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History in a Pecan
Shell
The
town sprang up in 1909 alongside the rails of the Southern Pacific connecting
Plainview and Lubbock.
Originally named Monroe (after railroad promoter Monroe G. Abernathy),
the name was changed in 1949 when a post office opened. The name New Deal had
been in use (since 1935) for the consolidated school district* under Franklin
Roosevelt’s Depression-era programs.
A school was built in 1917 and by
the late 20s the town had most essential businesses. The 1940 population was given
as 125 residents. This grew to 500 by 1970 – the year New Deal incorporated. From
637 people for the 1980 census, New Deal has grown to just over 700 for the 2000
census.
*formed
from the communities of Caldwell,
Center, Grovesville, and Monroe. |
| 1940s
Lubbock County map showing "Monroe" (near Hale County line) before name-change
to New Deal. Courtesy Texas General Land Office | |
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