|
|
 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
The community was
originally named (perhaps as a joke reference to well-known Longview)
as Shortview, Texas. It is listed as both a community and religious
site. The building of a Baptist church in 1876 called for a more respectable
name for the community. Since the meeting to choose a new name was
scheduled for noon – the naming committee wasted no time choosing
“Noonday.” While it is not documented, it can be assumed that once
business was taken care of, the committee adjourned for lunch.
In 1897, in a reversal of religious evolution, the 11 year-old church
was succeeded by the Noonday Holiness Camp. In 1900 a tabernacle was
built.
Growth was not on the town’s agenda and it treated the 10s, 20’s and
30’s all the same. Even after WWII,
the community had only two businesses – and no population figures.
The tabernacle remains in place in 2010 as do the small white cabins
that served the congregations out-of-town members and visitors.
See also Noonday in Smith
County. |
 |
Noonday
Holiness Camp Historical Marker
on FM 450 near Noonday Cemetery
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2010 |
Historical Marker:
Noonday Holiness
Camp
Interdenominational
Founded in 1897
by J. M. Black, T. P. Black, F. E. Dickard, J. B. LaGrone, J. J. Koon
and G. B. Richardson, early civic leaders who were businessmen and
landowners.
The first two annual camp meetings were held under brush arbors on
site given by Mrs. Alfred Beaty and Messrs. Will Schaffer, Will Brazzil
and G. W. Croft. Tabernacle was built here in 1900.
A plantation bell announced services. In early days, guests came by
special trains.
Camp is controlled by a board of managers who maintain the facilities
and conduct business. |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
|
|
HOME
Texas
Gulf Coast
East
Texas
Central
Texas North
Central
Texas South
Texas
Panhandle
South
Texas
Texas
Hill Country
West
Texas
Texas
Ghost Towns
Texas
Counties
