Iuka House

Wheeler Phillips Family
(includes information about the Iuka House)

Lililan Belle Parkins               Blake Terry Baker

The Wheeler Phillips family came to Palacios soon after moving to Port Lavaca in 1908, and rented a small home on the corner of First Street and South Bay Boulevard. They were originally from Iuka, Kansas*, thus the name Iuka House. Their son, James, was born in Iuka. Soon after, Wheeler Phillips bought property at First Street and Duson. The lots were low and sloping down to a "gulley" which extended almost across First Street. The basement of the house that was later known as "The Iuka House" was dug, and the dirt used to level part of the gulley and ditch that extended into First Street. Mr. Phillips liked to work with concrete. He built a cement fish pond on the grounds and made statues of concrete. Most of these had disappeared, but the concrete posts with vines winding up the posts were still seen in 1984. The Iuka House was used many times to house people who were unable to find a room at the Baptist Encampment. Among those were the Girl Reserves.

Water came to the Iuka House by way of Duson Street by a two-inch galvanized pipe on stilts, two or three feet above the surface. Later the pipe was replaced by a six-inch cast iron pipe with lead and open joints. The pipe was not painted but was dipped, which gave the water a taste. The first water tank was of wood, and water flowed from an artesian well to the wooden tank. When a new water storage tank was built, water was pumped from the old wooden tank to the new, large tank. There was speculation about how to get the old tank down, but one night it fell down between the posts.

The town had no sewer system at that time, so every house had an "outhouse." A wagon came around every month and shoveled out the solids and took it to the mud flats west of town. Twenty-five cents an outhouse was charged for this service.

Wheeler Phillips put in a septic tank and dug a five foot sand well as a drain. He put in flush toilets, and the health department arrested him and tried him before the court. Mr. Gray, the city attorney, had the case thrown out of court after about twenty witnesses came forward.

Interview: Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips; Story by Mr. Phillips
Historic Matagorda County, Volume 1, pages 401-402

*Iuka, Kansas was named for the Battle of Iuka in Iuka, Mississippi on September 19, 1862. Iuka, Mississippi is in Tishomingo County, which is the northeastern most county in the state. The name Iuka comes from the name of a Chickasaw chief whose village once stood on the site of the town of Iuka.
 

This photo of an unknown group was taken in front of the Iuka House, 308 Duson [101 1st Street] in Palacios. The home was built by Wheeler Phillips circa 1904 and in early years was used by the BYPU encampment when there was an overflow of campers. The house is still standing and is recognizable by the unique porch posts. Notice the oyster shells pressed into the curbing around the house.

If you can identify the group or any of the individuals, please email.

Photo courtesy of John M. Merck, Jr. and background information courtesy of Colleen Claybourn and Historic Matagorda County, Volume I, page 230.
 

Horse trough in front of the Iuka house made by Wheeler Phillips.
Campfire Girls from Caldwell at Palacios, Texas
 

Iuka House - 2015
 

Iuka House Owners
 

Wheeler P. and Mary Eva Phillps built the Iuka House on Block 1, Lots 1 & 2, the corner of 1st Street and Duson in 1904.
 

Wheeler P. Phillips

Odd Fellows will conduct their funeral rites for Wheeler Piercy Phillips, 66, of San Juan Capistrano, today at 3 P. M., in the cathedral chapel of J. J. Mottell Inc. Rev. Louise Newman of Unity Church of Practical Christianity will officiate. Interment will be in Westminster Memorial Park.

Mr. Phillips was a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the I. O. O. F., both in Kansas.

Surviving are the widow, Mary Eva Phillips, of San Juan Capistrano; a son, James W. Phillips, San Diego, and two daughters, Mrs.. Blanche Long, Long Beach, and Mrs. Elsie Smiley, Portland, Ore.

The Long Beach Sun, Long Beach, California, August 24, 1936
 

Mrs. Martha B. Lynch Dies in Portland, Ore.

Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Martha B. Lynch, the former Mrs. Wheeler (Mattie) Phillips, on December 29, 1955 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. L. Smiley in Portland, Oregon.

Mrs. Lynch was born July 29, 1886. For several years she ran the Iuka House here.

