Decade 1910 to 1919

Development

1910 The city's population early in the year is estimated to range from 150 to 350, but the census puts it at 300. Precinct 4 total Hispanic surnames appear to outnumber others by a ratio of 2.86 to 1. For adults the ratio is 1.79:1 and for children 4.61:1. The overwhelming number of Hispanics breadwinners are laborers, many engaged in grubbing, that is clearing the area of wild vegetation. For Anglos the chief occupation is carpentry.

1/1/10 Town lot sales are made to Osco Morris, H.L. Hopkins, Mildred J. McCasland, of St. Louis, J.H. Towle, Stewart S. Caldwell, Mrs. Katie Roever, Seymour P. Eaton Jr., and Mrs. Mary Jane Springer. Most lots go for $250 each, but three range in price from $300 to $350. The standard lots have 50' frontage and 140' depth. By the end of the year there are 92 homes in the city. Early on the Fischer-Schein Co. bills itself as exclusive agents for townsite sales and has Fred E. McCasland as its special agent. They point out there are no taxes for 1909. They advertise the lots at $50 to $500 and "on easy monthly payments." W.A. Kilgore is credited with having the first real estate office in a one-room frame building with a porch. Such a building is shown in an early photo placing it on Commerce across from the railroad tracks. 12/24/10 Developers Edward H. Smith and William Morrison dedicate land northwest and across the arroyo from Harlingen to the public. On 1/13/11 the town of Riohondo is laid out [some years later the spelling is changed to Rio Hondo]. The name means "deep river."

1911 City population is said to have grown by 500 people. Thirty odd frame residences and business have recently been built. 3/24/11 Water from the Rio Grande comes via the canal into, what later will be named City Lake, a low place called a "chasco." It is also called by locals "Laguna Las Vacas" because cows of the village often wander into it only to become mired in its mud. The local canal branches from near Little Creek and runs north on 13th Street then west into the lake. Later the 13th Street portion of the canal is placed underground. 4/25/11 The Harlingen Board of Trade notes city improvements including $300,000 sugar mill, $35,000 cotton compress, $25,000 ice plant, $5,000 cotton gin, $20,000 pressed brick plant, new Methodist church $4,300, waterworks reservoir $5,000, canal extension $60,000, two brick schoolhouses $34,000, steel bridge over the Arroyo $17,000, two miles of graded streets $1,500, and drainage into the Arroyo $2,200 for a total of $509,000. The bridge is a one lane one at what is now F Street. To go to San Benito this bridge is the only way to cross the arroyo without descending into it. The Methodist Church sanctuary is a wooden one which was located at precisely the same location as the First Methodist Church stands today on Harrison. 1911 Elmer G. Johnson commences his colonization work in Willacy County. He started with the Turner Tract west of Harlingen (adjacent to the present Bass Blvd.) of 15,000 acres then an adjacent 10,000 acres and still later the Santa Rosa Ranch and Farm properties of 22,000. In 1934 he purchases the 110-year old Stillman properties comprising 800 city lots and 400 acres of non-platted land in Brownsville. A native of Minnesota, he makes his home at 110 E. Polk Street, Harlingen. 6/12/11 For re-sale, speculation, or other reasons Hill buys farm lots 1,14,15, 18, 25, 26, 27,28,35,36 in Subdivision C (part of surveys 27 and 300).

5/10/12 Hill gives an interview in Kansas City to the Kansas City Star. He provides the reporter with the following: 2,500 inhabitants [in Harlingen]; sold land the last two months for $2 million and still owns 90,000 in the Rio Grande Valley valued at $4 million. 5/28/12 Whether it is truly finalized or not, The Daily Sentinel of Brownsville reports that Col. Lon C. Hill has sold to E.A. Fox of the Fox Realty Co. of Brownsville the townsite of Harlingen. In reality he likely contracted with him to sell the property, for Fox left soon thereafter for northern and eastern cities. The paper expounded "A good man with a good proposition should have no trouble in making things go, and The Sentinel predicts under that the guidance of Mr. Fox, Harlingen will come into its own as the big city at the junction. The Harlingen land is unsurpassed; it lies at the end of the main line of the Frisco and is an ideal place to live. The people of that city are lively ones, and there is no reason why Harlingen should not grow." 6/8/12 A 50,000 gallon steel tank for Harlingen waterworks –largest in the Valley –on a concrete base is constructed; delivery lines are being buried. This black-painted tank is located in what is now the city parking lot at the southeast corner of 1st and Jefferson Streets. In 1915 the photographer Robert Runyon will use the tower's platform to take panoramic views of the city.

2/13/13 The estate of George M. Briggs, who died 12/9/12, sells to Thomas F. Lee and the Lee Land Company and Champ Terry Stuart and Robert Terry Stuart large acreages west of Harlingen. This will become known as Stuart Place. 7/12/13 An Intra-Coastal Waterway rally is held in Harlingen. 8/10/13 The Lon C. Hill Town and Improvement Company is reorganized as a corporation.. Its directors are Hill, Dr. S.H. Bell and James R. Dougherty (Bee County), P.E. Blalack (San Antonio), and John H. Brooks (Beaumont and Jefferson County). The capital stock is $200,000 in $100 shares. 1913 also sees the completion of the new brick railroad passenger depot at the cost of $11,000 plus the addition of $37,500 more of trackage. Also in the works for this year are a mammoth precooling plant at a cost of $100,000 and an ice plant of $50,000.

10/15/15 Representing Harlingen as delegates to the Intra-Coastal Canal meeting in Houston are Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay Waters and Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Weller.

1916 The Lee Land Company publishes a series of brochures to promote the attractiveness of the area. It maintains offices in the Railway Exchange Building in St. Louis. 3/25/16 Lot 1 & 2, Block A , Lake Side are being developed.

1917 An irrigation development map shows the Arroyo Front Gardens Subdivision with 10 large lots. This area between the Arroyo Colorado and the Resaca de los Fresnos and east of Rangerville Road will later be named the Lon C. Hill Subdivision. Over the years, it will be very slow in developing.

1919 As the decade drew to a close the 1919 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of the town showed it to be well platted but with scant occupiers. Most lots east of lot 28 on Jackson Street were not built upon nor were the lots of almost all of Van Buren. The number of lumber companies existing at the time indicate quite an optimism about the town's future. On the south side of Monroe between Hill and Fordyce was the McMurray Lumber Co. East across Fordyce from it was the South Texas Lumber Co. At Madison and Commerce was the H.D. Taylor Lumber Co. The F.Z. Bishop Lumber Company was located at Hidalgo and Jackson.

Agricultural/Ranching

5/27/10 The first money to be placed in the new town government coffer was from a $1.00 fine imposed on Gordon Hill. He was cited for allowing one of his hogs to freely roam the town. 10/10 This month T.E. Cowart of Brooklyn, N.Y. and his Austin associates buy a section of unirrigated land four miles east of the Arroyo Colorado from I.B. McFarland for $32,000; also 160 acres of improved land north of town from J.L. Adams for $16,000. After five months work and with 20 days more to completion, Judge R.E. Brooks and Associates of Houston are to complete the Harlingen Land and Water Company canal to irrigate 4,000 acres adjoining Harlingen to the east. Gordon Hill is one associate and has a financial interest. Albert S. Johnston is here by April and takes up farming. He and his wife Maria will by 1930 reside at 310 W. Polk. In 1910 William E. Davis, 39 and originally from Arkansas, is operating a dairy near the town. He is assisted by his two brothers-in-law and a paid hand.

1/11 S.J. Smith is here, and his residence at the very end of Washington Street where he resides with his wife Martha indicates that he is likely farming. 7/11 R.S. Dilworth sells his 530 acre ranch west of Harlingen for $200 an acre.

1912 The Rio Grande and Coast Truck Growers' Association is situated in Harlingen. 3/26/12 In promoting farm land sales at Palmitel Farms and Arroyo Front Estates, the Rio Grande Land Corporation of Harlingen and Kansas City notes in its brochure that L. S. Ross, O. Aultman, and S. C. Moore of Harlingen have been raising cabbage. Crops presented as being grown are staples, cotton, corn, alfalfa, sugarcane, and broom corn. They note that in 1911 the Hill Sugar mill purchased cane for $4.31/ton based on the daily sugar market in New Orleans. It is this year that O.A. and Ida Mae Cowart come to Harlingen from Caddo, TX where oil had been discovered on their farm. Ida Mae's brother, Ed Carey, was already farming here and praised the area. In 1919 the Cowarts purchase property after a land excursion. The site is between North First Street and Seventh Street. Here O.A. begins raising dairy cows and delivering milk by wagon to Harlingen residents. By 1920 he is also raising cabbage and receiving that year $100 per ton. Coming with them in 1912 is daughter Myrtle Leona, who was born in Caddo, TX 8/5/1905. The big swimming hole in the Arroyo Colorado at Harrison was a fun place for her generation. She went to the Central Ward School on Jackson and was among the first to be graduated from the new high school on Tyler. She is to attend Baylor for a short time before working in California, 1927-28. In 1928 she was to marry Cecil Lynn SoRell, originally from San Marcos and who would precede her in death in 1983. By 1941upon her father's death they would occupy a family home on the New Combes Highway. Cecil with the encouragement and knowledge of Ed Carey would first open a service station at 102 E. Harrison. The block glass building set at an angle exists today on the site. Cecil would then construct the modern Sinclair station at 522 N. Commerce. It has been restored to its 1940s appearance by Bill DeBrooke. When Myrtle died at age 100 on 3/22/06, this First Baptist Church member since 1923, left behind son Cecil Ray SoRell of Combes and daughter Patricia Jane SoRell Williams of Harlingen and numerous descendents.

1913 This year will see a national economic depression. 9/20/13 An Oklahoma corporation with A.B. Chapek, H.G. McKeever, and Isadore Mantz of Enid, Oklahoma as principles buys 20,000 acres of the Ojo de Agua tract north of Harlingen. The Brownsville Herald reports that their San Dominic Colonization Co. will offer land to Catholic Germans and Bohemians. In this year John Anthony Flanagan, of Worcester MA, will serve in the 3rd Cavalry in Brownsville and later the 90th Armored Division in 1917 in Germany. He will then own and operate farms here. This Lewis Lane resident was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus when he passes 10/18/62 at age 72. He leaves his widow Mary Sophie. It is the year 1913 that H.B. and Betty Gamble Payne come to the Wilson Tract. Mrs. Payne was born 8/10/67 in Balesville, AR and married 1/21/86. These Methodists had six children. He died 10/11/25 and she in October of that year. Also coming to this area on 6/22/13 are Carl Anthony Tanberg, his wife Thea, and daughters Maurine and Dorothy. This family of Norwegian ethnicity departs from Eau Claire, Wisconsin with plans to grow grapefruit and farm in south Texas. They are met at the Harlingen train station by Raymond Wright, who hauls them in a mule team-pulled wagon to their homesite. Wright is the rancher to the south of the Tanberg property. The grubbing contractor has just finished clearing their land. On it they put up a military style tent with a wooden floor to serve as their first abode. Over the years the family adds children Robert Lund (delivered by Dr. C.W. Letzerich with nurse Mrs. Jewell assisting), Norman, Walter, Helen, Mary, and Carl Lee. This same year James A. "Cabbage" Adams began farming here. Having come to Texas in 1881 he and his wife Ala Indtoe moved here from Synder. When this Cavalry Baptist member was to die at age 81 on 8/1/50 he leaves behind his wife, one daughter, and sons C.H., C.E. and Roy E. His nickname derives from the fact that each year he placed some of his land in cabbage cultivation. A 1924 photo will show him, his wife and small son Carlos in front of their house said to be near the Harlingen airport, at the time west of the end of 13th Street. Near the farmhouse is a citrus orchard with about five year old trees and a tall windmill pumping water from a well. It is also 1913 when Mr. and Mrs. William L. Oler come to farm on a tract three miles north of Harlingen. With them are son Harvey and two year old niece Emogene Oler whom they raise. She will graduate from HHS in 1929 and later become its head librarian in the 1930s-40s. In WW II she will marry Roy Grill and move away. Son Harvey when he passes away is buried in the Harlingen Cemetery. In 1913 the Rio Grande Land Corp.of Kansas City Missouri publishes a fancy 32 page brochure extolling its Harlingen farm lands in the Arroyo Front Gardens and Palmital Farms. Its local representative is J.H. Bailey. The brochure notes the 700 tons per day sugar mill, the two new brick school buildings costing $40,000, the waterworks and electric light plant costing $20,000, the new eight stand cotton gin, the two story brick Harlingen State Bank, the two story Harlingen Pharmacy building, Botts and Chamger's (sic) brick store of fifty feet front, E.L. Fender's brick store of the same frontage, a new building occupied by the Harlingen Star, new Presbyterian Church besides some thirty or forty odd frame residences and business houses. Harlingen is also noted to be the headquarters of the Rio Grande & Coast Truck Growers' Association.

