Gatesville Area Guide

LIVE OAK BAPTIST CHURCH

118 Years of Ministry

113 FM 107, Gatesville, TX 76528

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“We are a loving family of Christian believers. Our Mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our community through worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry and missions.”

LIVE OAK STAFF:

INTERIM PASTOR:

INTERIM MINISTER OF MUSIC:

INTERIM CO-YOUTH DIRECTOR:

DR. DAVID CROSBY CRAIG PENDER RODNEY THORNTON/ PAULA SMITHHART ALESHA THORNTON Local Community News Sports Schools Events To advertise or subscribe: 254-865-5212

The family of Live Oak Baptist Church welcomes you to our community and invites you to worship with us. Last year, we experienced the loss of several staff members and a fire that impacted key areas of our church. We continue with recruitment of staff and building restoration. We continue to gather for Bible study each Sunday morning at 9:15 and worship at 10:30, and we have a full calendar of activities for children and youth. We anticipate resuming our full Weekly Schedule of Services soon. If you have any questions about our church ministries or location, please call the church office at (254) 865-5681.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

SUNDAYS:

9:00 am Men’s Prayer Time, Room B

Women’s Prayer Time, Prayer Room

9:15 am Bible Study, All Age Groups

10:30 am Morning Worship Service

5:00 pm Adult Bible Study – Fellowship Hall

6:00 pm Children’s Bible Study

Youth Worship – Youth Room

WEDNESDAYS:

5:45 pm Church-wide Meal – Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm LEGOS (3 years old through 6th grade)

Adult Choir Practice

Youth Bible Study – Youth Room

Bible Study/Prayer Time – Fellowship Hall

“THE FAMILY YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!”

The Gatesville area and Coryell County/ Central Texas are part of the 31st Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

John R. Carter represents District 31, and his closest office is at 2180 N. Main St., Suite I-10 in Belton. That office can be reached by calling 254-933-1392. For more information and email, visit carter.house.gov.

Texas is also represented by two United States senators, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn.

Cruz's closest office to Gatesville is at 300 E. Eighth St. in Austin. The number for that office is 512-916-5834. For more information and email, visit cruz.senate.gov.

Cornyn's closest office to Gatesville is at 221 W. Sixth St., Suite 1530 in Austin. The number for that office is 512-4696034. For more information and email, visit cornyn.senate. gov.

At the state level, Gatesville area residents are served by Texas Rep. Shelby Slawson of District 59. Her office is located in the state capitol building, E2.704. She can be reached at 512-463-0628. Her email is shelby.slawson@ house.texas.gov.

The Texas senator for the Gatesville area is Pete Flores. His office is at P.O. Box 12068 Capitol Station in Austin. He can be reached at 512-463-0124. His email is pete.flores@senate. texas.gov.

The State Board of Education representative for the area is Evelyn Brooks of District 14. Her office is 3245 Main St. Suite 235-141 in Frisco. She can be reached at 972-322-9780. Her email is ebrooks@evelyn4texaseducation.com.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz

U.S. Representative John R. Carter

Texas Representative Shelby Slawson

State Board of Education Rep. Evelyn Brooks

U.S. Senator John Cornyn

Texas Senator Pete Flores

Whitt Building Supplies-Customer service is top priority

By Jeff Osborne

Since 2015, Whitt Building Supplies has made customer service its priority, and that commitment has led to expansion and to helping people not only in Coryell County and Central Texas, but throughout the state.

Owned by Brandon Latham, Doug Young and Jimmie Cummings, the business, located at 1411 Texas Highway 36 in Gatesville, has thrived in helping people to meet needs with metal buildings and all types of farm and ranch supplies.

“We have two 18-wheelers that deliver all over Texas and three dualies (pickup trucks) that pull trailers (with supplies) all day, every day,” said Whitt employee Chase Cole.

He said Whitt is working on a new and improved website that will have 3D building designs for customers to view.

Billy Latham has worked for Whitt since 2017 and has seen the business grow significantly.

“We’ve multiplied by quadruple I’d imagine,” Latham said. “We are also getting our other store up and running in Marlin.”

He added that Jacquie Hobgood has been with the business “from the start,

and she’s been (Brandon Latham’s) right hand in everything.”

The store owners and employees have a strong depth of experience in serving customers, and a personal touch has helped attract and keep customers.

Asked what has allowed the business to be successful, Latham said it’s a commitment to doing things right and catering to what customers need.

“I’d say the efficiency of how everything is run,” Latham said. “Customer service is the number one thing we pride ourselves on. We take care of things right away and you don’t have to wait for a response from corporate somewhere. People can call us and deal with a person on the phone right away. We treat people right and that’s what keeps them coming back.”

From the Texas coast to the Panhandle

and all places in between, Whitt has a presence.

“We have trucks running all over the place,” Latham said. “It’s really good smalltown service. Anything people need they can give us a call. We have 14 or 15 people and it’s a multimillion-dollar business. Because we just have a handful of people, we have to keep our head on a swivel and stay busy. Everyone who works here is important to helping our customers.

“Give us a call at any time. There’s nothing too big or too small for us. We’ll get it done.”

The city of Gatesville offers many services through its departments, which include an airport, building and grounds, city administration, water and trash service, municipal court, Recycle Center, Restland Cemetery and the street department, fire, police, parks and recreation and library services.

AIRPORT

Located at 137 Airport Road, off of FM 116 three miles west of Gatesville, the Gatesville Municipal Airport is a general aviation facility that includes a 3,400-foot runway with visual flight rules approach and an automated weather observation system that was upgraded in 2022.

For hanger information or more information about the airport, call 254-865-8951, extension 108.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

This department maintains the day-to-day upkeep of city buildings and surrounding grounds, and also oversees upkeep of city-owned cemeteries. For information, call 254-865-8951.

CITY ADMINISTRATION

The city operations center is located at 803 Main St. City Manager Scott Albert is responsible for coordination and oversight of all city departments, conducts research, develops policies and evaluates potential public programs with the guidance of the Gatesville City Council. City Secretary Wendy Cole maintains and preserves permanent and legal records for the city, including City Council minutes. The city administration may be reached by calling 254-865-8951.

