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History
in a Pecan Shell
The town was once known as Zollicoffer's Mill after Alabaman
Edwin Zollicoffer settled here around 1848 and built a cotton gin
and grist mill. He was joined by fellow Alabamans after the Civil
War - and one of these built the town's first store. A post office
was granted in 1878 and the name of a prominent citizen's daughter
was submitted - and approved. A school was built in the late 1870s,
and by 1884 the town had four separate businesses. By 1896 there was
a population of 100 with ten businesses. The railroad (I.& G.N.) arrived
in 1903.
The Smith Land and Improvement Company, a subsidiary of the railroad,
replaced many of the town's wooden buildings with fire-resistant brick
buildings. The population increased from 132 to 400 between 1900 and
1920. From 1930 to the mid-1950s the towns population was reported
as 267. Businesses decreased by 33% and by the late 60s there were
only 100 Ireneans. The estimate has remained at 160 since the 1970s. |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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