HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Dick-Gillette House

Columbus, Colorado County, Texas

Marker Inscription

After a 1907 fire destroyed his family home, Leon F. Dick, a retired dry goods salesman, supervised the construction of this house in 1908. Dick offered hospitality to family and friends, including Governor Pat Neff, who stayed here while in Columbus for the city's centennial celebration in 1923. After Leon Dick's death in 1931, his niece, Alma Dick Gillette, and her family lived here. A good example of the Classical Revival style of architecture, with its full-height front portico and Ionic columns, the Dick-Gillette house remained in the family until 1976. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

After a 1907 fire destroyed his family home, retired dry goods merchant Leon F. Dick oversaw construction of this Classical Revival house in Columbus in 1908, complete with a full-height portico and Ionic columns. Dick was known for his hospitality, hosting Governor Pat Neff during the city's centennial in 1923. The home passed to his niece Alma Dick Gillette and remained in the family until 1976.

Why it matters

Grand small-town homes like this one embody the prosperity and civic pride of early-twentieth-century Texas merchants, and the architectural ambitions that came with it.

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Related people

  • · Leon F. Dick
  • · Alma Dick Gillette
  • · Pat Neff

Themes & tags

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