|
 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally called Eldridge, the area was settled
in the early 1880s on the stage line from old Mobeetie
to Clarendon.
Town lots went on sale in 1884 and by 1886 a post office had been
granted.
The area underwent a series of colorful names such as Springtown,
Spring Tank, Prairie Dog Town, and Gouge Eye,
for a memorable saloon scuffle.
The present site of Alanreed was laid out six miles south of Eldridge
in 1900 by surveyors of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Texas Railroad.
The name came not from a man, but a partnership - the contracting
company of Alan and Reed.
The site of old Eldridge
is marked by the Eldridge
cemetery.
In 1901 the first school was built with a larger two-story school
built in 1912.
In 1902 the post office was moved from Eldridge
and renamed Alanreed.
In 1903 the Rock Island line was completed and
In 1904 Alanreed was Gray County's largest town.
The population high-water mark was reportedly 500 in 1927 but The
Depression, school consolidation and the closing of essential businesses,
reduced it to an estimated 150 by 1933. |
Alanreed,
Texas Attractions
|
Gray County 1907
Postal Map showing Alanreed
Courtesy Texas General Land Office |
Alanreed,
Texas Forum
Subject:
ALANREED TEXAS
A buddy, driving across country stopped at ALANREED to take a picture
for me. You see, my name is ALAN REEDER. ALANREED TEXAS must be
a great place. It certainly is to me and I have yet to visit. I
live in Eugene Oregon and Palm Springs California. Hoping to visit
my name sake town before I die, and best wishes to all 50 residents!!
Sincerely, ALANREEDER, May 23, 2006
|
| 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. |
|
|
HOME
