The recent presentation of the prestigious Preservation Texas Honor Award to Webb’s Fair & Square Gallery for their exemplary work in the rehabilitation of the Fort Davis Masonic Lodge and Scobee Adobe House is a resounding testament to the enduring value of historic preservation.
At the Northeast Texas Regional Preservation Summit held in Tyler on September 7, 2023, Julie Webb, the dedicated owner of Webb’s Fair & Square Gallery, received this prestigious honor. The award recognizes the remarkable efforts put forth to restore and breathe new life into historically significant structures that were once in a state of peril. It is a celebration of the rich tapestry of history and the cultural heritage of Fort Davis and West Texas as a whole.
The Fort Davis Masonic Lodge and Scobee Adobe House, which had been placed on Preservation Texas’s Most Endangered Places list in 2021, were facing an uncertain future. These venerable buildings, each with its own unique history, were on the brink of being lost to time. However, the tenacity and vision of Julie and Bruce Webb, known for their acclaimed folk art gallery, Webb Gallery in Waxahachie, have given these structures a second chance at life.
The Scobee Adobe House, dating back to 1884, is a piece of living history, named after one of its notable inhabitants, pulp fiction writer Barry Scobee. Situated along the historic Overland Trail stage route, the house once served as a post office, serving as a vital hub for the community. Adjacent to it stands a one-story stone bank building constructed in 1906. In 1928, the Fort Davis Masons added a second story, using it as a lodge hall for several decades. These buildings were later donated to Jeff Davis County, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their storied history.
In 2022, Julie and Bruce Webb undertook the ambitious task of restoring these abandoned treasures. With a passion for preserving history and an unwavering commitment to their rehabilitation, the Webbs have already completed the transformation of the lodge hall building into Webb’s Fair & Square Gallery, a thriving hub for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The ongoing rehabilitation of the Scobee Adobe House is a testament to their dedication to preserving the architectural heritage of the region.
Preservation Texas Honor Awards are conferred every other year to acknowledge outstanding contributions in the restoration, preservation, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of historic places that have been individually listed on Preservation Texas’s Most Endangered Places list or are connected to previous statewide thematic endangered listings. This year’s awards highlight the tireless efforts made by individuals, organizations, and communities to breathe new life into once-endangered historic sites while preserving their historical significance and architectural integrity.
Evan Thompson, Executive Director of Preservation Texas, highlighted the significance of this recognition, noting that “the saving of these endangered buildings will not only protect an important piece of West Texas history but also contribute to the economic and cultural development of the region as home to a new art gallery.” The Preservation Texas Honor Award bestowed upon Webb’s Fair & Square Gallery underscores the vital role of historic preservation in enriching communities and safeguarding their heritage.
Julie Webb and her team at Webb’s Fair & Square Gallery stand as inspiring stewards of history, illustrating that with unwavering dedication and vision, even the most endangered places can be given a renewed lease on life. Their work serves as a shining example of the power of preservation to revitalize communities and ensure that the legacy of the past endures for future generations. The Preservation Texas Honor Award is not just a recognition; it is a celebration of their commitment to preserving the heart and soul of Fort Davis, Texas.
