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History & Heritage in Wichita Falls
When observing Wichita Falls' skyline, we can thank a long-ago friendly rivalry between two local bankers for the view!
BIG BLUE PROPERTIES & CITY NATIONAL BUILDING
719 Scott Ave. & 807 8th St.
Competition often drives innovation. When two people are particularly passionate about their craft, that competition can turn into rivalry. Observers of the Wichita Falls’ skyline are viewing the fruits of one such friendly rivalry between two local banking legends. Vestiges of a simpler time, the buildings stand as monuments to a time when economic success was determined by size.
Joseph A. Kemp and Robert E. Huff originally worked together as board members of the Panhandle National Bank located at the corner of 7th and Indiana. Later in 1892, the two parted ways when Kemp moved on to become the president of the City National Bank at 7th and Ohio with Huff remaining at Panhandle National Bank, later renamed First National Bank. In 1910, Kemp made the first move in the rivalry, choosing a new site for City National Bank at the corner of 8th and Ohio. This building would later become the Holt Hotel. Huff followed suit by announcing a new building for First National Bank to be built at 8th and Indiana and opening in 1915.
Five years later, Kemp built yet another building for City National Bank, this time a 10-story monolith at 8th & Scott. Huff’s First National Bank merged with another banking giant Wichita National Bank to become First Wichita Bank and subsequently moved into the Waggoner Building across the street from City National Bank. The Waggoner Building was remodeled in the 1960s, making it a twelve-story building affectionately known today as Big Blue. Big Blue’s namesake comes from its unique blue porcelain siding, a clever workaround to hide utility wires and high-velocity air conditioning units.
Once Big Blue was erected, City National Bank went under renovations and emerged at thirteen stories tall. This tit-for-tat would continue with First Wichita Bank adding a 153-foot tall sign with a giant 1 for first at the very top. City National Bank reciprocated with a 51-foot rotating neon sign that could be seen from miles away. When First Wichita Bank purchased an adjacent building and added a six-lane “motor bank” with a parking garage above, City National Bank built a skybridge to a neighboring five story structure that then housed a motor bank, covered parking and the exclusive Wichita Club. When City National Bank added a big clock on the corner, First Wichita Bank installed a larger one that also displayed the temperature.
While the banks that once wrestled for dominion over the Wichita Falls’ skyline no longer occupy the buildings, new local business owners with the grit and determination of the original occupants have breathed new life into the historical landmarks. Landmarks that carry on the legacy of two men who forever changed the landscape of Wichita Falls.
WEE-CHI-TAH SCULPTURE
501 Wichita St.
This life-size bronze sculpture by artist Jack Stevens is of a Comanche woman, her child, and two braves on horseback. Set in the natural beauty of rock & flowing water near the site of the original waterfalls.
When visiting Wichita Falls, a stop at the Wee-Chi-Tah sculpture is a must. It offers a moment to appreciate the artistry, history, and the profound significance it brings to the community.
The sculpture’s presence contributes to the cultural identity of the community, honoring the history and contributions of Native American peoples.
KELL HOUSE HERITAGE CENTER
900 Bluff St. | 940.723.2712 | kellhouseheritagecenter.org
The Kell House Heritage Center is a step back in time to the early 20th century. Built in 1909, the Kell House was the home of Frank Kell and his family for seventy years.
The Wichita County Heritage Society purchased the property and converted it into a museum that opened to the public in 1981. The Museum harkens back to the romance of the Victorian Era, with period rooms and family treasures. It features original family furnishings, textiles, decorative art, and historic clothing.
Tour the home of this pioneer businessman to learn the history of Wichita Falls through the eyes of the man who helped shape its present and future. Tours of this local, state, and national landmark include stories of the Kell family, the city that grew around them, and their contributions to the community and nation.
The museum is also the venue to community events and host to weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties, showers, meetings, and other special occasions.
MUSEUM OF NORTH TEXAS HISTORY
720 Indiana Ave. | 940.322.7628 | museumofnorthtexashistory.org
Museum visitors are always greeted with friendly North Texas hospitality.
Featured temporary exhibits ensure there is always something new to see year-round. Visit their website for more information about featured exhibits. Permanent exhibits include the collections of military service memorabilia like artifacts from the Civil War, or see handmade, highly detailed replicas of naval vessels. Visit Heritage Hall to see the vast collection of western hats known as “Nat’s Hats”, items from the inside of the old Monroe Street post office, or lifesize replica storefronts.