A year ago she was in Del Mar, Calif. with her son, Jim Phillips, and while there suffered a heart attack. She recovered enough to be able to return to Portland where her daughters and many of her friends lived.

She is survived by her two daughters, Mrs. Elsie Smiley and Mrs. Blanche Fouts and one son, Jim Phillips of Del Mar., Calif.

Palacios Beacon, January 12, 1956
 

Blake Terry bought the Iuka House from Nellie Byrel Phillips on October 14, 1950. Nellie was the wife of Raymond T. Phillips. Raymond was the son of Charles R. Phillips and Lillian Belle Wright Phillips Parkins. Miss Terry later married Charles Thomas Baker and was then known as Blake Terry Baker.
 

Funeral Services Held Here Sunday For Mrs. Blake Terry Baker

Funeral services for Mrs. Blake Terry Baker were held at the First Baptist Church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 with the Rev. Rayford Harris officiating. Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.

A daughter of William S. and Emma L. McGurt Terry, she was born in Airmont, Mississippi on January 24, 1886 and died in the Ganado hospital Friday, March 11, after a lengthy illness.

She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Clyde Peoples of Coffeeville, Mississippi and Mrs. Blanche Bowers of Bay City; one brother, R. E. Terry of Palacios.

Palacios Beacon, March 17, 1966
 

Mr. Clardy Rites Held

Funeral services for Millard Vernon Clardy were held at 4 p. m. Monday, June 12, in the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Carl L. W. Israel officiating. Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.

Son of the late Walter B. and Sally M. Lynch Clardy, he was born May 18, 1908 in Hico, Texas. A resident of Palacios since 1912, he was a veteran of World War II and a retired employee of Alcoa Point Comfort Operation. He died early Sunday morning, June 11, in Wagner General Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his daughter, Florence Falks of Angleton; two brothers, B. B. and Bill Clardy of Palacios and three grandchildren.

Palacios Beacon, June 15, 1978
 

Margaret G. Clardy

Funeral services for Margaret G. “Gerri” Clardy, 74, were held April 1 at 10 a. m. at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jay Gross officiating. Interment followed at Palacios Cemetery.

A resident of Palacios for 50 years, Mrs. Clardy was born Oct. 6, 1913 in Oklahoma and died March 29, 1988 at her home.

Survivors include a daughter, Florence M. Falks of Angleton; three grandchildren, Dwayne, Keith and Cheryl Falks, all of Angleton; and two great grandchildren, Kyle and Katherine Falks of Angleton.

Pallbearers were Dwayne and Keith Falks, James Cole, Hardy Christmas, Howard “Hoot” Gibson and Donald Falks.

Palacios Beacon, April 13, 1988
 

Asa P. Lipscomb  and Amy M. Lipscomb purchased the Iuka House from Millard and Geraldine Clardy on January 30, 1960.
 

Frank Du Bois and Florence A. Du Bois purchased the Iuka House from Asa P. and Amy M. Lipscomb on November 9, 1963.
 

Frank DuBois

Funeral services for Frank DuBois were held at 2 p. m. Wednesday, March 2, at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J. T. Jones officiating. Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.

Son of the late Gustave and Myrtle Sweet DuBois, he was born June 26, 1894, in Riverside Calif. A Palacios resident for several years, he lived at 101 First Street. He died February 28 in Wagner General Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Florence DuBois of Palacios; four daughters, Mildred Weidner of Hawaii, Beulah Walker of Palacios, Lois McKay of California and Juanita McKenzie of Colorado; one son, Jimmie Nuttall of Palacios; two sisters, Helen Molinar of California and Edith Horstman of Washington; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Palacios Beacon, March 10, 1977
 

Rankin

David S. and Maxine Rankin purchased the property from the Florence A. DuBois estate on March 30, 1979.
 

Porter

Jimmy Porter purchased the Iuka House from David S. and Maxine A. Rankin on April 10, 1997
 

2009

The current owners purchased the property from Jimmy Porter on August 13, 2009.
 

Iuka House in the News
 

Mrs. W. S. Haines and Mrs. Wesley Thomas, both from Nebraska, celebrated their birthday at a special dinner at the Iuka House two weeks ago.--Palacios Beacon, February 13, 1914
 

Notice.

