Tomball, Texas, was the site of an epiphany in 1961. A number of forward-minded
people who had collective memories of a bygone era met to form a group that
would work to preserve the heritage of the region. The founders, George
Charlton, Magdalene Charlton, Eva Ashworth, H. L. Mitchell, Norman Froelich,
Earl Hillegeist and Louis Lenz, called their organization the Spring Creek
Historical Association
—Spring Creek County was the name for the area during the time of the Republic of
Texas.
The Charlton family was responsible for researching and gaining the donation of
the Pillot House, which became the core structure of the current Tomball
Historical Museum Complex, on Pine Street, in Tomball, Texas.
The association worked closely with the Champion Paper Company, which donated a
four-acre tract of land west of Tomball near Rose Hill. The area is now marked
“New Kentucky.” This celebrated “fork in the road” confronted Sam Houston and his army during the Texas War of Independence from
Mexico.
The Hillegeist family donated the land at the site of the old Confederate Powder
Mill. This mill was located in modern day Spring Creek Park. During the Civil
War, there was an explosion at the mill, which killed three workers. The site
became a memorial to those who died.
Today, the Tomball Museum Complex boasts 14 structures. When you have an
afternoon to step back in time, visit the Fritz Theis ranch house, circa 1900;
the Humble Oil camp house, circa 1940 (completely restored to its 1940
’s splendor); or the Farm Museum, which hosts a collection of early 20th century
tools and farm equipment.
(Clockwise from upper right) The Farm Museum was built in 1969 as a memorial to
Judge Charlton by his wife. It houses a two-story cotton gin amongst its
treasures.
• Map shows where the Pillot (Griffin) House was originally built, as well as the
original site of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
• The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was one of the first churches in the
Northwest Harris County area. It was formed in 1876.
The building was moved to the Tomball Museum Complex in 1973. The church is
available for small weddings and baptismals.
• Dr. William Ehrhardt's Office, circa 1900s.
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