WATER & TRASH

Water service is through the city of Gatesville. A request for service can be emailed to water@gatesvilletx.com. The water office is located at 803 Main St. in City Hall. The phone number is 254-865-8951. Trash service is provided by Waste Management. To start trash collection in Gatesville call 254-742-3002 or 1-800-800-5804.

MUNICIPAL COURT

To pay city fines, people can visit Municipal Court at 803 Main St. The Municipal Judge is Tonya K. Place. For information, call 254-865-2227.

RECYCLE CENTER

The city Recycle Center is located at 106 S. 23rd St. near the Gatesville Fire Station. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on the second and fourth Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays. For information, call 254-404-5141.

RESTLAND CEMETERY

Located at 2201 Waco St., the cemetery is operated by the city as a public service. For information about plot availability, contact city staff at 254-865-8951.

STREET DEPARTMENT

The city street department is responsible for maintaining the city's streets, and areas of maintenance also include sidewalks, storm drains, street signs and pavement markings. For information, call 254-404-5141.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Gatesville Fire Department is located at 109 S. 23rd St. It is overseen by Chief Billy Vaden, Deputy Chief Robert Featherston and Assistant Chief Bobby Buster. The department protects 287 square miles of Coryell County, including the city, six Texas Department of Criminal Justice prisons and surrounding areas. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. The non-emergency number is 254-865-6416.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

With an emphasis on protecting people and property, the Gatesville Police Department includes three major divisions - patrol, investigations, and administration, and employs 30 staff, led by Chief Brad Hunt. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. The non-emergency number is 254-865-2226.

Animal control operations in the city are part of the police department and include animal adoptions. Animal shelter hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

LIBRARY

The Gatesville Library is located at 111 N. Eighth St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Shea Harp is the library director. To reach the library, call 254-865-5367.

PARKS & RECREATION

The city parks & recreation department is located at 203 N. 34th St. and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 254-865-4012.

Raby Park is located at 400 S. Eighth St. and was established in 1910. It includes playground equipment and picnic areas, a basketball court, pickleball courts, Teqball table, municipal swimming pool, splash pad and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Nearby Faunt Le Roy Park has playground equipment, a walking track located between Raby and Faunt Le Roy parks, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a volleyball court. There are also RV spots on site.

The city pool is open from late May through early August from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 1p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. A daily pass to the pool costs $3 for ages 4 and older (free for ages 3 and younger). Season passes and punch cards for multiple visits are also available.

The Gatesville Fitness Center, 203 N. 34th St. is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. It includes an indoor heated pool and hot tub, two regulation racquetball courts, an aerobics studio area, cardiovascular exercise equipment, Icarian weight machines, free weights, shower rooms with individual locks and over 30 group exercise classes per week. Day passes, punch cards for multiple visits and memberships are available. Visit the parks and recreation page on the gatesvilletx.com website or call 254-865-4012 for more information.

CIVIC CENTER

The Gatesville Civic Center hosts major events such as the annual youth fair and several other meetings, conferences, activities and events throughout the year. The civic center includes a 7,000 square foot great room for larger events, a small meeting room that seats up to 50, and a barn area for outdoor activities with bleacher seating for 100 people. For more information, call 254-499-0102.

Serving an area of about 1,057 square miles and with more than 83,000 residents, Coryell County government includes the county judge and commissioners court, other administrative offices, the sheriff's department and county road and bridge department, as well as the county attorney, local and district courts, county clerk's office, and district attorney's office and victim's services.

The county was founded in 1854, and the current courthouse was built in 1897-98. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in August 1977.

COMMISSIONERS COURT

The Commissioners Court, which as of July 2023 includes County Judge Roger Miller, Pct. 1 Commissioner Kyle Matthews, Pct. 2 Commissioner Scott Weddle, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ryan Basham and Pct. 4 Commissioner Keith Taylor, sets the budget for the county and is the administrative arm of county government, helping set policy and guiding day-to-day county operations. The commissioners court meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 9 a.m. at the Coryell County Main Street Annex, 801 E. Leon St.

The administrative assistant for the commissioners court is Lisa Roebuck, who can be reached at cojudge.asst@coryellcountytx.gov or by calling 254-865-5911, extension 301.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The sheriff's department, located at 510 Leon St. in Gatesville, includes oversight of the Coryell County Jail, which is currently being expanded. Sheriff Scott Williams is the county's chief law enforcement officer. Emergency calls to the sheriff's office should be made to 9-1-1. Non-emergency calls can be made to 254-865-7201.

COUNTY TAX OFFICE

The Coryell County Tax Office is overseen by Tax Assessor-Collector Justin Carothers, which collects property tax, offers vehicle registration service, voter registration and helps to oversee elections. The office can be reached at 254-248-3142 or by emailing tac@coryelltax.com.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

County Attorney Brandon Belt is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanors in the county and also is the county's legal advisor. He works with law enforcement and the county attorney's office investigator, Stuart Tull. The county attorney's office is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 254-865-9080.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

District Attorney Dusty Boyd leads a group of prosecutors that is among the most active in the state from an office at 203 S. Seventh St. The goal is to pursue justice for the public and to assist crime victims by working closely with law enforcement. To reach the DA's office, call 254-8655911, extension 2267.

COUNTY CLERK

The county clerk's office is the official repository of county records, and also is involved in issuing marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, civil filing fees, probate fees and guardianship and with legal assistance programs. The clerk's office takes the minutes for county commissioners court meetings.

This office is located on the first floor of the county courthouse at 620 East Main St. and open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (or from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment only)

DISTRICT CLERK

The district clerk's office, located in the Coryell County Courthouse, is vital in securing members of the public to serve as jurors for local trials and also keeps and protects judicial records. The district clerk is also involved with the accounting and disbursement of child support payments as ordered by courts. To reach the district clerk's office, call 254-865-5911, extension 102 or 103. The district clerk's office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

The county road and bridge department maintains county transportation infrastructure and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Justin Latham is the county road and bridge administrator. This department can be reached at 254-865-5021. After hours road emergency calls can be made to the sheriff's office at 254-8657201.