Thursday night, August 6, at the Iuka House, a social will be given by the Y. P. B. All young people over fifteen are cordially invited. Members please bring dues. V. P.-C.--Palacios Beacon, July 31, 1914
 

Last week Mr. Wheeler Phillips completed a unique piece of cement work which was a facsimile of the union station in Houston. The base of the toy building was twenty by thirty inches, five stories high, containing fifty-six windows and doors and four porches, done in gray, white and red cement to represent bricks. Mr. Phillips had a very nice letter from Mr. W. S. Tate, one of the officials saying instead of putting it in the aquarium--for which it was intended--they had it on a marble slab in the station. Mr. Phillips is quite an artist in cement, he having made ornamental hitching posts, fish ponds, besides birds, bests and reptiles, of which he has a number around the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, January 5, 1917
 

Mr. William Johnson, who spent the past fall and winter at the Iuka House, left for his Kansas home Sunday morning via the auto route,. Misses Myrtle Rittenhouse and Emily Margerum went to Houston with him and will visit at the Doctor Dunn home. Mrs. Wheeler Phillips accompanied the party as far as Wharton.--Palacios Beacon, July 6, 1917
 

Death From Heart Disease

Mr. R. G. Hatchett, who accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. J. Sparkman, came here from Alvord last May, died at the Iuka House last night. Mr. Hatchett was suffering from heart trouble and when he came was all but helpless. He improved rapidly and so much his daughter returned home two weeks ago. Mr. Hatchett felt well enough to attend the services at the B. Y. P. U. auditorium last night and after returning sat on the porch laughing and talking with the other roomers. All at once he fell and although medical aid was summoned and everything done that could be, it was of no avail. Undertaker Rittenhouse took charge of the body and this morning it was shipped to his home.--Palacios Beacon, July 14, 1917
 

All soldiers and their wives of the Civil War, whether North or South, are invited to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler Phillips, at the Iuka House to a 12 o'clock dinner on Wednesday, April 3d.--Palacios Beacon, March 29, 1918
 

Mr. and Mrs. Minnick of the Iuka House went to Blessing Sunday.--Palacios Beacon, June 21, 1918
 

Big Fish in East Bay

Messrs. Barrett, Saylor and Latham, winter tourists stopping at the Iuka, are the prize fishermen having a five hundred pound porpoise in their gill net Monday morning. The monster is eight feet long and his tail is two and a half feet across. Wheeler Phillips was giving him a ride around town in a trailer Monday, thus giving several persons a chance to see him.

Schools of porpoises are often seen in the east bay, but this is the first time one has made the mistake of putting his head in a net. The fish was skinned and several expressed their intention to try a steak.--Palacios Beacon, March 12, 1920
 

7th Grade Party

Miss Lucie Crockett gave a party at her home, the Iuka House, Thursday night in honor of her friend and classmate, Miss Bertha Thoamason, who is leaving ___, for her home in Oklahoma. Games and music were the order of the evening, everybody enjoying it very much. A bonfire was built out on the lawn and they toasted marshmallows. Miss Bertha is sure to want to come again, and she will be welcome.--Palacios Beacon, February 25, 1921
 

Mr. and Mrs. Horace Barrett and his mother, Mrs. James Barnett, started on the return trip to Panhandle, Texas, Monday morning, going overland. They have spent several months here at the Iuka. Mrs. James Barrett is the mother of Mrs. O. G. Crockett.--Palacios Beacon, March 4, 1921
 

Lillian Phillips, who has been visiting Mrs. L. B. Parkins at the Iuka House, returned to her home in Blessing Tuesday.--Palacios Beacon, August 12, 1921
 

Misses Pet and Allie Montgomery, who have been spending the summer at the Iuka house returning to Bryan Thursday morning. They said, "Be sure and say something about the good time we have had, how nice the people were to us and tell them we're going to spend out vacation here next summer. --Palacios Beacon, August 12, 1921
 

Mr. and Mrs. Marrin and three children of Angleton came in Monday for a several week stay at the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, August 26, 1921
 

FOR RENT--Two-room apartment facing east, at Iuka House and 4-room cottage adjoining the Iuka for rent. Apply at Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, November 11, 1921
 

