The Lynch Building
Albany, Shackelford County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This was Albany's first stone mercantile store. It was erected in stages, combining Greek revival and Victorian Italianate designs. In 1878, W. H. Miller built one-story east unit, and permitted Albany Masonic Lodge to erect a second story. Local rancher J. C. Lynch in 1881 built the 2-story west unit. The "Live and Let Live" drugstore was an early tenant. L. H. Hill and family owned the property 1896-1974. Clifton Caldwell bought and restored it in 1974-75. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1975.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This was Albany's first stone mercantile store, raised in stages that blended Greek Revival and Victorian Italianate design. W. H. Miller built the one-story east unit in 1878 and allowed the local Masonic lodge to add a second story, while rancher J. C. Lynch completed the two-story west unit in 1881. Early tenants included the memorably named "Live and Let Live" drugstore, and the building was carefully restored in the mid-1970s.
Why it matters
A sturdy stone storefront like this marked a frontier ranching town's coming of age, when tents and frame shacks gave way to permanent commercial architecture.
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Related people
- · J. C. Lynch
- · W. H. Miller
Themes & tags
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