By 1914 the Wilson Tract area is estimated to have a population of 200, a weekly newspaper, several general stores, and a publishing house. 1914 W.T. Hodge moves to Harlingen and in 1916 establishes himself as a shipper of fruit and vegetables. In this first year he ships only 58 carloads of produce. He was born in Sparta TN, 6/6/86 to Jeff and Martha Shockley Hodge. After being educated there he joined his father in the produce business, eventually moving to Fort Worth in 1903 and continuing in the produce business. He engaged in this same trade in Oklahoma City for six years before coming to the Valley. In 1921 he ships the first carload of grapefruit out of the Valley. This citrus fruit industry pioneer becomes, in 1924 the head of the Valley Fruit Exchange, a large corporation. By 1926 he ships 1,070 carloads of various produce from the Harlingen area. In 1927 it ships 1,400 carloads all over the country as well as to Canada. In 1929 he completes the erection of two packing sheds. The Harlingen one has a capacity of five carloads and a floor space of 52,000 square feet in its tile and brick structure while the Rogerville one handle three carloads in its 4,500 square feet in a sheet metal building. Hodge married Estella Hilburn of Fort Worth in that city on May 27, 1906. By 1929 they have daughters Mildred and Eunice. As well as being an Elks member, he is vice president of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Shippers Association.

1/1/14 John B. James, a native of Jonesboro, TN, having been born there 9/16/1874, comes to his newly purchased farm in the Wilson Tract. Since 1910 he and his wife, Mary Callie Gaines James, whom he married on 8/18/1895 in Maryville, TN, had been farming in Hunt County near Commerce, TX. In 1918 he is to purchase a garage in Harlingen. J.B. and his wife Callie reside at 714 N. A Street from which he carries out his farming endeavors. In 1940 the James will move from Harlingen proper to be closer to their properties. James will serve on the school board in the mid-1920s. By 1926 he and a partner will have started a bus line, but after 1927 it isn't operating. He returns to farming in 1928. When he dies 3/11/59 he leaves behind seven surviving children, 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Daughter Nell James was among the first to be graduated from Harlingen High School. 3/12/14 Harlingen farmers want to take over the canal. They would issue $300,000 in bonds. A petition carries the names of 162 of the 258 landowners in the proposed district of 31-40,000 acres. 5/6/14 Harlingen area farmers to vote on May 8 on $700,000 irrigation district bond issue. It carries when voted on this date and elected directors are A.S. Lowe, S.S. Cummings, J.P. Wilson, Gordon Hill, and G.S. Rhoades. Seventy-seven votes were cast. A two-thirds majority was needed for the issue to pass and it did so with 59 in favor and only one negative vote. L.A. Clark was elected as assesor/collector. 5/13/14 The Cameron County Commissioner's Court establishes Cameron County Irrigation District No. 1. 8/14 The Rio Grande and Gulf Association is established at Harlingen with 800-1000 members attending. Its purpose is to establish a "unit marketing" system for the sale of commodities and thereby maximize returns for produce. 12/13/14 The Cameron County Irrigation District No.1 is organized and will take over the system owned by the Harlingen Land and Water Company. On 12/29/14 The HL&W Co. conveys the pumps and canals to the district for $400,000. An additional $350,000 is voted for improvements. On 5/31/19 it changes its name to the Cameron County Water Improvement District No.1. $190,000 is expended to change the old steam engines to De La Vergne Diesel engines. In 1929 the power for the pumping is converted to Westinghouse Electric motors. In 1945 it is renamed as Cameron County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 and in 1978 it becomes Harlingen Irrigation District Cameron County No.1. It will come to serve 38,025 acres of irrigated cropland and have authorized water rights for 39,574 acres. This will yield 98,232.5 acre-feet of water per annum. In 2002 it will have 3,309 accounts. By this time the major crop acreages are 10,850 for grain sorghum, 10,000 for cotton, and 7,000 for sugarcane.

1915 James W. Harrington arrives to take up farming. Born in Blanco County, TX in 1873, he is to marry Helen Harriet Smith who will have given him nine surviving children when he dies in April 1925. One includes Mrs. Morris Chaudoin. He is a Methodist. Roy W. Jackson also arrives in the Valley this year. Born 8/18/96 in Jacksboro, TX, he becomes prominent in the cattle and ranching business along with commercial cattle feeding. This WWI veteran is to die in Harlingen at age 66 on 1/9/63 leaving his wife Anne Farrier Jackson, one son and one daughter.

3/23/16 The Conservation Association, an organization of Valley farmers, is disbanded and replaced by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Users Association. 9/26-28/16 After being stabbed in the hand, Lon C. Hill's son John kills a Mexican on the Armstrong Ranch being managed by the Hills. 9/29/16 Gordon Hill is clearing farm blocks 154 and 155. Plowing and irrigation commences on them in May 1918. 1916 Otis Edmond Stuart comes to the Valley. He and his brother, R.T. Stuart [he acquainted himself with the Valley as early as 1912], later develop and promote Stuart Place with its 10,000 acres, probably the largest individually owned agricultural and citrus fruit property in South Texas. Brand names are Stuart's Premium and Stuart's Tree Ripened. Its two packing sheds handling products have a total of 10,000 square feet. R.T. is a resident of Oklahoma City and president of the Mid-Continental Life Insurance Co. (of Oklahoma). In 1918 O.E. is selling land via the American Land Corp. By 1930 it is the American Land Co. with I.W. Wine, manager.

1917 Here this year John Thomas Hester takes up farming and the management of orchards. He dies at age 81 on 8/13/60 leaving his wife Elnora, Mrs. C.H. (Mildred) Carden, Mrs. Loretta Young, and William R. Hester, all of Harlingen and others elsewhere. Coming this same year is David Henry Gill. This pioneer farmer will reside on Grimes Road, dying at age 55, leaving his wife Florence. Prior to 1917 Thomas F. Lee purchases a sizeable parcel of land just west of Harlingen with the intention of subdividing it. To attract buyers he builds an impressive two-story community clubhouse at "Leeland." When the Stuarts later purchase Lee's holdings, the building becomes the Stuart Place Community Club and the site of many social activities. It is still there at 7901 West Business 83. By 1917 Thomas F. Lee is heavily promoting sales of his farmland west of Harlingen. His Lee Land Company has offices in what he calls Leeland (now the Stuart Place area south of West Business 83), Dallas, Oklahoma City, and St. Louis. He is utilizing excursions to generate sales. One brochure exclaims "Our luxurious private steel Pullman car leaves the Union Station, St. Louis, the first and third Tuesdays of each month for the Home of the Golden Fruit--Leeland--the heart of the Rio Grande Valley." His brochure titles are "The Magic Valley", "Telephone for Rain", "Golden Fruit", Harvest at Christmas Time", and "My Southern Home." 7/17 Despite the loss of his mill due to fire, Hill hopes to harvest 6,000 tons of sugarcane from his 400 acres in that crop.

9/30/18 Harlingen Irrigation District to increase pumping capacity to 266,000gpm. This year Antonio Quintanilla comes here and takes up farming. After living at 822 Pierce this Templo Bethel member dies 8/16/62 at age 69 leaving his widow Petra and sons Jose and Abel. 11/1/18 From his Dallas office F.Z. Bishop issues his second issue of the 39 page brochure titled "Harlingen Irrigated Farm Lands." The brochure will be updated at least two more times with additional updated photographs. Wimberly McLeod, who will later strike out on his own, is a salesperson for Bishop. Bishop is still around in 1926, this time with a Harlingen office as general agent for the Amarillo Townsite and Land Company. He advertises "The safest investment in the face of the earth—they are increasing in Values DAILY. We have City Property, Irrigated and Unirrigated Lands." 1918 is the year Samuel James came to Harlingen and set up a citrus grove, now the Woodlawn Addition. He had come to the Valley in 1908. This resident later of 421 E. Washington Street also operated a nursery for a time. A member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, he was to die at age 90 on 5/6/52. In this year Lon C. Hill sells his La Sal Vieja Ranch in northern Hidalgo County to Dr. C. M. Corbett, a Bureau of Animal Industries veterinarian. The property contained one of two famous salt lakes. When Hill had obtained this property in the San Salvatore del Tule Grant is unknown. In 1987 Michael Corbett of Harlingen takes over the operation of the ranch for the Corbett and Green families. It is also in the year 1918 that Myra Deeder and Fred Crawford Doane arrive to take up farming in Stuart Place. He will farm citrus and other crops here and around Combes. With them is daughter Margaret Louise (born 7/13/06 in Pikes County, IL) and perhaps sister Wilma and brothers Kitchel Fred and Kermit Carl. Margaret will attend Stuart Place School then go on to obtain a teaching degree from South Texas State Teachers College in Kingsville where she will meet and marry Gustav E. Miller. He will die in 1974, and she, an active member of the First Christian Church, at age 99 on 5/21/06. Surviving are her daughter Annelle Doane Clausen and son Bruce. Annelle is well known for her genealogy and history activities including a weekly column in the Valley Morning Star. Annelle "Grannie" Clausen will pass away at age 80 on January 3, 2010.

