“Miss Belle” you say? Let’s talk about the Hill-Robberson House Plaque. It marks a place of local historical importance. This plaque commemorates the Hill-Robberson House. The house itself has an interesting story.
The Hill-Robberson House was built around 1887. A. H. Hill, an early Richardson settler, built it. The house stood at 206 Sherman Street. This land was once railroad property.
Fast forward to 1902. Margaret A. Robberson purchased the house. She bought it for her daughter Virginia Bell Robberson. Virginia was known as “Miss Belle.” She was a public school teacher.
Miss Belle never married. She lived and taught in the house for almost 40 years. Her students ranged from kindergarten to third grade. She taught them reading and arithmetic. She also taught them social graces.
The Hill-Robberson House is a Victorian-style residence. It features a gabled roof. It also has gingerbread ornamentation. These details made it a distinctive landmark.
In 1979, the house was moved to another site. Then in 1982, it was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. This designation ensured its preservation. The Hill-Robberson House Plaque was erected that same year.
Before she died in 1940, Miss Belle transferred the house title to her sister Fannie Keller.
The Hill-Robberson House was temporarily relocated in recent years. It was moved about half a mile. This was to allow for development of the surrounding land.
The Texas Historical Commission approved the relocation plans. The city of Richardson also sought input on a permanent location. They considered factors like visibility and central location.
Today, the Hill-Robberson House Plaque serves as a reminder. It reminds us of Miss Belle’s dedication to education. It also reminds us of the house’s architectural significance. It is a tribute to a bygone era. The plaque ensures that her legacy lives on. It connects us to the past. It helps us appreciate the history of Richardson.