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History in
a Pecan Shell
Established in
1906-07 development coincided with the arrival of the Kansas City,
Mexico and Orient Railroad. The town has three explanations for the
name: railroad stockholder, firstborn child or the combined first
names of Neal and Mary Doran. Neal Doran was an officer of the Orient
Land Company who set up the townsite (platted in 1908).
Storekeeper J. D. Roper opened his business in 1906. An election in
1909 pitted established Sweetwater
over upstart Maryneal for Nolan
County seat. Maryneal lost. Even with a railroad connection, growth
was nonexistent. The population was just enough to keep up appearances.
As late as 1940, the population was still a mere 100.
The building of the Lone Star Cement Plant in 1951 probably prevented
Maryneal from becoming a ghost town. The 1980 population of 75 has
since declined to 61.
Photographer's Note
"Maryneal (what there is of it) is dominated by the cement plant
to it's north. Beyond what is shown, there's not much more that a
few scattered homes. The run down old home is a few miles to the north
east of town on the way to Sweetwater."
- Mike
Price, December 08, 2007 |
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Maryneal Baptist
Church
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, 2007 |
Maryneal Baptist
Church
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, 2007 |
| 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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