Reneau Building
Golden, Wood County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1913, Golden School trustees conveyed this property to Ella T. (Greer) Reneau. E. L. Foster contracted to build a home for Golden Masonic Lodge #1093, A.F. & A.M., who met here until merging with the Mineola Lodge in 1938. Ella’s husband, I. N. Reneau, opened a general merchandise store on the first floor in 1916. He was also the Golden postmaster, and the post office was housed here from about 1925 until his death in 1941. Ella died two months later. This two-story brick building with arched windows, expansive storefront glass and a cantilevered canopy entry is important in the commercial and social history of Golden.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1913 on land conveyed to Ella T. Reneau, this two-story brick building served as a lodge hall for Golden Masonic Lodge #1093, which met upstairs until merging with Mineola in 1938. Ella's husband, I.N. Reneau, opened a general merchandise store on the first floor in 1916 and, as Golden's postmaster, ran the post office here from about 1925 until his death in 1941. Its arched windows, broad storefront glass, and cantilevered canopy anchored the town's commercial life.
Why it matters
The building shows how a single Main Street structure could hold a town's commerce, fraternal life, and mail service together at the heart of rural community.
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Related people
- · Ella T. (Greer) Reneau
- · I. N. Reneau
- · E. L. Foster
Themes & tags
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