1919 Frank Lawrence Crown arrives to become a farmer with extensive holding both north and south of Harlingen. One farm will later be subdivided by John McKelvey into the Laurel Park-Parkwood area, another will take the name Crown Heights, and a third will contain the Beck-Williams Addition. From Morrison IL the first Presbyterian will die here at age 71 on 10/25/61, leaving his wife Ina of Harlingen but no others here. This year Stanley Crockett, assisted by his son Stanley B. Crockett, sets out 1000 acres of citrus west of Harlingen. Stanley B. attends the U. of Missouri and UCLA, joins Baker- Potts in 1927 after several years of farm appraising, in 1936 goes out on his own and by 1970 will operate the largest citrus nursery in the state. His financial success brings him a directorship in the First National Bank of Harlingen and with Tropical Savings and Loan Association. Besides the nursery he operates Crockett Realty and Investment Co. He will be president of the Chamber of Commerce at one point. 4/21/19 A agricultural land sale consummated this date provides a good example of land price appreciation. In 1902 and 1903 Lon C. Hill had acquired thousands of acres for $1.25 to $2.50 an acre. On 3/29/09 the Harlingen Land and Water Co., of which Hill is president, sells 287.64 acres of Surveys No. 26, 27 and 300 to J. S. Massie for $12,307.80 or $42.79/acre. Ten years later on 3/11/19 Massie and his wife Mary sell 41.25 acres of this parcel to bachelor Gus Elliott for $4,950 or $120/acre. On 4/21/19 Elliott sells it to Levi Elmer Snavely for $8,512.50 or 206.36/acre. Even discounting Hill's original purchase price over a ten year period the per acre value has risen 482% or 48.2% per year. 5/15/19 The Cameron County Council of Agriculture and Home Economics is formed at Harlingen meeting. This same year Wiley Edgar and Adella Carey arrive in Harlingen with their 20 year old son James Edmond (Ed) Carey. The following year Ed returns to Throckmorton, TX to marry and bring his bride, Monterey McCay, to Harlingen. He then builds and furnishes for her a two story California style house where Ed Carey Drive now meets Expressway 77/83. He plants 200 acres of citrus in the area and later also grows cotton and vegetables. His first attempt to operate a service station located at North Commerce near the old jail ends in failure. Later however he will successfully own and operate two or three service stations around Harlingen. This First Baptist Church member will support the Boy Scouts and be very active with the Kiwanis Club. His strong faith will encourage his young brother-in-law, L.B. McCay to take up the ministry. He and Monterey have two children, Isla Lou (later Mrs. Wallace C. Athey) and son James Edmond Carey, Jr. After recovery miraculously from a cerebral hemorrhage and semi-paralysis in 1950, Ed, a native of Caddo, TX, will die in late November 1951 at age 52. As the city expands and begins to name streets after states, Pennsylvania is proposed for what people call Ed Carey Road. Public opinion prevails, however, and the city retains the name Ed Carey. When the expressway is constructed in the 1950s, the Carey homestead is demolished. Mrs. Carey then builds a smaller residence on her property to the south. She will die in 1978. 1919 Leonard S. Fronnfelter begins farming in the Harlingen area, and then later Spanish Acres. He will retire in 1925 and die at age 71 in December 1931. This First Methodist member will leave behind four sons and three daughters. Two cotton gins operating within the town are the C.S. Reynold Cotton Gin west of the railroad tracks along North Commerce, and the Gregory Gin Company on Washington Street near Commerce. Mackey and Morris Chaudoin have adjacent farms on what will later become Grimes Street.

Government/Politics—City, County, State, National

From November 9, 1903 until he resigns to become vice president 3/4/33 under Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Nance Garner, a Democrat, is Harlingen's and the 15th Congressional District's representative in the U. S. Congress.

1910 The Combes Post Office is established in the store of Edwin Templeton who serves as postmaster. 1/1/10 On New Year's Eve Dr. Cole's house burns to the ground. Additional fires over time later stir Mayor Cunningham to organize a "Bucket Brigade" of Volunteers to turn out to fight fires. In fighting fires one line of volunteers passes the filled water buckets while a second line returns the empty ones. The system is designed not so much to extinguish a blazing structure fire but to keep it from spreading to adjacent buildings. 1/10/10 Hugo Letzerich is appointed postmaster for Harlingen. 3/10 A petition requesting incorporation of the town is signed by 72 Harlingen residents and presented to County Judge Bartlett. 4/5/10 Forty-one of sixty-three votes cast favor a commission form of government. At this election Marion M. Osborn is presiding officer, A.J. Ernst and James Lockhart are judges, and James H. Ewing and S.P. Eaton, clerks. 4/15/10 This date marks the official founding of Harlingen. The oath of office is administered to I.B. "Ike" McFarland--Mayor, and Commissioners John D. Hill and Homer N. Morrow. M.M. Osborn is appointed city clerk, assessor-collector, and treasurer of the Commission. The city's first marshal is E.W. Anglin, who is compensated $50 per month. He holds this office from 5/9/10 until 9/12/10. City marshals following Anglin are O. B. "Bird" Lockhart, Osco Morris (5/1/11-4/1/24), and R.H. (Bob) Johnson (4/1/24-1/7/31). Dr. A.M. Letzerich is appointed (1/24/10) as the town's first health officer but he resigns by July. The history writer Minnie Gilbert says that registered voters at this time with Spanish surnames included the Lozanos, Francisco Alvarez, J. Villareal, D. Ramirez, Pancho Garcia, C.C. Rodriguez, and Joe Abrego. McFarland, who came to Harlingen in 1908, met his wife-to-be here when she journeyed to the area to see a bull fight. They returned to Houston in 1913. The Harlingen Board of Trade reported mid-year improvement expenditures as follows: sugar mill $300,000, cotton compress $35,000, ice plant $25,000, gin $5,000, pressed brick plant $20,000, Methodist church $4,300, waterworks reservoir $5,000, canal extension $60,000, steel bridge across the Arroyo Colorado $17,000, two miles of graded street $1,500, drainage to arroyo $2,500, and together with $34,000 for the schoolhouses a total of $519,300.

1910 (late) The Commission wants to incorporate the city under a Texas law regulating cities of more than 1,000 population. It authorizes Marion M. Osborn and James H. Ewing to make a community census. They do with the result that 1,126 persons are counted. A petition for a commission form of government is signed by, among others, Hugo Letzerich, M.M. Osborn, Sam Botts, Santos Lozano, and James Lockhart. Seventy two qualified votes are cast, eight of which are by Hispanics. The Commission rents the Harlingen Commercial Club building for its meetings. This year Jim Wells, the political power broker in Cameron/County, loses control of Brownsville to "independent" Democrats and Republicans. 7/19/10 An election is held for the issuance of Water Works bonds whose amount is not to exceed $12,000. The thirty votes cast were all for the project, none against. The bond money is also supposed to cover the cost of smoothing of streets and building of bridges. 9/12/10 O.B. “Bird”Lockhart becomes city marshal and remains so until 5/1/11. 12/10 J.C. McBee, the husband of Lon C. Hill's sister, operates a small store and is also Harlingen postmaster at this time.

1911 Cameron County shrinks to 902 square miles after Willacy County is created from its northern portion and also a part of Hidalgo County. 4/4/11 In its second municipal election, 44 votes are cast in the office of Cunningham and Ernst. For this election Cunningham was presiding judge; James H. Ewing and Hubert Barry were judges; and S.P. Eaton and R.I. Dudley, clerks. John D. Hill receives all the votes for Mayor as does Dr. C.W. Letzerich for Commissioner. R.S. Chambers receives 42 votes. Hill resigns immediately after being sworn in to relieve Mayor McFarland. The Commissioners appoint A.W. Cunningham to serve, thus Harlingen has the unique situation of having three mayors in one day. Cunningham, who arrived in Harlingen in 1908, will go on to have a long career in public service, much as a justice of the peace. He serves as Mayor from 4/28/ to 4/3/12. In partnership with F.B. Baker and O.J. Worm he will operate the realty firm, Land and Orchard Company at 1342 E. Tyler. His Cunninghams Subdivision just southwest of Combes will have 18 ten acre lots. He will be widowed in 1949 upon the death of his wife of nearly 55 years. In May 1962, two months short of his 99th birthday, he will cast his first ballot for a Republican candidate. 1911 With the town population now 1,126, this makes it eligible under state law to change to the city council form of government. Presiding Judge H.D. Seago certifies that the 26 votes were cast in favor of such a change. E.L. Fender, Jacob Miller, J.M. Denton, and Dr. C.W. Letzerich along with Mayor Cunningham constitute Harlingen's first City Council. It, along with five alderman elected in place, meet twice a month. Members of the first Equalization Board to adjust the tax valuation of property are A.W. Weller, Gordon Hill, C.F. Perry, C.W. Hoot, and R.S. Chambers. Dissatisfied by the US Census for 1910 the City Commissioners name I. B. McFarland and Gordon Hill to conduct the city's own census. The first money-raising ordinance provides for the licensing of dogs at $1.00 each. Some of the retail businesses are taxed and others licensed. 6/5/11 Dr. S.M. Briscoe is appointed to serve, without pay, as city's second health officer. He is mandated to abate the mosquitoes breeding in the stagnant water from broken pipes between City Lake and the ice plant. There was thought that the town was in need of a "calabose". Commissioner Chambers was appointed to investigate the cost of such a facility. Later a special session was held to pass an ordinance regulating the sanitation of privies and screening of water barrels and cisterns. Before the year is over the town has completed the installation of a 12,000 gallon tank atop a 50 foot tower east of the water plant. A water system is buried and hydrants installed up Harrison to 4th Street and along Commerce. The next year a five foot diameter hose reel on two wheels is purchased at a cost of $170. Nine of the ten members comprising the Volunteer fire fighting force are Otto Weller, Homer Morrow, H.D. Seago, Fred Chambers, Sam Botts, A.L. Brooks, Sam Sanders (the tailor), Al Pendleton, and Osco Morris, who acts as nominal head. 6/11/11 Contractor Alsbury and Son of Houston have commenced work on the steel bridge to cross the Arroyo Colorado at Mexico Street. The city's first accounts included $6.50 for a Harlingen Star subscription, Clerk's June salary $30, mayor's salary $5, salary for two commissioners $10, rent $5, surveying by J.A. Card $31.20, city marshal $60, and Dorsey Printing Co. $2.20. 9/27/11 City was affluent enough to purchase a typewriter.

4/3/12 L.S. Ross, son of former Texas Governor Sul Ross who was a famous Texas Ranger, commences serving as Mayor. He was the president of the Harlingen Commercial Club, treasurer of the Rio Grande Construction Association, school board trustee and farmed. He is also president of the Harlingen State Bank in which he is provided a private office for the conduct of city business. He is authorized to purchase office furniture and provide stationery. The bank is the depository for city funds. Ross is also responsible for bringing J.F. Rodgers to "Six Shooter Junction" in 1910. After settling in the Wilson Tract area, Rodgers will enter into a partnership with Ross called Ross and Rodgers Realty. A post card photograph taken by P.C. Shockey is inscribed May 5, 1913 and the farm of L.S. Ross-Wilson Tract, Harlingen, Texas. It shows four men in white shirts, ties, and hats standing just inside a field of tall corn. Obviously it was taken to promote land sales. Elected aldermen are A.H. Weller, J.M. Denton, M.V. Pendleton, who was formerly city clerk, H.A.Gibbs, and R.L. Chaudoin. Osco Morris becomes city marshal and F.T. Kirkman, the new city secretary. In an attempt to get Harlingen citizens out of the mud, a contract is let to William Tennant to build and install wooden platforms for street crossings. 4/12/12 J.E. Thomas is appointed as the city's first attorney. 4/15/12 City discusses an ordinance making it unlawful to allow any cattle, horses, mules, jennies, and jacks to run at large within city limits. It is tabled for later reference. 7/10/12 An initial proposal is made to purchase fire fighting equipment at a cost of $170. E. L. Fender is allowed to place a watering trough in front of the Drechman Building. 11/9/12 Fred Chambers is named the city's first fire marshal with a compensation of $12 per annum. In 1916 he will be provided an assistant fire marshal, Phillip S. Waterwall. Waterwall has had a one room false-front store on Jackson for a few years and has even run the post office in its rear when it was located there. 1912 Built by the city, the first electric plant begins to operate and, together with the water works, has taken the expenditure of $20,000. From time to time it is leased to private operators but is constantly taken back due to poor management. The plant sometimes provides energy for up to two hours in the daylight hours and four at night. The Harlingen Land and Water Co. is awarded a contract to provide river water to Harlingen's City Lake. When pumped by the city it is of substandard quality. This necessitates residents flushing the system on Friday mornings and boiling all water to be used for drinking. The dirt streets are graded, some concrete sidewalks started, and wooden platforms are built at street crossing.

