Picture Courtesy of Occam

Picture Courtesy of Occam

todays hosue photo Courtesy of Occam

House Photo Courtesy of Texas historical Commission

This house, often called "The Old Rock House," was built circa 1856 of limestone with a with a sand mortar on a foundation pf bois d'arc posts and hand-hewn logs. Forged square nails were used throughout the construction of the house. The walls are two feet thick and offer good insulation from Texas summer heat and winter cold.

The architectural style is called "Greek Revival" because of features adapted from Greek Temples such as the dominant columns across the front porch. This was a common architectural style in the eastern United States from 1830 - 1850, and brought to Texas by early settlers of that time period. The use of a central breezeway, called a "dog trot", offered a pleasant, cool place for many domestic chores, or for reading and socializing on hot summer days. This arrangement was particularly practical in southern and coastal Texas.

This was the home of Dr. Samuel H. Gilbert, his wife Julia Ritchie, and their daughters, Isabelle and Mary Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert was a farmer as well as one of the earlies physicians in the county. Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert are buried in the Webb Chapel Cemetery.

This house, known as "Old Rock House," was constructed in 1856 by Dr. Samuel Gilbert. It is the oldest stone structure in Dallas County. The stone walls are two feet thick. The house was acquired with the surrounding property in 1980-81. The people listed were primarily responsible for the acquisition and restoration of the structure.

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