Judge Walter S. Neel House
Dayton, Liberty County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1917 by Dayton newspaper owner, editor, publisher and Justice of the Peace Walter S. Neel on a 1.66 acre lot he purchased in 1914, this house is a typical American foursquare style home. Constructed in two months, the four-bedroom house cost $2,500. In 1926, after helping the city of Dayton incorporate, Judge Neel served as the city’s first mayor and the local rotary club president. He was also a city alderman, city historian and secretary. His notable civic achievements include helping form and equip the local fire department and establishing the waterworks. Judge Neel lived in the house with his wife, Selma, until he died in 1962. The house remained in the Neel family until 1971.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1917 for just $2,500 in two months' time, this American foursquare home belonged to Walter S. Neel, Dayton's newspaper editor, publisher, and justice of the peace. Neel became a pillar of the young town—helping it incorporate, serving as its first mayor, and founding its fire department and waterworks. He and his wife Selma lived here until his death in 1962, and the house stayed in the family into the 1970s.
Why it matters
The Neel House honors the local newspapermen and civic organizers who literally built the institutions of small-town America, from fire departments to waterworks, in the early twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Walter S. Neel
- · Selma Neel
Related events
- · Incorporation of Dayton, Texas
Themes & tags
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