Collection Catalog

Archival records

36,379 participants

Commemorative plaque

Commemorative plaque

Commemorative plaque - J. C. Penney

Commemorative plaque - “In the shadow under the green visor of the cap, Ignatius J. Reilly’s supercilious blue and yellow eyes looked down upon the other people waiting under the clock at the D. H. Holmes Department Store, studying the crowd of people for signs of bad taste in dress." John Kennedy Toole A Confederacy Of Dunces 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

Commemorative plaque - Victor Herbert 1859-1924 The conductor and composer, lived here from 1904 to 1924. During that time, he organized the Victor Herbert Orchestra, wrote the operettas “Naughty Marietta” and “Sweethearts,” advocated the Copyright Law of 1909, and helped to found ASCAP.

Commemorative plaque - Eugene O'Neill October 16, 1888 - November 27, 1953 America's greatest playwright was born on this site then called Barrett House

Commemorative plaque - Thomas Green Ryman 1841-1904. A prominent riverboat captain and Nashville businessman, Thomas Ryman was known for his generous contributions of time and money to the construction of the Union Gospel Tabernacle. In 1904, the Tabernacle was renamed the Ryman Auditorium in his honor. Sculptor - Steve Shields

Commemorative plaque - Gainesville Community Circus. Editor A. Morton Smith (1903-57) organized and promoted this show after a circus parody by the town's little theater group in 1930 revealed many talented amateurs. Chartered as a non-profit corporation, the community circus used its earnings to buy tents, trucks, and costumes. Local performers practiced their acts with circus professionals who spent the winters here. Touring in the summers through Texas and neighboring states, the popular show won national fame. The Gainesville Circus declined after 1954, when a fire destroyed most of its equipment. (1975) #2098

Commemorative plaque - Bivins Home. Prominent area rancher Lee Bivins (1862-1929) built this elegant town home in 1905. The brick and stone structure features classical styling. In addition to his large cattle operation, Bivins pioneered much of the Panhandle's oil and gas development. A philanthropist and community leader, Bivins was serving as mayor of Amarillo at the time of his death. His widow Mary Elizabeth Gilbert Bivins (1862-1951) bequeathed the residence to the city of Amarillo. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965. #420

Commemorative plaque - Deep Eddy Bathing Beach. Swedish immigrant Charles Johnson built a large home for his family on 39 ares of land in this vicinity in the 1850s. In 1902 two of his children, Mary and Henry, opened Deep Eddy Resort. The Johnsons named the park for a deep hole in the limestone bed of Colorado River at this site that caused the water's current to from an eddy. Recreational facilities included campsites, picnic areas, rental cottages, and a cable ride into the river. Mary Johnson sold the park to A. J.Eilers in 1915. He built a concrete swimming pool in 1916 and renamed the resort Deep Eddy Bathing Beach. Managed by George A. Rowley, the resort featured such attractions as silent movies, a ferris wheel, carousel ride,a diving horse show, trapeze swing over the water, a 70-foot slide, and a 50-foot diving tower. The carnival atmosphere attracted hundreds of visitors each summer. On may 31,1935, two weeks later a devastating Colorado River flood inundated the city, swept away park improvements, and filled the pool with debris. With assistance from the federal Works Progress Administration, the city rebuilt the park. It reopened in 1936 as Eilers Park and Deep Eddy Swimming Pool. (1991) #6446

Commemorative plaque - J. F. Warnock Hardware. Jeptha Franklin Warnock came to Erath County in 1898 and later settled near Bluff Dale. In 1908 he opened a hardware store and in 1915 built this structure to house his business. Here Warnock provided supplies and implements to the surrounding agricultural area. A community landmark, the Warnock Store features a brick parapet, wooden storefront, and transom windows typical of early commercial buildings once common in Texas. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1984 #2675

