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History in
a Pecan Shell
Although it had been settled in the 1830s with members of Austin’s
colony, the settlement only had the cabins of its people and two churches
prior to the arrival of the railroad. John H. Stoneham, was the landowner
/ storekeeper who gave a right-of-way to the railroad in 1879. A post
office was granted in 1890 when the town’s population was a mere 30
people.
Ten years later with the arrival of the International-Great Northern
Railroad, big plans were made for the town. The population had reached
250 and the Smith Land and Improvement Company of Beaumont
platted the town (1901) and started selling lots.
Many residents were Polish immigrants and in 1909 St. Joseph's Catholic
Church was organized to serve that segment of the population. The
town was stable and thriving until 1932 when disaster struck in the
form of fire. The business district was burned and no money was available
for rebuilding.
The population in the mid 30s was 200, but after the end of WWII,
people left in search of better jobs. The population fell by half
by the late 40s.
The figure of 12 residents has been in use from 1970 to 2006 and the
town still appears on the state map. |
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Sawmill
(still working)
Photo courtesy Ken
Rudine, October 2007 |
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