COLUMBUS — Harbert’s Garage in Columbus received its official Texas Historical Marker on June 12. History in the mak ing as Harbert’s Garage, located at 535 Walnut St., in Columbus chalked up 113 years as an iconic Alamo-style building.
From years of abandoned neglect after its heyday, it was resurrected to its former glory with the help of owner, Ronny Daley, of Columbus, while staying true to its heritage. Now it serves as the home for the Hound Song Brew- ing Company.
Sam Arrington Harbert founded Harbert’s Garage in 1913. He then began selling new Dodge cars in 1916 and expanded to in - clude a filling station, auto sales room and repair shop. It was the transportation hub for the Grey - hound Bus company and later be - came a transmission repair shop and then an auction house. What is missing from its impressive re sume is that it also housed a cafe and motel to care for the weary travelers that came off the Grey- hound bus and wrecker service.
For the movie history buffs, the movie 1971 Windsplitter filmed a scene at Harbert’s Garage.
The dedication ceremony was well attended as Ester Chandler, representing the Colorado County Historical Commission, gave the welcome speech and Roger Wade, representing the Colorado County Historical Commission, presented the official marker. On hand was Daley as well as the Hound Song Brewing Company crew.
The official Texas Historical Com - mission marker affixed to the front, left side of Harert’s Garage at 535 Walnut St. in Columbus. Harbert's Garage received its historical marker on June 12. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
Roger Wade, a member of the Col - orado County Historical Commis - sion, unveils the official historical marker dedicating it to Harbert's Garage on June 12 at Harbert's Garage at 535 Walnut St. in Co- lumbus. Starting as Harbert's Garage in 1913 and being part of the iconic scenery of Columbus, it now houses the Hound Song Brew- ing Company. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
Side-by-side view of Harbert's Garage in Columbus from undated archived photos used in the presentation for the official historical marker dedication on June 12 in Columbus. Courtesy photos provided by Esther Chandler
