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INDUSTRY,
TEXASAustin County,
Central Texas S
Hwy 159 and FM 109
15 miles S of Brenham
15 miles W of Bellville
15 miles E of Fayetteville
15 miles E of Round
Top via FM1457
Population: 304 (2000)
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History in
a Pecan Shell
Industry is always mentioned in any history relating to the settlement
of Germans in Texas. Johann Frederich Ernst came to the area
via New York and Missouri. Ernst received a grant of land directly
from the Mexican government in 1831. After independence from
Mexico, the fledgling Republic of Texas granted a post office
to the town that had grown from "Ernst's Place" to Industry.
The name it is said, was given to the residents for their hard-working
attitude by their Anglo neighbors.
Tobacco was a major crop at first and Industry as well as
New Ulm manufactured
cigars. Cotton became the
dominant crop before the Civil War and continued after.
The population started decreasing from the time of the Depression
through the 1960s. Ranching
gradually replaced farming and today about the only cotton seen
is in the tops of aspirin bottles.
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The
Welcome Singing Society's Building in Industry
Courtesy Bellville Public Library |
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Industry
Today
True to its name,
Industry today continues to be a vibrant community although there
are many larger towns nearby. A car dealership, lumberyard, concrete
company and bank all do business here and recently Industry has acquired
a library.
The Lindemann store continues to operate at the intersection
of FM 109 and Highway 159. This family business has been in Industry
for generations and there are several older buildings in town that
are former Lindemann groceries. - one just finishing a remodeling.
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Left
- The former Welcome Singing Hall now just North of Industry
Right - The Hall decorated for a Wedding
TE photo, May 2001 |
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Industry also
has The West End Historical Society. They maintain several
historic structures, including the old Singing Hall that
was moved from Welcome
and the old office of Dr. Knolle. The Hall can be rented out for
occasions.
Our photo shows the old Welcome Singing Hall decorated for a Spring
wedding in May 2001.
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Kyle
King and Red
TE photo |
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Kyle
King, Bullrider
TE Photo |
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Kyle King,
is a resident of Industry (Industrialist?) who rides bulls in
rodeos around the state. When he's not riding bulls, he rides
his horse "Red". He is seen here preparing to go to a rodeo
in Odessa.
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Left
- Splitting a bale in Industry
Right - A Fire Engine that may or may not have belonged to the town
TE photos |
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