1/8/13 Voted on prospective ordinance to authorize the construction of permanent street improvements and assess part of the costs against property owners. Thirty-five votes were cast; 33 in favor and two against. The matter of hogs came up due to unpleasant odors. It was plainly stated that hogs could not be penned, impounded or enclosed within 500 feet of a private residence other other than owner of such hogs. 1/30/13 Morris Sheppard is elected to fill the unexpired term of Senator Joseph Weldon Bailey who resigned this month. Sheppard will serve as Texas U.S. Senator into the 1960s. 7/2/13 Acted to draft an ordinance "to prevent having teams (of horses, etc.) unhitched on main streets with a fine of $1 to $10" for doing so. With drinking water being drawn from the city lake the Commission also "prohibited bathing, boating and watering of cattle in the lake," At a special September meeting the displeasing poor quality of drinking water was still brought up. The county health physician had reported that a hog pen six miles south of town on the canal levee was a dangerous source of contamination and should be immediately removed. 8/20/13 It was resolved: "That the telephone service rendered for several weeks has been totally inadequate and demoralized for several weeks, and no improvement in sight. That unless immediate steps are taken by telephone company to render the same efficient, action be taken by the City to cancel their permit to do business in Harlingen."

1914 Mayor Ross and three aldermen, Weller, Denton, and Gibbs, are re-elected. W.Z. Weems, Jr. becomes the tax-assessor-collector. On October 8 while in Harris County Ross dies at age 45 or 46. Miller V. Pendleton, who works at the bank with Ross, is named to fill the unexpired term. He is re-elected in 4/16. It is his M.V. Pendleton Oil Company that provides oil to the city during his term in office. 4/14 By this date troops are already being stationed in Harlingen, since Texas Governor Oscar Branch Colquitt has sent national guard units to the Valley to ease border tensions which have escalated. 4/22/14 C. Block and Morris Chaudoin are appointed as Harlingen's first policemen.

1/27/15 Hugo Letzerich, four year Harlingen Postmaster, has been re-nominated for the position, but, on January 30, 1915, Helen P. Huntington accepts the appointment for this position. Hoyte H. Burchard (2//6/11--3/8/18) may also have assisted the service in this period. 7/15 The town falls into debt by $6,000 and has to issue treasury warrants due 8/29/16. The salaries of all city officers and alderman are suspended for six months while a $2,000 loan is arranged for the needs of the Water and Light Department. It is decided to cut off those customers in arrears until a 10% penalty is paid. By September 11 another $600 loan is needed. By June 1917 there are more financial struggles as a result of the abandonment of many houses and the military camps with resulting loss of income. It is around 1915 that the first jail is built on North B Street across the alley east of the Taylor Lumber Company, which is at 116 North 1st Street. It is known affectionately as the "Black Maria." 7/21/15 The tax levies are: General Fund $.25 per $100; Water & Light Sink Fund the same; Street Int and Sinking Fund $.15 per $100. 1915-17 Soldiers of the 6th U.S. Cavalry, 26th Infantry, and the 3rd Texas National Guard are stationed in Harlingen as part of efforts to quell border unrest. They even have several field hospitals for the minimum of 10 companies involved here. The muster of Texas National Guard officers (158) and enlisted men (3,572) had begun on May 16, 1916 after which they were mobilized at Fort Wilson near San Antonio. It is now Fort Sam Houston. Second and Third Regiments of Infantry and Field Hospital were stationed all along the lower Rio Grande Valley from Harlingen to Roma. On 8/3/16 on the orders of Major A.R. Sholars, Companies K and L of the Third Texas Infantry are moved by truck from San Benito into Harlingen as the first step in consolidating all Texas troops into Harlingen. Scholars of Orange, Texas is commander of the Third Texas Infantry. All Valley soldiers are under the command of Brig. Gen. James Parker headquartered in Brownsville. On August 6 the City Council orders a committee of three to consult with Texas State Adjutant General Hulen for plans of cooperation between the general and the City Council and the City Health Officer regarding the campsite. Brigadier General John A. Hulen was later to organize and command the 36th Division in World War I. This month the city appoints a City Health Officer to overlook the soldiers. The city provides the camp with free water and lights. South Texas Lumber Company account records of early 1916-17 provide a record of some of the units stationed in Harlingen. These include Companies A, D, F, G, J, and L of the 26th Infantry and Companies C, E, F, and H of the 3rd Texas National Guard (and later K and L). These are supported by Field Hospital #5, Field Hospital #1 Texas National Guard, and Ambulance Company #5. In addition to the 6th U. S. Cavalry, there is also the 26th Infantry Band. The officers of the 26th Infantry organize an Officers' Club. On 9/2/15 A cavalry unit had clashed with bandits near Harlingen. In December 1917 another cavalry unit south of Harlingen shot at five individuals crossing the Rio Grande and killed one who may have been Mariano Casarez, wanted by civil authorities on charges of banditry. After having passed regulation concerning the wandering livestock and odiferous hog pens which have plagued the city for five year, the Council ponders ordinances "compelling citizens to cut weeds on their property and to regulate speeding automobiles by setting the speed limit at 15 miles per hour…also 30 minutes before sunrise, automobiles must have lighted head-lights and a red-lighted lamp in the rear." The curfew regulation is amended to allow children to stay out as late as 10 p.m.. 9/15/15 Commissioners move "Saloon district be restricted to the following blocks: 44, 46, 59, 60, 61 and 67 and same to be incorporated as the Saloon District of Harlingen." 10/7/15 City hires a man with a wagon to take up trash.

1916 Lon C. Hill donates a lot for a library site but nothing comes of it. With the help of merchant donations a start is made in erecting electric light poles downtown. E.W. Patterson is deputy city tax collector. He and his wife Maude C. live at 109 E. Pierce. 4/3/16 In today's election two complete tickets were in the field. The Citizens' ticket headed by M.V. Pendleton, candidate for mayor, overwhelmingly defeated the Peoples' ticket. Pendleton received 124 votes versus 13 for Thompson. Other results were: alderman (3 to be elected) Benton 123, Gibbs, 121, Weller 124, Cliff 13, Johnson 15, Berser 14; city secretary Seago 125, Dorough 12; city marshal Osco Morris 124, Largent 5, Bullard 8. Pendleton would serve into 1918. Having been born in July 1878, Miller was 37 when he assumed office. He had come to Harlingen before 1910 from San Marcos where his father was a physician and, when 21, he was a postal clerk. Here he was a bookkeeper. He and his wife apparently had no children and moved to San Antonio by 1920. 6/6/16 It is reported that the Federal Government has turned down any funding to dredge the Arroyo Colorado in order to create an inland harbor. 8/2/16 P.S. Waterwall is appointed to be assistant fire marshal. 8/9/16 At a special meeting a committee of 36 consults with Gen. Hulens for plans and cooperation between the general, the city council, and the city health officer. 9/11/16 After years of discussion on its siting, the city appropriates $500 to dig a drainage ditch.

4/6/17 A state of war is declared between the United States and Germany and its axis allies. 10/7/17 A Garbage Department is started by the city when it is decided to "hire a man with a wagon to take up the trash." An earlier historian noted "A mild anti-Hispanic prejudice tinged the views of some Anglo settlers. This can be seen in the Harlingen city government instructions to the ity arshal on ebruary 191 to hire e ican or cleanup to n picking up trash burning papers etc. By 1919 the garbage collector is working a six-day week.

6/25/18 Texas enters a period of state-wide alcoholic beverage prohibition. 11/11/18 The Great War ends with a declaration of an armistice.

1918-22 S.A. Thompson was Mayor 4/2/18 to 4/4/22 and again 4/2/24 to 4/6/26. He was also City Commissioner 1916-21. In 1915 he served on the committee of fifteen to draw up a new city charter. He was the owner of the Planters State Bank 1919 until 1923. He joined with James W. Rhone and John Myrick to purchase the first parsonage for the Christian Church of which he was a charter member. Rhone's children were Walter and Marvel.

1919 A city ordinance to ban the construction of wooden buildings in the downtown section passes, and the council moves to eliminate existing fire hazard structures. This year Lon C. Hill travels to Washington, DC to testify before Albert Fall's senate committee investigating the border situation the last decade. Hill recalls the bewilderment of Texans when they heard the Mexicans were going to run all the Gringos out. This is likely a reference to the Plan of San Diego. In this year the Harlingen Light and Water Plant while municipal owned was leased to private management. The plant was at the corner of Madison and Winchell (B) Streets. It was fed by a 10" wooden pipe from Lake Harlingen. From there two 500 gallons per minutes pumps would supply the town via a 50,000 gallon tank with an elevation of 120" at its bottom. The tower was at the site of the plant that also had a small 14' deep concrete reservoir. Built in 1912 this station supplied 16 miles of 4", 6", 8", and 10" pipe laid in 1912 and 1913. Connected also were 10 double fire hydrants. At the time the average consumption was 40,000 gallons per day. Two volunteer companies of eight firemen each were organized. They used two hand carts each with 750' of 2 ½ ' hose. The apparatus was stored at the pumping plant which had a fire alarm siren whistles, and telephones. While the streets were graded, they were not yet paved. 2/19/19 Curfew regulations prohibit all children under 18 loitering or loafing on streets after 8 P.M. On 7/2 this was amended to 10 P.M. if accompanied by parents. 2/21/19 The first proposal is presented for the paving of city streets and construction of a sewer system.

Business/Commercial/Industry

1910-15 The Rex Theater said to have existed here in these years. In a Jubilee Issue article in 1960, Mike Gilbert, manager of the Interstate Theaters here and later to become Harlingen Postmaster, reports that it was built and owned by a man named Denton. It was a corrugated iron building having the projection booth sticking out of its back side. It was later run by R.A. Stevenson. In 1917 Stevenson is associated with the Dreamland Theater. It is downtown on Monroe. He will serve on the City Commission 4/18-4/22. Emmett Osborn (E.O.)Anglin took the position as a projectionist in the theater as a part time job. The movie, being projected by a single machine, had to be interrupted as each reel was finished and a new one inserted. The Sanborn map of 1919 appears to show this theater on lot 62 which would put it two lots west of where the Rialto would arise on Jackson. In February 2004, Emmett's younger brother, Elmer Anglin, Jr., was still going strong at age 92, in retirement and living with his daughter Yvonne McPeak in Farwell, TX. He recalls being an usher in the second Rex Theater, soon to renovated into the Acadia Theater, and also working with his father and the four-mule teams pulling the Fresno scrapers. He remembers when he, among nine other boys were playing in a barn filled with sacks of oats to feed the mules, and the barn was ignited and burned down. Later he was to work at the Thompson Mortuary, but when left alone and given jobs beyond his uncertified qualifications, he resigned to work in a men's clothing store.

