|
The
simple and elegant Engle Depot
Photo Courtesy the George Koudelka Collection |
History
in a Pecan Shell
The area was settled in the 1850s by Czech immigrants. Nearby Praha
became the cultural center of the area - especialy after the church
was constructed in the 1880s. Engle residents worshipped in Praha
and the Praha cemetery made a separate one for Engle unnecessary.
J. E. Engle, an engineer for the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio
Railway was the namesake of the community after a railroad stop was
established in the late 1870s.
A post office was established at Engle in 1888 and closed in the 1930s.
By 1900 Engle had a blacksmith, a tinsmith, a lumbersmith, and three
saloonsmiths. Historic photos reveal that a photography studio also
operated in Engle.
The 1950 census showed Engle had a population of 250. Today much of
"downtown" Engle is occupied by a machine shop utilizing many of the
town buildings. The population retains strong community ties with
nearby Praha. |
|
Another historic
photo of the Engle Depot
Photo
Courtesy the George Koudelka Collection
More Texas
Depots |
Herzik's
Store and Post Office, 1950s photo
Courtesy Fayette County Historical Commission, submitted by Carolyn
Heinsohn |
SPJST Lodge 21
as it appeared in January 2002
TE Photo,
2002
More Texas Lodges |
Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history
and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
|
|