Commemorative plaque - Captain William Perry. (April 5, 1813 - January 2, 1869) William Perry was among the first settlers of Jefferson, arriving ca. 1840. Through his shipping business and his work in dredging a turning basin for ships in the Big Cypress Bayou, he played a significant role in the early growth and development of Jefferson as an inland port. He bought and developed large tracts of land in the area, becoming quite wealthy in the process. After traveling to California during the late 1840s gold rush, Perry returned to Jefferson and built a home at the corner of Polk and Clarksville streets for his wife Sardinia (1826-1912) and their children. The home was later moved to 203 Clarksville Street and incorporated with another structure. In addition to his real estate dealings and shipping interest, Perry owned a hotel which is now a part of the historic Excelsior House. A respected community leader, he served as mayor of Jefferson from 1863 to 1864. On January 2, 1869, Perry was fatally shot while walking home after midnight. William Perry and his wife, along with other family members, are buried in Jefferson's Oakwood Cemetery. #8076

Commemorative plaque - Randall County. Formed from Young and Bexar territories. Created, August 21, 1876. Organized, July 27, 1889. Named in honor of Horace Randall, 1821-1864. A distinguished Confederate officer who fell in battle at the head of his brigade. Canyon, county seat. (1936) #4186

Commemorative plaque - The Rev. Thomas Nelms Mainer. (Feb. 24, 1877-Nov.6, 1968) Born in Lovelady, the Rev. Thomas Nelms Mainer was the son of merchant N.J. Mainer. After editing the local newspaper for several years, the Rev. Mainer attended Baptist Seminary and served as pastor for churches in this area. A leader in community activities, he was Superintendent of Lovelady Schools, 1921-36. He helped preserve the history of Houston County through his research and writing. He married Mattie Kyle Williams (1881-1972). They had seven children. #7057

Commemorative plaque - Clyde & Grace Warwick. Iowa natives Grace Winkleman (1890-1973) and Clyde Warwick (1885-1957) came to Canyon City in 1908 and 1910, respectively, marrying in 1911. Clyde was editor of the Canyon News for 45 years, receiving state and national awards. He was also a state representative and school board member, helped form the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, and was president of the Panhandle Press Association. Grace was in the first graduating class of West Texas Normal College, superintendent of Dimmitt Schools, and charter member of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society. She wrote many columns and articles for the news, and her book the Randall County Story (1969) remains a seminal work in local history. 175 years of Texas Independence * 1836-2011 #16920

Commemorative plaque - Edgar B. Davis, Oil Pioneer-Philanthropist. (Feb. 2, 1872 - Oct. 14, 1951) One of the great benefactors of Texas. Born in Brockton, Mass. Had business careers in shoe manufacture and rubber planting. On retirement, came here and in wildcat operation brought in Luling Oil Field, 1922. By 1926 had 215 producing wells. Gave employees $2,500,000 in bonuses, then endowed Luling Foundation, for advancement of agriculture and human opportunity in area. Result has been conservation of land, upbreeding of crops and livestock and introduction and marketing of superior products. Davis remained in this area and is buried near Luling. #9765

Commemorative plaque - Cordier-Tschirhart-Seal House. Jean Baptiste Cordier (1804-1881) built this Alsatian pioneer dwelling after migrating to Texas in 1844. The native limestone structure had three downstairs rooms and an attic. Cordier sold the cottage in 1847 to blacksmith Stephan Ahr (1821-1903) and shoemaker Jacob Biry (1810-1867), whose families occupied it together. In 1906 the house was purchased by Eugenia Beck (Mrs. Sebastian) Tschirhart (1861-1938). It was restored by her descendants, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian L. Seal. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1976. #1058

