Comanche in Comanche County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Chilton-Harelik Building
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 11, 2014
1. The Chilton-Harelik Building Marker
The original building on this site was erected in May 1873. A deed of trust from Martha and G L Wright was given to a Mr. Crow from Stephenville, TX. In February 1874 James Buchanan paid G L Wright $850.00 in gold coins for the property. The building contained the first businesses located here, a drugstore and mercantile. The building was destroyed by fire in 1889 along with 4 other buildings which was believed to have been caused by an explosion of gunpowder and dynamite in one of the destroyed firms. The structure was rebuilt in 1890 and increased in size. The J B Chilton family acquired the property in 1897 and retained ownership for nearly 100 years until it was deeded to Texas Christian University. The Ephraim (Charles) Hoffman family operated a dry goods store in the building from 1923 to 1939. In the winter of 1946, Louis and Betty Harelik purchased a dry goods store in operation on the location called Novit's Dept. Store from Harry Melowsky (Mellow), son-in-law of W H Novit, Mr. Harelik's uncle, and long-time family friend, and operated as such until 1982. Other businesses since have been a clothing store, antique store and nightclub. The nightclub opened January 1, 2002.
Erected by Comanche County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
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Location. 31° 53.893′ N, 98° 36.311′ W. Marker is in Comanche, Texas, in Comanche County. Marker is on Houston Street south of Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377), on the left when traveling north. Marker and building are on the courthouse square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 North Houston Street, Comanche TX 76442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Huett Building and Carrera Glass (a few steps from this marker); Ritz Theater Building (a few steps from this marker); Royal King (within shouting distance of this marker); The Comanche Chief (within shouting distance of this marker); Durham Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Cora Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Calaboose and rock with irons (about 300 feet away); Bicentennial Park (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Comanche.
Also see . . . Welcome to Comanche, Texas. (Submitted on March 14, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., http://com
2. The Chilton-Harelik Building and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 580 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 14, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
