Preslar-Hewitt Building
Taylor, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The early growth of Taylor as a vital cotton and railroad center is reflected in its historic business district. Hugo Hunke built this two-story commercial structure in 1914 to anchor an important block. It provided first floor space for two businesses and up to seven offices on the second floor. Early occupants included Strand Tailors and Menefee Grocery. It has served a variety of other businesses, but is remembered as the site of Preslar-Hewitt Pharmacy, 1929-1954. Detailing includes pilasters, capitals, transoms, decorative tilework and an entablature with dentil course. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Taylor grew as a cotton and railroad center, and in 1914 Hugo Hunke built this two-story commercial block to anchor an important downtown corner, with shop space below and offices above. Early tenants included tailors and a grocery, but the building is best remembered as the home of Preslar-Hewitt Pharmacy from 1929 to 1954. Its pilasters, capitals, transoms, decorative tilework, and dentiled entablature typify the era's proud main-street architecture.
Why it matters
The building embodies the confident commercial districts that cotton and the railroads built across Central Texas in the early twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Hugo Hunke
Themes & tags
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