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History in
a Pecan Shell
Donna
by Mike Cox ("Texas Tales" column)
"Donna Hooks Fletcher had that wholesome Gibson girl look, which
may explain part of her ability to get what she wanted...
T.J. Hooks ... purchased 23,000 acres in Hidalgo County in 1900. When
his 21-year-old daughter’s marriage fell apart, Hooks gave her some
land so she could start supporting herself. She stocked her acreage
with Jersey cattle and launched a successful butter business... more |
Historical
Marker:
Donna
Two East Texas
men, T. J. Hooks and A. F. Hester, began developing this area for
settlement in the late 1890s. Through formation of the La Blanca Agricultural
Company, they set up farms and irrigation systems and advertised the
area's favorable climate and resources. In 1904, when a rail line
was built here, they founded the town of Donna, named for T. J. Hooks
daughter. Ed Ruthven opened the first store and, in 1908, the town
incorporated with R. P. Boeye as mayor. Since the earliest days of
the 20th century, Donna has developed as one of the leading cities
of the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986 |
Donna, Texas
Landmarks & Attractions
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Donna Central
Elementary School
316 N. Main St.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo
courtesy Stephen
& Elizabeth Taylor, March 2005 |
Historical Marker
(corner of N. Main St. and Scobey Ave.):
Donna
Central Elementary School
Built as the result
of a special bond election in 1925, this is the oldest existing structure
in the Donna Independent School District. Initially an elementary
school, it served as a junior high facility from 1965 to 1983. Designed
by the architectural firm of Elwing & Mulhausen, it is a highly significant
part of Donna's built environment. The school building features a
two-story central block with a Tudor-arched entry and two large square
towers.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1990 |
Donna Hooks
Fletcher Museum -
In Historic American Legion Hall
318 S. Main
956-464-9989
Donna Wet
Lands - Birding and butterfly gardens.
Call Chamber of Commerce - 956-464-3272 - for guided tours
Donna Visitor
Center - 921, Miller Ave.
Donna
Hotels
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| 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. |
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