Home of Whitney Montgomery, Poet
Eureka, Navarro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1877-1966) Born in Navarro County in white-columned house across pasture south of this site. Began to write poetry when he was 15 years old. Author of more than 500 published poems which appeared in many major magazines; won numerous poetry prizes. Moved to Dallas, 1927. Was editor and publisher of "Kaleidograph" Magazine and Press. Helped to organize and was vice president of the Poetry Society of Texas. His home was honored in this poem. I OWN A HOME I can not boast of a broad estate, But I own a home with a rose at the gate. I hold the title, and I keep the keys, And in and out I can go as I please. My home is not grand, but I live content, For no man sends me a bill for rent. And no man comes with a brush and a pail To paint a sign on my door, "For Sale." I can not boast of a broad estate, But I own a home with a rose at the gate. Incise in base: Erected by the family of Whitney Montgomery, 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Whitney Montgomery was born in Navarro County in 1877 and began writing poetry at fifteen, going on to publish more than 500 poems in major magazines and win numerous prizes. After moving to Dallas in 1927 he edited and published the 'Kaleidograph' magazine and press and helped lead the Poetry Society of Texas. His family erected this marker in 1967, incising his poem 'I Own a Home' at its base.
Why it matters
Montgomery's life honors the regional literary culture that gave Texas its own poets, publishers, and literary societies in the early 20th century.
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