“Miss Margaret Dalton, now a Junior member of the Dalton Bros., was featured in the 1913 Hopkinsville High School yearbook with a lighthearted prediction about her future. Fast forward to an evening in early June, Margaret, along with 23 classmates, proudly walked across the stage at Union Tabernacle to receive their diplomas. Among the attendees were Margaret’s parents, her 9-year-old sister Sarah, and her future husband, Emmett, who presented her with flowers.
Interestingly, it wasn’t Margaret but Sarah whose path led her to the brickyard.
The Dalton House, located at 713 E. Seventh St. and built in 1907, played a significant role in shaping the lives of Monroe and Carrie Dalton’s daughters, Margaret and Sarah. When the Dalton family moved into the house, Margaret was 12 years old, and Sarah was 9.
Both girls likely were born just a block away from their home, in the two brick cottages built by Monroe in the early 1890s—one for his family and the other for his mother. While Sarah claimed to have been born in one of these cottages, she was so young when they moved that she had few memories of it.
In 1906, Monroe received an irresistible offer for his cottage, prompting him to purchase the lot where the current house stands. This decision marked a new chapter for the Dalton family.
Today, the Dalton cottages have been replaced by the playground of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, reflecting the evolving landscape of East Seventh Street.
The proximity of the Dalton House to downtown Hopkinsville was a key attraction for Brendan and me. The neighborhood remains as walkable as it was in the Dalton era, with the family often strolling around town. Margaret and Sarah frequented various local spots, including Frankel’s Busy Store, their father’s office, and the Paradise Cafe Ice Cream Parlor—albeit against their mother’s wishes!
For special occasions or longer journeys, the Daltons used the Surry, a two-seated carriage. Sarah, displaying her independent spirit, took the initiative to learn driving and became the family’s chauffeur in their Buick around Hopkinsville.
The music room in the Dalton House, known for its grand Palladian window, holds memories of both Margaret and Sarah’s musical talents. While Margaret was a renowned vocalist in Hopkinsville, Sarah attended the Music Conservatory at Ward-Belmont College in Nashville, likely specializing in piano.
Margaret’s marriage to Emmett Haydon, followed by the birth of their daughter Margaret Caroline, marked a significant milestone. The Haydons eventually settled in a brick house on E. Seventh St., where they raised their family.
After Margaret’s departure, Sarah married James Buford Todd, continuing the legacy of Dalton Bros. Brick Co. through her lineage. Sarah’s contributions to the family business, including her role as vice president, are well-remembered in Hopkinsville.
As a preservationist and historian, Grace Abernethy’s insights shed light on the rich history of the Dalton House and its inhabitants. Through her work, she strives to honor and preserve the legacy of historic buildings, capturing the essence of daily life and the imprints left behind by those who called these places home.”