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1987 Terry Winner - Howard Dickinson House, Henderson, TX
The Howard Dickinson House
501 South Main
Henderson, TX 75652
903-657-6925
OTHER AWARDS: Registered Texas Historical Landmark
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The first brick home in Rusk County was built of hand-made bricks in 1854-1855 by bothers Dave and Logan Howard who moved to Texas from Richmond, Virginia. The brothers were brick masons and carpenters and constructed many early buildings of the city including the first county courthouse. With hand-wrought woodwork, the home was the first house in Rusk County to be iron-reinforced and have plastered walls. In an Italian architectural style, the home has six chimneys with fireplaces in the basement, first and second stories. Sam Houston, a first cousin of Mrs. Dave (Martha Ann) Howard, was a frequent visitor, and Houston's trunk is on display in the home.
HISTORY OF STRUCTURE: The Howard family lived in the home from the 1850s until 1905 when Miss Kate Dickinson acquired the residence and added the rear wing. She used the home as a boarding house from 1905-1950. From 1950 to 1964, the house was vacant and fell prey to vandals.
RESTORATION: Mr. and Mrs. Homer Bryce purchased the property in 1964 and donated the house to the Rusk County Heritage Association. After three years of restoration the home was furnished in period antiques--one of which was the first organ brought to Rusk County. Since 1967, the house has been a living museum and meeting place for special events. The house is owned by the Rusk County Heritage Association and is featured in the Christmas Candlelight tour and the annual homes tour.
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