1910 Arriving by train, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Franklin are soon to set up a confectionery store adjacent to Elmore's Barber Shop. They may later have been proprietors of the Franklin Variety Store to the west of Edelsteins Furniture Store at 217 W. Jackson. F.H. Pena operates a variety store at 323 W. Van Buren. Each evening he or his daughter, who will become Mrs. Ismael Luna, hangs a candle-lit lantern bought for $2.50 Mexican money on a post in front of the store to guide night customers. 2/3/10 The Harlingen Ice and Gin Company is organized. Its shareholders and shares are: R. W. Horlick of Varasotoa, Texas 100 shares, Lon C. Hill 20, C.W. Clift 30, Jacob Miller 10, Kate Bailey 4, O.H. Weller 10, S.H. Bell 20, J.D. Ellis 4, S. Lozano and Son 2 for a total of 200. The purpose of the corporation is to construct or purchase and maintenance of mills and gins, manufacture and supply to the public by any means of ice, gas, light, heat and electric motor power or either in connection with such mills and gins. By 1912 Gordon Hill and R.L. Autrey are involved with the company. 3/10 Harlingen has an early chamber of commerce in the name of the Harlingen Commercial Club. It spends $290 for lumber to erect a building in the triangular lot where Commerce meets Monroe Street. Its first unpaid secretary is H.D. Seago. The building is later used as City Hall and when it is demolished the lot is dedicated as a pocket park named after Gordon Hill. It still exists today west of the Grimsell Store. John T. Lomax arrives in the Valley and later becomes a formidable force as banker, producer, cotton gin owner, and fruit merchant. While working mostly in San Benito, he, in 1924, becomes president of the reorganized Valley State Bank of Harlingen. 12/10 Hill places order in New Orleans for a sugar mill. By late 4/11 eighteen carloads of machinery have been delivered for erection by the contractor, D.J. Haynes Company of Houston. John Clarey of Houston is the on-site superintendent. Its cost ranges from $125,000 to $600,000 depending on the source. The lower figure is more likely for the wooden-clad, 500 tons per day capacity mill. The mill's location is where Harlingen Field, the baseball stadium, now stands. In late 1910 or early 1911 Mr. C.W. Waterwall builds a two story frame house at 114 W. Monroe for Mr. Weller. It is soon to offer a home and business venture to the Chaudoin family. Robert Chaudoin had come to the area to work with R.S. Dilworth and Winston Harwood. The R. S. Dilworth Ranch was south of the Arroyo Colorado where Dilworth Road reaches it. After some hard times, the Chaudoins moved to town. They turned the spacious building into a rooming house and also offered board for about five years. Later Huron and Lucy Verser of Riley, TN came to Harlingen with their five children. Mr. Verser came for his health and stayed to farm. The Versers purchase the structure and continue to rent rooms and offer board. Mrs. Verser's southern hospitality becomes well known, the place prospers, and it becomes a temporary home to many new Harlingenites. Son Jack is born in the house in 1916 or 1917. The Chaudoin house becomes known as the Verser House. When unoccupied in 1979, a series of fires occurred in it. Jack Verser offered the salvageable parts to the Rio Grande Valley Museum to use in the restoration of Harlingen's first hospital which had been moved to the complex. Huron Judson Verser, who first farmed where Four Corners (F and Harrison Streets) was later to be, died 4/30/50 at 81 in his Monroe Street home. This member of the First Baptist Church born in Austin, AK left behind his wife Lucie, four daughters and son Jack. This year the V & K (?) Saloon was in business at 320 W. Van Buren to serve an Hispanic clientele. The wooden frame building would later be occupied by the Cavasos Grocery Store.

3/21/11 The Hill Sugar Company is incorporated. "The purpose for which this corporation is formed is for the growing and selling of sugar cane, with the right to make and refine sugar and molasses, and all the by-products of sugar cane and to sell same." Its five directors are: Lon C. Hill, Gordon Hill, John D. Hill, Miss Paul Hill, and F.A. Schaff. The capital stock totals $300,000 in 3,000 $100 shares. At the 5/6/13 meeting of stockholders the breakdown of the shares is revealed. Gordon Hill has 288.4, Paul Hill 42, Schaff 1, Lon C. Hill 507.6, and L.C. Hill, Jr. 2,161. 7/10/11 Harlingen compresses its first cotton bale in its new compress plant. 10/26/11 There is a big demand for rental houses, since there is not a vacant house to be had. 10/27/11 E. F. Ballard of Tupelo, Mississippi is reported by the Brownsville Herald to have organized a state bank with the capital stock of $25,000. Accompanied by his wife and children he is staying at the Mooreland Hotel. W.D. Rogers, with wife and son, of Sabinal, TX arrives to start a sheet metal business. 11/11 The mill commences grinding sugar cane. It will process cane in the 1911-12, 1912-13, and 1913-14 seasons.

5/12 A new eight-stand gin with provisions for long staple cotton is being built while the green corn processing plant will soon be completed. Ground for an oil mill has been set aside. 1912 F. Finley Ewing of Ballinger, Runnels County, TX comes to San Benito. After four years there he works for the government in border construction projects. Then in 1919 comes to Harlingen to enter the hardware business as half-owner of Ewing and Phillips Hardware Company at the northwest corner of Commerce and Jackson. Later he is president of the Peoples Gin Company. He is elected Mayor on 4/6/26 and serves until 1928. His slogan is "Progress with Cooperation", and he is upbeat in stating: "This is the logical place for a big city and if we make the right kind of effort Harlingen will be the leader." By 1929 he is president of the Harlingen Development Company. This is the relic of the original townsite company which was acquired by local interests from foreign capitalists in 1924. At this time in the original townsite there are1,000 building unsold lots left which this company owns and controls. In 1938 he and his wife move to San Antonio where he is involved in the oil business and investments. He is to die 8/18/75. It is also in 1912 that Robert Terry Stuart of Kaufman County, TX first comes to the Valley. His development work starts in 1916 with investments near Harlingen, Brownsville, Edcouch, and tracts near Mercedes and Mission. He was born near Terrill in Kaufman County, TX on 1/24/80. His parents are Texas born, his grandparents having come here from Scotland when Texas was a republic. He is educated at the Sam Houston School in Huntsville and the M&F Institute, Chicago. In Oklahoma City he becomes president of the Mid-Continental Life Insurance Co. and the Robert T. Stuart and Co. Investment Banks. He married Maude Elizabeth McKebbons 6/30/04. In 1931 he will remarry, this time to Ida Feeny. Two years later they will welcome Robert Terry Stuart II. Here this year also is Wenselado Chapa. This native of Mexico, born 1883, will later open a small grocery store, become a Latin American civic leader, and owner of Chapa Tortilla factory and Grocery. Upon his death of a heart attack at age 64 in 1947 he will leave behind his wife Cruz, two sons and four daughters. P.C. Shockey may have come to Harlingen this year. He is likely to have become Harlingen's first resident photographer. He helps to publicize the whole Valley by placing many of his more interesting photographs for sale on post cards.

10/13 At this point in time Hill is in debt to the Mississippi Valley Trust Company. A list of judgments against him totals $210,023.68. 11/25/13 H.A. Gibbs is editor of the Harlingen Star newspaper. He and his wife may have taken over the weekly as early as 1909. Sales records indicate he was here by January 1911. He also serves on the City Commission 4/12 through 11/16. For a time the Gibbs operated at the back of the Hill Building. 1913 R.L. Chaudoin opens his real estate office above the Harlingen State Bank at Jack- son and A Streets. Later as president of the Rio Valley Land Co., he will hire D.W. Swartz as vice-president and sales manager. While R.L. Chaudoin came to Harlingen in 1910 he had been in the Valley since 1908. He was born in Caldwell County 2/14/59 and attended common schools as public schools were then called. He marries Lily Polly on 10/27/82. Of Hugenot descent, his father was a medical doctor and classmate of Robert E. Lee; his mother a descendant of Robert Morris of Philadelphia. In Harlingen he will serve as city recorder, City Commissioner (4/12-4/19), and justice of the peace. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Methodist Church. In 1930 he is located at 613 N.1st Street.

8/4/14 At a special meeting of the Harlingen Sugar Company directors it is revealed that the company has $120,000 worth of bonds that have matured on 7/25/14 and also owes six months of interest on them at 6% and is unable to pay the principle or interest. The bond holders want additional security and agree to extend payment until 1/25/15. The company then give a chattel mortgage to Breckinridge Jones of St. Louis for all its farm implements and the crops to be grown on its farm in Cameron County for the year 1914, also all profits and returns from the sugar mill. The second train depot, a stucco brick building on Commerce at Van Buren, is likely built this year or the next. 1915 T.P. Roberts establishes a general store. In 1918 his son, J.R. Roberts, takes it over, the same year that he will be elected Mayor for two consecutive terms. It is the largest store of its kind in Harlingen and employs 15 people. J.R. was born in Colmesneil, Texas in 2/21/95 and educated at Uvalde High School. In WWI he serves 10 months overseas with the 36th division. He marries Lela Smith on 8/14/23. He becomes vice- president of the First National Bank and, by 1929, president of the Harlingen Development Company of which Osco Morris and S. Finley Ewing are partners. Over time all three gentleman lay claim to be the president of the company acquired in 1926. He is also v-p of the Peoples Gin Co. and president of the Willacy County Gin Co. Roberts is president of the Valley Cotton Mill, Harlingen when, in mid-1927, it issues stock certificates of $100 value. Gregorio Garcia, who came to Harlingen in 1910, publishes El Precurso, the first Spanish language newspaper in town. In this year too, after being away two years, L.R. Hollingsworth of Brazoria County, TX comes back to San Benito, where his father has a cattle business. Here he works six years for banks, including three at the Farmers State Guaranty Bank as assistant cashier. In WWI he served four months in the aviation section. In June 1922 he establishes the Hollingsworth Motor Company, an agent and distributor of Ford and Lincoln automobiles and Fordson tractors. At 220-222 W. Harrison he builds a two story structure with the showroom downstairs and family quarters above. In 1930 he is to construct the handsome art deco showroom at 221-25 W. Harrison. Hollingsworth was born in Valasco, TX 10/9/99. After attending the Wentworth Academy, he served in the Signal Corps in WWI. He married Eleanor Campbell on 3/15/20 and together they sired three boys. One of the first to have a radio set in the 1920s, he is a Mason and Shriner. He left the Valley for San Antonio where he ranched and was involved in real estate. He is to be buried in Beeville Robert W. Nelson and his children at the time come to the Valley. Five years later he will become the local agent and outside investor for the Magnolia Oil Co. He was born in Clarke City, AK 8/28/73 and educated at common schools and Hill's Business College. He married Maggie D. Dunn 1/25/99. Of Scotch-Irish descent he and his family are members of the Christian Church. The Nelsons have daughters Verda, Thelma, and Gladys and by 1926 also Leman, Alton and Robert. The Nelsons will erect the Nelson Apartments at 1-2 W. Madison. Early in 1915 the S. Lozano and Son wooden mercantile store is torn down and replace by a substantial two-story building designed by an architect from Monterrey, Mexico. The brick used in its construction is from Falfurrias. It is thought that this is the year that the Thompson Mortuary at 209 E. Jackson Street opens as Harlingen's first funeral home. T.F. Thompson, funeral director, was born in Washington County in 12/1841. He attended pioneer schools and married Annie Bell 8/11/65. His father Alexander was from Tennessee and fought at San Jacinto as well as under Gen. Green in the Civil War. John T. Thompson, the mortician, was born in Hempstead, TX 12/15/80 and attended high school there. He married Edna Taylor of Waller, TX on 9/26/02. He is an Episcopalian and a Shriner. Eventually the mortuary will be merged into Kreidler-Ashcraft. While most of the built after 1922 part of the mortuary building with its cupola remains on Jackson Street part of it was moved to the southwest corner of 13th and Taylor in years past.

