Gates Memorial Library - Port Arthur, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 29° 52.733 W 093° 55.632
15R E 410463 N 3305725
Dellora R. Gates gifted the library to Lamar State College-Port Arthur as a memorial to her husband, John W. "Bet-a-Million" Gates, and son, Charles.
Waymark Code: WMPV0Z
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 10/21/2015
Views: 3
Texas Historic Site Atlas
The structure is a library in the Classical Revival having half colixmns emerging from the walls on both sides as well as full columns across the inset loggia of its facade. The overall style is severe having few details and no pediment. The library is situated on city park land overlooking a major lake which serves as a state boundary line between Texas and Louisiana.
Six columns of limestone dominate the facade, while half-colxjmns emerging from the walls give the same effect to both sides of the forward (original) portion of the building.
The entrance to the library is approached by limestone steps that run the entire 90 foot width of the structure. The entablature is supported by six smooth limestone coltamns 23 feet in height and being 2 feet and 3 inches in thickness at the base. The columns' entasis is slight with capitals of the Corinthian order. The detailing of the entablature is simple. The plain frieze bears the name of the library and the dedicatory legend with a decorative tondo medallion sculpted in bas-relief at either end of the frieze on the front and two sides of the two-story portion of the building.
Street address:
317 Stilwell Blvd
Port Arthur, TX USA
77640
County / Borough / Parish: Jefferson
Year listed: 1981
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1900-1924
Historic function: Education
Current function: Education
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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