A cut limestone structure, built in 1895, this building was the hardware operation of Baker and Rylee. When Baker’s brother joined the partnership, the store became the Baker Hardware Co. Baker and Riley had a well dug inside the hardware store and installed a windmill and water tank on the roof. They had their own 1890s water works system.

Progress came to Granbury and the first automobiles in town appeared in 1907. In 1929 the Hardware Company building was converted to a gasoline service station by the Transcontinental Oil Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma. From 1930 up to World War II, this was the busiest corner in Granbury as a café was added to the gas station and both were open 24 hours a day.
Looking back around the square, imagine dusty streets with farmers and settlers moseying along. Some frequenting the saloons while others are having their wagons packed with supplies. Women are visiting or buying dry goods at the mercantile stores. From the first pioneers who began to settle in the region during the 1850’s to the present day, the Square is steeped in Victorian architecture and charming country spirit.

The information presented in this walk around the Square has been compiled from several documents some of which may be found at the Jailhouse Museum, Visit Granbury, and the Bridge Street History Center. The information is as factual as could be derived from the documents used.