1916 The Grimsell Seed Company is started in Harlingen by Frank Grimsell of a wealthy Chicago family. When he dies in February 1953 his daughter Frances Grimsell Giffen inherits the company and together with her husband E.F. Giffen, who joined the firm in 1946, continues to operate it before son Don Giffen comes aboard in 1972. 2/17/16 The South Texas Lumber Company suspends the account of the Hill Sugar Company which owes it $500. 2/27/16 Eulagio Garza is operating the West Side Tavern and Pool Hall. Julian Villareal and his wife Emma are doing some remodeling and will later open their confectionery store at 322 W. Van Buren. They will reside at 423 W. Taylor by 1930. 1916 Some of the companies in existence this year will no longer be on the scene by 1930. These include: the Seago Grain Co., Pendleton Oil Co., Beebe Pharmacy, Security Trust Co., RGV Ice Association, and the Valley Meat Market. One that began this year and will be around a very long time is the Ewing and Phillips Hardware Co. Frank T. Phillips opened his Phillips Hardware in San Benito in 1908. Eight years later he was to partner with J. H. Ewing to form Ewing and Phillips Hardware at the corner of Commerce and Jackson, Harlingen. It would stay in the Phillips family hands into the 1990s and eventually carry the name Harlingen Hardware. J.H.'s Granddaughter, Harriette Armacoast would operate it for many years.

1917 Planters State Bank goes into operation at southeast corner of Commerce and Jackson. A two story brick building is erected where Mack Crenshaw once ran his barber shop in a small frame building. About this time the Harlingen State Bank had deposits of $78,919.81 and the Planters State and Guaranty Bank $22,516.84. The Planters State Bank organized by B.F. Johnson takes over the assets of the Harlingen State Bank and is later purchased itself by S.A. Thompson on 1/1/19. In 1923 it closes its doors. Its assets are taken over by the Valley State Bank, organized by B.M. Holland, a former bank examiner. John T. Lomax of San Benito becomes president and Tyre H. Brown vice- president. The Valley State Bank fails in 1931 after occupying the ground floor of the building 1924-1927. In the years 1927 thru 1965 the Cameron County Irrigation District No. 1 office is in the building. At the turn of the 21st Century the Junior League runs a thrift shop in the upper floor and the lower one is occupied by the Downtown Development office. Both will vacate when hurricane Dolly in 2008 damages the structure. The building bears a bronze Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986 plaque. 4/16/17 As indicated by rent paid to the South Texas Lumber Co., R.A. Stevenson's Dreamland Theater is in operation. Another entity with a lumber company account at this time is the National Theater.

7/17/17 Mexican bandits are said to burn the wood-clad Hill Sugar Mill to the ground. Since the bandit activity had largely subsided years before, the actual cause may have been accidental or arson, for Hill had crossed numerous individuals over time. It had not been operated for several years. Because of the limited fire protection for it and an adjacent warehouse, no insurance company will provide coverage for the flammable structures. Here this year is A.J. Rabel. He was born in Moravia, Lavaca County 2/11/88 and received a degree from Hamilton College, Chicago. Of French-Austrian ancestry his people were in Texas by 1866. He married Ada Baker of Columbus, TX on 12/15/13. Her father was editor of Columbus' first newspaper in 1850 and had come from Virginia. Rabel is the second established lawyer in Harlingen. A 1920s photo shows the Planter Bank Building with the names of three lawyers painted in this order in a second floor window: J.T. Canales, H. Davenport, A.J. Rabel. The former two are noted for political and history activities. In 1928 he is a partner in Rabel-Napier and Fristoe (Osce). He served as the city attorney for a time and was the first attorney for Willacy County. This Baptist is a Mason and Kiwanis member. His son is Aldolphus B. J.T. (Tom) Foster also comes to the Valley this year. His public service is to be lengthy. For three years he is superintendent of schools, Cameron County Commissioner, Cameron County Deputy Tax Collector, and for a time administrator of the Valley Baptist Hospital. From McKinney, TX, this First Baptist Church member was also a Mason and a charter member of the Kiwanis. Residing at 509 E. Harrison he dies at age 77 on 4/16/62, leaving his wife Ethel and others. Mrs. Foster came to Harlingen in 1918 and ten years later commenced teaching. In 1949 she was still going strong at the Sam Houston School. An arrival from San Antonio in the Valley this year is William Edward Allen. He is to go into the fruit packing business and later own a motel. He is to die at age 66 on 5/7/62 leaving a widow, Mabel, son Lloyd Allen here, a daughter in Houston, and a brother, Henry in Rio Hondo.

4/1/18 R.B. Hamilton comes from Bishop, Texas to become manager of the First National Bank, whose capital stock stands at $15,000. He increases that to $25,000 in 1919. He is to serve on the City Commission 4/23-12/31. 6/4/18 A Chamber of Commerce is organized. William H. Hundley is here this year. He is general agent for the Gulf Coast Lines for whom he has been employed for 24 years. He will also become a director for the First National Bank of Harlingen. He was born on 1/28/76 in Commerce, TX, where his father C.J. was the first medical doctor in the eastern part of Hunt County. He was educated at common schools and married Ray Juniger 9/9/07. He is a Mason and a Rotarian. 1918 A.A. Kimmel establishes a business with his name, A.A. Kimmel and Company Hardware and Implements. It is in a brick front building on Jackson to the east of that of H. Letzerich. This native of Williams County, Ohio first came to Riviera, Kleberg County in 1908. By 1925 his brother Roy is helping him manage the store, and by 1929 the company is called the Kimmel Implement Co., Inc. and deals in hardware, implements, machinery and is agent for International Harvester. Now at 219-211 N. Commerce, it boosts a floor space of 4,000 square feet. Kimmel was born in Montpelier, OH 9/27/84. He married Josie M. Heaton of Norton, KS on 11/19/06. In WWI he serves on the Registration Board. He serves as a City Commissioner 4/21-4/23 and again 1/36- 12/38. In 1928 he is president of the Retail Merchants Association and treasurer of the Rotary Club. Serving as commissioner again in 1942, he runs for re-election in May 1944. Mrs. Kimmel is active in the Business Women's Club, the Red Cross, and with her children Gordon A., Julia M., and Edna Mae. Having been here in 1912, 1918 is the year W.T Liston returns from Elysian Fields, TX for good with his son William Osie (W.O.) Liston. Of Scotch-Irish descent he was born in Panola County 10/19/70 and married to Annie Davidson of Robstown in 9/15. She is the mother of Sibyl and Eunice. In 1919 W.T. Liston and his son start a building contractor firm. It is in 1922 that he starts his W.T. Liston Cast, Stone, and Concrete Co. It supplies ready-mix concrete until this item is dropped in1986 but continues with concrete-formed items, especially pipe and culverts. W.O. will later marry Lily Chaudoin of another pioneer Harlingen family. W.T. is a Knight of Pythias and an Oddfellow. The business location at 821 W. Harrison will later be the site of H.E.B. Market No. 2. Liston's son Claude is, in 1922, to marry Minnie who came here 10/8/19 from Caddo, TX. In 1926 he is operating a dry cleaning and dye works establishment. After construction of the municipal golf course, he will manage it for many years before joining his father's firm and remaining there until his death in 1956. Minnie will then work at the First Baptist Church nursery for 29 years. She is honored for her work on her 84th birthday on 9/29/85. 10/29/18 At this time S.A. Pipes is the publisher of the Harlingen Star.

1919 The present Harlingen Chamber of Commerce takes shape with A.A. Kimmel as president and J.B. Challes, who had come to Harlingen in 1918, as secretary-manager. In 1921 it incorporates with A.L. Brooks as chairman and Challes remaining as secretary- manager but now being paid. John Challes, after a career in insurance and service to the Rotary Club, will die at age 90 in May of 1971. In 1923 Myron Ward is to become manager, followed by George A. Toolan, and John T. Floore through 1932, then Challes again, 1935, Mrs. Mella A. Hover and A.L. Brooks, and C.C. Williams in 1937. This same year Sam J. Baker comes to town. He later co-founds Baker-Potts Nursery on the road west of town so named for this entity. This native of Howard City, KS (b.3/12/72) dies at age 87 (11/2/59) in Baytown, TX at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Louis (Amy Mae) Himes. A second daughter, Mrs. Frances Davis, resides in Harlingen. His wife, Virginia T. Dyer Baker, preceded him in death. Baker was a community activist being a Mason, Odd Fellow, Woodmen of the World, and member of the Christian Church. In WWI he assisted in Liberty Bond drives. Arthur J. Potts is a nursery man as well as secretary-treasurer of the company. He was born in Weatherford, TX 3/16/83. He attended Texas A&M College and the U. of California. He married Frances Opal Poland of Muncie, IN on 6/2/10. During the war he was an instructor to the A.T.C. At 802 Harrison they have a daughter Litha Marie.

People

1910 James F. Rodgers and his wife come to Harlingen. He was born in Illinois 10/22/71 and educated at Warrensburg Normal School. For a time he was a school teacher in Missouri. Of Irish descent he married Mary L.Yates of Monroe City, MO 10/30/1900 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Indian Creek, MO. She was schooled at the St. Joseph Academy, Dubuque, IA. He is a landowner and was one of the founders of the Wilson Independent School, which from one room has by 1928 grown into a beautiful two-story $40,000 building and employs 11 teachers. Rodgers is chairman of the Valley- Texas Farm Bureau Cotton Association. He is a Kiwanis, Knight of Columbus, and member of the Chamber of Commerce. On 5/20/22 James F. Rodgers is appointed U.S. Postmaster for Harlingen and serves until 1935. They are parents to Charles L., L.P., Raymond J., Josephine, Ravilla, and J.F., Jr. Mrs. Rodgers was involved with the Red Cross during WWI and also with the Ladies Chamber of Commerce. They will eventually reside at 818 E. Madison where they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Rodger's brother, Tom Yates is also to come here in 1910. He was born in Missouri on 9/24/90. He will purchase 160 acres of Wilson Tract land from Jesse Avary. He will farm it and later be involved in cotton ginning, produce buying, and be associated with both federal and state departments of agriculture. His wife to be is Rachel Brown born in Duluth MN on 1/1/94. She arrives here in 1912. Her father, Frank R. Brown, is sent here by a northern bank which has loaned Lon C. Hill money and wants to check on how things are going. He will stay to become associated with the water district office. Rachel will teach at the Wilson School. Rachel and Tom's son, Frank, will be a long-time employee of CPL. Brown's second wife, Katherine Clarey Brown, is a doctor who has worked in Hopkinville, KY and St. Louis, MO before coming to Harlingen with Frank in 1911. She and the widowed Frank had been married in 1907, honeymooned in Alaska, and stayed there six months before moving on. Here she is not a practicing physician but does offer the first in-patient care in Harlingen when she takes patients into their spacious 1222 W. Harrison Street house. When the first F Street hospital opened in 1923 she may have ceased this service. By 1930 the Browns are living in an apartment on Madison. By this year Harlingen has a resident dentist. He is Mount C. Wild, 46 and a Canadian. Here with him also is his wife Margaret, 42 and a son 19. Wild, had in fact purchased lot 6 in block 94 in September 1908. Very likely arriving the last quarter of this year is another dentist, Dr. Brutus C. Roberts. He is a cousin to Joe Roberts and unmarried. Georgia-born, September 1868, Dr. Roberts was practicing in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas before coming to Harlingen where he will practice for 18 years before leaving in 1928. He is to die 4/6/30 and his body is returned to this city for burial in the Harlingen Cemetery. He had no direct descendents. 2/3/10 One of the first Harlingen natives to be born in the officially new town is Felipe Sosa, son of Cirildo and Refugia. For many years he will be employed by Southmost Sash and Doors in Harlingen. When this Queen of Peace Catholic Church parishioner dies 10/4/06 at age 96 he leaves behind his wife Elvira of 67 years, four sons and three daughters. His priest son Philip will conduct his service. 4/10 Mrs.Tomosa Villareal Garza, sister of Julian Villareal, has work done on her 416 W. Harrison residence. 10/17/10 Hill, dissatisfied with and critical of the courts and sheriff's office decides to run for Cameron County sheriff on an Independent-Republican ticket. He is termed by some a "hatchet man." In the November election 3,232 votes are cast. He loses by 161 votes in a year when Democrats are strong across the nation. C.P. Lear moved to the Valley in 1910 and to Harlingen in 1919. This CPL employee dies 9/1/60. Coming to Harlingen from Sherman in 1910 is T.W. Scott. He becomes one of the city's early developers and keeps his hand in real estate until his death of an automobile accident 9/7/59. He leaves his wife Mary Elizabeth Scott of Harlingen and a daughter in McAllen. Also coming to the Valley this year is J.B. Chambers, who then went back to Corpus Christi only to return again in 1920. His parents came from Mississippi and had settled in Texas in 1858. He was born in Waco on 5/7/70. He was educated at Baylor University and served in the secret service in WWI. This Baptist Church member married Alice Souther on 6/3/96. His first time here he sold hardware and implements; the second time he became president of the J.B. Chambers Real Estate Co., president of the Harlingen Real Estate Board, and chairman of the Arroyo Colorado Irrigation District of Cameron and Willacy Counties.