Housekeeping and sleeping rooms at the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, June 16, 1922
 

Miss Rae Montgomery and Nina Henry, both teachers in the Bryan schools, were among Wednesday's arrivals. They are comfortably located at the Iuka where Miss Rae has spent her vacation for several years.--Palacios Beacon, June 16, 1922
 

FOR RENT--Cottage, south apartment and garage. Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, September 22, 1922
 

Mrs. Fry, who has been domiciled at the Iuka, left Wednesday for Kingsville.--Palacios Beacon, December 1, 1922
 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jack Cunningham, two children and Mr. Cunningham's brother, friends of the W. D. and Jas. W. Sartwelle families, were among Wednesday's arrivals. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have rooms at the Iuka House, and came from Waco to escape the heat of that section for a few weeks. Thus the fame of the very desirable climate at Palacios is spreading.--Palacios Beacon, July 27, 1923
 

Miss Tenie Holmes, of Bay City, and Miss Ethel Owen, of Waco, arrived Thursday afternoon and will spend a few weeks at the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, July 27, 1923
 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jack Cunningham and two children of Waco are spending two weeks at the Iuka House.--Matagorda County Tribune, August 3, 1923
 

Mrs. W. P. Bryan and daughter, Miss Lila Graham Bryan, of Bryan, Texas, are guests at the Iuka House for two weeks. Bryan always sends a goodly number of her good citizens here for at least a part of the summer months and they are always welcome.--Palacios Beacon, August 31, 1923
 

Mrs. W. F. Bryan and daughter, Miss Lila Graham Bryan, of Bryan, who spent ten days at the Iuka House, left for their home Monday morning.--Palacios Beacon, September 7, 1923
 

NOTICE: Mrs. Henry Barnett will receive pupils for instruction in expression at her home in the Iuka cottage. She will also teach expressive voice and physical expression. Mrs. Barnett is a graduate of the Expression Department in the Baptist Academy and has had a year in C. I. A. studying along the same lines.--Palacios Beacon, September 28, 1923
 

BARRETT – HALLIDAY

Mr. Carl Halliday and Miss Lelia Barrett were united in the holy bonds of matrimony in Bay City last Thursday. The young couple were accompanied by the bride’s father, Henry Barrett, uncle B. E. Sailor and Mrs. Elbert Barrett. They are now “at home” in the Iuka House.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Barrett, who came here from Pampa, Texas, early last fall and is popular with the young people of her circle.

The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Halliday of this city, well and favorably known. The Beacon joins the many friends of these young people with hearty congratulations and best wishes.--Palacios Beacon, December 22, 1927
 

FOR RENT--5-room Cottage, annex of Iuka House. See Miss Martha Wright at Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, March 1, 1928
 

Mrs. Parkins, of Blessing, was here the first of the week visiting her sister, Miss Martha Wright, at the Iuka House. Mrs. Parkins informed us that she had given up her house in Blessing and was moving to Palacios to make her future home. She will be with her sister at the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, May 31, 1928
 

FOR RENT--Sleeping Rooms, 50c up. Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, July 26, 1928
 

Mr. and Mrs. John Ratliff and Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Lee, of Hobart, Okla., came in the latter part of last week to spend the winter. Mr. and Mrs.. Lee have rooms at the Iuka House and Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff are visiting with the former's brother, J. R. Ratliff and family.--Palacios Beacon, November 15, 1928
 

Winter tourists located at the Iuka House are:
Mrs. M. A. Cave, of Sublette, Kans.
Wm. Johnson, Sublette, Kans.
Miss Gladys Johnson, Coleman, Kans.
Mrs. M. E. McConnell, Thomas, Okla.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Yount, Hinton, Okla.
Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Lee, Hobart, Okla.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Johnson, Palacios
Mr. and Mrs. Trahern and nephew, Sublette, Kans.
Mr. O. G. DeCamp, Texarkana, Texas

while at the Iuka Cottage are:
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Harris, Abbott, Texas
Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Stanfeel, Abbott, Texas
Mrs. Parkins says is many more come in she will have to move to the third floor.

