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Downtown Reflections
TE photo, April 2010 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Settlement had begun as early as the 1830s but a settlement
didn’t develop until long after the Civil War with the arrival of
a spur of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad in 1880. Three
years later a second spur coming from East
Texas arrived via Navasota,
making the town a railroad
crossroads of a sort – providing a roundhouse and maintenance yards.
That same year of 1893 saw the first store open with the post office
following a year later.
Albert Somerville, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad’s first
president became the town’s namesake. A railroad tie preservation
facility opened in the 1890s and a second store opened in 1898. The
town also became a site for a Fred Harvey “Harvey House” restaurant.
In the early 1900s Somerville had most essential businesses including
a bottling works and an electrical generator. A Union Church met in
the tie processing plant offices until separate buildings could be
built. A school district was formed in 1903 and two years later a
brick building was constructed, replacing the wooden frame structure.
From a population of 1,879 in the mid 1920s, Somerville peaked in
1931 with nearly 2,300 residents. The Great Depression took a toll,
reducing the number of Somervillains to 1,600. It grew again, only
to decline to less than 2,200 by the early 1960s, slowly increasing
to 1,500 for the 1990 census.
Although Somerville has lost most of its buildings (the main street
of present-day Somerville was once the town’s second street), the
spirit of the town is alive and well in the historical
museum. Started through the efforts of a local boy who “made good”
in the business world, today the volunteer staff lovingly tends the
tangible relics and photographs of Somerville’s salad days. |
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Somerville
Historical Marker
on Museum grounds,
Hwy 36
TE photo, April 2010 |
Historical
Marker Text
Somerville
Located where two
branches of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway joined, town was
named for Albert Somerville, first president of the railroad. First
settlers arrived after town was surveyed about 1883; the post office
was permanently established in 1897. Somerville boomed in the 1890s
when local citizens persuaded a railroad tie plant to locate here.
Santa Fe Railroad bought the operation in 1905; this is still an important
industry. Incorporated in 1913, the town has become a recreation center
since Lake Somerville was created in the 1960s. |
Somerville,
Texas
Attrections & Landmarks
Photo Galllery
& Historical Markers |
| Quietly taking
care of business while improving the quality of life, Somerville has
a practical attitude toward change and improvement. Choosing cooperation
over competition, the town recognizes the multi-faceted talents of
its diverse citizens. There’s no searching for quick fixes; just finding
the best solution and applying it. The apparent tranqility of the
town belies the deep undercurrents of spirit - the kind of spirit
that brings results and improvement. |
Somerville City
Limits
TE photo, April 2010 |
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Somerville's
"Train Of Thought".
TE photo, April 2010
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Firebox detail
- Cotton, corn
and watermelon
TE photo, April 2010 |
The Old
Masonic Lodge
TE photo, April 2010
More Texas Lodges |
The former Somerville
VFW Hall awaits restoration
TE photo, April 2010 |
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Sidewalk Supplement
TE photo, April 2010
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An unusual stabilized
ruin with windows intact
TE photo, April 2010
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Acacia Trees
In Bloom
TE photo, April 2010 |
The Raillroad
tie plant in Somerville
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/ |
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Historical Marker
onMuseum Grounds
TE
photo, April 2010
|
Historical
Marker Text
1906 Reunion
of Hood's Texas Brigade
In 1906 Somerville
hosted the annual reunion of the Hood's Texas Brigade Association,
a group established in 1872 for veterans of the celebrated Confederate
unit. For two days, June 27-28, 74 veterans were honored with a celebration
which included speeches, a baseball game, and a grand ball. The local
events were planned under the direction of the Association's President
R. A. Brantley, Sr., and his daughter Mrs. Norton B. Wellborn, both
of Somerville. Part of a tradition which ended in 1934, the reunion
reflected the area's respect for the former Civil War soldiers. |
Railroad Bell
on Museum grounds
TE photo, April 2010 |
Railroad Bell
Plaque
James W. Lauderdale,
Burleson County Pioneer
TE photo, April 2010 |
Former Lauderdale
home, with widow's walk
TE photo, April 2010 |
Somerville
Lake & State Park:
Lake Somerville
- Off Hwy 36. East of Somerville
Lake Somerville State Park:
Birch Creek Area
(North Shore of Lake Somerville)
- 979-535-7763
Nails Creek Area
(South Shore of Lake Somerville)
- 979-289-2392, 800-792-1112 |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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