1911 It was for health and business reasons that the John Thomas Baker family of La Porte, TX moved to Harlingen this year. Born in Danville KY in1868, he went to Kansas State Normal College. Eventually he owned a lumber company and served as mayor of LaPorte. He married Bessie Gaskill at Stilson, TX in 1903. She had attended the Chicago School of Music in 1901 and majored in voice. She is to die at age 75 on 5/22/59. Baker was involved with the drafting of the city's original charter. He owned the first Ford agency and next to it the first garage. These were on Commerce at the northeast corner of Van Buren. Around 1925-26 he was to demolish them and construct the two story, brick commerce building in the site. The Bakers had a very large family. Born in LaPorte were Neal Vivian, 1904; Loren Major Loree, 1905; Audrey May, who died at birth in 1906; John Thurloe, 1907 and Lila Selina, 1911. Born in Harlingen were Bessie Beatrice, 1914; Blanche Elizabeth, 1916; Gladys Juanita, 1919; Willard Gaskill, 1922; and Ray Wendell, 1924. By 1930 the telephone book lists John's occupation as landowner and his home address at 310 S. 8th Street.

1912 Later to be Mrs. Edith M. Trousdale, she arrives here at age 15 from Minnesota. This member of the First Methodist Church has one son, Roy R. Trousdale. She dies 10/10/59 at age 62. Other newcomers this year are J.W. Harrington, C.N. Simmons, John F. Sanders, the J.M. Paine family, Jake S. Pletcher and the J.E. Wilson family. Eunice Simmons comes this year with her parents, George and Anne Simmons. In April 1923 she will marry Neil S. Madeley, Sr. Also coming to the Valley this year and later to become a Harlingen resident is A.M. Kent. He becomes a Cameron County attorney, 1913-17, then judge on the 103rd Judicial Court until 1938. In WWII he serves as a Captain in the Corps of Military Police. For a time he is chairman of the Cameron County Democratic Party as well as a partner in the law firm of Kent, Brown and George. Born in Rolfe, Iowa 4/12/87, this First Presbyterian Church member dies of a heart attack 1/3/60 at age 72. This year E.L. Fender is operating a general store in town.

9/13 Hoyte Hicks and Luallee Pendleton Burchard come to Harlingen by train from Gonzales, TX at the urging of her brother Miller Pendleton. Their daughter Kate Dorothy Burchard, later Mrs. Charles Washmon, is two years old. H.H. takes the position of executive director of the Harlingen State Bank. In 1915 when the Pioneer Building is inaugurated he opens the Burchard Pharmacy in a corner of the building, for he is a graduate of the University of Texas and its School of Pharmacy. Born in Gonzales, TX 9/19/82 he serves as president of the school board for five years, is on the city council (4/22-4/24), chairman of the Liberty Loan committee, and is postmaster under President Wilson. This gentleman of Hugenot descent is a Mason and Knight of Pythias. 1913 Mrs. Charles Velma Simmons Perry, as a young woman, is among those who attend the first touring Lyceum Courses conducted between 1913 and 1918 in the Central Ward School. Her daughters will be Virginia I. Perry born in Harlingen 12/17/11 and Vonnie Mae (later Westbrook.) The former will be graduated from HHS and attend Southern Methodist University. Returning to her hometown she will teach at Stuart Place and be connected with its music programs. In 1939 or 1940 she begins her career as a piano and organ teacher and continues this pursuit until a few years before her death on 11/28/05. She was also organist at several Harlingen churches. This spinster will be preceded in death by her sister of Brownsville. In this year, as a young woman, Ella Barg comes to San Benito with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Barg. Married to Fred Grimsell they move to Harlingen in 1938. At age 74, she dies 11/1/60, leaving one daughter, Mrs. E.D. Griffen of Harlingen. On 11/15/13 Sofia Garcia Renaud is born in the Harlingen area, but her mother, Elvira Cavaza Olivarez Renaud, dies in giving birth. Sofia's family has an interesting history. It is a Frenchman, Louis Philip Renaud, who comes to own the sizeable El Sauz Ranch in what is now Willacy County. A descendent, Doloris Renaud, is to will it to her son Francisco Garcia Renaud. He sells the ranch land and later uses part of the proceeds to purchase lots on Harrison across from Diaz Park and on the corner of D and Tyler. He also is to establish a general store on D Street. Sofia, his daughter, is to marry Fernando J. Saldivar (born 1/28/07 in Hidalgo, Tamaulipas) who comes here in 1928. Fernando is to operate several cafes on South D and C Streets as well as W. Harrison. He will become a member of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in the 1940s-50s. In 1935 he will divorce Sofia, who will die of TB on11/15/40. He will marry Nicolosa Balli (b 12/6/16) in 1936. She will raise his son Humberto (b.12/13/31) while Humberto's brother Francisco (b.1935) will be adopted by Uncle Basilio G. Renaud. Humberto will later teach school for 30 years. Nicolosa will teach the floral business, which she runs, to Humberto's wife, Imelda, who will carry on Saldivars House of Flowers when her mother-in-law retires. 11/26/13 Born in Brownsville this date was Joe Gavito, Jr. who was related to the Lozano family. As a young man he worked in the various Lozano stores around the Valley. After attending schools in Brownsville and being graduated from Harlingen High School in 1931 during the depression he worked as a janitor at the Valley Business College later earning a business degree in 1934. At age 18 he met his wife to be, Bertha, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. They were married for 68 years and had one daughter Bonnie (Rigelsky). Joe was very active in church affairs and related charities. He began his canning career in 1935 while working for Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Dunn and their Quality Products of La Feria. Later he was employed by Carl and Rosemary Rotelle at the Elsa Canning Co. In 1967 he was to purchase a 51% interest in this company with its famous Rotel's "Hot Tomato" which was to become a "household" name. It was later sold to the Knapp Sherrill Canning Co. of Donna. Joe served for two terms as a commissioner in La Feria and also as mayor, 1949-51. With other city functions he served a total of 28 years for the town. He was also a bank director, on the Cameron County School Board, Boy Scout Council, Good Government League, and solicited for the Red Cross, in short he was an exemplary community leader. At age 91 he passed away 4/22/05 in Harlingen.

1914 This year Mrs. Ella Lasater arrived in the Valley. She attended the First Baptist Church until her death at age 82 on 3/14/61, leaving daughter Mrs. Ernestine Winter. Little is also known about Mrs. Elizabeth Langridge who arrives this same year. She succumbs at age 74 on 4/13/61, leaving her husband George. It was 1914 when Mrs. Liddie (Grandma) McElwain came to the Valley in a covered wagon from Oklahoma. Her husband J.D. McElwain managed the affairs of L.C.Hill, Jr. for many years. Born 2/17/77 she dies at age 81 on 8/1/59 in Kingsville. She leaves one son Jesse J. McElwain of Harlingen and two daughters, Mrs. Edith Barton and Mrs. Daisy Pfeiffer, both of Kingsville. In this year George A. Toolan comes to the Valley. He was born in Lansing, MI on 4/3/82 and educated in its high school. He becomes secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and president and secretary of the Valley Association of Chambers of Commerce. He helps to organize five Rotary Clubs in the Valley while active in community building and publicity work. He married Maude O. Wheeler 10/7/05. This man of Irish descent is a Catholic, an Elk and a Rotarian. T.L. and Nancy Jane Sidener arrive in Harlingen. He will become involved in real estate while she is active in the Women's Christian Temperance League and PTA. They own the building at 109 E. Jackson. She is to die at age 85 on 4/7/50. William T. "Uncle Billie" Chase was born in Hiawatha, KS 9/20/1866 and went to the Cherokee Strip of Oklahoma on 9/13/1893. He comes to the Valley on 9/14/14 where he purchases 60 acres of land on S. Dilworth Road. In the spring of 1927 he moves into the old Lon C. Hill house at Fair Park. When the adjacent Municipal Auditorium is completed in 1928 he takes the job of being its manager at a salary of $170 per month plus free housing. He will continue in this position for 30 years until he retires several months before his 91st birthday.

1915 R.M. Eubanks moves to the Valley when Harlingen's population was only 700 (?). In 1917 he marries Mary Alice Spencer here. They have two children—Bill (later of Corpus Christi) and Mrs. Betty Kilpatrick (later of Taylor). Initially he works for Ewing- Phillips Hardware Store and in 1919 the Pierce Petroleum Company, predecessor to Sinclair Oil. He serves as city secretary at one point. In the 1930s he is Sinclair's local agent then branch manager. He moves away for a short period but returns in 1956 in charge of sales for the company. At the end of 1959 he takes retirement. 1915 is the year John C. Myrick becomes Harlingen's first practicing attorney. In 1923 the firm becomes Myrick and Coursey. An Alabama native of Irish descent, b. Gadsden 2/12/79, his first degree was from Emporia State Normal College, and he received his LL.B from UT in 1915. On 6/1/10 he married Mary Davidson of Indiana in Kansas City, Missouri. When first in Harlingen the Myricks will reside in the Verser House before finding other accommodations. They have two daughters, Mary Josephine and Avis Elizabeth (later Mrs. Jack Garrett), who will later help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He helps to found the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Harlingen and is active in the early years in promoting it across the Valley. In WWI he was chairman of the Questionnaire Board. By 1930 he will have his office in the Myrick Building 113-115 S. Commerce. Another resident to the Valley this year is Edward Newton Brazil. His occupation becomes law enforcement, and he serves in Ft. Worth, Beaumont and the Valley. At the time of his death, 2/1/62 at age 69 due to a heart attack, he serves as a constable here. This WWI veteran and American Legion member leaves one daughter, Mrs. Earle W. Anderson. Brazil Road on the west side of Harlingen may possibly be named in his honor. Dr. George A. McBride claims he came this year. In 7/1917 he enters the army as a captain in the Medical Reserve Corps, eventually retiring as a major then working as a medical officer at Camp Auburn, AL. Here he serves as American Legion commander. At age 72 on 5/18/38, this First Presbyterian will die of a heart attack survived by his wife Mary J. and daughter Mrs. W.W. King. B.A. Philpott, who resides at 704 W. Jackson, is a painter kept busy the next few years with new construction. So is P.S. Waterwall with his teamster and construction business. His home is 1310 W. Monroe.

