Hamilton in Hamilton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Eidson-Rice Building
Circa 1900
Photographed By James Hulse, June 16, 2021
1. Eidson-Rice Building Marker
Judge James Allen Eidson was a confederate veteran and 1867 graduate of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He came to Texas about 1869 after allegedly shooting a carpet bagger in his home state.
Judge Eidson passed the Texas bar exam in 1870 and arrived in Hamilton shortly thereafter, where he started his practice of law. Eidson later became Associate Justice of the Court of Civil Appeals, 3rd District.
In 1874, Judge Eidson married Charity Elizabeth Rice, the daughter of early Hamilton settler, James M. Rice. Judge Eidson bought the lot on which this building stands in 1875. He owned the east half and his wife owned the west half.
The building, and its adjacent sister, were constructed about 1900. One of its early occupants was Wm. Connally & Co. Dry Goods. Over the years, it has housed various retail stores, including a grocery store and more than one five-and-dime store.
The property remained in the Eidson family until 2014, when it was sold to Christi Carr, who renovated the building and opened Rejuvenation Station, a day spa. The photograph below shows the building as it appeared
Photographed By James Hulse, June 16, 2021
2. The view of the Eidson-Rice Building and Marker from across the street
this page online
Erected by Hamilton County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 31° 42.204′ N, 98° 7.395′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Texas, in Hamilton County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (State Highway 36) and South Bell Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. The marker is located on the center wall of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 East Main Street, Hamilton TX 76531, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Perry National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Rice Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Elise Waerenskjold (within shouting distance of this marker); Ann Whitney (within shouting distance of this marker); Hamilton County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Chesley Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rice-Eidson Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lest We Forget (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
The photo is from the plaque, 1900s
3. Eidson-Rice Building
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
