Richard Bennett Hubbard, Jr. was named as a recipient of the Half Mile of History on March 25, 2008. Richard settled in Tyler, Texas in 1853. He was the16th Governor of Texas from1876 to1879 and United States Envoy to Japan from 1885 to1889. He is buried in the historic Oakwood Cemetery in Tyler.
Thomas Booker Butler was named as a recipient of the Half Mile of History on May 28, 2008. Thomas served as Smith County Judge, along with serving in the 7th Judicial District Court in 1902. In 1910, he founded the Tyler-Courier Times Newspaper and the Guaranty State Bank later known as Regions Bank. He was a major contributor in many aspects of Tyler’s business and government communities.
Senator Tomas Glover Pollard was named as a recipient of the Half Mile of History on July 23, 2008. Tomas served Texas as a Representative from 1919 to1922 and then as State Senator from 1922 to 1932, supporting legislation for oil and gas and the creation of what was to become Texas Tech University.
Wood T. Brookshire was named as a recipient of the Half Mile of History on August 27, 2008. Wood started Brookshire Grocery Company in 1928, was director of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce in 1945, and served on the Tyler School Board from 1941 to 1950.
The Tyler Woman’s Building was named as a recipient of the Half Mile of History on August 27, 2008. Located at 911 South Broadway, this building provided the launching pad for the Tyler Civic Theatre and East Texas Symphony Orchestra. The building was used to aid in the war efforts by providing housing for soldiers during their leave. In the fifties it was also used for education classes in the fine art of etiquette and manners for the young women of Tyler. Built in 1932, it became a civic and social gathering place for the Tyler community.
SHIRLEY SIMONS, SR.
1896 -1963
Shirley Simons, a famed architect, designed many outstanding buildings that have received national historic recognition such as City Hall and the U.S. Post Office/Courthouse. His numerous architectural designs have enhanced the Tyler vertical landscape.
HENRY MARSH BELL
1893 -1951
Dubbed as “Mr. Tyler”, he championed the Tyler Industrial Foundation, East Texas Medical Foundation and was president of Citizens First National Bank, and the Tyler and East Texas Chambers of Commerce.
JOHN FRANKLIN “DOC” WITT
1884 -1952
Tyler’s Music Man, Doc Witt, organized the Tyler Municipal Band, Tyler High School and Tyler Junior College Band. Doc enriched Tyler citizens with his love of music for 44 years.
RUDOLPH BERGFELD
1855 -1930
The young entrepreneur arrived in Tyler in 1878, with interests ranging from saloons, banking, to real estate. He developed the city’s first residential subdivision and was Chamber of Commerce Director for 30 years.
HENRY M. MORGAN
1895 -1961
Mr. Morgan founded the first Barber College for African Americans on a national scale and is remembered as a civic and political activist, as well as a leader in his profession.
SIDNEY EARL (S.E.) PALMER
1903 -1986
Mr. Palmer, community activist in the St. Louis Community, worked tirelessly for housing improvements. Supported integration for TISD and helped create Single Member Voting Districts.
CHARLES EVAN COLEMAN
1914 - 2003
Mr. Coleman, Tyler’s first licensed African-American lawyer, served the community through mentoring, leadership and providing free legal aid to fellow citizens.
TYLER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Since 1899, the library has served to expand the horizons and dreams of Tyler’s citizens while connecting them to the cultural and historic heritage of mankind.
TEXAS COLLEGE
Founded in 1894 to educate the children of former slaves, the College continues to benefit society through its vision to “Enhance the Culture of Learning”.
JUDGE SAM LINDSEY
1863 -1961
He was known as a man of vision and earned the honorary title, “Father of the Federal Land Banks”. He was instrumental in the promotion and construction of the Peoples Bank building.
CAMP FANNIN
1943-1946
“A Grateful Nation Remembers”
U.S. Army Infantry Replacement Center was located 8 miles NE of Tyler on US 271. An estimated 150,000 men received basic combat training during WWII.