The encyclopedia of Texas, V.1, Part 17

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau
Number of Pages: 1204

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Dr. Brooks, president of the Baylor University, is an educator and statesman favorably known throughout the United States, and a man who has contributed much to Waco's growth and develop- ment. Baylor University and the city of Waco are fortunate in having such a man at the head of this institution.

Under Dr. Brooks' administration the University has enjoyed a healthy and continuous growth. Baylor is particularly fortunate in having an ex- ceedingly loyal allumini, both in the business and professional world. Many of the ablest and most worthy men of Texas received their education and had their characters moulded in the scholastic halls of Baylor.

The public school system is one of the best in

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Amicable Life Building, for Many Years the Tallest Office Building in Texas

the state. All the grammar school, as well as the high schools, ar- presided over by mature men and women who have had wide ex. perience in public school work No novices control this most im- portant feature of our civic life and in the annual graduation from Baylor University of a large num- ber of splendidly equipped teacher, give the Waco school board un- usual opportunity to select only the highest type of teachers for the city schools.

For years Waco has had a shal- low oil field and now many deep test wells for heavy production are being drilled in different parts of the county and all within a few miles of the city. Many geologists are enthusiastic over the prospects. and feel assured that there is a great oil development future for Waco and McLennan County.

In November of each year a unique festival, the Texas Cotton Palace Exposition, is opened in Waco and continues for two gala weeks. During this time Waco throws open her doors to entertain thousands of visitors from all parts of Texas and elsewhere. This past year over one hundred thousand people passed through the gates. The fame of the cotton modeling department has reached many places, and with agricultural and live stock interests in every form and with automobile and horse races and the so- cial activities, including the crowning of a queen and the presentation at court of over twenty duchesses and their maids and escorts, chosen from cities all over Texas, make the exposition a popular one, and is considered second only to the New Orleans Madri Gras in the Southwest.

This is a small attempt to describe Waco and

a few of her advantages. It is a cordial invitation to visit this live, growing and prosperous city: to meet and mingle with its hospitable people: to establish a home in Waco if possible, and share in the great and growing prosperity of the south- west. A call or an inquiry addressed Secretary- Manager of the Waco Chamber of Commerce, will receive prompt and courteous attention.

Under the direction of this live body of business men Waco has received much valuable publicity. The Chamber of Commerce not only looks after the interests of its members but is alert to serve the stranger within the city's gates. New interests seeking a location here find an invaluable source of information and encouragement from this public body.

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HISTORY OF WACO By GEO. ROBINSON Proprietor of Waco Times Herald

F ROM an Indian village surrounded by buffa- loes and wild horses to a modern city with all the conveniences known to high- est civilization in seventy years is the proud boast of the city of Waco.

Early in the year 1849 Major Geo. B. Erath, who had for several years been engaged alternately in sur- veying land and fighting In- dians, was authorized to lay off what was then known as "Waco Village," which had been, prior to the advance of white settlers, the home of the Waco tribe of Indians, a townsite to be called "Lamartine." Major Erath protested again the name insisting that the new town be christened "Waco." His wishes prevailed.

The land was a part of the Chambers grant and was the property of Jacob de Cordova and J. S. Sydnor, who yielded to the repeated representations of Major Erath concerning its location as being ideal, topographically, for the building of a great city. Accordingly in March, 1849, Major Erath, beginning at Waco Springs, on the west bank of the Brazos River surveyed Bridge Street and began the sale of lots at five dollars each.

Captain Shapely P. Ross had removed from Cam- eron and was one of the first purchasers of Waco property. The territory was then included in Milam County, which extended from the old Bexar and Nacogdoches road north between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. East Waco was not included in the survey, the east side of the river being in what

A Glimpse of the Brazos River Near the City of Waco

was then Robertson County, and belonging to an- other land grant. In the year 1850 the county of McLennan was organized as it now stands. Major Erath furnished the outline of the bill to Colonel Geo. E. Burney, then a member of the state legis-

Remarkable View of an Airship Circling the Amicable Life Building of Waco

lature from Milam County, planning the boundaries with a view of Waco, in its center, being the county seat.

