Simpson Building
Quanah, Hardeman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After serving as manager of the Cameron lumberyard in Quanah and then as a general manager in Waco, L. Simpson began his own lumber company and returned to Quanah in 1906. In 1910, Simpson had this three-story commercial building constructed to house his offices; other local businesses, including the corner drug store from 1920 until 1998; and the elks lodge, which occupied the top floor. Featuring decorative brick detailing and a corner entry, the Simpson building is a significant part of Quanah's architectural heritage. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2001
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
After managing lumberyards in Quanah and Waco, L. Simpson launched his own lumber company and in 1910 built this three-story commercial block to house his offices. Over the decades it sheltered a corner drugstore, other local businesses, and the Elks Lodge on its top floor, its decorative brickwork and corner entry a proud statement of early boomtown prosperity. It remains a landmark of Quanah's architectural heritage.
Why it matters
The Simpson Building preserves the ambitious commercial architecture of a young railroad town, embodying the optimism that built Main Streets across the settling West.
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Related people
- · L. Simpson
Themes & tags
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