INDIGENT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

Indigent health care is offered to qualifying individuals in Coryell County. The office is located at 209 and a half North Lutterloh St. in Gatesville. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. For information, call 254-865-2883.

COMMUNITIES

GATESVILLE is a city and the county seat of Coryell County, Texas, United States. Its population was 16,135 at the 2020 census. The city has five of the nine prisons and state jails for women operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. One of the facilities, the Mountain View Unit, has the state's death row for women.

Gatesville was established in 1854 on land donated by Richard G. Grant (1808–1858), shortly after the organization of Coryell County. The name was taken from Fort Gates, which had been established in 1849, about 5 miles west

COPPERAS COVE is a city located at the southern corner of Coryell County with smaller portions in Lampasas and Bell counties. Founded in 1879 as a small ranching and farming community, today the city is the largest in Coryell County, with 32,032 residents as of the 2010 census. The city's economy is closely linked to nearby Fort Cavazos (formerly known as Fort Hood), making it part of the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.

OGLESBY is a city in Coryell County. The population was 441 in the 2020 census. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area. Oglesby is located in eastern Coryell County and is 7 miles west of McGregor and 15 miles east of Gatesville. The city is served by the Oglesby Independent School District and is home to the Oglesby School Tigers.

EVANT is a town in Coryell and Hamilton counties. The population was 455 at the 2020 census. The Coryell County portion of Evant is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town of Evant was first a settlement called "Langford Cove,” settled by Asa Langford and his family in 1855. By 2000 the population of Evant had dropped to 393.

JONESBORO is an unincorporated community in Coryell and Hamilton counties. The Coryell County portion of the community is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area. The

United States Postal Service operates the Jonesboro Post Office. William L. and David Jones built a steampowered sawmill and gristmill on the Leon River in 1866. It was first settled sometime after the American Civil War and became known as Jones Mill.

FLAT is a small unincorporated community in Coryell County. It is part of the Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood metropolitan statistical area. The area was originally titled "Mesquite Flat" when the town applied for its own post office. The application was rejected and resubmitted as "Flat.” The post office was successfully opened in 1897. As of 2020, the population was reported to be 157.

TURNERSVILLE is an unincorporated community in Coryell County and is located approximately 40 miles west of Waco and 12 miles north-northeast of Gatesville. As of 2004, the estimated population was 350. The town sits approximately two miles southwest of the intersection of Farm Road 217 and Farm Road 182. Turnersville was founded in the 1860s.

CORYELL CITY is located on Farm Road 929 ten miles northeast of Gatesville in northeastern Coryell County. It was known as Rainey's Creek when the county was organized in 1854. The post office at Coryell City was discontinued in 1958, and mail for the community was sent to Gatesville and Valley Mills.

LEVITA is at the junction of Farm roads 930 and 2412, ten miles northwest of Gatesville in Coryell County. The town began when Mont Simpson donated land for public buildings and called the townsite Simpsonville, but the name had to be changed when the post office was established because there was already another Simpsonville in Texas. The Levita post office opened in 1886. The population of Levita had declined to seventy by the late 1980s. The community still reported seventy residents in 2000.

Water is one of the world's most valuable resources, and to protect it, there are 98 groundwater conservation districts in Texas, first created by the Texas Legislature in 1949.

Protecting, preserving and conserving "the quality and quantity of groundwater resources of the citizens of Bosque, Comanche, Coryell and Erath” counties is the mission of the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.

Bruce Lesikar, a professor with the Texas Agrilife Extension Service, said, "in many parts of the state, more groundwater is being used than is being replenished through natural means. If this practice continues, Texas water costs will rise, land could subside, water quality could decline and people in some areas could run out of water.

"To address this problem, the Texas Legislature has provided a way for groundwater resources to be managed and protected locally, through the creation of groundwater conservation districts.”

Lesikar added, "All groundwater conservation districts try to maintain a balance between protecting the rights of private landowners and the responsibility to protect the water resource. Most districts direct their efforts toward preventing waste, collecting data, educating people about water conservation and preventing irreparable harm to the aquifer."

The MTGCD groundwater management plan was originally adopted in 2004 and has been amended and readopted

multiple times.

The plan states, "To accomplish its mission, the district will work to minimize the drawdown of the water table, prevent the waste of groundwater, prevent interference between wells, protect the existing and historic use of groundwater, prevent the degradation of the quality of groundwater, use public education to promote water conservation, give consideration to the service needs of municipal water utilities and the agricultural community, and carry out the powers and duties conferred under Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code. The district believes that the economy, environment and quality of life will all be positively impacted by the achievement of its mission."

MIDDLE TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Government

The district's board of directors includes two from Coryell County – W.B. Maples and Kenneth Bullington.

The office is located at 930 North Wolfe Nursery Road in Stephenville. More information about the district, including board meetings, can be found online at middletrinitygcd.org

Welcome to Gatesville!

The community of Gatesville is a great place to live, work and serve. Established in 1856, First Baptist Church has a longstanding tradition of serving our community with specific programs for children, youth, adults and missions.

Come see how God is working in Gatesville.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10

STAY INFORMED, ATTEND THESE OPEN MEETINGS

Residents of Coryell County have a wide variety of opportunities to stay informed of local legislation, policies and practices within their communities. Listed below are a sample of county agency meetings that are open to the public. For a complete list as well as information on when and where meetings are held, visit the Coryell County website at coryellcounty.org/notices-of-open-meetings.

• Central Counties Center for MHMR Services

• Central Texas College District Board of Trustee

• Central Texas Regional Transportation Advisory Group Meeting

• Central Texas Solid Waste Advisory Committee

• Coryell Central Appraisal District

• Coryell City Water Supply District

• Coryell County Bail Bond Board

• Coryell County Child Welfare Board

• Coryell County Commissioners Court

• Coryell County Economic Development Board

• Coryell County Historical Commission

• Coryell County Juvenile Board

• Coryell County Road District #1

• Coryell County at Law and District Judge Notice of Public Hearing

• CTCOG Central Texas Regional Transportation Advisory Group Meeting

• Development District of Central Texas Board of Directors

• Ground Water Management Area 8

• Hamilton Coryell Soil & Water Conservation District

• Hill Country Community Action Association

The man who designed the Coryell County COURTHOUSE

With the upcoming 125th celebration of the Coryell County Courthouse getting closer, some history buffs might be interested to know about the actual construction of the building and about the architect who was responsible for the planning of the grand structure.

