Phillips and Trosper Buildings
Lampasas, Lampasas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Many of Lampasas' downtown structures, including buildings on the site owned by prominent developer John B. Higdon, were gutted by fire in August 1884. Higdon then sold one lot to David W. Phillips, who served in the State Legislature in 1898-1902. Late in 1884, Phillips erected the eastern half of this pair of adjoining structures. Grocers J. M. and A. L. Trosper built the other half at about the same time. In 1888 the Trospers sold the property to noted civic leaders and druggists, H. N. and J. R. Key. The Key Brothers Drug Store occupied the Trosper building for 16 years. These buildings are good examples of late 19th century commercial storefront. They feature limestone construction, 4-bay facades, and round-arched transoms above the entry doors. The buildings have housed several businesses, including the Majestic Cafe, Donovan's Cafe, Hoover & Noyes Saloon, the Lampasas "Daily Leader" newspaper, the Bum's Domino Club, the workshop of a noted bootmaker, a bowling alley, grocery store, dance hall, furniture store, meat market, and apartments. The Trosper and Phillips buildings, important elements of downtown Lampasas, are both listed in the National Register of Historic places. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
After an August 1884 fire gutted much of downtown Lampasas, developer John B. Higdon sold a lot to legislator David W. Phillips, who raised the eastern half of this adjoining pair of buildings; grocers J. M. and A. L. Trosper built the other half about the same time. With their limestone construction, four-bay facades, and round-arched transoms, the buildings became a fixture of the town square. Over the years they housed cafes, saloons, a newspaper, a bootmaker's shop, a bowling alley, and much else.
Why it matters
Late-nineteenth-century commercial blocks like these are the surviving fabric of small-town Main Street America, where a single storefront might shelter a dozen different enterprises across the decades.
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Related people
- · David W. Phillips
- · J. M. Trosper
- · A. L. Trosper
- · H. N. Key
- · J. R. Key
Related events
- · August 1884 Lampasas fire
Themes & tags
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