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Olmos School Children
Vintage photo courtesy Jo Ann Arnold |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally named
Los Olmos or “The Elms,” the community was situated
just north of the creek of the same name. The change of name became
official in 1917. Olmos’ history begins just after the Civil War when
partners Hank and Joe Sullivan started a ranch here. They were soon
joined by two English sisters who started a sheep ranch with 1,000
head.
The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built through Bee County
in 1888, passing eight miles east of Los Olmos. A Catholic church
was built that same year and a school shortly thereafter. Early population
figures are not known, but the 1940 census figures gave a population
of 70. The Olmos school merged with others in the Skidmore-Tynan District
and the Olmos school became a community center. The one remaining
store closed in the 1970s and today only the community center remains
in use.
Photographer's Note:
Here are a couple of pic's of what's left of the farming community
of Olmos just south of Beeville,
TX. There are still scattered farm & ranch residences but that's
about all that's left. I believe the now abandoned community center
was once a school nearby and the brush has just about taken over the
old gas station. ...In 1915 Olmos had a Cotton Gin, a Store, a School,
and a population of 50.
- Will
Beauchamp, November 07, 2008 |
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Olmos School class photo
Click on photo to enlarge
Vintage photo courtesy Jo Ann Arnold |
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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