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Millersview Baptist
Church
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, October 2010 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Named
for Edward D. Miller, who co-founded the town with one Henry Barr.
Previous settlement had been scattered along Mustang Creek - some
seven miles NE of present day Millersview. The town was granted a
post office in 1903. In 1914 the town had a population of 160. From
300 people in 1931, it was reduced by two thirds by 1933 but somehow
managed to rise to 250 as the Depression was winding down.
The Millersview school had eight teachers in 1940 to teach both elementary
and high school grades. High school classes were suspended in 1958
although elementary classes continued until the school closed sometime
before 1989.
The population was 175 in 1963, declining thereafter to 70 by 1970
- an estimate that stayed in place for thirty years. Students from
Millersview now attend classes in Eden.
The community is reportedly the only town in the United States using
the name Millersview. |
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Photographer's
Note: "This is the Millersview School......there was a marker
on the inside of the outer foyer but it is gone. The building had
6+ classrooms. I say 6+ because I surprised a skunk in one of the
classrooms. It raised its tail and I abandoned my classroom count.
I ran very quickly out of the building. It is interesting how the
community maintained the gym but let the school go... the roof is
caving in in several places. Money, or the lack of it, would account
for that. Also, many of these old buildings would cost a great deal
to demolish because they have asbestos inside; asbestos abatement
tends to be very expensive." - Stephen
Taylor, January 09, 2006 |
Photographer's
note: "This is the WPA-era gymnasium at Millersview. It is a
real gem and has been restored by the locals and is being kept up
as a community center. A cornerstone states 1939 as the date of construction."
- Stephen
Taylor, January 09, 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 vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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