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The
Post Office and Store at Mumford
Photo
courtesy Barclay
Gibson, August 2006 |
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History
in a Pecan Shell
Jesse Mumford
operated a ferry across the Brazos River in 1855 with a license
issued from the county.
The original post office dates from 1878.
Italian immigrants were brought in to work the land on shares. After
establishing themselves, they wrote back to Italy to have their countrymen
join them, which they did.
The town throve throughout the 1890s. In 1895, the first iron bridge
was built across the Brazos - only to be washed away four years
later. The 1899 flood also washed away most of the town - a
disaster that Mumford has never fully recovered from. |
Mumford
Forum:
... James Michener and his secretary/assistant John Kings came to
Mumford to research Jesse Mumford and his ferry when he was writing
"Texas". The spot on the Brazos where the ferry was in operation was
owned by Frances Collier Foyt, Postmaster and the store owner until
her death. They drove as far as they could, then hiked the riverbanks
down to the crossing to see it up close. The iron bridge was built
6 miles south and is where State Highway 21 spans the river. The heirs
of Frances Foyt closed the store two years ago, but Mumford Post Office
is still an active part of the community. Hopefully one day the heirs
will understand the importance of the store as a landmark and community
icon and either lease it or sell it to someone who understands the
need for it in this community. It is a shame to be wasted. Sincerely,
Patricia L. Kelley, Postmaster, Mumford, TX 77867, January 28, 2008 |
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New
Zion Baptist Church in the process of restoration
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, August 2006 |
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