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| | The
Post Office and Store at Mumford
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, August 2006 | |
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History
in a Pecan Shell
Jesse Mumford
operated a ferry across the Brazos River in 1855 with a license issued
from the county.
The original post office dates from 1878.
Italian immigrants were brought in to work the land on shares. After establishing
themselves, they wrote back to Italy to have their countrymen join them, which
they did.
The town throve throughout the 1890s. In 1895, the first
iron bridge was built across the Brazos - only to be washed away four years
later. The 1899 flood also washed away most of the town - a disaster that
Mumford has never fully recovered from. |
Mumford
Forum: ...
James Michener and his secretary/assistant John Kings came to Mumford to research
Jesse Mumford and his ferry when he was writing "Texas". The spot on the Brazos
where the ferry was in operation was owned by Frances Collier Foyt, Postmaster
and the store owner until her death. They drove as far as they could, then hiked
the riverbanks down to the crossing to see it up close. The iron bridge was built
6 miles south and is where State Highway 21 spans the river. The heirs of Frances
Foyt closed the store two years ago, but Mumford Post Office is still an active
part of the community. Hopefully one day the heirs will understand the importance
of the store as a landmark and community icon and either lease it or sell it to
someone who understands the need for it in this community. It is a shame to be
wasted. - Sincerely,
Patricia L. Kelley, Postmaster, Mumford, TX 77867, January 28, 2008 |
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| | New
Zion Baptist Church in the process of restoration
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, August 2006 | |
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