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"The old
Tarkington I.S.D. school in Tarkington Prairie"
Photo
courtesy Coty Squier, 2011
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History in
a Pecan Shell
Founded in the
early 1820s by Burton B. Tarkington, the community was close to the
well-traveled Nacogdoches-Lynchburg trail. Originally a Mexican land
grant it soon became a commercial center and was thriving even before
the start of the Civil War. Early businesses included a blacksmith,
a store and a steam-powered gin. The community also had its own post
office.
Noncommercial infrastructure included a Masonic Lodge that doubled
as a Baptist Church. Population of the community was infused by Confederate
veterans who relocated from other Southern states. Mail service was
eventually taken over by Cleveland,
Texas and Tarkington’s post office was closed.
Burton Tarkington and his wife are buried nearby in the McGinnis Cemetery.
A historical marker in front of the Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department
serves as a remembrance.
Photographer's Note:
"This is the old Tarkington I.S.D. school in Tarkington Prairie,
Texas. Which is 45 minutes north of Houston off Hwy 321 between Cleveland
and Dayton. The school is off a county
road but I'm not sure the CR number. I don't know how old the school
is but my grandmother went to school there before the 50's. The town's
namesake Sarah and Burton Tarkington are buried in a cemetery located
near the new school road CR 163 and Hwy 321." - Coty Squier,
November 27, 2011 |
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