County of Marker: Ochiltree County
Location of Marker: 1001 S. Cedar St., Perryton
Marker Erected by: State Historical Survey Committee
Date Marker Erected: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
The Person:
Louise Rupprecht Blasingame
BIRTH: 27 Jul 1872, Bavaria, Germany
DEATH: 21 Nov 1962 (aged 90), Denver, Denver County, Colorado
BURIAL: Ochiltree Cemetery, Perryton, Ochiltree County, Texas
Mrs. Louise BLASINGAME was born in Bavaria, Germany, and soon after her birth, she moved to America with her parents, where they settled near Dubuque, Iowa.
"On August 12, 1896 she was married to John BLASINGAME in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. BLASINGAME moved with his bride to Jones county Texas where they lived until 1901. From here they came to the town of Ochiltree by team. The wagon was loaded with a few groceries and 30 bushels of apples. They came to establish a general store and these apples were their first stock in trade.
"Several small stores had already been established in this county before their arrival. Very soon this couple established themselves as leaders in the mercantile business. Their first store was set up in the frame schoolhouse northeast of the courthouse. The schoolhouse had, for the moment, fallen into disuse because of the ten year exit of families that had starved out and left the country. A few students had school in the courthouse for a short term.
"The BLASINGAME family then returned to Ochiltree County and established a mercantile business in the first cement block building. It was a two story edifice, one room of which was occupied by two sister milliners who later became Mrs. Jim TEAGUE and Mrs. A. M. (Bogus) WILBANKS, Jr.
"In 1950 Mr. BLASINGAME passed away. During the period of his recession and illness she managed the farm. Soon she was called to further duty as her sister, Mrs. Bill McLARTY, resided with her. The two later moved to Perryton where Mrs. BLASINGAME devoted much care and attention to her ailing sister. Her latter years were spent with her daughter, Emily BRUHLMAN in Denver, Colorado.
"Mrs. BLASINGAME was a good hearted, thrifty, hardworking woman who constantly did the little pioneer things so necessary in life. The passing of such a useful life is within itself a noble sermon." ~ Obituary by S. P. Whippo
The Place:
Built about 1912 in Ochiltree. Designed by Mrs. John Blasingame; 19th century English, German influence. Constructed by Sam Whittaker; lumber and red brick hauled from Glazier. Luxurious home had attic, full basement. Heavy embossed picture moulding.
"Contained much intricate glass work - two leaded stained glass windows, of Bavarian design, on sides of living room mantels. Was moved to Perryton, 1961, by the Willard McLarty family. ~ State Historical Survey Committee, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
"The BLASINGAMEs later built a fine brick residence which became a landmark in Old Ochiltree after the county seat moved to Perryton. A rural school was maintained in this old town long after this and there was no place for teachers to stay. In 1927-28 Mr. Roy ORRILL and his wife were teachers; they boarded and roomed here with Mrs. BLASINGAME, taking care of their baby, Margaret. In 1929-30, teachers, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. KELLEY, lived at this cheerful place." ~ S. P. Whippo