STEPHENVILLE — A public commemoration marking the 100th birthday of Tarleton State University’s Trogdon House (the President’s House) is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, on the home’s front lawn. Everyone’s invited.
Built in 1923 by Dean J. Thomas Davis at a cost of $8,000, the Trogdon House has been home to five Tarleton State Presidents. Several will speak, and a representative of the Davis family will talk about the facility’s initial design.
The Tarleton State Chamber Choir performs under the direction of Dr. Troy Robertson. The city of Stephenville, Erath County, the Texas Legislature and the Texas Historical Commission will present proclamations and letters of congratulations.
Public parking is available in Lot 38 near the O.A. Grant Building off Lillian Street or Lot 6 close to the Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building (enter at West Vanderbilt).
In the mid-1980s a university master plan suggested razing or relocating the Trogdon House, but student leaders, alumni and the Erath County Historical Society helped save it. It was recognized with a Texas state historical marker in 1989 and is registered as both a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and a State Archeological Landmark.
Originally a four-square, the house has grown over the years to include a screened porch, breezeway and garages. Its 4,500 square feet are a setting not only for current President James and First Lady Kindall Hurley to raise their family but to host university friends and alumni, and for Tarleton Texans to gather for Sundaes on Sundays to launch the fall semester, and for Late Night Study Breaks during finals.
Dinners for graduating seniors, a Christmas tree lighting and a holiday reception for faculty and staff are just a few of the events the Hurleys host on behalf of the university.
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