In May 1897, architect Wesley Clark Dodson was commissioned to draw up plans and specifications for a third Coryell County Courthouse at a contract price of 3.5% of the total building cost.

The only stipulations imposed were that the structure exhibit a cupola with a Seth Thomas Clock, that the cupola be clad in copper, have a bell not less than 800 pounds, and a metal roof.

Dual statues of Liberty and Justice were to be located at the north and south entrances. A district feature of the statuary is that the Goddesses of Justice statues were to be without blindfolds, depicting “Justice is never sightless, but rather all-seeing, all knowing.”

The architectural styles reflected the character of the designer and the people of Coryell County as well, since most architects were hired by the ballot of local residents who favored one style over another. The courthouse construction was estimated to cost $74,000.

Dodson, a native of Alabama, was a Civil War veteran who was wounded while in battle and later it was reported that he returned home from the war “broken in health and cripple.” Although Dodson never completely recovered from his war wounds, his work as an architect “seemed to have soothed his creative spirit.”

From Alabama, Dodson traveled to Galveston, Texas and later moved to Waco.

When Dodson was commissioned to build the Coryell County Courthouse, he had already been hired to build courthouses

Wesley Clark Dodson

across the state during a 15-year period, from 1883-1898, which was often referred to as the “Golden Age” of courthouse construction.

Courthouses designed by Dodson were considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing of the 254 courthouses in Texas – most of which have been included on the National Register of Historic Places – including the Coryell County Courthouse.

Dodson’s architectural details such as doorways, tower clocks, window, and roof treatments are often adapted or identically reused in all of his courthouse designs that were constructed in the 1880s and 1890s with the exception of the Coryell County Courthouse.

An important feature of Dodson’s Coryell County creation is the massive classical porticos, differing somewhat in scale and treatment from the north and south entries.

The south portico has paired corner columns, while the north has single columns. The porticos rise from a one-story base of rusticated stone with arched entries in the lower level.

Red sandstone Corinthian columns support white sandstone pediments, with the fivepointed start of Texas inset in contrasting carved stone.

Scottish stonemasons, some of whom worked on the state capitol building, were hired to lay the stones. The Scotsmen chiseled and pre-cut the stones to the exact size at the local quarries. The stones were numbered before being hauled to the building site in horse-drawn wagons. The numbers were used to show just where the stones belonged in the construction of the building.

Mary Helen Dodson, the great-granddaughter of the architect, described her great-grandfather as being “a remarkable man, a peaceful man of great faith and integrity. I learned how his faith and his determination to lead a useful life gave him the resilience he sorely needed.” She continued, “I came to understand why Wesley built courthouses, jails, schools, and churches, institutions he believed Texas needed in order to become what he called ‘a good society.’ He became one of the foremost post-Civil War architects during that Golden Age of courthouse construction.”

The architect of the famed Coryell County Courthouse died on August 1, 1914, in Waco at the age of 85. He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco alongside many other Texas dignitaries including Governor Pat M. Neff who was born and raised in Coryell County and was a frequent visitor at the courthouse in Gatesville.

The Coryell County Historical Commission, in conjunction with Coryell County Judge Roger Miller and the Coryell County Commissioners hosted the 125th anniversary celebration of the courthouse on the south lawn on Saturday, July 22. Coryell County residents attended this special celebration to honor the history of this nationally recognized structure created by Wesley Clark Dodson.

Coryell County has been the home to several communities since it was first settled. Many of the communities listed below have vanished off the map, but they live on in history. And some maintain active churches and residences.

EAGLE SPRINGS is an early settlement dating back to the 1850s. A Baptist church was organized there in 1858 and a post office was established in 1869. A church, school and various businesses supported the population of 200 in 1882. A church and scattered homes remain in the area.

LEON JUNCTION, located on the Leon River 11 miles southeast of Gatesville, was settled in the 1880s. The railroad came through in 1882 and a post office opened in 1883. At one time, Leon Junction had a school, church and grocery store.

HURST SPRINGS is located five miles northeast of Turnersville. It was named for John H. Hurst, who established the community in the 1870s. In the 1890s, the settlement had a cotton gin, a corn mill, a church, a school, two general stores and 100 residents.

SPRING HILL was located eight miles south of Gatesville on the Old Georgetown Road. Before the residents were forced to move when Camp Hood was established in 1942, Spring Hill had enough families to support a church and school.

STATION CREEK is another old Coryell County settlement. The first Methodist church in the county was located there. The community post office was established in 1855.

KING, first called Stringtown, is on Farm Road 1783 and Cowhouse Creek. In 1875, a Baptist church was organized there. Stringtown became King when the post office was established in 1882—named in honor of local store owner, Henry King. In the 1880s, King had a population of 80 that supported a mill, gin, three churches and a district school. The community still has a church.

HUBBARD is another community taken over by the U.S. Army to create Camp Hood in 1942. The community once had a grocery store, gas station, blacksmith shop and a twoteacher school.

LINCOLNVILLE, named for President Lincoln, was located four miles from Gatesville on the Leon River. The settlement was established soon after the Civil War by former slaves of the area. Residents organized a Baptist church and in 1904 had a one-teacher school with 13 students. Early family names included Mayberry, Weatherly, Brown and Snow. The community had disappeared by the 1940s.

SUGAR LOAF, located 12 miles northwest of Copperas Cove, was settled in 1852. Their post office was established in 1874. In the 1890s, the community had a general store, a gristmill, a gin and a population of 30. Residents were forced to move in 1942 when Camp Hood was established.