The Indians had been driven north, immigration was pouring into the state, and Waco's rapid growth soon demonstrated its importance as a trade center. The town was incorporated under the general law, East Waco being included. Flourishing with the tide of immigration and the growth of farming and stock raising, Waco was preparing to don the habiliments of a city when the war between the states temporarily checked its progress. That con- flict over and its evil con- 7 sequences erased, her peo- ple took up the task of making Waco the Queen City of central Texas. Steady progress was made, patriotic citizens gave their time and money in a joint effort to attain that position of ascendency to which she aspired and which seemed assured by superior advantages.

Reorganization of the city under a special char- ter gave promise of more rapid development, and for a time the dreams of a patriotic citizenship seemed certain of realiza- tion. But, notwithstand- ing the public spirit of the people and determined ef- forts of those who directed public affairs, there was a halt, and for a tinie the big town stood practically still, powerless to divest itself

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

of an environment that apparently had paralyzed the energy and pride of the citizens.

Then in 1909 the people of the city arose en masse and threw off the antiquated system of alder- manic government and adopted the commission form. The new system worked like a charm. Four busi- ness men were drafted by a committee of citizens appointed at a mass meeting and announced as ean- didates for commissioners. They were elected with- out opposition.

Politics adjourned for the time being. Public improvements were started and the city soon as- sumed a prosperous appearance. Demand for public parks became urgent and Mrs. Flora B. Cameron and her children presented the city with a tract of one hundred acres adjoining the city which was im- mediately improved and is now one of the most beautiful parks in the South. It was named Cam- ereon Park. Other parks followed and the city now has twelve and most of them are supplied with play ground equipment.

Lots sold, when the town of Waco was founded, for $5.00 each are now worth $2,500 a front foot and few of them can be bought for that price.

The Advent of the Railroad. Waco made no pre- tense to rank as a city until she had secured at least one railroad. Indeed the town had hardly doffed village attire when the Waco and North- western, a branch of the Houston and Texas Central, was built from Bremond, forty miles south. That was in 1871 and from that time the rapid growth of the town soon advanced it to the city class. Ten years later the Missouri, Kansas and Texas entered the state and built through the city giving Waco two lines. A few years thereafter the Cotton Belt built in from the east and during the early nineties the San Antonio and Aransas Pass pushed its way up the Brazos Valley on the west side of the river and the International and Great Northern, some years later came up the valley on the east side. Meantime the Texeas Central, an extension of the Waco and Northwestern, built its line west to Stam- ford and later to Rotan, 225 miles from Waco, thus giving the city six separate railroads, all except two extending through it and making ten railway out- lets. .

Waco's Water Supply. One of the important achievements of the city in recent years is the acquisition of a water supply which insures an abundance of water of purest kind for all time. Waco has never suffered for water for all purposes and for years her reservoirs have been drawn on from other points. The railroads haul water from this city by the train load in times of drouth, yet there has always been plenty. For years the city was supplied from surface wells but later drills penetrated a subterranean lake and thermal streams of purest water gushed from the earth. As the city grew the supply from the artesian wells was in- sufficient and resort to surface wells followed but to be sure of its purity a $100,000 filter plant was erected and is in operation. Thus pure filtered sur- face water supplements the artesian supply during the dry periods. A decided test of the capacity of the Waco water plant came when the army came. McArthur was located here and forty thousand soldiers were stationed in the outskirts of the city. Connections with the city plant was made and abund- ance of water was furnished without any appreciable diminution of the supply. Not only did the city furnish all the water needed by Camp McArthur

but also supplied Rich field, the big aviation field and this water stood the test of government experts who pronounced it pure. In addition to maintaining a bounteous supply of water for domestic purposes and street sprinkling the water plant has installed a huge reservoir for emergency in the event of a conflagration threatens. The fire department in Waco is one of the best in the state.

The Rebecca Sparks co-operative home is a most commendable institution. It is a comfortable home for working girls whose salaries do not permit them to pay regular board and maintain themselves in clothing, etc. This home is under the supervision of Miss Black, who is a deaconess of the Methodist church. When this home is in need of finance all the churches of the city join in taking care of its needs.

