Donnybrook Duplex Residential Historic District
Roughly bounded by E. 6th St., Donnybrook Ave., E. 8th St., and S. Wall, Tyler, TXConstructed in 1947 and 1948 by Tyler businessman and developer Robert J. Henderson, the 18 Colonial Revival/Ranch-influenced bungalows in the Donnybrook Duplex Residential Historic District are rare examples of a duplex development in Tyler. The district is part of a larger neighborhood almost exclusively developed with single-family residences. The district sheltered salesmen, store clerks and managers, blue-collar workers and professionals employed in the oil industry, students and widows. The Colonial Revival/Ranch influenced design modestly interprets two of Tyler's most widely built styles and reflects Tyler's growing need for housing space in the years just after World War II when the success of the East Texas Oil Field fueled continuing prosperity. The district documents one type of housing offered to moderate-income and working-class Tylerites and reflects methods used by a single developer in a short time period to create high-quality, moderate-cost housing. The Donnybrook Duplex Residential Historic District is significant for its architecture and for its associations with community development during a period of rapid population growth and economic development fostered by ongoing prosperity resulting from manufacturing and the oil industry. It is also significant as the only known concentration of intact mid-20th-century duplex housing in the city. Related to the historic context of Community Development in Tyler, Smith County, Texas 1846-1950, the district is comprised primarily of domestic and domestic auxiliary resources, which are defined in more detail in section 7 of this nomination and in the Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas Multiple Property National Register nomination. The Donnybrook Duplex Residential Historic District is maintained in good condition and retains a high degree of integrity. It derives its primary significance from its architectural form and its associations with Tyler's moderate-income residents during a period of economic growth that fostered intensive community development. For these reasons, the Donnybrook Duplex Residential Historic District is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the local level under Criteria A and C in the areas of significance of community development and architecture within a period of significance extending from 1947 to 1952. Although the period covered by the historical context could not be extended beyond 1950 for financial reasons, Tyler's social, economic and development patterns continued unchanged into the 1950s. Thus the period of significance for this district is extended to the current 50-year mark, which is 1952.
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
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.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
About Smith County
Smith County Timeline
Smith County, Texas, holds a rich history that stretches back to its beginnings. The land that is now Smith County was once inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee nations. The region first caught the attention of European settlers in the early 19th century, when Stephen F. Austin's colonists began to venture into the area. The first permanent settlement, Tyler, was established in 1846.
During the turbulent times of the American Civil War, Smith County experienced significant unrest. Many residents in the county owned slaves, and tensions ran high between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Blackjack Grove took place in August 1864, and although it was a minor skirmish, it reflected the deep divisions and struggles faced by the county during the war.
Following the war, Smith County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and population. During this period, the town of Tyler established itself as a principal commercial center, attracting businesses and settlers from surrounding areas.
In the 20th century, Smith County continued to thrive with the growth of agriculture, oil, and manufacturing industries. Tyler became known as the "Rose Capital of the World" due to its substantial rose-growing industry. The county has also been a center for education, with the establishment of schools and universities.
Today, Smith County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas. Its rich history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond, provides a fascinating backdrop to its current achievements and endeavors.
During the turbulent times of the American Civil War, Smith County experienced significant unrest. Many residents in the county owned slaves, and tensions ran high between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Blackjack Grove took place in August 1864, and although it was a minor skirmish, it reflected the deep divisions and struggles faced by the county during the war.
Following the war, Smith County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and population. During this period, the town of Tyler established itself as a principal commercial center, attracting businesses and settlers from surrounding areas.
In the 20th century, Smith County continued to thrive with the growth of agriculture, oil, and manufacturing industries. Tyler became known as the "Rose Capital of the World" due to its substantial rose-growing industry. The county has also been a center for education, with the establishment of schools and universities.
Today, Smith County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas. Its rich history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond, provides a fascinating backdrop to its current achievements and endeavors.
Smith County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Smith County, Texas.
- 1846 - Smith County is established by the Texas legislature.
- 1847 - The county seat is designated at Tyler.
- 1850 - The population of Smith County reaches 1,726.
- 1861-1865 - The Civil War impacts the county, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1877 - The Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Tyler, boosting the local economy.
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to Smith County.
- 1932 - The East Texas Oil Field is discovered, leading to an oil boom in the area.
- 1950s - The construction of highways and infrastructure brings further growth and development to the county.
- 1995 - The Smith County Historical Society is formed to preserve the county's history.
- Present - Smith County continues to thrive as a regional economic and cultural hub in East Texas.