Commemorative plaque - Theodore Merchant Lawrence (January 16, 1861-August 10, 1941). A grandson of one of the city's first physicians, Dr. David Henry Lawrence, Theodore Merchant "Buddy" Lawrence was born in Corpus Christi. He left home at an early age and found employment on the King Ranch, where he participated in cattle drives. He later worked as a professional hunter. In 1880 Lawrence married Cora Eugenia Garrett. They became the parents of six children. Lawrence began farming in the 1880s and in the following decade became interested in vegetable truck farming. This was the site of his home and vegetable farm. He is credited with being the first to ship vegetables from Corpus Christi in 1894. As a partner in the Roark Produce Company, he helped build the truck farming industry in the area. In 1902 Lawrence was appointed County Commissioner for Precinct One, which included Corpus Christi. He served until 1908 and was elected to the position in 1910, serving continuously until 1932. During his years as a Commissioner, county road systems were modernized and the first causeway over Nueces Bay was constructed. In tribute for his contributions, the County Commissioners Court changed the name of Chemical Plant Road to Buddy Lawrence Drive in 1933. (1989) #6322

Commemorative plaque - Tom Randolph (Nov. 13, 1854 - Jan. 8, 1918). Tom Randolph (NOV. 13, 1854 - JAN. 8, 1918) Tennessee native Thomas Randolph came to Grayson County with his family in 1859. Groomed to be a businessman, he was invited at age 19 to join C. C. Binkley at the Merchants and Planters Bank, which grew into a very prosperous and influential financial institution. Randolph served as bank president from 1886 until his death. In that capacity, he helped attract new industry and business to Sherman, and worked to establish the city's first hospital. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Commerce of St. Louis, Missouri, but always considered Sherman his home. Recorded - 2002 #12754

Commemorative plaque - William Monroe Patton. (1855-1915) William Monroe Patton moved to Crockett from Tadmor in 1899 after the death of his brother James H. Patton, with whom he owned a dry goods store. William purchased property on the southwest corner of the public square in Crockett and built a brick structure for his general merchandise business. He constructed six one-story buildings on what became known as Patton Block. William married Flora Elizabeth Gause (1869-1957) and had four children. #11018

Commemorative plaque - Park Dedicated to Memory of Texas State Highway Commission Chairman Brady P. Gentry. A man whose public service was of highest order. Born on a farm near this site in Van Zandt County. Educated at Cumberland University (Tennessee) and Tyler Commercial College, was county attorney and county judge of Smith County. As chairman of Texas Highway Commission, 1939-1945, he traveled almost every Texas highway to learn road needs of state. Aided long-range financial strength of highway program by supporting the reservation of road-use revenue for road building. An authority on highway policy, Gentry served in 1943 as President of the American Association of State Highway Officials. In that capacity he aided post-war expansion in use of motor vehicles by implementing legislation to provide funds for farm-to-market roads and the first major expressways in the country. Interested in education, Gentry helped to establish Tyler Junior College. He served as U. S. Congressman, 1953-1957, for Third Congressional District of Texas. A member of committees for public works and roads, he helped design legislation for interstate highway system. Refused to vote along merely political lines. The preeminent position of the Texas Highway Department and the high quality of roads in Texas and the U. S. are a tribute to the ability of Brady P. Gentry. (1967) #11415

War memorials - Mémorial indien au monument national de champ de bataille de Little Bighorn

Commemorative plaque - Dedicated in honor of the 3 million workers who served in the CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1942 and to those members of Co 1848, who were the builders of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre from 1936 to 1941.

Commemorative plaque

War memorials - Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument Little Big Horn Battle Site, Big Horn County, Montana, USA Latitude 45.5703, Longitude: -107.42735

War memorials

Commemorative plaque - All Faiths (formerly Lutheran) cemetery. Monument to the victims of the General Slocum boat disaster of June 15, 1904. 61 missing passengers among the more than 1000 who died were never identified. This monument was commemorated one year later, on June 15, 1905.

