E. A. Hannaford Building
Granbury, Hood County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in England and reared in Ohio, E. A. Hannaford (1841-1915) served in the Union Army. He came to Granbury from Ohio in 1871, establishing his drugstore in a tent. He and merchant J. D. Baker had a two-part commercial building erected in the Italianate style in 1886. Among the first stone buildings in Granbury, it was commonly known as the "Arch Block." The cornice on this side advertised Hannaford's Drug and Book Store. "Doc" Hannaford became a prominent civic leader and businessman. After his death his nephew operated the drugstore. Early second-floor tenants included the "Granbury Graphics" newspaper, doctors' offices and a beauty parlor. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1997
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in England, raised in Ohio, and a Union Army veteran, E. A. "Doc" Hannaford came to Granbury in 1871 and opened his drugstore in a tent before prospering. In 1886 he and merchant J. D. Baker put up a two-part Italianate commercial building — among the first stone structures in town — known as the "Arch Block," its cornice advertising Hannaford's Drug and Book Store. He became a leading civic figure, and the upper floor housed the local newspaper, doctors' offices, and a beauty parlor.
Why it matters
The building embodies the Gilded Age transformation of a raw Texas town into a brick-and-stone commercial square, built by the merchants and Union veterans who settled the postwar frontier.
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Related people
- · E. A. Hannaford
- · J. D. Baker
Themes & tags
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