Communities OFF the map

WHITE HALL, a rural community, is located nine miles north of Gatesville on Farm Road 215. Named for the White and Hall families in the area, White Hall had a school from 1890 to 1948. The population was 30 in the 1950s. The Baptist church is still active.

PECAN GROVE is seven miles from Gatesville on Farm-toMarket Road 107. Community schools were called Blackfoot and Davidson. Pulltight was the local store. The Pecan Grove post office opened in 1874. The 100 residents in 1884 supported two mills and three cotton gins. The picturesque setting of the present Baptist church and tabernacle was the setting of county youth camps in the 1940s.

RUTH was located near Henson Mountain, 10 miles southeast of Gatesville. The community had a post office from 1885 to 1905. At one time, Ruth had a church, a cotton gin and a school. In 1912, the school consolidated with the Ewing school. When the Army took the site for Camp Hood in 1941, Ruth’s population was about 20.

HAY VALLEY is a dispersed rural community on State Highway 36, four miles northeast of Gatesville. George and Martha Tanner settled in the valley in 1870. They and the Yows family built homes in the 1880s that are still well cared for. The school and Baptist church, organized in 1881, initially shared the same building. The Baptist church is still active. Descendants of some early families—Davis, Byrom, Quicksall and Yows—still live in the area.

The Resale Shop

Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Gatesville

Selling gently used furniture, decor, housewares, clothing, etc.

Proudly serving the real estate needs of Coryell County since 1985. With over 50 years combined real estate experience, we have the knowledge and skills needed to get your property sold or help achieve the dream of home ownership.

(254)865-8954

2105 E. Main Street Gatesville, TX 76528

For property listings, agent profiles and more: www.tejasrealestate.com

If you are new to the area and need to register children for school, call the district closest to you to learn the process for registration. You will need a birth certificate, a utility bill for proof of residence, shot records, and immunization records.

GATESVILLE ISD – Home of the Hornets www.gatesvilleisd.org

311 S. Lovers Lane, Gatesville 254-865-7251

The school board meets on the third Monday of each month.

PRIMARY

208 S. 26th Street, 254-865-7264

Grades pre-K and kindergarten.

Principal Van Collins

JUNIOR HIGH

307 S. Lovers Lane

254-865-8271

Grades 7-8

Principal Susan Penrod

Superintendent Dr. Barrett Pollard

ELEMENTARY

2537 E. Main Street

254-865-7262

Grades 1-3

Principal Keegan Webb

INTERMEDIATE

311 S. 26th Street

254-865-2526

Grades 4-6

Principal Bridget Register

HIGH SCHOOL

205 S. Lovers Lane

254-865-8281

Grades 9-12

Principal

Liz Shoaf

EVANT ISD – Home of the Elks www.evantisd.org

339 N. Memory Lane Evant 254-471-3160

The school board meets on the second Monday of each month.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Ingram

EVANT SCHOOL

101 Memory Lane

Evant 254-471-5536

Grades K-12

Principal Shana Wooton

JONESBORO ISD – Home of the Eagles www.jonesboroisd.net

14909 E. State Highway 36 Jonesboro

254-463-2111

The school board meets on the second Monday of each month.

JONESBORO SCHOOL

254-463-2111

Grades K-12

Principal

Kendra Byrom.

Superintendent Matt Dossey

OGLESBY ISD – Home of the Tigers www.oglesbyisd.net

125 College Avenue Oglesby 254-456-2271

The school board meets on the third Thursday of each month.

OGLESBY SCHOOL

125 College Avenue

254-456-2242

Grades K-12

Principal Casey Melton

Superintendent Shane Webb

Organizations

Youth Organizations

GATESVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION

803 Main Street

Gatesville, TX 76528

254-865-8951

Gatesville Parks and Recreation provides fitness and nutrition classes, sports programs, and recreation activities to get the community to improve their health and fitness. It also provides facilities for citizens to be active on their own such as the Gatesville Sports Complex, parks, the Gatesville Fitness Center, trails, outdoor fitness stations, the Gatesville City Pool, and recreation centers.

CORYELL COUNTY 4-H

303 Veteran’s Memorial Drive

Gatesville, TX 76528

254-865-2414

Coryell County 4-H is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M System. Founded in 1908, 4-H is the largest youth development program in Texas, reaching more than 550,000 youth each year. In 4-H, the activities are organized by topics and called projects. All 4-H members must be enrolled in at least one project. When you choose a project, you will learn everything there is to know about that topic. You will participate in various hands-on activities, learn new skills, do community service, or even make speeches about your project.

THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GATESVILLE

2533 East Main Street

Gatesville, TX 76528

254-865-8347

The Gatesville Club opened in the fall of 2004 and 10 years later fulfilled their goal of opening a new club in 2014. The current total membership is over 550 kids, ranging from the ages of six to eighteen. Homework help and tutoring is offered after school daily, summer camps, and a Weekend Backpack Program. Healthy snacks are served to Club members after school throughout the year. Each September the Club holds a Day for Kids, an event that allows parents and kids to spend time together doing fun activities.

GATESVILLE CHAMBER JUNIOR AMBASSADORS

2307 South State Highway 36

Gatesville, Texas 76528

254-865-2617

The Gatesville Chamber Junior Ambassadors consist of High School students who volunteer their time by giving back to the community. Junior Ambassadors volunteer at the care center, Food for Families, annual events, nursing homes, and more.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS, TEAM GATESVILLE

P.O. Box 255

Gatesville, TX 76528

Teamgatesville12@yahoo.com

Special Olympics is a year-round sports program for both children and adults who have been identified as having intellectual or developmental disabilities. Program participants range in age from 2 to people in their 80s, but there is no upper age limit as long as people can remain active. Those eight years old and up can compete in area, regional and state events. There are four regions in Texas and 19 areas. There are also volunteer opportunities for people who may want to coach, be a sport official or chaperone, and for assistance on the day of an event during the competition.

GATESVILLE ADAPTIVE SPORTS

Kara Dotson, 254-206-0064

This program allows special needs children to participate in sports and activities such as baseball, soccer, flag football, and cheerleading. Gatesville Adaptive Sports participates in city league events.

