significant oil boom. This brought great prosperity and transformed the area's economy, leading to the development of the petrochemical industry in the following decades.
Throughout the 20th century, Jefferson County witnessed various social and economic changes. It played a key role in World War II, serving as the location for significant military activity, including the establishment of one of the largest military shipbuilding centers in the country. The county also experienced desegregation struggles during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, which eventually led to greater equality.
Today, Jefferson County continues to be an important industrial center for petrochemicals and petroleum-related industries. It is also home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Jefferson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jefferson County, Texas.
- 1836: Jefferson County is established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Beaumont is founded.
- 1840: Jefferson County becomes part of the newly-formed State of Texas.
- 1845: Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jefferson County becomes a county within the state.
- 1858: A railroad is completed, connecting Beaumont to surrounding areas.
- 1865: The Civil War ends, and Jefferson County begins to recover from the war's impact.
- 1881: The Spindletop oil field, the first major oil discovery in Texas, is found in Jefferson County.
- 1901: The Lucas Gusher at Spindletop oil field erupts, launching the Texas oil boom.
- 1925: The Neches River is first navigable by deep-draft vessels, boosting the county's shipping industry.
- 1943: The Port of Beaumont is established as a major center for the shipping and petrochemical industries.
- 1989: Hurricane Gilbert strikes Jefferson County, causing significant damage to the area.
- 2005: Hurricane Rita makes landfall in Jefferson County, leading to widespread devastation.
- 2017: Hurricane Harvey causes widespread flooding in Jefferson County.