Commemorative plaque - The William Rausch House. Gillespie County native William Rausch (1884-1939) and his wife, Olga (d. 1943), bought this property in 1894. They lived in an existing house until 1906, when they built this home. A stonemason and carpenter by trade, Rausch probably did much of the construction himself. The German vernacular limestone structure features a central gable with jig-cut decorative trim. the home remained in the Rausch family until 1943. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985 #10099

Commemorative plaque - Fulton Mansion. Built between 1874 and 1877 by George Ware Fulton (1810-1893) and his wife, Harriet Smith Fulton (1823-1910), this imposing residence was named "Oakhurst." The three-story French Second Empire style home is of plank wall construction, with a shell aggregate concrete basement and characteristic mansard roof. The house featured modern heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems and gas lighting. The Fulton family lived here until 1895. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964 #2083

Commemorative plaque - Holcombe House. Businessman and developer Oscar Holcombe (1888-1968) and his wife Mary hired Houston architect L. W. Lindsay to design this home. Completed in 1925, it featured gardens designed by landscape architect Herbert L. Skogland. Outstanding features of the Tudor revival style house include a gabled and hipped roofscape, decorative half-timbering, a bay window, an elaborate chimney, and an entry portico with decorative brickwork. Holcombe, who served eleven nonconsecutive terms as mayor of Houston between 1921 and 1957, continued to live here until his death. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1991 #10685

Commemorative plaque - John Sterling Durst Pioneer Minister. The son of pioneer Texans. John Sterling Durst (1841-1924) was born in Leon County. After service in the Confederate Army, a sermon moved him to join the Church of Christ ministry. When the Rev. Durst bought a nearby farm and moved his family here in 1883, Kimble County was still a frontier region. He preached in this area and on summer tours around the state. A respected leader, he served as county judge, 1902-1910, and as county school superintendent. He was married to Adelaide Reed (d. 1874) and then to Lilla Kittrell and had a large family. #2693

Commemorative plaque - Robert Smith Here stood the home of colonial Philadelphia's leading architect and builder. Born Jan. 14, 1722 at Dalkeith, Scotland, he died Feb. 11, 1777. Among his buildings are the Christ Church steeple, St. Peter's Church, the Walnut Street Prison, and Carpenters' Hall.

Commemorative plaque - Joseph Alfred Woolfolk. A native of Kentucky, Joseph Alfred Woolfolk (1836-1918) earned a law degree from the University of Louisville in 1856. He moved to Belknap, texas, in 1858, and was hired by the Texas Emigration and Land Company to survey land grants in the Peters Colony. Licensed to practice law by the First District Court in Young County, he served as County Attorney and County Clerk. at the outbreak of the Civil War, Woolfolk joined a home guard Texas Rangers unit, and in late 1862 transferred into the regular Confederate army. Captured by Union troops in West Virginia in July 1863, he spent the remainder of the war in a prison camp in Ohio. Upon his release in 1865 he returned to his native Kentucky where he married Elizabeth J. Lewis (1846-1922). They became the parents of nine children. The Woolfolks returned to Texas in 1867 and settled in Weatherford. In 1871 Woolfolk gained notoriety when he was appointed by the court to defend Satanta and Big Tree, Kiowa Indians on trial for murder in the infamous Salt Creek massacre near Jacksboro. Woolfolk moved his family to a ranch in Young County in the late 1870s. He again served as County Attorney in 1881. He and Elizabeth are buried in a private family cemetery near this site. #12698

Commemorative plaque - Colonel C. C. Slaughter. First native-born cattle king of Texas. Eldest of several rancher brothers. At age 12 "made a hand" on East Texas ranch of father, Rev. Geo. W. Slaughter. By 17 made his own trades in lumber, wheat, cattle. In 1856 moved his cattle to Palo Pinto County, on his first West Texas ranch. During the Civil War, he supplied beef to Confederacy and served in frontier regiment, to prevent Indian attacks. After the war he led cattlemen in aiding economy of bankrupt Texas by securing cattle markets. A fat steer bought for $6-8 in Texas by middleman was sold for $30-40 at shipping point. In 1867 he sold 300 head at record $35 and led the way to rancher marketing. Kept his love for trailing, even after he became millionaire. He also pioneered improvement of Texas Longhorns by use of champion Shorthorn and Hereford bulls. In Eastern speeches, he advocated beef on daily diet. To curb rustlers and establish efficient roundups, he helped organize first cattle raisers association. His 89,000-acre "Running Water" spread in Hale and Lamb counties was part of 1,000,000 acres ranched. He was a banker, active churchman, philanthropist. His descendants have erected a memorial center bearing his name on the campus of Wayland College here. 1965 #959

