|
|
|
History in
a Pecan Shell
Two
men known as Phelin and Glynn, dammed the North Concho River and
dug an irrigation ditch opening up the area to (mostly English)
settlers.
A Capt. Wm.
Turner, arrived around 1878, establishing the Whitbarrow Ranch,
and building a stone ranch headquarters. The post office had been
known as Yandell, Argenta, or Stella from 1885 to 1888, and then
went by Rethaville, Mayes Store, or Mayesville from 1888 to 1889
according to the Handbook of Texas. Two men named S. S. McCrary
and J. O. Hanson put an end to confusion when they decided to rename
the community Water Valley in 1889.
The population was 175 by 1914. There was a railroad connection
for freight - but no passenger service.
Children were taught in private residences until a public school
was built. In 1900 the teacher-student ratio was 48-1. In 1933 Water
Valley had its greatest number of businesses – seven. The population
returned to 140 by 1940 and has gradually declined.
|
|
|
The
old one-room schoolhouse |
"This
is the Walnut Schoolhouse that was once a thriving little schoolhouse
on the banks of Little Walnut Creek in Coke County. Most of it's residents
were citizens of Water Valley. Walnut opened it's doors in 1911 on
the Ainslie Turner ranch."
Photo courtesy Michelle Doss, Water Valley August
26, 2004 |
©
John Troesser
Water Valley
Texas Forum
My father, Elmo
Nowlain went to school in Water Valley and I was just wondering if
[anyone there in Water Valley] knew him or had any information on
him. He passed away in September 2005, of colon cancer, and I just
wish I knew a little more about him such as his track records, etc.
He was in school at Water Valley from the second grade through his
freshman year. He left Water Valley in January of 1982. He finished
his freshman year and then got his GED. He played sports the whole
time he was there. He played football, basketball and ran track. If
he had stayed in classes there he would've graduated in 1984. If anyone
knew my father or has information on him, they can contact me at my
email address: kristykn21@hotmail.com Thank you. Sincerely, Kristy
Nowlain, Austin, Texas, February 21, 2006
Book Your Hotel Here & Save
San
Angelo Hotels
Big
Spring Hotels
More Hotels |
|
|