GATESVILLE YOUTH SPORTS

Kent Ford, President, 254-348-4534

Don Ford, 254-223-9255

Gatesville has a Youth Sports group, they come together each summer to participate in track, football, and more. The intent of Gatesville Youth Sports is to provide a good environment for the youth to increase speed, strength, and power that will be useful for all sports.

Organizations

Medical Organizations

CORYELL HEALTH

1507 West Main Street

Gatesville, TX 76528

254-865-8251

Coryell Health is a community-owned healthcare organization located in Gatesville, Texas. On one central campus, patients have access to a wide range of health services including, but not limited to a twenty-five-bed licensed hospital, a Level IV Trauma Center emergency room with primary and specialty care providers, an advanced wound center, a state-of-the-art outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation center, a skilled nursing facility with long-term care and short-term inpatient rehabilitation and assisted and independent living apartments. Coryell Health is committed to patient-focused care with the latest medical technology, while providing a place of healing and comfort for their patients, their families, and the communities we serve.

CORYELL HOME HEALTH CARE

402 East Main Street

Gatesville, TX 76528

254-248-6380

Coryell Health’s home health care professionals have a singular focus to deliver compassionate, quality care for our patients in the security and comfort of familiar surroundings. Home health care provides a wide range of health care

services in the home for an illness or injury. Home health care helps patients regain their independence and become as self-sufficient as possible from the comfort of home.

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE CLINIC - GATESVILLE

319 South State Hwy 36 Bypass Suite 401

Gatesville, TX, 76528

254-248-6500

At Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Gatesville, patients of all ages are taken care of. Conveniently located in Gatesville, they stay dedicated to helping local communities live their healthiest lives. The primary care physicians in Gatesville work together to create a care plan that puts you at the center of your health. Baylor Scott & White – Gatesville provides an on-site laboratory, primary care, general medical care, preventative health, cancer screenings, women’s health, pediatrics, and more.

HILLSIDE MEDICAL LODGE

300 South Hwy. 36 Bypass

Gatesville, TX, 76528

254-865-7575

Hillside Medical Lodge is located conveniently between Waco, Temple, and Hamilton, and offers true Texas hospitality with care. Hillside Medical Lodge strives to provide their residents with an enhanced well-being with the hometown hospitality that surrounding communities have come to know

and trust. Hillside Medical Lodge first opened their doors in 1978 and rebuilt and opened their current facility in 2016. Hillside Medical Lodge provides short-term care, long-term care, and physical therapy.

REHABLIVING AT THE MEADOWS

110 Chicktown Rd. Gatesville, TX, 76528

254-404-2500

RehabLiving at the Meadows’ unique design features an inviting community dining room, a robust activity area, and a formal family dining room. Each room is designed so that every resident has their own private space, even in semi-private rooms all residents have their own television and window. Within RehabLiving at the Meadows, a separate and secure wing for memory care is available to meet the needs of a person with Alzheimer’s, or similar memory loss conditions, who might be at risk for wandering.

Gatesville Chamber of Commerce

The Gatesville Chamber of Commerce has served businesses in Gatesville since 1937. The chamber presents a variety of events throughout the year such as the Chamber Market Days, held on the second Saturday of the month from March through December, chamber mixers, new member welcome, new business ribbon cuttings as well as special events.

Located in the old Cotton Belt Railroad Depot, the chamber of commerce serves the community in many ways, such as publicity and public relations for Gatesville, coordination of community activities, newcomers welcome center. It also serves as a library of directories,

reports, surveys, maps, tourist, and travel folders, and the visitors’ center.

The chamber also sponsors several programs throughout the year.

The Ambassador Program is formatted to bring individuals within the chamber membership on board to help make a difference. Ambassadors meet on the third Tuesday of each month at The Cotton Belt Depot Visitors Center – and as needed to focus on specific projects within the community.

The high school students in the Junior Ambassador Program are given the opportunity to learn more from one-on-one contact with the business community, while fulfilling their high school community service

requirements. Each year, the students develop, plan, and facilitate their own events.

The chamber recognizes the Business of the Month with an award given to an outstanding business each month. The winners are then in the running for the Business of the Year in their category, which is awarded every year at the annual chamber membership banquet. The Citizen of the Year is also awarded at this banquet.

Gatesville Chamber of Commerce is located at 2607 S. Highway 36, Gatesville. Call 254865-2617 or visit gatesvilletx. info.

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY: The Gatesville community gathers each month from March to October to sell produce, crafts and other items at Market Days, hosted by the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce.

Gatesville Lions Club dedicated to service

With a motto, "We Serve," the Gatesville Lions Club has been making a difference in the community since it was first founded on April 19, 1935.

The club has long been active in various community events, including fundraisers for scholarships for graduating seniors, volunteering at the Gatesville Care Center, providing free glasses for those in need, serving at the senior center and the Boys & Girls Club. The club also partners with the Gatesville Exchange Club (which was featured in the 2022 Newcomers Guide) to host a scholarship golf tournament each September.

One relatively new endeavor, which the club began in 2022, is a partnership with the Salvation Army to raise funds to support local people who need a helping hand. The Lions Club took a leading role in the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers stand outside Wal-Mart in November and December ringing bells and seeking donations which benefit local residents who need assistance. All the money raised in the Red Kettle Campaign stays in the Gatesville area and is donated to local residents.

Chairing the Red Kettle Campaign is Jeremy Stills, who is also the Gatesville Lions Club President for 2023-24.

"First and foremost, I'm looking forward to serving the community in the best possible way I can," Stills said. "Leadership is not a position, it's an action, and

I am glad to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to helping others and making a difference in the community."

Helping to exemplify the service-minded spirit of the club is Joyce Talbott, a newcomer to the Gatesville Lions Club in April 2022 who became very active and involved in just about any efforts the club was involved in. For her dedication and willingness to serve, Talbott was named the 2023 Gatesville Lion of the Year.

"She is always willing to lend a helping hand, and her commitment to the community and the club is inspiring," Stills said.

