This turn-of-the-century Texas town grew up rapidly after the discovery of hot mineral water in 1893. Bath houses, hotels, hospitals and boarding houses went up one after another until the city became one of the world’s leading health resorts up until the late 1960’s. The advent of modern medicine caused the popularity of the baths to wane; however the mystique around the water’s healing powers still lingers.

Adams Funeral Home

As a result of a flourishing casket business, the firm of Denning and Ragsdale was formed by 1900. In 1929, this Spanish Revival funeral home was built by Mr. Dave Denning who sold his interest to Mr. John Barnes Adams in 1932. Thus, the unique neon sign dates back to the 1930’s. The funeral home features cast iron lamps and bars on the facade and two stained glass windows that reflect the iron bar motif. The mission dormer houses a bell.

Arlington Gardens

The gazebo park was constructed in 1995 and named to commemorate the famous Arlington Hotel which once stood near this site. The Arlington Hotel was named after a hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas and was the first hotel erected in Marlin in 1895. The original three-story wooden hotel burned in 1899 and was replaced by an even more grand structure built of brick and stone. The Arlington was the cultural and social center of town.

Chamber of Commerce Hot Water Pavilion

In 1903 the City of Marlin built this municipal hygeia on the site of the first hot artesian well drilled in 1893. The pavilion became a popular gathering place for visitors and townspeople to meet and drink the water from the fountain. In 1971 the Marlin Chamber of Commerce constructed office space in one portion of the pavilion since tourists still stop here first on their visits to Marlin.

Falls County Courthouse

This is the fourth courthouse on this site built in 1939. It is a fine example of art deco construction made of limestone and featuring marble stairways at its entrances. Round windows on interior doors and green glass art deco wall lamps carry out the distinctive styling. Fire destroyed the third courthouse which was most well-remembered for its beautiful clock tower.

Falls County Historical Museum

This building dates back to approximately 1916 and currently houses the Falls County Historical Museum. The museum is run by friends of the Falls County Historical Commission and is open Monday and Friday afternoons or by appointment. It features exhibits of collections and memorabilia from Falls County families since the mid 1800’s. Call 254-883-5592 with inquiries.

Falls Hotel

The Falls Hotel was originally known as the Hilton Hotel, having been built by Conrad Hilton in 1929. It was the eighth hotel in his chain. The 110 room hotel was connected by underground tunnel to the Marlin Sanitarium Bath House across the street which stood at the present site of the gazebo park. Bathers could walk in robe and slippers straight to their hot mineral baths. This building is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and has a marker near its front entrance.

Fire Station No. 1

This building has served as the home for the City of Marlin Fire Department since its construction in 1920. The traditional red brick structure was designed by noted architect and Marlin native Fonzie Robertson. A second station was built much later to give fire protection to the east part of Marlin, often cut off from the main fire station by long freight trains.

An early photo of the rectory.

Lyons the Florist

This building was built as the rectory for St. John’s Episcopal Church in 1922. This one-of-a-kind bungalow with a Swiss Chalet feel was sold to Orville Lyons in 1954. Since that time it has housed a pest control business and now a flower shop.

An early photo of the administration building when it was the post office.

Marlin I.S.D. Administration

Construction of this building was completed in 1915. It served the Marlin community as the United States Post Office for 52 years. When the Post Office moved to its new location one block east in 1967 the building became known as the Federal Office Building housing the Agriculture Stabilization & Conservation, Farmers Home Administration and Soil Conservation Service. The Marlin Independent School District obtained the property in 1987 as a gift from the U.S. Department of Education. Renovations were completed by 1989. This is one of Marlin’s most distinguished buildings featuring corinthian columns and white marble stairs at the entry.

Palace Theatre

It was the Majestic Theatre in 1912 when J.C. Chatmas rebuilt it to be the Palace in 1925. From vaudeville shows to the first ‘talking pictures’ in 1929 to live dramatic productions, this theatre has been the chief source of entertainment throughout the decades. The Palace Theatre Association took ownership of the building in 1981 when it formed a non-profit organization dedicated to providing family entertainment to the residents of Falls County. Renovations began at that time in order to preserve and restore the historic art deco theatre. Live performances throughout the year help fund these preservation efforts.

Keith's Ace Hardware Building

This was one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Marlin. C.W. and H.G. Rush started a hardware store in 1891 and built their own building at this site in 1900 after Gardner and Bartlett were added as titled stockholders. The Rush, Gardner, and Bartlett Co. landmark has spanned the decades of change evident in the ghost signs on the west wall offering buggies, wagons and farm implements. The Building is now home to Keith's Ace Hardware.

Falls County Samaritan House

This building dates back to 1903 when it first appeared on the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps. It was built as a clothing store known as The Famous. The name is still visible in the carrerra glass on the remodeled 1930’s storefront. The Falls County Samaritan House acquired the site in 1992 as a home for its thrift store which funds emergency aid for those in need. The facade rehabilitation was completed in 1995 and won a Texas Downtown Association award in 1996 for Best Rehabilitation Project Under $20,000 Budget. The Marlin Main Street Project led the fundraiser on a $10 Makes A Difference Campaign and raised the $3000 needed for renovation.