The Texas Methodist Orphanage is the pride vi Waco. It is located on Herring Avenue, one of the most attractive paved streets in the city, and occu- pies with its buildings and farm thirty-eight acres. At present the orphanage is managed by Mr. W. F. Barnett and is caring for two hundred children in a most excellent way. It is a pleasure to visit there and witness the system and co-operation among the children and their work. The children are faithfully trained in nearly all of the occupations of life so that they will know how to begin life as producers when they leave the institution. This institution is the property of the Methodist Church and was promoted and built largely through the labors of Rev. W. H. Vaughan and Abe Mulkey.

Some Political History. Waco is entitled to dis- tinction as being the only city in the state that has furnished three governors. These are: Richard Coke, Lawrence Sullivan Ross and Patrick M. Neff. Coke, a leading attorney in the early days was elected governor in 1873. He was the first governor of Texas after the reconstruction period following the war between the states. He was re-elected in 1876 and in May of that year was elected United States senator. He did not relinquish his guber- natorial duties, however, until the December follow- ing. He served eighteen years, three terms, and re- tired voluntarily. As governor, Coke had to contend with the bitter partisan spirit engendered by the war and reconstruction and displayed rare political acumen and executive ability during his term. His senatorial career was marked throughout by a high order of statesmanship.

Ross was elected governor in 1886, assumed of- ficial duties in January, 1887, was re-elected in 1888 and served until January, 1891. He was a son of Shapely P. Ross who bought the first lot sold after Waco was surveyed for a townsite. Trained from boyhood to fight Indians he manifested a desire and aptitude for a military careeer and was educated accordingly. He served with distinction in the Con- federate army and emerged with the rank of general. His administration as governor was characterized by rapid development of the state and remarkable improvement in civic conditions. It was during his administration that the three million dollar capi- tol was built at Austin.

During the period from Coke's election as gov- ernor until Ross retired from the governship Waco . was the center of political activities in the state and her leading citizens wielded a powerful in- fluence in state and national affairs.

Neff was elected governor in November, 1920, and assumed official duties early in the year of 1921.

CIVIC IMPROVEMENTS OF WACO By ED. MCCULLOUGH Ex-Mayor

L OCATED on the Brazos, the largest river in Texas, about midway between its mouth and its source, is the beautiful and prosperous city of Waco. While it is not exactly the center geographically of the great state, it is about the center of that part is evenly populated and about the cen- ter territorially if you should eliminate the staked plains and panhandle. The name of the original village was se- lected by reason of the fact that the present site was oc- cupied and inhabited by a tribe of Indians, when the first white settlers came, who called themselves the Huaco tribe.

There are just five cities in the state, and no more, which can claim more population, but there is not one which has any advantage over Waco as a location for a great inland city. The territory in every direction is perfectly adapted to agriculture and is being profitably used for that purpose.

Waco can truly boast herself a home city because her homes are filled with happy and contented people. Many of the families who have adopted this for a home city have done so not for the reason alone that it is a suitable place to make money or get rich, but for the principal reason that it has become known far and wide for its good schools and colleges, and for the wholesome society and atmosphere in the homes. These conditions have been the causes which have brought to this city an un- usual class of people, a high type of citizenry. So Waco delights to boast that one of her greatest assets is a reputation for happy and in- telligent homes and a good place to live.

Oneof the at - tractio n s and beau- ly spots in Waco Baylor Univer - sity. This is one of the oldest and best known ed- ucation a l institu - tions in the state. McLennan County Court House, Waco It is beautifully located in the southern part of the city and equipped with several modern brick buildings. Under the presidency and management of Dr. S. P. Brooks it has progressed systematically and today enjoys the endorsement and patronage of Waco and Texas. Dr. Brooks is a valuable asset to Baylors, and Baylor is a most valuable assets to

Waco. Many of the leaders in church and state are the products of this institution.

The high school and other public schools in Waco rank favorably among such institutions all over the South. The public school system of Waco is under the superintendency of Mr. B. B. Cobb. The high school has been under the excellent control of Mr. Genheimer for quite a number of years.