Commemorative plaque - John Sheridan and Lucinda Nugent Sheridan (Murchison). -- #11242

Commemorative plaque - Binkley, The Rev J.M.. #14362

Commemorative plaque - Agapito De Leon. (1808-1836) Born in Texas; fourth son of empresario Don Martin De Leon, founder of De Leon Colony and city of Victoria. Agapito De Leon was active in the colony's affairs, a Texas patriot during the War for Independence from Mexico, a skilled Indian fighter, engaged in cattle, horse, and mule business. He was assassinated by Mabry ("Mustang") Gray, leader of a gang systematically robbing Texans of Mexican descent, after close of War for Independence. Recorded - 1972 #6538

Commemorative plaque - Central Presbyterian Church. Central Presbyterian Church Central Presbyterian Church began as a Cumberland Presbyterian church in 1853, with twelve charter members led by the Rev. Daniel G. Molloy. The congregation met in a building on land donated by William Irwin until 1862, when it began sharing space in the Methodist church building with other local churches. The Presbyterian church built its own sanctuary in 1869-70 and moved it to this site in 1892. During the 1890s, the congregation helped bring Trinity University to Waxahachie, which greatly increased membership. Although the university later moved to San Antonio, the church continued to grow in programs, service and outreach, including a close relationship with the Presbyterian Children's Service. (2003) #13193

Commemorative plaque - Joseph Sowell. Joseph Sowell In September 1836, Joseph Sowell (1804-1841) came to Texas shortly after the republic was established. Settling on his 1280-acre land grant just south of the Red River, Sowell made his home about 1.5 miles northwest of this site. In the short time he lived in Texas, Sowell was closely involved with the creation and development of Fannin County and with the protection of the frontier settlers. Upon the creation of Fannin County in 1837 and its organization the following year, Sowell was appointed to the county board of land commissioners and served as county treasurer. He and fellow pioneer J.S. Scott built a tavern at Warren, the first county seat, where Sowell had served as postmaster. As leader of his militia company to defend the frontier and its settlers, Sowell led several attacks against the region's Native Americans. Additionally, he served as quartermaster for the Army of the Republic of Texas. On October 31, 1841, a band of Indians raided the horse stable at the tavern in Warren. In the ensuing struggle, which involved the guests and proprietors of the tavern as well, Joseph Sowell was killed, leaving behind a widow and four children. He was buried near his homesite. As an early settler in northeast Texas whose interest and concern for his duty as a citizen was realized in the positions he held and his active involvement in local affairs, Joseph Sowell played a significant role in Fannin County's early development. (2003) #12884

Commemorative plaque - Mount Zion Cemetery. In 1879 this land was owned by Ezekel J. and Louisa J. McCleskey. According to McCleskey Family tradition M.M. McCluskey, a relative of Ezekel and Louisa from Georgia, died while visiting in 1879 and was the first person buried here. Eventually her grave site, near a church/school building, became a community cemetery named Veale for a local pioneer family. It was legally set aside as the Mount Zion Cemetery by the McCleskeys in 1907. The cemetery, enlarged over the years and maintained by an association formed in 1979, continues to serve the Frankell and LaCasa communities. #3502

