| |
| |
The
last remaining business in Praha.
Photo by John Troesser, 3-01 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
The town is just south of the railroad tracks
that parallel Highway 90. Praha is listed in Lindsay Baker's Ghost Towns of
Texas.
Praha is the Czech spelling of Prague. Prior to the
coming of the Czechs, Praha was called Mulberry by the Anglo settlers.
It's reputation for being a refuge for outlaws gave it the unoffical name of Hotentot.
Praha has a huge gathering every August year when thousands descend on the
church grounds for a homecoming. |
| | The
Praha Jolly Club c. 1910
Photo Courtesy E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum
of Flatonia |
| | Musicianans
outside the same station shown above. (c. 1931)
Photo Courtesy E. A. Arnim
Archives & Museum of Flatonia |
| |
One of three
identical memorial shrines honoring Praha's men who died in WWII.
Photo
by John Troesser, 3-01 |
Praha
Chronicles Texas
War Casualties by John Troesser
Stone markers and chapels quietly reveal
where America gets its soldiers. Rev.
Marcus Valenta achieves longest active-duty record in U.S. history by Murray
Montgomery
Father Marcus Valenta was one of those exceptional people. He served
his God, country, and fellow man without personal regard for his own well being.
According to one newspaper, “Father Valenta was a popular and well-known pastor
of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at Praha.” But perhaps
his greatest achievement was his service to the U.S. Army – at the time, he had
the longest active-duty record in U.S. history. |
Fayette
County Texas 1907 Postal map showing Praha
(W of Schulenburg
n ear LAVACA County
line)
Courtesy Texas General Land Office | |
|
