Texas Historical Marker #12708
Thomas House. Thomas House Designed by Dallas architect Thomas J. Galbraith and completed in 1919, this house is an excellent regional example of the prairie school style of architecture. Its strong historical associations with area ranches and with the Ranger Oil Boom lend additional significance to its place in the architectural history of Palo Pinto County. Rancher Randal Burton Thomas, Sr. (1886-1969), grew up in West Texas assisting his mother, Mary Ellen Satterfield Thomas, in running her family ranch. Having first arrived in Strawn from Bowling Green, Kentucky, by 1881, when railroads began to reach this area, their family was among the region's first settlers. The Ranger Oil Boom, begun in 1917 with McClesky No. 1 Well, brought new wealth to the family from the many producing wells on their properties. When Thomas began making plans to move into town, he designed this house with living quarters for his family on the north side and for Mary Ellen Satterfield Thomas on the south side. It remained their home until their deaths. The Thomas House features strong elements of the Prairie Style, with its horizontality enhanced by the use of wide, projecting eaves. Designed to be heated with coal from the nearby mines in Thurber, the house features extensive use of concrete and a red metal roof. Still in the Thomas family at the turn of the 21st century, the house is an important reminder of West Texas history and culture. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2002 #12708
715 Central Avenue (SH 16), Strawn, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05104
Home of Stephen Bethel Strawn. Born in Giles county, Tennessee. Came to Palo Pinto County, 1859, among first settlers in region. Married Jane Allen, July 18, 1860. Served in Co. B, State Troops, during Civil War, protecting frontier. Built this house in mid-1870s. Founded city of Strawn, 1880, to encourage Texas & Pacific Railway company to build through area. He was landowner, rancher, and banker, with interests in local coal mining activities. (1973) #5104
?, Strawn, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03494
Mount Marion Cemetery. Located on land once owned by William W. Johnson, whose coal mining operations spurred major development in nearby Thurber, this cemetery was named for Johnson's daughter, Marion, who died at age three. It later became the primary burial ground for the town of Strawn. The earliest documented burial dates to 1883. Interred here are many area pioneers, including town founder Stephen B. Strawn, former Texas Rangers, veterans of wars from the Civil War to World War II, and victims of the devastating 1918-19 influenza epidemic. It is a reflection of the area's heritage. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995. #3494
?, Strawn, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #02730
James Nesbit Stuart House. Built in 1874 by J. N. Stuart (1837-1910) and wife, Sally Allen Stuart (1835-1918), of materials hauled by ox-wagon from east Texas. A ship builder, Andrew Murdock, joined frame with pegs. House was first in area to have milled lumber and window glass. Four sons, all successful in later business life, were reared here. The youngest, Sally James Stuart (named for his mother and father), became owner in 1910 -- the same year he wed Margaret Gordon. House became a stopping place for circuit riders, public officials, travelers, and friends; still owned by Margaret Stuart. (1971) #2730
?, Strawn, TX, United States