Paul Quinn College, a most worthy institution for the colored people, is doing excellent work under the presidency of J. K. Williams.

St. Mary's convent is one of the oldest and most loved institutions among the citizens. It is under the management of the Sisters of St. Mary, and enjoys a large patronage in Waco and from the com- munities around.

Cameron Park is the beauty spot in Waco. It is the largest and most beautiful park in the city and many have said the most beautiful park to be found anywhere considering the part nature has done for its endorsement. As this location was

One of the Many Beautiful Walks Through Cameron Parks Waco

meant in the plan of creation for the building of a great city, so this beauty spot was meant and shaped for a beautiful park for this great city. Consist- ing of about one hundred acres this park was a gift of the Wm. Cameron family to the city. Connected with the park is the riverside drive which trails the course of the river for a mile. There is not a more beautiful driveway to be found than this through Cameron park and along Riverside. This last was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Rotan to the city. These two families who made it possible for Waco to enjoy these beautiful natural pleasures, are among the loved and appreciated pioneer fam- ilies of Waco. These gifts live as a monument to their philanthropy and an eternal pleasure to the people.

The church life of this city is rated high. It is known as a city of churches. All of the leading . denominations are well represented among the popu- lation and a feeling of kindly fellowship exists. Several of the new church buildings are of the most beautiful architecture and quite an adornment to the city. To the great interest the population of Waco manifests in church work we attribute in a large measure the excellent condition of society in our midst.

FUTURE GROWTH OF WACO By A. J. PETERSON

T HE future growth of any city must of neces- sity be largely predicted on the past growth. Therefore in commenting on Waco's future we must touch briefly on her past.

Waco is one of the oldest towns in the state. It was first settled by the Indians, who came here be- cause of its climatic superiority and abundance of water. Waco Spring, which is still a land mark, was the gathering spot of the Hauco Indians, from whom the city took its name-Waco growing out of Hauco. Its growth, like most frontier towns, was very slow for many years. It was populated by "old timers," whose living was made chiefly from farm- ing and trading with transients. For many years its population was added to but slowly, after the coming of the railroads, its advantage of geograph- ical location began to make itself felt and then be- gan its importance as a city of more than one idea, New industries began coming in, educa- tional facilities be- came vastly im- proved until shortly it became a city of good homes and a most desirable place in which to live. Baylor University grew from a small second rate college to the big educa- tional institution it is today-one of the largest and best e qui pped universi- ties in the South.

Waco, like most cities in Texas, is naturally in- clined primarily to agriculture. About it are the the famous black land farms of Texas, that yield to the farmer such bountiful crops of cotton, corn and other small grain. The big ranches are fast becom- ing smaller farms, each of which contributes to the growth of Waco.

Many new enterprises such as cotton mills, grain elevators and other manufacturers, using the pro- ducts at Waco's doors, are coming in and each time there is new growth for the city. There is room for many other manufacturers and they are seeing the natural advantages every day, which can only mean one thing for Waco, continuous growth.

The city is the most centrally located of all the larger cities of Texas, and is served by many rail lines as well as interurbans running in all directions. Large wholesale grocery houses, dry goods houses, drug houses and others are located in Waco, doing capacity busi- ness. Many more wholesale and job- bing houses are needed to care for the central and west Texas business that is knocking at Waco's doors. This condition can not last long-many new houses are now look- ing towards Waco- all with the natural result that a future growth is assured for the city. There are now eight large commercial banks in Waco doing about four times the amount of business of the banking institutions of ten years ago. In addition there is one strictly savings bank run for and by negroes.

One of Waco's Fine Residences

Ten years ago Waco's population was just above 26,000. As this is written, a recent local census shows the population over 52,000 or just double what it was ten years ago.

Its citizenship, awake to its many natural advan- tages took on new life and is now reaching out with many invitations to new people to come and make Waco their home. It is safe to assume that the fu- ture with general growth of the Great Southwest, and Texas in Particular, will show Waco making even greater strides than in the past.

