Roberts Co., TX - News: 75 Year Old House Still Stands ****************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Diane Richards USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ****************************************************** Miami Chief News Despite the elements of weather and remaining unoccupied for most of the time, a house built in 1902 still stands proudly in the northern part of Roberts County. The house is located on land now owned by Ina Lard Crowe of Wimberly, Texas on F. M. 283. The land (Lard Ranch) is leased by Bill Tolbert of Miami. The early county seat of Roberts County, Parnell, was situated one-half mile north of the house while the Parnell Cemetery was another half-mile further north. J. D. (Dave) Lard originally built the place at the turn of the century. He had purchased and bought a sawmill that was located nearby. The home was made of shiplap outside, cottonwood diagonal sheeting in the center and beaded ceiling for the inside wall. Joe and Alpha Tolbert, long-time residents, moved into the house in 1918. They had been married only two years at the time. Two years later they moved away. The house remained vacant since except for an occasional cowboy or batcher for a few weeks at a time. It has been used mostly since those days to store feed. The house was divided into a kitchen, bedroom and a shed room attached on the back. A hand dug well was located west of the place. It was approximately ten feet deep and a picther pump brought the cool water to the surface for thirsty travlers. Additional Comments: Dave and Blanche Walstad Lard built a two-story home in Miami in 1903. It was destroyed by fire in Jan. of 1926. It was the largest residence in Miami and valued at around $15,000.00. It was insured for $6,000. According to the March 24, 1927 issue of the Miami Chief, construction on a new modern home was planned to begin at the cost of $5,000.00 on the lot near the Courthouse.