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History in a Pecan
Shell
Although settlers had arrived prior to 1858, this was the year
the post office was granted. Antelope became a stopping point for the cattle drives
heading north. In the mid 1870s the town was platted by one Walter S. Jones, but
the filing of the papers was in 1889. The following year Antelope had a respectable
population of 300. A hotel for travelers was opened since Antelope was a stagestop
between Graham and Henrietta.
The population declined to 200 by 1914 and the hotel closed. By the 1940s it was
down to 166, and by the 80s it was down to 65 residents - the same estimate used
for the state map in 2006.Antelope,
Texas Today: |
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Photographer's
Note:
Subject:
Antelope, Texas
By the number of pictures you can see that this little
town caught my attention. Particularly the old school and the cemetery.
The
old gym was as if they just closed the doors decades ago and walked away. The
school mascot sign, the scoreboard, basketball backboards, even the hardwood floor
is still there. Very strange feel to the place. The newer building I believe is
being used as a community center, as I saw nothing that looked like classrooms
still in use.
The cemetery
was one of the best maintained I've ever seen. Unusual markers/memorials and a
complete layout of the graves in a display case near the entry.
I noticed
on this trip that almost all the cemeteries I passed were very well maintained.
- Mike
Price, September 2009 |
Antelope Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, September 2009 |
Antelope United Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, September 2009 | |
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