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History in
a Pecan Shell
Established in
the 1830s, the region was first exploited for its abundant timber.
Later, in the 1840s the Pine Grove Baptist Church was established.
After the Civil War, a Black Methodist Church was formed called Yarborough's
Chapel (see Yarborough, Texas).
In the 1880s and 1890s Polish immigrants arrived and in 1889 a post
office was granted under the name Apolonia – for the Catholic Saint
Apollonia. (St. Apollonia is the patron saint of dentists).
The community had three stores and two sawmills around 1900, but its
proximity to Anderson dashes any hopes
of growth. The post office closed its doors in 1907 and mail was thereafter
sent through Anderson.
The 1910 census showed a mere 30 residents living in Apolonia. No
figures are available through The Great Depression, but the community
managed to survive. The last figures available come from 1948 when
an estimated 25 people callled Apolonia home. |
Saint Apollonia
by Francisco de Zurbarán
Wikimedia Commons |
Grimes
County 1907 postal map showing Apolonia E of Anderson
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| 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
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