One of the first questions that enters the mind of a man seeking a new home is, "what kind of a place is it in which to live." In answering Waco might well point to the report of our government when establishing Camp McArthur and Rich Field in this city during the late war. They reported that health conditions as best of all the various camps over the country, they reported the water supply as adequate to accomodate a city of many times its size, and the water to be of the purest. This alone is a reason- for the future growth of the city. It is a city of homes, there being a far greater majority of its citizens domiciled in self-owned homes. There are many parks in Waco, one of which, Cameron Park, is the most beautiful natural park in the State. Its citizens are most cordial and new comers-are made to know that they are welcome in Waco. So much for the living conditions in this city.

The educational features of Waco cannot be over- looked as a factor towards the future growth of Waco. A modern public school system is a sign of progressive citizenship, and the system in this city is second to none. With a beautifully equipped high school and many junior high and ward schools, the children of Waco have every facility for a complete education. Baylor University, heretofore mentioned, will within the next few months, become the benefic- iary of over a million dollars, part of which is an endowment and a part to be used for immediate permanent improvements to this already immense institution. Thousands of students gather here an- nually, and many make Waco their permanent home. It is safe to say that much of Waco's growth during the past ten years has been due to the University, and safe to assume that it will continue to be a big factor, intellectually and otherwise, in the upbuild- ing of the city.

All of these present advantages and activities are mentioned merely for the purpose of comparison with what Waco was a few years ago. It is not natural to believe that a continued growth is as- sured ?

HOUSTON INDUSTRIES AND OPPORTUNITIES By HOUSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P ICTURE to yourself a city of a million souls, a city traversed by a net work of transit lines; with elevated railways along the principal . . freets and sub- ways under the Ship Channel; with beautiful homes stretching over the level plains now vacant; with hun- dreds of industrial plants sending their volume of mingled smoke and fiare into the sky; with ships flying between here and all parts of the world-then you will visualize the Houston of the future. This is a dream, you say, perhaps it is, but isn't the Houston of today a dream compared with the flouston of a quar- ter of a century ago? Those who know local history will admit that it is.

In all the history of American cities there is not a more brilliant page than that of Houston's marvelous growth, commercial and in- dustrial a d v a nce- ment.

The fundamental factor in this growth has been the ship channel. E Located on a deep water harbor, where 18 railways meet ocean going vessels from all ports of the world, Houston holds un- disputed sway as the commercial, in- dustrial and finan- cial center of the great Southwest. No other American edy occupies a more favored posi- :ton. A land locked harbor, with 50 miles of water frontage for the accomodation of industrials plants, with an empire of rich and productive land fron % hich to draw her trade, her rapid ascendancy to the position of a world port is universally recognized.

Keen sighted investors, recognizing the superior advantages offered by Houston as a great distribut-

ing point for world markets, are already coming into the field and the water front is becoming bordered with a multitude of industrial plants. Facts are

Several of the Principal Buildings of Houston. The Low Building in the Center is the Administration Building Rice Institute. The Buildings at Top and Bottom are Large Office Buildings in the Down Town District

stubborn things, and facts will prove that no other American city can show a more rapid and substantial in- dustrial growth.

The present splendid waterway is to have still further improve- ment. Funds have been appropriated for deepening the channel to 30 feet, with a width of 200 feet at the base, five and a half mil- rz lion dollars have already been spent in improvements, and two and a half million dollars more will be spent in the immediate future. Nor will the work stop when ap- propriations now available have been spent, but improve- ment will continue until the port is the finest on the Amer- ican continent. Its natural advantages are undisputed. The channel is an JEÀ La LA に出たままに arm of fresh water reaching 50 miles 18 inland from the high seas and af- 11 ta fording safe anchorage in time of high winds. This situation consti- tutes the ideal port. The depth will be abundant. There will be no locks or dams necessary. The stream is as calm as a mountain lake, and is bord- ered by woodland and plain consti- tuting an ever- changing pan- orama view of scenic beauty. Municipal wharves and docks have been constructed at a cost of $3,250,000, and this is but the beginning of improvements to follow. Private capital is now building docks and wharves to serve the many industrial plants along the Channel. A Municipal Belt Railway connecting the wharves with

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.1, Part 17

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau Number of Pages: 1204

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau
Number of Pages: 1204