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History in
a Pecan Shell
Originally named
Arkansas, Texas, by storekeeper J. Smith, a post office was
granted in the late 1890s. The townspeople may have convinced Smith
that Arkansas wasn't a proper name for a town in Texas,
but at any rate the name was changed and named after a twist in the
(Clear Fork of the Brazos) river.
The town had a brief oil boom in the 20s. But in 1929 when one well
came in with mineral water - it seemed to clear up rashs on the bodies
of Mexican laborers. Mr. Stoval decided to use what nature had given
him and opened up a spa (and skeet shooting range). The resort of
Stovall Hot Wells remained in operation until a fire destroyed
it in 1994. (SeeTaking
the Waters in Texas by Janet Mace Valenza, UT Press, 2000 )
The population was 500 just prior to WWII,
but South Bend suffered the same post war decrease as many small towns
and by 1980 there were only 100 residents. |
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Historical Marker:
Stovall
Hot Wells and the Bathhouse
Photographer's
Note:
" I discovered when reading the book More Ghost Towns of Texas,
by T. Lindsay Baker published in 2000 is that just across the Clear
Fork of the Brazos River from the town is a site called Stovall Hot
Wells. The book gives directions to the former bathhouse. The bathhouse
still stands today although it has not been in operation since it
burned in 1994." - Dustin
Martin, June 07, 2018 |
Across from the
bathhouse. Possibly remains of the hotel or cafe.
Photo Courtesy Dustin
Martin, March 2018 |
The Bathhouse
with buzzards on the roof
Photo Courtesy Dustin
Martin, March 2018 |
Through the window
of the bathhouse
Photo Courtesy Dustin
Martin, March 2018 |
Another view
of the closed church
Photo
courtesy Mike
Price, October 2007 |
This old motel
court sits just west of the intersection of
SR-67 and FM-701 in Young County
Photo
courtesy Noel
Kerns, September 2007
More Rooms
with a Past |
The
closed store in 2007
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, October 2007 |
George & Bessie
Burgess store in 2007
Photo
courtesy Mike
Price, October 2007 |
George & Bessie
Burgess store in 2004
Photo
courtesy The Gages, May 2004
More Texas
Stores |
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South Bend,
Texas Forum
Subject:
South Bend, Texas
I am sharing my memories from South Bend, Texas. My grandfather
was Mr. Jesse T. Dunn who passed away in May of 1968. He lived in
a house he built himself. I am not sure where exactly the correct
location is, all I know is my Aunt has told me it is beside a church.
I was only 4 years old when my granddaddy passed away so I can't
remember that much but I do remember going to a little corner store
and getting a soda pop and candy in his 1956 Chevrolet pickup and
there was a tree out in front of my grandparents home that I remember
trying to climb and my granddaddy came to my rescue. I used to get
to go to the Stovall Hot Wells and I remember all the older
people playing dominos and a brass band that would be there playing
from time to time and getting to go to a little café there for breakfast
and getting the next to the best pancakes I ever had (granny Dunn’s
pancakes will always be the best). That’s all I remember about South
Bend,Texas. It doesn’t sound that important but it always will to
me because that’s all the memories I have of my grandfather and
if there is anyone who knew my grandparents or has any pictures
or can take pictures of building and places to send to me I would
pay them for them. - Arnold Dunn, June 20, 2006, jerrydamouse@elp.rr.com
Subject:
"Taking
the Waters in Texas"
I was reading your article on South Bend, TX ghost town and saw
that you used my mother’s book “Taking the Waters” as reference.
She passed away not long after the book was published and I just
want to let you know how much it would mean to her to know that
her book made a difference. I read the wonderful description that
you also have posted for her book. Thank you so much for including
this in your website! - Shonda Mace, Austin, Texas, June 07, 2005
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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
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