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Doughty
Building
Original caption... "The building pictured above, occupied for more than 75 years by a succession of gaming houses, saloons and restaurants, was a landmark in Refugio. So long had the old structure been identified with Refugio business life, that when it (sic) razing took place several months ago, it took on somewhat the appearance of a rite or ceremony."
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"Last July the old building pictured below, which had stood at the corner of Commerce and Purisima streets since the memory of the oldest Refugians runneth not to the contrary, was torn down that the ground on which it stood may be occupied by a new and modern structure, one more adaptable to the uses of modern Refugio. The old building had stood on Refugio's busiest corner for more than three-quarters of a century, and when workmen began tearing its old timbers apart the operation took on somewhat the nature of a rite or ceremony. So long had the old structure been identified with the life of Refugio that its passing was almost like the passing of a good citizen who had lived out his required span, and was bowing to the inevitable after a life full of good works. "But in the old building's place will soon rise the fresh and beautiful new Jones Building with all the frills and fangles of a modern age. But it will never take the same place in the hearts of native Refugians as was occupied; by the old building, which was last known as the "Virginia Cafe" building. "Just when the old building was erected, no one knows, or that is, The Timely Remarks was unable to find anyone who would venture more than a guess. Not even Judge W.L. Rea, who is an authority on the history and lore of this section, could say for sure when it was built. He says, however, that it must have been about 1867, as when as a boy he came to Refugio in 1868 the building looked new. C.P. Fox says that it was there in 1861, but bases information on hearsay evidence. "The old building was erected by William Doughty, early day business man, and it is believed it was directly after his return from the Civil War, which was probably 1866 or 1867. About this time Mr. Doughty opened a store in the building. According to Judge Rea, Mr. Doughty carried family groceries and "barrel goods." Up to this time there never had been a regular barroom in Refugio, but hard liquor was sold from barrels and not served by the drink on the premises." Source: Refugio Timely Remarks Centennial Edition, December 14, 1934 |
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