Friday, September 6, 2024
In the heart of Granbury’s historic square stand two remarkable buildings, each with a unique story. The structures at 110 N. and 114 N. Crockett Street are more than just architectural gems; they reflect the vision and determination of local business owners who have become an integral part of Hood County. Through their efforts, these entrepreneurs have breathed new life into historic spaces on the square, blending tradition with innovation. Their work not only preserves Granbury’s rich heritage but also propels it into a dynamic future.
T.W. “DUB” THOMAS
In 1934, a kerosene stove explosion leveled T.W. “Dub” Thomas’ shop on East Pearl Street to the ground. Undeterred, Thomas relocated to the square in Granbury, setting up Dub’s Place in a modest 14x20’ sheet iron building at 110 N. Crockett Street, for which he paid a mere $25. Dub’s Place, a true testament to his resilience, offered Independent gas at 15 cents a gallon and stocked an eclectic range of items from fan belts to candy. Dub famously traded for anything from chickens to tractors, as revealed in his online memoir.
In the first year, Dub balanced his store responsibilities with a job as a mail carrier on the Star route from Granbury to Thorp Spring. His wife Callie, brother Cecil, and employee Pete Rowe managed the shop. By 1946, Dub’s thriving business necessitated expansion; he constructed a two-story concrete tile structure at the same address. The store then began selling Exxon gasoline products, known at the time as “Humble.” “By 1973,” Dub said, “time and toil had changed me.” He could no longer keep up the pace and handed the reins to his son, Billy Joe (Scooter) Thomas.
In 1978, Scooter Thomas sold Dub’s Place to W.B. Hopson, who continued to run the business under its well-known name. Dub said in his online memoir, “I just went with the business as part of the fixtures and continued to serve the public as a parts salesman.”
Hopson sold 110 N. Crockett St. in 1982 to Weston Blair. Brian and Lori Hennington transformed it into Hennington’s Café and Catering Company, which offered gourmet southern cuisine and cooking classes during the summer. Co-leasing the space was an antique mall owned by Diane Davis, owner of Stringfellows and Mary Heart Tea Room.
T.C. MITCHELL AND CHARLIE TIPTON
In 1957, Dub’s Place welcomed a neighbor when T.C. Mitchell and Charlie Tipton opened Mitchell’s Garage at 114 N. Crockett St. The garage sold International Harvester farm equipment and specialized in automatic transmission repairs.
THE MCRAES
In Sandi Henning McCrae’s book, “Tom McCrae How do you spell it… G.R.A.C.E.,” she chronicles the life of Tom McCrae, from his youth in Plains to his eventual residence in Granbury. His journey began with a stint in the Texas oilfields, working alongside his older brother, Mac. In the 1950s, inspired by Mac’s service in the 7th Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army, McCrae joined the National Guard while Sister (Carol) McCrae was working in the surplus line insurance business in Dallas.
The 1960s brought significant changes for Tom McCrae. He married Freda Donica, and they had a daughter, Sam. However, the marriage soon ended, leading him through a series of job changes. His career path led him from hauling dirt to insurance adjusting, fashion sales, and manufacturing.
Tom’s life took a pivotal turn when he encountered Braniff flight attendant Sandi Henning. Following a whirlwind courtship, they married, propelling Tom’s fashion career forward as he designed and sold jeans.
In the 1970s, Tom and Sandi McCrae took a break from fashion to open the first “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” (T.C.B.Y.) store in Dallas, later expanding to a second location before selling the business. Returning to fashion, they designed jeans with Ken Wiley under the brand Gotcha Covered. They also designed signature jeans and T-shirts for Gilley’s, the legendary honky-tonk in Pasadena.
Tom was hugely successful in his business endeavors. However, he felt something was missing and made an appointment with his doctor, who was also a friend. Tom left the clinic with a bible, and a few years later, he became a born-again Christian.
Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Champ, his activewear line. In 1982, his good buddy Curtis Graf introduced him to The Great American Race, the first-ever vintage car rally race offering a $250,000 purse. When Tom and Curtis discovered they were the only registered entrants, Tom bought the race, transforming it into a beloved event. The first race occurred in 1983 and saw 69 cars journey from California to Indianapolis, culminating in a victory lap at the Indy 500.
In 1989, Sister McCrae joined Tom in the race, strengthening their sibling bond. She had traveled as an insurance broker for 25 years, and her career took her to many foreign countries. She was a regular at national and regional conventions. Sister McCrae sold her insurance partnership in 1993 and went to work for Tom McCrae at The Great Race Headquarters in Dallas.
