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Downtown
Rosebud
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2006 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Rosebud has had as wide a variety of names as any town in Texas. It
was first called Pool's Crossing (of Pond Creek) or Greer's
Horsepen, and when it was granted a post office, the requested
(and granted) name was Mormon. The postmaster resisted the
temptation of naming it Tarver (Albert G.) after himself, and in an
act of friendliness and brotherhood, named it after a group of Mormons
who had settled nearby. (See Rosebud
Forum)
A fire in 1887 destroyed the community and (perhaps rather than lick
scorched stamps) Albert Tarver took up other work. The new postmaster,
wanted to name the post office after a local family named Mullins.
There was already a Mullin, Texas over in Mills County, so the application
was denied. Rosebud was then submitted (and accepted) and Mormon
has been Rosebud ever since.
The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad was adding a line
from Waco to Giddings
(which is nowhere near San
Antonio or Aransas
Pass) in 1892 and Rosebud was right in the path. The town benefited
enormously from this stroke of fortune but along came the Great Depression
and the town declined. |
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Rosebud
Fire Department and City Hall
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2006 |
Rosebud had
over 2,000 people in the 1980s, and the 1990 census showed just over
1,600. Since the new census is due anytime now, we'll look forward
to seeing if the number of Rosebuders has increased. Update: The
new 2001 Official Highway Map shows a population of 1,478.
A Rosebud newspaper editor sometime ago suggested a rosebush in every
yard and the citizens complied. We have no idea how many of the rosebushes
have survived - but we'd enjoy hearing from readers who may know.
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A ghost
sign
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2006 |
| Cotton
Gin in Rosebud, TE photo 2003 |
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Grain
elevators in Rosebud
TE Photo, March 2003 |
Chamber
of Commerce: 254-583-7979 (answering machine)
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Rosebud
Texas Forum
Rosebud:
She Calls it Home
Dear TE, This is not history, and I have no photos to share. I simply
want to express my joy of having lived in Rosebud, Texas. I moved
there in 1999 to be closer to my job at Heritage House Nursing Home.
I was the social worker there at that time. I had a sweet little
efficiency apartment at Jennie Cox's place on Hwy 77. When I moved
to Rosebud I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so kind and
treated me like family. Later on I had to bring my grandchildren
to live with me and the entire town helped me with them. What a
wonderful place to live. If one of my grandchildren got in trouble
on the way home from school, I knew before they got home. It was
great. I had excellent communication with teachers about my grandchildren
and we all had good friends. When I moved away it was not because
of any problems in Rosebud. If I could come home now I would. I
recently went and visited at the Senior Center and at the Nursing
Home and now I am homesick all over again. One day, it is my plan
to return for good. Rosebud is home to me and always will be. -
Mary-Jane Lick, February 03, 2007
WWI Vets
from Falls County
I was born and raised in Rosebud, Texas. I graduated from Rosebud
High School's class of ’59, and I still come and visit Rosebud where
my brother, Tony Veracruz lives. My dad and uncles served in WWI.
My dad passed away while I was still in high school and I never
got to ask him about been a Vet. I am a Vietman-era Veteran and
a member of both the American Legion Post No. 490 and the South
Houston Lodge No. 1295. If anybody knows where I can track down
information about the soldiers from Falls County that served in
WWI, please contact me at jveracruz@msn.com . I would really appreciate
it. God Bless. - John Veracruz, Houston, Texas, December 04,
2006
There was a
man named Bigfoot Ray or John Bigfoot Ray who was killed in a bar
fight in Rosebud Texas. I don't know the year but it was probably
in the 1920's. He was part Native American. He was from Mississippi
or Alabama. Someone said he was buried in an Indian cemetery on
the way to Gause, Texas
but I don't know if that is correct. Would anyone have a source
that might make mention of a Bigfoot Ray or a John Bigfoot Ray?
