The Bridge Street History Center

Time Travel Tales:

Air travel in the early 1930s was a luxury for the wealthy and business travelers, marking the "Golden Age of Aviation." Passengers sat in wicker-like chairs, with openable windows for fresh air, no seat belts, as they weren’t yet invented. Planes cruised at approximately 2,950 – 4,920 feet (or about 0.56 – 0.93 miles) as pressurization didn’t exist. Speeds were modest, between approximately 149 – 186 mph limited by technology of the time. 💰While it’s possible that a few affluent individuals or influential community members in Granbury/Hood Co. during this time could have afforded to fly, it would have been extremely rare. Photo credit: Getty Images ... See MoreSee Less

How Tolar, Texas, Got Its Name!

Tolar, Texas, is located just 7 miles west of Granbury. This charming town was named by Colonel W.L. McGaughey in honor of his friend, Captain Alfred H.H. Tolar, a newspaperman from Houston and a Civil War hero.Back in 1890, when the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway extended its tracks, the area was initially called "Squaw Creek Station." But local citizens wanted a name that better reflected their growing community. During a meeting, Colonel McGaughey proposed "Tolar" to pay tribute to his friend. It's still a mystery if Captain Tolar ever visited the town named after him!Captain Tolar died July 1, 1927 at 86 years old. The death certificate says cause of death was senility. (Photo credit Houston Post Dispatch 1927) ... See MoreSee Less

How did Granbury, Texas, become recognized as the best historical small town in America and earn the tag “Where Texas History Lives”? What helped this Brazos River community thrive while others became ghost towns?

Dan Vanderburg has researched and written about Texas history for more than 30 years and tells its story in a warm, conversational style, like hearing tales from a friend on a porch at sunset. Dan is a Board Member of the Bridge Street History Center and his new book is sold at St Helen's on Granbury Square. ... See MoreSee Less

This photo from 1974 showcases the north side of The Granbury Square, 107 E. Bridge St. featuring the historic Hardware and Tin Shop building. Constructed in 1882 by John D. Baker, the structure reflects the timeless craftsmanship of the late 19th century. At the time this image was taken, the building’s historical significance was already celebrated with a Texas Historic Marker. Today, this same building is home to D'Vine Wine Granbury Texas, continuing its legacy as an integral part of Granbury’s vibrant square.

Note: the First National Bank of Granbury TX's drive thru. ... See MoreSee Less

History Rebuilt: The Panter Branch Log Cabin Finds New Life at the Old Jail Museum!

The Panter Branch log cabin is currently being reconstructed at the Old Jail Museum after being dismantled on Baker Street. Its early history is unclear, but E.L. Snider purchased the cabin and surrounding land in 1889 near Squaw Creek in southern Hood County. He used it as his home and the U.S. Post Office for frontier settlements Panter Branch, Hill City, and Pony Creek, serving as Postmaster until 1907. According to legend, a family traveling through the area was attacked by Indians, sought refuge in the Panter Branch Post Office, and survived after their wagon was burned. Stop by the Old Jail Museum and get more information.208 N. Crockett St. ... See MoreSee Less

The Nutt brothers, a prominent Granbury family, overcame challenges as two were blind from childhood. David Lee Nutt, serving as the eyes for Jacob and Jesse Lee, was key to their entrepreneurial success. Starting in 1874 under a tent, they transitioned to a log house and later to the limestone building that houses The Nutt House Hotel today.

The hotel began by chance when David Lee and his wife Sudie hosted visiting businessmen in their nearby home currently The Bridge Street History Center. By 1910, it became known as the "Nutt House Hotel," and moved to the second floor of the current limestone building in 1916. After a recent fire, the hotel was remodeled and reopened in November 2024, continuing its legacy in Granbury. nutthousehotel.com ... See MoreSee Less

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