|
History
in a Pecan Shell
Jesse Mumford operated a ferry across the Brazos River
in 1855 with a license issued from the county.
The original post office dates from 1878.
Italian immigrants were brought in to work the land on shares. After
establishing themselves, they wrote back to Italy to have their countrymen
join them, which they did.
The town throve throughout the 1890s. In 1895, the first iron bridge
was built across the Brazos - only to be washed away four years
later. The 1899 flood also washed away most of the town - a
disaster that Mumford has never fully recovered from. |
The Mumford
Post Office & Collier's Store
"... James
Michener and his secretary/assistant John Kings came to Mumford to
research Jesse Mumford and his ferry when he was writing "Texas".
The spot on the Brazos where the ferry was in operation was owned
by Frances Collier Foyt, Postmaster and the store owner until her
death. They drove as far as they could, then hiked the riverbanks
down to the crossing to see it up close. The iron bridge was built
6 miles south and is where State Highway 21 spans the river. The heirs
of Frances Foyt closed the store two years ago, but Mumford Post Office
is still an active part of the community. Hopefully one day the heirs
will understand the importance of the store as a landmark and community
icon and either lease it or sell it to someone who understands the
need for it in this community. It is a shame to be wasted." -
Sincerely, Patricia L. Kelley, Postmaster, Mumford, TX 77867, January
28, 2008 |
|
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
us. |
|
|