Thanks, Ross Smith, July 19, 2006. rsmith6670@msn.com
My name is
Deborah Meier Carr and my father, Charles Ray Meier, was born and
raised in Rosebud, TX. He died late last year before I was able
to complete my family tree. I have visited the cemetery in Rosebud
where many Meiers are buried and was able to piece some of my tree
together. My grandfather was Erwin Otto Meier, son of Joseph Meier
and Maria Schmidt. Rosebud is still the small town that my father
always spoke fondly about. He left when he was 17 to join the Air
Force and never moved back, though we had an interesting visit in
1967. The area is a beautiful farming community and I hope to return
and spend more time researching my family tree in the local courthouse
and perhaps buy a winter residence as I currently live in Maine.
If you are a Meier or know of my family, I would enjoy reading your
post. - Deborah Meier Carr, Esq., Monson, ME 04464, September
07, 2005
Rosebud
never had a post office named Mormon, because there was already
a town in Texas with that name. However, Rosebud, was, at one time,
called Mormon for a group of Mormons who settled on Pond Creek,
west of present day Rosebud.
Rosebud got its name from a rosebush planted in Mrs. Mullin's yard.
Every day the postmaster, Allen Taylor, would put a rosebud from
this bush in his lapel.. Many names were suggested for Rosebud,
but all were rejected for whatever reason and Rosebud won out through
the efforts of Mr. Taylor. There is still a rosebush in every yard
in Rosebud, Texas (Ripley's Believe It or Not).
Rosebud is experiencing somewhat of a resurgance. People are redoing
the old stores on Main Street and we have had TxDot come in and
replace curbs and some sidewalks on Main. Things are looking rosy
in Rosebud. I grew up here, as did my Dad. My grandfather was an
early settler. - Diane Souther Dolan, December 15, 2004
Subject:
Mayer Kola
Dear TE Readers, My great grandfather, GL Mayer, had a soda pop
bottling company in Rosebud from 1904 to 1926. I would be very
interested in getting any information about the company and hearing
any local stories about Mayer Kola.
I am one of but a few Mayers left so I don't have any family to
get information from. If the gentle people of Rosebud could help
me out I would be sincerely grateful. - Marilynn Cullison, October
22, 2004
Subject: ROSEBUD, Texas
I noticed Ms. Cullison's October, 2004, letter posted to the ROSEBUD,
TX, page regarding her great-grandfather, G. L. Mayer, who operated
a bottling works in Rosebud, 1904-1926. I would like to contact
Ms. Cullison. Is it possible to forward my message? I'm in San Marcos,
TX. - Jim Cullen, March 12, 2006
Recently I
came across your website and recognized the name of Bruce Royal.
I called Mrs. Royal and asked her about the "used bookstore." She
laughingly replied that her husband had indeed been a collector
of books but never sold any of them and never had a used bookstore
in Rosebud. The only book he ever wrote was called Speaking of
Elephants which grew out of his love for the circus.
He did, however, live in Lockhart and worked for Colonel Baker at
the Baker Theater. He wrote an article about Colonel Baker which
he thought the newspaper might be interested in but they failed
to use it. Mrs. Royal said the article was published by the Caldwell
County Museum two or three years ago.
Hope this information answers some of your questions.
Thanks for the nice website about Rosebud. It is a delightful community
and we have enjoyed the 14 years we have lived here since my husbands
retirement. - Unsigned Reader, December 14, 2001
My name is
Jesse Martinez, and I'm currently serving my 16th year in the U.S.
Navy. I grew up in Rosebud Texas and graduated from Rosebud-Lott
high school in 1984. I was tickled to death to find Rosebud and
all the other small towns [on Texas Escapes]. I have many, many
fond memories of that small town, I personally think that is the
only way to grow up - in a small town, that is. My grandfather moved
to Rosebud in the early 20's, and my parents and brother still live
in there. I still call it home and visit as frequently as possible.
When I leave Italy in March of 2002 I'll be on leave for 30 days
and half of that will be in Rosebud. It's nice to be able to share
my memories of Rosebud with someone. I could go on forever. Keep
up the good work [helping] keep Rosebud alive. - Sincerely, Jesse
Martinez
Anyone wishing to share history, travel or photos of Rosebud,
Texas - please contact
us.
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