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Harbert’s building marks 100 years
Fi rst bui lt in 1913, Harbert ’s Garage has been a central hub in Columbus over the course of its long life, serving as a car dealership, automotive repair shop, Greyhound bus stop, transmission repair shop, auction house and now brewery.
The building’s history and legacy were honored Friday with a historical marker recognizing its century-long role in the community.
About 30 community members joined owners of Hound Song Brewing Co. and members of the Colorado County Historical Commission to celebrate 100 years of Harbert’s Garage and the dedication of its new historical marker.
The travel destination made its mark due to being along the Old Spanish Trail between Houston and San Antonio. Over time, the trail has worn many names including Texas Highway 3, the Southern National Trunk Line and, currently, U.S. 90.
Sam Arrington established the bui lding and expanded it to an Alamo-façade structure in 1925. By the start of the 1930s, the shop expanded again to include a gas fi lling station, sales room, garage, and repair shop. In the 1940s, World War II soldiers boarded Greyhound buses at this stop on their way to boot camp then overseas deployment.
The garage finally closed in 1953 with Arrington’s death and has been sold and used for various functions since. Hound Song Brewing Co. opened in 2020 as the most recent host. Coowners Travis and Raven Kocurek and Clarke and Shells Burkett worked to restore the building’s white façade, damaged roof and barren landscaping before opening.
“I ’ m so proud that we have another historical marker here in Columbus and Colorado County, and something that also represents something different,” said Regena Williamson, chair of the Colorado County Historical Commission. “What a wonderful way for this building to have last this long and still be.”
Designated a Recorded Texas
HISTORIC, 10 Roger Wade unveils the new historical marker for Harbert’s Garage, Friday, June 12, outside Hound Song Brewing Co. in Columbus.
Historic Landmark in 2024, the building continues to welcome visitors nearly a century after its grand opening. Today, as the home of Hound Song Brewing Co., Harbert’s Garage remains a gathering place for the community it has served for generations.