For more information about the club, visit the Gatesville Lions Club Facebook page, send an email to gatesvillelionsclub@gmail.com or call 254-865-4626.

Exchange Club

Those Gatesville early risers who are devoted to Americanism, protecting children and community service are the members of the Exchange Club, an organization which works to host many local events that benefit the people of the area and raise funds to help local charities and student scholarships.

Among the larger annual events are the Taste of Gatesville and local chili cook-off held during the winter, the Fire Ant Bicycle Tour held in the summer, a golf tournament in the fall, and many other events throughout the year, such as Day of the Child, which helps to make sure children stay safe and have properly installed car seats to ride in.

The club meets weekly at 7 a.m. Thursdays at the Junction at 36, located at 1216 Texas Highway 36 in Gatesville.

More information about the club can be found at the Exchange Club’s Facebook page, or at gates.clubexpress. com.

Exchange, Lions Clubs serve Gatesville

Two civic clubs are active in Gatesville, the Gatesville Exchange Club and the Gatesville Lions Club. Information about both clubs can be found on their Facebook pages.

The Exchange Club, which focuses on promoting community service and Americanism, meets at 7 a.m. each Thursday at the Junction at 36 Restaurant, 1216 Highway 36 Bypass North. The club is involved in various activities throughout the year, including a golf tournament to raise funds for student scholarships in cooperation with the Lions Club. A feature on the Exchange Club appeared in the 2022 Gatesville Area Guide.

The Lions Club, which also emphasizes community service, is an international organization, and meets each Wednesday at noon at the Junction at 36 Restaurant, 1216 Highway m36 Bypass North. In addition to a variety of activities throughout the year, the local Lions Club works in partnership with the Salvation Army and takes the lead for the Red Kettle Campaign in November and December to raise money for local people in need.

CORYELL COUNTY LIVE MUSIC Events

Two free music events attract large crowds to Coryell County each month. The Pearl Bluegrass Music Festival is held on the first Saturday of each month (except September when it is moved to the second Saturday), and the Gatesville Country Music Hall of Fame is held on the third Friday of each month.

Musicians and music fans come from near and far each month to attend the Pearl Bluegrass Music Festival in the Pearl Community Center. A free stage show begins around noon and continues well into the evening. Each month, a well-known group is featured in the 2 p.m. slot on the stage.

At the same time, jam sessions can be found in many of the rooms. In good weather, jam sessions are held outside under the pavilion as well as around the community center.

A limited number of RV parking spots are available, and a concession stand is open throughout the day. The Pearl Cottage, locat-

ed adjacent to the center, features a variety of used books and other vintage items for sale.

For more information, call Ronald Medart at 254-865-5013. Pearl is located on FM 183, about seven miles south of Purmela on U.S. Highway 84.

The Gatesville Country Music Hall of Fame show is held at 7 p.m. on the third Friday of each month in the Gatesville City Auditorium at city hall. The Hall of Fame brings in acts from across the state and nation to entertain the community free of charge.

Photos of those inducted into the hall of fame are on the wall just outside the auditorium. To date, there are at least 68 inductees. Some of the entertainers have notoriety and others are locally known talent but they all have in common a love of sharing their music and have each been recommended for induction by an existing Hall of Fame member. For more information, call 254-547-6834.

Events

Festivals

In September each year, three festivals are held on the same day in Gatesville – Spurfest at the Coryell Museum and Historical Center, the Cruzin Cruzers car show held on the courthouse square, and the old-time Fiddlers Contest.

Spurfest takes place at the Coryell Museum which includes live music, western reenactments, food samples, on-site demonstrations, a quilt raffle, hourly door prizes, and of course, the exhibit of more than 6,000 spurs.

Events

Just a block away from the museum on the courthouse square, the Cruzin Cruzers car show takes place. A vast collection of antique and unique vehicles is on display around the courthouse with hundreds of spectators who come to view the autos. The car show usually has about two hundred entries. Food vendors are also located around the square to provide refreshments for those visiting.

Beginning in the early afternoon on the same day, the old-time Fiddler Contest takes place. The event, usually held in the City Auditorium, this year will be held behind the Coryell Museum. Fiddlers of all ages, from all over the state and beyond, descend on Gatesville to compete. The contest provides fun and entertainment for all those who are fond of fiddle music.

Another festival held in Gatesville is the annual Shivaree, which is usually held the first weekend in June. The Shivaree, which began in 1974, is hosted by the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce. During this time, several music groups entertain the public, and a carnival usually entertains the children and the young adults.

When the Shivaree first began, it was a single day event, but since that time, the event encompasses three days. Vendors are also welcome at the event and can display items they have for sale.

Gatesville Riding Club Rodeo

This year marks the 86th annual Gatesville Riding Club Rodeo. It is usually scheduled for the last week in July each year and held at the rodeo arena The arena is located on Veteran’s Memorial Drive in Gatesville near the Civic Center. The scheduled events often include bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, junior barrels, and mutton bustin’.

The Gatesville Riding Club is a family-oriented organization that was established over 40 years ago. Their membership consists of riders and non-riders, ranchers, breeders, rodeo competitors and folks who just like belonging to a group with opportunities to spend time with others who have the same interests.

The largest fundraiser for the year and the most well publicized activity is the Annual Gatesville Rodeo, a hometown tradition. The club also sponsors junior rodeos, the Coryell County Youth Horse show, Playdays, and Trail Rides.

The first rodeo took place on June 5, 1937, and attracted between 5,000 and 6,000 spectators. The official start of the

first rodeo consisted of a large and colorful parade. Leading the procession was the Gatesville High School band attired in their gold-colored uniforms.

The crowds greatly anticipated the highly publicized rodeo which attracted many out-of-town performers.

Estelle “Sissy” Lovejoy Newton, who is now 102 years old and lives in Copperas Cove, remembers attending the first Gatesville Rodeo in 1937 when she was 16 years old. Although Newton was just a spectator at the first rodeo, she did participate as a contestant in the following years and would often ride in the grand entry.