Commemorative plaque - First Girl's Tomato Club in Texas. The first Girl's Tomato Clubs in Texas were organized in 1912 in Milam County to acquaint young women in rural areas with tomato production and canning techniques. At the request of the United States Department of Agriculture, Mrs. Edna Westbrook Trigg, a local high school principal, agreed to undertake the project. She organized eleven clubs throughout the county, with members ranging in age from ten to eighteen. A similar program for boys, the Corn Clubs, had been instituted in Jack County four years earlier. Each member of the Girl's Tomato Clubs was to produce a tomato crop on one-tenth of an acre of land and then was taught proper canning procedures. The girls exhibited their products at Milano, Rockdale, the 1913 State Fair in Dallas, and the Waco Cotton Palace. So successful were these exhibits that several of the girls started college education funds with the money they raised selling their goods. As the state's first rural girl's organization of its kind, the Tomato Clubs were forerunners of later programs, including 4-H, that were initiated under the supervision of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Over time, 4-H has expanded its scope but has maintained the principle objectives of its predecessors. #7946

Commemorative plaque - Tom T. McGee. (Sept. 13, 1849 - Nov. 24, 1894) Came to Canadian about 1884. Was foreman on Po Ranch prior to election as first sheriff of Hemphill County, 1887 - year city of Canadian was founded. Nov. 23, 1894, in gun fight with (6) men attacking large shipment of money at Wells, Fargo & Company, he was mortally wounded, and he died the next day. His widow went to England as a volunteer civilian worker in World War I; died there. Ashes were returned here for burial. Recorded, 1967 #5505

Commemorative plaque - Sam Wood Cabin. Sam Wood cabin built in 1887 at Hog Town (now a ghost town). Wood, an Indian Scout, Union veteran of Civil War, buffalo hunter, was father of bride in first marriage recorded in the Panhandle, at Fort Elliott in 1877. Cabin housed (6) families during an Indian scare; in 1954 it was moved, restored. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966. #4508

Commemorative plaque - Townsite of Coldspring. Before founding of town, this land lay in Mexican grant made to Col. Robt. Rankin, veteran of American Revolution. Post office here bore name "Coonskin" (1847), then "Fireman's Hill," and finally "Cold Springs" (1850). Spelling later became "Coldspring." Original town plat contained 14 blocks. First courthouse, of wood, burned 1915. Present stone building replaced it in 1918. By 1923 most of town had moved up the hill to present site. Early schools included an 1847 academy, the 1880 "Male and Female Institute," and Mrs. India Grace's private school of 1880s. #7652

Commemorative plaque - James Cunningham. Born in Alabama, settled in Comanche County, 1855. Commander of Texas Ranger Company stationed in Comanche County, 1858. Helped bring law and order to county--drove out renegades and wild Indians. Cunningham commanded men from Comanche County in Dove Creek Battle, Jan. 8, 1864 (500 white men against 1,000 Indians). His sons became sheriffs in Comanche, Mills and Taylor counties. Recorded - 1967 #2718

Commemorative plaque - Augustus "Gus" LeGory. (Oct. 10, 1840 -- Dec. 4, 1930) In 1955 Augustus "Gus" LeGory came to Texas from Mississippi. After serving in the Civil War, he returned to the area and worked with a Trinity River steamboat company. He later developed his own overland and river freight hauling enterprise and in 1870 opened a Crockett saloon. A community promoter, LeGory engaged in banking, coal production, and agriculture. He married Eliza Wortham in 1875 and they had six children. #7923

Commemorative plaque - Vicory Barker Tunstall. (October 21, 1876 -- February 8, 1953) Born west of Crockett. A noted musician. Houston County District Clerk, 1918-22. A barber by trade. In boyhood, studied violin. At 16, began teaching. At 20, opened Tunstall Music House. Traveled East Texas 50 years with band that included his ten children. Founded World's Championship Fiddler's Festival, 1937. At 1951 state fair was proclaimed the Champion Fiddler of Texas. Married (1st), Emma Virginia English; (2nd) Mrs. Lillie Shanks. #7601

Commemorative plaque

War memorials