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| History
in a Pecan Shell
The area was settled in the 1850s by Czech immigrants. Nearby Praha
became the cultural center of the area - especialy after the church was constructed
in the 1880s. Engle residents worshipped in Praha
and the Praha cemetery made a separate one for Engle unnecessary. J.
E. Engle, an engineer for the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway was
the namesake of the community after a railroad stop was established in the late
1870s.
A post office was established at Engle in 1888 and closed in the
1930s. By 1900 Engle had a blacksmith, a tinsmith, a lumbersmith, and three saloonsmiths.
Historic photos reveal that a photography studio also operated in Engle.
The 1950 census showed Engle had a population of 250. Today much of "downtown"
Engle is occupied by a machine shop utilizing many of the town buildings. The
population retains strong community ties with nearby Praha.
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The simple and elegant
Engle Depot Photo Courtesy the George Koudelka Collection |
Another
historic photo of the Engle Depot Photo Courtesy the George Koudelka Collection
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The
Post Office was reportedly closed shortly after 1930 TE Photo, 2002 |
SPJST
Lodge 21 as it appeared in January 2002 TE Photo |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, and vintage/historic
photos of their town, please contact
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