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Downtown
Reflections
TE photo, April 2010 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Settlement
had begun as early as the 1830s but a settlement didn’t develop until long after
the Civil War with the arrival of a spur of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad
in 1880. Three years later a second spur coming from East
Texas arrived via Navasota,
making the town a railroad
crossroads of a sort – providing a roundhouse and maintenance yards. That same
year of 1893 saw the first store open with the post office following a year later.
Albert Somerville, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad’s first president
became the town’s namesake. A railroad tie preservation facility opened in the
1890s and a second store opened in 1898. The town also became a site for a Fred
Harvey “Harvey House” restaurant.
In the early 1900s Somerville had most
essential businesses including a bottling works and an electrical generator. A
Union Church met in the tie processing plant offices until separate buildings
could be built. A school district was formed in 1903 and two years later a brick
building was constructed, replacing the wooden frame structure.
From a
population of 1,879 in the mid 1920s, Somerville peaked in 1931 with nearly 2,300
residents. The Great Depression took a toll, reducing the number of Somervillains
to 1,600. It grew again, only to decline to less than 2,200 by the early 1960s,
slowly increasing to 1,500 for the 1990 census.
Although Somerville has
lost most of its buildings (the main street of present-day Somerville was once
the town’s second street), the spirit of the town is alive and well in the historical
museum. Started through the efforts of a local boy who “made good” in the
business world, today the volunteer staff lovingly tends the tangible relics and
photographs of Somerville’s salad days.
Somerville
Today > Photo Galllery & Historical MarkersQuietly
taking care of business while improving the quality of life, Somerville has a
practical attitude toward change and improvement. Choosing cooperation over competition,
the town recognizes the multi-faceted talents of its diverse citizens. There’s
no searching for quick fixes; just finding the best solution and applying it.
The apparent tranqility of the town belies the deep undercurrents of spirit -
the kind of spirit that brings results and improvement. |
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Somerville
City Limits
TE photo, April 2010 |
Somerville's
"Train Of Thought".
TE
photo, April 2010 |
Firebox
detail - Cotton, corn
and watermelon
TE photo, April 2010 |
The
former Somerville VFW Hall awaits restoration
TE photo, April 2010 |
Sidewalk
Supplement
TE photo, April 2010 |
An
unusual stabilized ruin with windows intact
TE photo, April 2010 |
Acacia
Trees In Bloom
TE photo, April 2010 |
Somerville
Historical Marker on Museum grounds,
Hwy 36
TE photo, April 2010 |
Historical
Marker TextSomervilleLocated
where two branches of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway joined, town was named
for Albert Somerville, first president of the railroad. First settlers arrived
after town was surveyed about 1883; the post office was permanently established
in 1897. Somerville boomed in the 1890s when local citizens persuaded a railroad
tie plant to locate here. Santa Fe Railroad bought the operation in 1905; this
is still an important industry. Incorporated in 1913, the town has become a recreation
center since Lake Somerville was created in the 1960s. |
The
Raillroad tie plant in Somerville
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
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Historical
Marker onMuseum Grounds
TE
photo, April 2010 |
Historical
Marker Text1906
Reunion of Hood's Texas BrigadeIn
1906 Somerville hosted the annual reunion of the Hood's Texas Brigade Association,
a group established in 1872 for veterans of the celebrated Confederate unit. For
two days, June 27-28, 74 veterans were honored with a celebration which included
speeches, a baseball game, and a grand ball. The local events were planned under
the direction of the Association's President R. A. Brantley, Sr., and his daughter
Mrs. Norton B. Wellborn, both of Somerville. Part of a tradition which ended in
1934, the reunion reflected the area's respect for the former Civil War soldiers.
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Railroad
Bell on Museum grounds
TE photo,
April 2010 |
Railroad
Bell Plaque
James W. Lauderdale, Burleson County Pioneer
TE photo, April
2010 |
Former Lauderdale home, with widow's walk
TE photo, April 2010 |
Somerville
Lake & State Park: Lake
Somerville - Off Hwy 36. East of Somerville
Lake Somerville State Park:
Birch Creek Area (North Shore of Lake Somerville) - 979-535-7763
Nails
Creek Area (South Shore of Lake Somerville) - 979-289-2392, 800-792-1112 |
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