This historic site has undergone significant transformations over the years. The 1891 Sanborn map shows upon this location once stood Scarborough and Hicks Company Building, a prominent establishment in Rockdale’s early days. This was the founding location of the esteemed Scarborough’s which so many are familiar with in Austin Texas.  

In 1935, this site witnessed a tragic event when a terrible fire broke out, leading to the deaths of two brave firemen who were answering the call. This devastating incident marked a somber chapter in our town’s history, highlighting the dangers faced by our local heroes.

After the fire, the building was rebuilt and became another mercantile establishment, eventually transitioning into Vogel’s Department Store.

Today, this site is home to the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library. Rockdale’s (and Milam County’s first) Public Library was originally housed upstairs in The 1895 starting in 1954.
The relocation of the library to this historic site in 1963 marked a significant moment in preserving and promoting education in Rockdale. The library stands as a beacon of knowledge and learning, offering a wide range of resources and programs to residents of all ages. It serves as a community hub, fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning.

The time capsule buried in 1974 to commemorate Rockdale's hundredth anniversary was just unearthed and the contents are on display at the Patterson Civic Center, offering a unique glimpse into the past and a celebration of our town’s rich history.

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On the NE corner of Ackerman and Cameron is an interesting building.  

The 1896 Sanborn map reflects this structure as being a Grocery with an Opera House on the second floor, but by the 1901 map it reflects a different business. Presumably the Opera House was replaced by The 1895 City Hall & Opera House.  

By 1925, the Sanborn Maps reflect this location as a bank which was the Rockdale State Bank.

The story of banking in Rockdale begins with the boom in business that brought several banks to our town. The Rockdale Bank was the first to open its doors in January 1874. Unfortunately, it failed two years later but was reopened and later acquired by Judge James S. Perry, who maintained its operation until 1892.

In 1889, the First National Bank of Rockdale was organized, followed by the establishment of Rockdale State Bank in 1907 and Citizens State Bank in 1912. These institutions played crucial roles in supporting the financial needs of the community, helping businesses grow and providing residents with essential banking services.

Rockdale remained a three-bank town until the early 1930s. During the Great Depression, the economic hardships faced by many communities across the nation led to significant changes in the banking sector. To protect their customers from loss during this difficult time, the other two banks in Rockdale were consolidated with Rockdale State Bank. This move helped stabilize the local financial system and ensured that residents and businesses could continue to rely on secure banking services.

During the Alcoa era, the Rockdale State Bank was clad in the modern aluminum exterior you see today, unfortunately covering the original architectural designs.  We believe the architecture still exists under the cladding, and it is our hope that one day this building can be restored and put back into service to the community.   

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A few notes about other businesses in this area: 

Up Ackerman is the Post Office which was built in 1939 in a Work Projects Administration Project. One of the most remarkable features of this Post Office is the New Deal artwork it houses. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful oil-on-canvas mural entitled “Industry in Rockdale,” commissioned by the Treasury Section of Fine Arts. This mural is a vivid depiction of Rockdale’s industrial heritage, showcasing the hardworking spirit of our community. Such artwork was part of a broader effort during the New Deal to bring art into public spaces, making it accessible to all and celebrating local culture and industry.

Across from the Post Office where the Law Office is located, in the 1950s was the Texas Power & Light Company.  

Further up Ackerman at the NW Corner of Bell once stood one of Rockdale’s finest homes – the Sledge Lockett house.  Named after two affluent and influential families of Rockdale’s early days, the once beautiful Victorian home had fallen into disrepair.  In the 1980s, Houston Oilers owner Bud Adams purchased the home for his daughter. Sadly, the home was relocated the home, but at least it was saved and restored to continue its life.

These stories offer a glimpse into our rich local history.