A Moment in Time The Poffenbach/Cravens Home at 410 Gregg
Editor’s Note: The Heritage Museum shares a historical event or history of a founding family with the Big Spring Herald readers each week. The stories shared are only a portion of the history contained at the musuem. The community is encouraged to stop by and see more Big Spring history at the Heritage Museum.
The Poffenbach home was built in 1910 on the lot where the Baptist Church had formerly been at 410 Gregg. The first church was swept away by a tornado and after the congregation rebuilt the second church, it burned down at this very location. Fred Poffenbach purchased the lot from the church and had his home built hoping for better luck.
The front door opened into a spacious foyer that held two large columns. Entry to the living room/parlor was available to the right or turning to the left would lead into the front
Courtesy Photo bedroom. Pocket doors separated the living room and dining room. A large screened in back porch was used as a “sleeping porch” during the hot summer months. The front porch rounded off from the east to the southside. The perfect place to be during the evenings as it was shaded from the west sun. The porch was supported by large square columns and porch railings.
Mrs. Poffenbach taught music on the piano that was in the parlor/living room. Fred worked as a clerk for the T&P Railroad and the couple had welcomed three children into their family with the third child, Frederick Jr., being born in the home. The home was most recognized for its beautiful oval stain glass window in the front.
Later, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Craven purchased the house. Bernice Althea Agee Cravens had been raised by her grandparents R.B. and Mary Zinn. The Zinn's lived one street over at 507 Scurry and was one of the first pioneers of Big Spring. Guy and Althea married at 5:30 a.m. June 1909 at her aunt and uncle, Tiny and Sheriff Jim Baggett's home at 600 Main. The early morning wedding allowed them to catch a train for their honeymoon. The Baggett home was subsequently sold to H.W. Caylor.
After the Craven's purchased the Poffenbach home, Althea would often