La Porte in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

La Porte Hardware

Photographed by James Hulse, August 20, 2025

1. La Porte Hardware Marker

Inscription. J.W. Hovey worked for John Slusher at this location from 1920-1927. He purchased the store in June, 1927, at which time the Hovey family moved into the living quarters above the store, where they resided until 1936.

In 1949 a much larger brick building was constructed around the existing one. Construction began on the rear half first. After completion of both stories, all of the stock was moved to the completed first floor area. The store operated out of the rear entrance while construction continued on the front half. During the three-year period of construction the store remained open for business.

The store was a landmark for the City of La Porte. The top floor of the store was a Toy Land with a train that ran around the store. People would come from miles around to watch the train, and to shop and see the view from the top floor.

Erected by City of La Porte.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1927.

Location. 29° 39.933′ N, 95° 1.272′ W. Marker is in La Porte, Texas, in Harris County. It is at the intersection of West

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Main Street (State Highway 146) and N 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. The marker is located along the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 228 West Main Street, La Porte TX 77571, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Besson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First City Hall and Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1915 Fire (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Artesian Hotel (about 400 feet away); Seureau Building: The First Business in La Porte (about 500 feet away); Williams Building (about 600 feet away); Five Points - The Hub of the City

The view of the La Porte Hardware Marker along the sidewalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 20, 2025

2. The view of the La Porte Hardware Marker along the sidewalk

(about 700 feet away); Historic La Porte Colored School (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Porte.

The view of the La Porte Hardware Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 20, 2025

3. The view of the La Porte Hardware Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.