Last year, on the event of the 85th anniversary of the rodeo, the Gatesville Riding Club honored Newton during the rodeo celebration by bringing her into the arena in a horsedrawn buggy flanked with red roses. The riding club then named her the honorary “Rodeo Sweetheart.” When Newton was first told that she was to be honored at the rodeo and would be riding in a buggy into the arena, the 101-year-old stated, “I believe I can still get on a horse (and ride into the arena).” Considering her physical and mental agility, she probably could have accomplished that feat.

photo by Teresa Busch Estelle “Sissy” Newton, age 101, being honored as the Rodeo Sweetheart

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Places

Fort Cavazos

Over the years, Fort Cavazos (formerly named Fort Hood and renamed in May of 2023), located just south of Gatesville, has become an important training ground for National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers entering the war on terrorism. Since Sept. 11, 2001, thousands of soldiers have gone through training at Fort Cavazos before being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

As a result, many new buildings have been erected to improve training and living conditions at the post, which had only been used sparingly after World War II. In April

2016, the Operational Readiness Training Complex’s first phase was completed. The ORTC increased the capabilities of Fort Cavazos by adding two four-story buildings able to house 800 enlisted soldiers, officer and senior non-commissioned officer housing, command headquarters and a dining facility that can

accommodate 1,428 per hour. The new buildings are an impressive sight, being the tallest structures in the area they

forever change the skyline at the installation’s northernmost point.

Fort Cavazos is named in honor of Four-star General Richard Cavazos, a Texas Tech graduate and veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. Cavazos earned the Silver Star and two Distinguished Service Cross awards for his actions in those conflicts. Cavazos rose to the rank of four-star general and led the U.S. Army Forces Command. He died in 2017 at age 88.

A 340-square mile installation, Fort Cavazos includes approximately 212,500 acres of land with a maneuver area of 136,600 acres, and buildings that total 18,354,000 square feet in size. It is the only post in the U.S. capable of stationing and training two armored divisions. The Robert Gray Army Air Field has a 10,000-foot runway and in recent years, became a joint use facility to allow for commercial

traffic.

The strong relationship between Fort Cavazos and the county, cities and schools continues to grow through

interactive gatherings.

Gatesville’s association with prisons began in the late 1800s when a House of Correction and Reformation was built for juvenile offenders. In the 1970s, the State School for Boys was closed and renovated for adult offenders. Today, five Texas Department of Criminal Justice prisons and a state jail operate within the city limits of Gatesville. Five of the units—Crain, Hilltop, Mountainview, Murray and the Woodman State Jail—are for female offenders, while the Hughes Unit is the largest in the city and houses male offenders. Woodman State Jail also serves as an intake facility for TDCJ female offenders who are sentenced to prison. After going through processing, they are eventually transferred to other units.

The units can host a total of 8,217 offenders and employ approximately 2,631 workers.

WOODMAN STATE JAIL

Named for: Linda Woodman, former warden of the Gatesville Unit and survivor of the 1974 Huntsville Prison siege. Capacity: 900 beds. Employees: 270. Intake facility for TDCJ-Institutional Division.

HUGHES UNIT (MEN’S FACILITY)

Named for: Alfred D. Hughes, former chairperson on the Texas Board of Corrections from 1985 to 1989. Capacity: 2,984 beds. Employees: 741. Major Industry: Garment factory.

MURRAY UNIT

Named for: Dr. Lane Murray, former school superintendent for the Texas Department of Corrections. Capacity: 1,341 beds. Employees: 341. Major Industry: Agricultural operations

CRAIN UNIT

Named for: Christina Melton Crain, first female chairperson of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. Capacity: 1,506 on unit; 288 on Substance Abuse Felony Punishment (SAFP); 321 on trusty camp. Employees: 711. Major Industry: Agricultural operations

HILLTOP UNIT

Texas Department of Criminal Justice Places

Capacity: 341 on unit; 212 on trusty camp. Employees: 268.

Major Industry: Garment factory

MOUNTAIN VIEW UNIT

Capacity: 645 beds. Employees: 300. Major Industry: Braille facility

The Coryell Museum and Historical Center declares their mission to be “collect, preserve, document, exhibit, and interpret cultural materials related to the Coryell County region of Central Texas and the settlement and development of this gateway for pioneer immigration to the Texas Frontier.”

The museum center features two floors of exhibitions and collections from Texas music and sports to archaeology and space exploration. Perhaps its most renowned exhibit, the Mitchell Collection of several thousand spurs has been said to be the largest spur collection in the world. The collection was donated by Lloyd Mitchell (1907-1991), who was the Gatesville High School head coach from 1944-1955. Mitchell amassed his spur, western memorabilia, and sports collections over a period of 77 years. Included in the collection are Pancho Villa's spurs; military spurs; rodeo spurs; novelty spurs; spurs with historical significance; Rex Bell's spurs; Jacquelyn Kennedy's riding spurs and a variety of spurs from around the world.

The Dawson Cooper Gallery features the Days of Old exhibit which features recreations of commercial environments from days gone by. These exhibits include an old-fashioned doctor’s office, gas station, beauty shop, schoolroom, blacksmith shop, post office and soda fountain. The exhibit also includes vintage kitchen appliances and a Camp Hood display.

The museum also houses a double-walled log jail built which is the oldest building in Coryell County. When the jail was completed in 1854, then County Judge Mayberry exclaimed, "Coryell County can come into the modern age and stop chaining its prisoners to trees around the courthouse for varmints to chew on at night." This unique structure features rare doublenotched logs with double-walled construction.

Open from Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center also has a gift shop selling with Spur Capitol gifts and souvenirs, from spurs, hats, cowboy and horse figurines to postcards, dominoes, mugs, T-shirts and more. Books and posters are also available.

The center also offers event space for rent for both large and small groups.

For more information on the Coryell Museum and Historical Center, located at 718 Main Street, visit their website at www.coryellmuseum.org or call 254865-5007.

Local museum preserves a colorful past

Photo by David Scott

SULLINS MONITA SUMMERS LINDSEY JANISCH MASON MATTHEWS

ALISA POWELL

LORI LATHAM CHRIS BERGMAN