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History
in a Pecan Shell
Settled in the early 1870s, one L.W. Lee platted his
land for development and named it after the view of the Spring Creek Valley.
In 1872 an estimated 18 families moved in and a post office opened.
The
following year a school (sharing space with the town’s blacksmith) opened.
The population was a respectable 250 people by 1884 and the town could boast most
essential businesses, including multiple stores, cotton gins and gristmills.
Two years later the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway arrived and a hotel was
added. After 1902, Valley View created a “fireproof” downtown consisting of brick
buildings and proudly built a brick two-story schoolhouse. Shortly thereafter
the town received telephone service and a newspaper started publication.
By 1914 the town had a population estimated at 600 and the town’s future seemed
secure. Things were going well until late 1924 when Valley View was struck by
two fires. The first destroyed the town’s east side and the second (started by
bank robbers) burned an additional two blocks.
Valley View's population
reached 700 and remained there for the next four decades. It briefly broke 800
in 1970. In 1980, it was estimated at around 500 and it has increased slowly but
steadily to the present 737.
Gainesville
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First
Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, 2008 | |
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