Old Wooten, H. O., Grocery
a.k.a. Humphrey,A.C.,Warehouse
128 E. Rotan, Stamford, TXThe A.C. Humphrey Warehouse was built between 1913 and 1922, but most likely in 1916 or 1917. It serves as a historical reminder of the flourishing wholesale grocery trade that emerged in Stamford before World War I and is the best surviving example of commercial masonry work in the city.
During Stamford's first three or four decades of existence, it developed a healthy wholesale grocery industry. The T.M. Radford Company arrived in 1904, the H.O. Wooten Grocery Company opened in 1905, the Waples-Platter Company in 1909, and the Walker Smith Company in 1915. The H.O. Wooten Grocery Company decided to expand its operations, and in 1916 purchased the lots that the present building occupies. Soon thereafter they built this large and handsome structure.
Although this building was essentially a warehouse, the company spent extra money to construct an ornate structure that was built by skilled craftsmen from quality materials. Many of Stamford's early commercial structures were built of similar materials at a similar or higher level of craftsmanship. Regrettably, most of these buildings are either gone or heavily modified (usually stuccoed), so that the high-quality brickwork is now obliterated. The A.C. Humphrey Warehouse is the last, and largest, remaining example of high-quality commercial masonry left in the city, as well as being the best preserved and best built of all Stamford's surviving warehouse structures.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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 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.
In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.
During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.
After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.
In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.
Jones County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jones County, Texas.
- 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
- 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
- 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
- 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
- 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
- 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.