A RACE TO GRANBURY
The Great American Race, billed as the “world’s richest vintage car race,” involved promotions in over 800 cities, distributed $3 million in prizes, and covered 5 million vehicle miles.
In 1995, Granbury’s Chamber of Commerce learned The Great American Race was looking for a museum home and approached Tom McCrae.
The pitch worked. The entire staff of The Great Race loved Granbury’s small historic town charm, but there was a big problem—no space on the square. That same week, the Mitchell-Tipton building became available, as Charlie Tipton passed away in May 1995 at 76.
The privately owned International Harvester dealership on the square was leaving and making way for The Great Race headquarters and Hall of Fame Museum of antique race cars. Sister McCrae said, “We’d borrow 13 (great race cars) every year, and we’d put them on display, write up a program about them, and charge an admission to come in.”
EXPANDING THE RACE
Sister McCrae moved to Granbury in 1996, followed by Tom and Sandi McCrae in 1998. That same year, Weston Blair approached Tom about the impending vacancy of 110 N. Crockett St. — the Hennington’s barbecue restaurant and the antique mall were moving. Tom McCrae then purchased the building.
THE UPTOP RANCH
The McCraes began plans for the second floor of 110 N. Crockett — their most recently acquired space. Sandi McCrae was the architect, while Tom McCrae was the general contractor who supervised the remodeling of the 5,000-square-foot space. “Tom was afraid that having everything that was up there would be too much,” Sister McCrae explained, “so we put these trusses in (the ceiling for reinforcement). Soon, the UpTop Ranch was born, becoming “Texas’ only zero lot line ranch.” The McCraes held wildly popular bible studies at the ranch. In attendance were Russ and Wendy Hearn, ‘The Really Big Show’ corporate musicians, who had just moved to Granbury, and Ike and Trisha Thomas.
As the McCraes and the Hearns visited one evening, 110 N. Crockett St. sat quietly when Russ Hearn asked Tom McCrae if he had ever considered putting music in the space. A new venture developed within moments and a deal was consummated with a handshake. In eight weeks, with expenses three times higher than initially budgeted, 110 N. Crockett St. had been transformed into a music theater.
OPENING NIGHT
In November 1999, with Sister McCrae handling group ticket sales, Granbury Live began entertaining families with heartwarming patriotic and Christian-themed performances (a la ‘Branson’) featuring the Hearns, Carey, and Dena Dyer, with Tom McCrae as the Master of Ceremonies and “Downtown” Kerry Brown as producer.
SAYING GOODBYE
In 2002, Tom McCrae sold The Great Race to Rally Partners — a group of 11 great racers — and the office moved to San Marcos. Sister McCrae said she “moved there for a year to show administration the ‘ropes’ about entrants, cities, and sponsors, etc..” returning to Granbury in 2003 to work at Granbury Live.”
With the closure of The Great Race Museum, 114 N. Crockett became Celebration Hall — a space for event rental to the public and is still operating in this capacity today.
Tom McCrae was ready to expand the idea of Christian family music entertainment with the possibility of a new venue in Fredericksburg to be called Main Street Live. On a country road west of Lampasas, on his way to meet with the town’s Chamber of Commerce in May 2005, Tom lost control of his motorcycle, crashed, and died instantly at the age of 65.
ANOTHER SALE
Granbury Live continued under the guidance of the late producer, Brown, until 2011 when it closed. The Granbury Opera House utilized the theater while they underwent renovations of their current location. The space transitioned to other uses until 2013 when The Thomas Group, Ike and Trisha Thomas and sons, Ryan and Justin, purchased the buildings and then leased 110 N. Crockett to Sean Mitchell for Big City Music Review for three years. Sam Houston was the manager for about 18 months, followed by Kishla Hackler, who has handled Granbury Live management since then and continues to do so today. The entertainment format of the music venue has changed to tribute bands. 114 N. Crockett continued as Celebration Hall.
MARVIN
Several years ago, Sister McCrae visited Tractor Supply and picked up a tall ceramic pig. The store had donated it as an auction item for the Brazos Pregnancy Center’s Gala. Captivated by its charm, she immediately placed her bid and secured the pig, naming him Marvin.
The story of 110 and 114 N. Crockett St. is a testament to resilience, innovation, and community spirit. These buildings, much like the lives interwoven within them, reflect the heart and soul of Granbury. Today, reminiscing about her family’s legacy, Sister McCrae, a beloved Granbury ambassador, can often be seen driving around with Marvin strapped into the passenger seat — a silent witness to the changes. Her journeys through the evolving landscape of Granbury serve as a reminder of this historic town’s enduring legacy and vibrant future.