Palacios Beacon, December 6, 1928
 

Miss Wright, of Iuka House, is now much improved from her recent illness and states she has a full house of winter visitors.--Palacios Beacon, January 10, 1929
 

Mrs. E. Cave and her niece, Miss Gladys Johnson, left Wednesday for their home in Sublette, Kans. They were located in the Iuka House and plan to visit here again in the near future.--Palacios Beacon, January 31, 1929
 

A very pleasant day was spent on the Claire M boat last Tuesday by visitors of the B. Y. P. U. and Iuka House. Some 25 in number with Captain John Richards in charge of his boat, spent the day on the Gulf Beach and the Light House.--Palacios Beacon, January 31, 1929
 

Miss Odett Kennedy, of Odem, Tex., who has been spending the past month at the Iuka House, returned to Abbott Wednesday with her relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Clif Stanphill.--Palacios Beacon, February 28, 1929
 

Mr. and Mrs. Ross Kenner and two little girls, of Marlin, and Mr. and Mrs. Tull Adams and little son, of Cameron, are registered at Iuka House for an extended stay in Palacios. Messrs. Kenner and Adams are with the Colt Lightning System and are selling quite a number of these plants in this section.--Palacios Beacon, March 21, 1929
 

Miss Emma Jackson of Houston is a new visitor of the Iuka House, spending the week here with friends.--Palacios Beacon, June 27, 1929
 

Miss Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Phillips, and granddaughter of Mrs. L. B. Parkins, and granddaughter of Mrs. L. B. Parkins, was reared at Blessing; a pupil of Prof. Ralph Newsom, for five years, and received her musical education at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kans. She has a host of friends in Matagorda County who will appreciate knowing of her success in teaching. Mrs. Parkins is a resident of Palacios during the summer at the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, July 11, 1929
 

Mrs. Ruth Bindewald, of Markham, was at the Iuka House during the Encampment.--Palacios Beacon, July 18,1929
 

Palacios Beacon, September 12, 1929
 

T. G. McConnell, of Curtis, Okla., and J. H. McConnell, of Thomas, Okla., came in the first of the week to spend the winter and are located in the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, October 31, 1929
 

Mr. and Mrs. Haggard and daughter, Mrs. Merman, of Pampa, Tex. are spending the winter in Palacios and have rooms at the Iuka House.--Palacios Beacon, November 28, 1929
 

Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Harris and Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Stanfel, of Abbott, came in last week and are at home in the Iuka Cottage, when they have been for the past five winters.--Palacios Beacon November 28, 1929
 

R. T. Phillips

Funeral services for Raymond T. Phillips were held Saturday afternoon at 5  o'clock at the Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Wesley N. Schulze.

He was born September 19, 1880, and died Friday, July 7 at the Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.

The body was taken to Kansas and burial services were held Tuesday afternoon.

He is survived by his wife, Nell Phillips, daughter, Mrs. Lillian Schoonover, of Garden City, Kansas, and two grandchildren, Yvonne and Charles Schoonover.--Palacios Beacon, July 13, 1950
 

I AM OFFERING the Iuka House and cottage furnished at a sacrifice price. If interested see me. 502 Morton. Mrs. R. T. Phillips--Palacios Beacon, September 7, 1950
 

Mrs. R. T. Phillips Announces Sale Of Iuka House

Mrs. R. T. Phillips has announced the sale of the property known as the Iuka House, where Mrs. Phillips and her late husband made their home for 20 years.

Miss Blake Terry, until recently a nurse at the Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City and well known throughout the county, is the new owner.--Palacios Beacon, October 19, 1950

Carl Wickham was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy of the late R. T. Phillips.--Palacios Beacon, October 19, 1950
 

Mrs. Blake Baker, who recently sold her home, the Iuka House, to Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Clardy, has moved to Bay City.--Palacios Beacon, February 19, 1959
 

For Sale--Apartment house, known as Iuka House, on 2 lots with cottage included. Guy Claybourn (Realtor)--Palacios Beacon, March 9, 1961
 

For Sale--Property known as Iuka House. 2 lots, extra 4-room house. Will pay for itself in 3 1/2 years. Total price $15,000. As little as $2,500 down, balace $100 month. Ney Oldham, Real Estate.--Palacios Beacon, April 19, 1962
 

Copyright 2006 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
All rights reserved

HOME