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The
1839 Dalby Springs Methodist Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, 2009 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
Settlement began
in the late 1830s when the Warren Dalby family moved here and discovered
springs on their property. Later, when the waters were discovered
to have medicinal properties, it created a boom. In the 1850s, housing
was built for those seeking health, and in 1860 a post office was
granted.
The community peaked in the mid 1880s when it reached 250. By 1900
it had fallen below 200 and while it remained there for decades, by
the 1950s it had fallen to a mere 50 residents.
It reached a low of just 60 in the mid 1980s which has increased to
141 for the 2000 census. |
Historical
Marker
Dalby Springs
Methodist Church
Built of knotless
pine lumber in 1888. First house of worship built by congregation
who had been worshipping since 1839 in homes, groves and school. During
this time the town of Dalby Springs emerged from farmland and grew
into a summer health spa.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 |
1882 map showing
Bowie County -
Dalby Springs near Red River County line
Courtesy Texas General Land Office |
Dalby Springs,
Texas Forum
"We lived about
2 miles from Dalby Springs in the early 50s. There is quite a history.
When we lived there, there was one water well that you could still
get water from, and a small store / gas station. The water from
the well was dark red. It didn't smell very good. If you put the
water in a glass jug, over time the inside of the jug would turn
a dark rusty color. I guess it was from sulfur in the water or another
mineral. They stuck oil about 1950-52 about three miles south-south
east of Dalby Springs. It was a low grade crude oil. Dad said it
was a paraffin-base oil. About two miles west of Dalby Spring is
an artisan water well. It is still running good water. I have drank
from it several times." - Jesse Suttles, April 10, 2012
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Photographer's
Note:
Dalby Springs is featured in T. Lindsay Baker 's 'More Ghost Towns
of Texas.' - Barclay
Gibson, August 2010 |
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| 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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