City Secretary, Historic Preservation, Public Communications

City presents 100th historical marker to 1932 Southside home

(L-R): Councilwoman Linda Harvell, HPC Chairman Gerald Burgner, Emily Jane Cowen, Chris Cowen, Councilman Dennis Maloney, and Mayor Karl Mooney.

By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director

Let’s face it: Plenty of College Station residents were born before our city was officially incorporated in 1938. Still, honoring our history — albeit a relatively brief one — is essential.

That’s why College Station’s Historic Preservation Committee had the vision to launch its Historical Marker Program in 1991. The effort recognizes qualifying homes, buildings, sites, events and other classifications significant to College Station’s earliest days.

The College Station City Council on Thursday honored the 100^th residence to receive a marker: 603 Guernsey Street, which is owned by Chris and Emily Jane Cowen. The Cowens purchased their beautiful 1932 home in 2012 and later renovated the entire structure. They now have a numbered, cast-aluminum plaque bearing the likeness of an old College Station railroad depot to display on their home with pride. Continue reading “City presents 100th historical marker to 1932 Southside home”

Parks and Recreation, Public Communications

Think getting around College Station is tough now?

College Station residents are highly familiar with seasonal changes to commuter traffic, especially when the students return after the holidays. In the 141 years since Texas A&M was founded as a isolated outpost south of Bryan, the challenges of getting from place to place have shaped the area’s distinctive character.

Most people use motor vehicles these days, but that wasn’t always the case. College Station’s Project HOLD (online library database) chronicles the history of the city’s various means of transportation through its collection of historic images. Here’s a look at four ways our students — and residents — used to get around: Continue reading “Think getting around College Station is tough now?”