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The old Brown County Jail, with its historical marker, is still around, but it no longer houses prisoners. Instead, it is the home of the Brown County Museum of History. Even today, although it is no longer a jail, its walls are full of memories of prisoners and those sheriff deputies who worked at the jail building. At times, the Brown County sheriff lived in the jail. It was constructed between 1902 and 1903, exemplifying the principles which governed jail design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Actually, the first Brown County Jail was built in 1876 at the corner of North Fisk and Water Streets. The buildings and nearby courthouse burned in March 1880, and all of the county records were destroyed. Another jail and courthouse were built in 1881, and by 1901, the jail was labeled insufficient for the county's needs. It was in December 1901 that voters elected to issue $30,000 in bonds for a new jail. County commissioners accepted a low bid of $24,925.60 from the firm of Martin, Moodie, and Company in partnership with Youngblood Brothers. Work began soon after the contract was signed, and on June 20, 1903, the commissioner's court accepted the new jail building. William Hood was appointed local architect and contractor. In 1963, while still serving as the county jail, the building received a Texas historical marker. Today, the building is one of the most impressive structures in West Central Texas, conveying fortress-like strength and romantic medieval military tradition. The Brown County Jail building is important for its outstanding architecture and for the local history it embodies. When the new county jail was built in 1981, the Brown County Historical Commission began to take steps to preserve the building as a site for a museum of local history. Money was raised from both private citizens and local groups. In addition, a grant from the Texas Historical Commission was used for renovation and repair. The old jail has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Located at 212 N. Broadway, the museum is open for tours on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jerry DeHay at 325-646-0643 or the Brown County Historical Commission, PO Box 1621, Brownwood, TX 76804.
Today, the old stone building houses not only the offices of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, but also holds an array of large rooms and various displays. The theme that threads throughout all the Academy is the epic of man's eternal crusade toward freedom. Beginning in the Hall of Christianity, visitors view the large mural painted in 1970 by artist Charles Sweitzer, telling the history of the Christian faith. Then, the tour moves into the Mediterranean Hall, where visitors pass through a temple entrance guarded by four 15-foot relief statues of the ancient pharoahs. Next, the tour leads to the Magna Carta Hall with its large mural in the spirit of the Middle Ages. The room is dark, with slate floors and oak beams leading to displays of suits of armor, weapons and banners. The mood changes as visitors enter Independence Hall. This accurate replica is only slightly smaller than the original Independence Hall in Philadelphia. With pegged floors, twin marble fireplaces, tables and chairs made to be authentic to the Hall, visitors are encouraged to sit at the wool blanket-covered tables and feel the pulse of their heritage. Next, visitors find Constitution Hall on the third floor, which is adorned with flags of the states. The museum features an exhibit gallery of the artifacts of General Douglas MacArthur and a large map room which helps visitors to see the sequence of WWII battles. The Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom stands as a pioneering educational research and teaching facility, unique and inspirational. Patti Clements Jordan
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©2001-2007 Brownwood, Texas. All Rights Reserved. |
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The grand stone building, built by the Presbyterian Church and established as Daniel Baker College in 1890, opened its doors just months before Howard Payne University. It was owned by the Presbyterians until after WWII. In 1946, because of the financial strain of the Depression and the war, the college was turned over to the Methodist Church and became part of the Southwestern University system. Later, in 1949, the Methodists turned the college over to the Episcopal diocese of Dallas. Finally, in 1953, Daniel Baker College found a permanent home within the charge of the Baptist Church when it became part of the campus of its former local rival, Howard Payne University.
The Hardin School opened in September, 1917 with three classrooms and an auditorium. Within a year of 1918, the school district added a stage in the front of the auditorium and lights were added throughout the building. The school was used by the community for social events or meetings, if they were not of a religious nature. The school was called Brownwood Colored High School and went through the 10th grade. The Class of 1918 was the first to graduate from the stone building. There were 5 graduates.