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Downtown
Merkel
Photo courtesy Steve Johnson, May 2007 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
Once known as Windmill Town, Merkel came into existence with the arrival
of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. It was properly named after early
settler S. M. Merkel in 1881. The towns first store opened in 1882
and a post office opened in June of 1883.
By 1885 there were 25 people calling Merkel home but five years later
this number had increased to 400. Merkel's population was served by
a Methodist church (1882), a Baptist Church (1885), Grace Presbyterian
Church (1886) and the Church of Christ (1903). |
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First Methodist Church in Merkel
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2004
More Texas Churches |
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Merkels
first students were taught by Mrs. A. M. Thorntonin in the railroad
depot before a proper school was constructed in 1887. In 1887 a college
was opened but it closed after a short four years of operation. Merkels
population reached 600 by 1897.
In 1890 the Merkel Mail was first published. Merkel incorporated in
1906 with G. W. Johnson serving as the town's first mayor. The Farmers
and Merchants National Bank was organized in 1904.
Dr. Robert Grimes opened the town's first hospital in 1926 which remained
in service until the 1960s. While agriculture was the town's first
economic engine - it has shifted over the years to include oil-related
employment and work at the nearby Dyess Air Force Base.
Merkel has maintained a healthy population over the years - never
having suffered a serious decline. From 1,800 in 1933, to 2,000 in
1940, and 2,300 by 1950. |
The
former Farmers and Merchants National Bank downtown
Photo courtesy Steve Johnson, May 2007
More
Texas Banks |
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is the hometown of Texas Cartoonist Roger T. Moore. |
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Roger
T. Moore at work on "Moore
Texas"
Photo courtesy Roger T. Moore |
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by Roger T.
Moore |
Photo courtesy
Billy Smith |
Merkel Events
Lord's
Acre by Mike Cox
"... Always held the Saturday night before Thanksgiving, the
event makes for a double November holiday for folks who live in and
around Mulberry Canyon and its nearest town, Merkel. ..." |
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