John David Hanes, a native of Marshall, IN, arrives to take up carpentry. According to his obituary this First Christ member dies at age 73 on 9/15/61. There is however conflicting information on a document at the RGV Museum listing numerous family heirlooms and guns donated by a John David Hanes. It states that he was born 10/14/1874 in Argos, IN and came to Harlingen 7/20/1920. He was married on 7/25/1917 to Goldie Pearl Boyce Hanes who was born 11/22/1890 in Argos. An inventory list of 48 items of the Mr. & Mrs. John David Hanes Collection is dated December 1954. Because of the nature of some of its items, it required a secure location. This is how the old brig of the HAFB was secured from HEB to become the initial repository for a Harlingen Museum. Some of the artifacts donated date to the Civil War and even older. William E. and Jennie Johnson of Walnut, IL comes this year. They will own and operate early Harlingen cafes, one at 210 W. Jackson and later another at 717 E. Harrison, and produce baked goods and food items in the first wholesale bakery. He is to be a sales representative for the Lee Land Co., which houses home seekers in its Community Building, later to be the Stuart Place Clubhouse. In 1918 he brings his family. The children are Bill, Norma (Mrs. C.L. Carey), and Peggy (Mrs. Briggs). Over the years the Jackson Street café will see various owners --Mr. and Mrs. Heslop by 1941, Phil Edie by 1944, and the J.R. Fitzgeralds by 1948. J.B. Brady's family with nine children moved to the Valley from Commerce, TX in 1916. His father bought a farm just east of what was then downtown Harlingen at a location that is now near Van Buren and 4th Streets. J.B. went on to become executive officer of the First National Bank of Harlingen and organized the first Rio Grande Valley Clearing House for checks. Late this year Cecilio and Silvina Garcia emigrate to Harlingen from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. With them are six sons and two daughters. They establish one of the city's first small minority owned businesses, Garcia Cleaners. In 1968 son Gilberto takes over ownership of the business but closes it in 1992 because of health reasons. Gilberto and his wife, Juanita Narro Garcia, are active in civic and church affairs. He serves in the U.S. Air Force 1945 to 1947, is the first commander of the local chapter of the Catholic War Veterans, contributes to the construction of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and is a member of Our Lady of Assumption Church. In death on 10/17/04, this 93-year old born 2/4/11 leaves his wife of 64 years, five sons, and one daughter. Four of his brothers, Felipe, Juan, Jesus, and Evaristo, and one sister, Maria have preceded him in death. 11/19/16 By this date James Thomas Foster has settled in. By 1930 he will be in real estate working out of the 237 Commerce Building. He and his wife Ethel reside at 509 E. Harrison. S.J. Rivers is yet another real estate agent having already been settled here by April 1916. He and his wife Loula will reside at 209 N. 1st Street. At the end of the year, Frederico Lopez has lumber transactions. After working seven years as a barber, he will in 1922 open a successful wholesale barber and beauty supply business. It is the Valley Barber Supply Company, and he and his wife Petra will reside at 413 ½ W. Harrison.

1917 Loren Dumont comes to the Valley this year, from Iowa. When he died at age 70 on 1/4/61 he left his daughter Mrs. Carl Salisbury. 11/8/17 Guadelupe (Lupita) is born in Harlingen to Bland and Constancia Chamberlain. He is a nephew to Henrietta Chamberlain King but is estranged from her due to disagreements over land matters. Bland's family owned and farmed some land north of City Lake. In 1936 Lupita was to marry Alonzo Galvan whose family owned the Galvan Grocery Store and Tortilla Factory down the street from her Polk Street home. He husband became a truck driver for Pearl Beer. Nine children were to come their way, but Lupita still found ways to serve her faith, church, and community. She was to die 10/13/03, a month before her 86th birthday. 12/13/17 Later to become Mildred L. Cunningham, she is born in Mercedes but is a lifelong Harlingen resident. Well-known in the construction industry she was for the years 1957-93 bookkeeper for the Mion Tile Co. Dying at age 82 she leaves her son Gary (Lan). 12/30/17 Leonardo Castillo and his wife Sara spend over $216 for lumber supplies. This is a goodly sum for a laborer and may have been to enlarge his house at 622 W. Van Buren.

10/29/18 Gordon Hill dies of influenza while being treated in Devine Providence Hospital in Brownsville. He is survived by his father; three brothers, Captain John D. Hill who organized Company L of the 9th Infantry while stationed in Harlingen, Hickman H. Hill who is training at Fort Hancock, Georgia, and Lon C. Hill, Jr. who is CEO Rockwell Aviation, San Diego and formerly in command of Brooks Field, San Diego; sisters are Mrs. H. K. Morrow, Clarksville, Tennessee, Annie Rooney Hill and Miss Paul who nursed him. His brother Lon C. (Mose) Hill is to go on to a distinguished career as builder of the Central Power and Light Company where he will serve as its president and chairman for many years. He was a promoter of the Valley Chamber of Commerce and worked diligently to improve the quality of Rio Grande water. Harlingenites going to Brownsville to attend the funeral are: B.F. Johnson, Miss Pearl Botts, A.W. Cunningham, C.F. Perry, A.J. Rabel, Aubrey King, Piner Paine, Lawson Anglin, Murrell Verser, Buren Sidener, Mr. & Mrs. John Hill, Mrs. Hanson, and R.M. Chaudoin. 11/18 Moving to Harlingen are Mr. and Mrs. Smith with daughter Ozelia (later to marry a Mueller) and sons Graham Browning, Horace O., Herbert, Homer L. and Wilford. It was in 1918 that James Edwin Calloway came to the Valley from St. Louis. He is credited with shipping the first carload of produce from Los Fresnos. A resident of 1418 South 1st Street, he dies at age 67 on 12/16/60 leaving wife Veda and son James H. (Chub) Calloway. Also here by this month are Paul G. Brandt and his wife Corinna. He later will be associated with Harlingen Body Works, an early automobile repair service at 208 N. Commerce. They will reside in 1930 at 310 E. Jackson. Austin T. Beach, who will take employment with the Household Furniture Co. by 1930 is here. He and his wife Essie will live at 1333 E. Taylor. J. Ernest Fitch has plenty of work in his trade of building construction. By 1930 he and his wife Virginia will have an abode at 706 E. Filmore. He was middle aged when he came to the Valley in 1918, but Simon Garcia Cantu, a laborer, was to see many years here before he died at age 90. Living at 312 W. Tyler he dies 1/3/61. Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Johnson had come this year from Paris, TX. She was widowed in 1946 upon the death of her husband R.H. (Bob) Johnson, former City police chief. Passing 7/5/61 at age 79, this Calvary Baptist Church member leaves behind seven daughters including Mrs. J.J. Dawson of this city and four sons including Luther and Ross of Harlingen. Jennie Case comes to the Valley from Missouri. She is a graduate of the George Peabody College of Nashville. She and her sister, Mrs. Mattie Case (d.5/51), begin teaching in Harlingen in 1920. This First Methodist Church member dies 7/19/59 leaving a niece Jean Phipps Clore (here in1920). Her brother-in-law, the late Paul Phipps, was an early Harlingen school superintendent. Paul Earl Phipps was superintendent of schools in Princeton, Missouri in 1918 when, due to his father's health condition, he brought his family including his father, wife Susan Case, and daughter Jean to McAllen in the summer of 1918. Two years later he was selected to be Harlingen Superintendent of Schools, a position he filled until 1932. Jean, who was born in 1917 in Sullivan County, MO, was to lead an eventful and fruitful life. She was graduated from Brownsville Junior College, UT, and attended summer school at George Peabody College, Nashville. She was a society editor for the Daily Sun in Goose Creek, Texas (near Baytown) for a year, returned to Harlingen upon the death of her father and worked for F.L. Flynn at the RG Building and Loan Assoc. In 1942 she was to marry Charles M. McKelvey. He would be killed in action in the European Alps in March 1945. A military training facility in Harlingen was later named in Capt. McKelvey's honor. Jean worked as a reporter for the Valley Morning Star and then as secretary of John Van Cronkite's public relations firm. In 1948 she married Walter L. Clore and had three children by him in addition to her daughter by McKelvey. Seeking income for her college-bound children she taught at Coakley Junior High School for eight years. This First Methodist Church member compiled a history of the Harlingen church, published the Tip of Tex Genealogy Society bulletin for four years, was a member of the Cameron County Historical Commission and responsible for two historical markers here, a member of the Harlingen Museum Board, the DAR , and other organizations. She was to die at age 88 on December 15, 2005. From DeLeon, TX, the family of (Althea) Laverne Vinson arrives in the Harlingen area. She had been born in DeLeon 8/15/15. On 4/11/38 she is to marry Teddie Howard Anderson, beginning a union which lasts 45 years until his death. By 1954 after they operate Andy's Red and White Market at 1208 N. 7th Street. After 77 Sunshine Strip is constructed they construct the new Andy's Model Market at 1209 N. 7th Street at the intersection with the Strip. In 1983 they sell the store that will later become the Lopez Supermarket and still later the national chain Save-A-Lot Food Stores. Laverne is a long- time member of the First Baptist Church where for many years she serves as Superintendent of the Junior's Sunday School Department and altar flower coordinator. She was known as "Mom" to many Air Force Cadets at the HAFB. Dying on 5/11/04, she is survived by two daughters and their families. 12/31/18 Lloyd E. Allen, Sr. is born in Mercedes to Valley pioneers W.E. (Bill) and Mabel Allen. He will be graduated from HHS in 1934, serve in WWII in the Philippines as an artillery office then later in Korea. Back in Harlingen he became vice-president and general manager of the Tri-Pak Machinery Corp. Dying at age 81 on 7/27/00 he left his wife Dorothy, daughter Janet, and son Lloyd, Jr. 1918 is the year Mrs. Bertha E. Jacobson takes up Harlingen residence. This Assembly of God member will eventually live at 702 E. Pierce, dying 5/6/52 at age 76 but leaving behind husband Gust, a carpenter, and two sons. L.T. and Sarah A. Hilbun come this year. In 1919 they will run the Mooreland Hotel. He will die in 1931, but she will live until age 83, having been born in Yoakum 6/8/68 and died 7/10/51. She leaves son L.F. and daughter Mrs. W.T. Hodge, both of Harlingen. 1918 is the year the Hill family moves to 421 E. Harrison. This is nearer his business office and the children's school. The new house has large foundation timbers beneath it which were salvaged from the sugar mill's workshop.

1/19 The J.B. Elmores with children James, Margaret, and Maurine arrive in Harlingen. With all hotels full they share, with another family, an empty store next to the Tope Building. Later they will occupy a house at 722 E. Taylor. Son J.C. will be secretary- treasurer of the HISD. Margaret will later marry a Ballard and Maurine a Rader. 8/24/19 The Hill family moves into their new home at 421 East Harrison. William T. and Virginia Chase were to occupy the Hill's old house for many years. This childless Episcopalian couple had arrived in 1914. She, who had been born in 1883, died at age 68 while he, born 1867, lived until 1958. Demolition of the house begins in early November 2008. 1919 Mrs. Clara H. McCall came to Harlingen this year from Louisville, TX When she dies at age 64 on 5/7/61 this First Methodist member leaves behind her husband C.A. McCall and here a daughter, Mrs. D.R. Finn. Blanch Palmer arrived the same year as a 16 year old. She later marries Carl L. Kargler. When she dies at age 59, 5/15/61, she leaves behind her husband and two brothers, J.R. and Tom Palmer of Rangerville. In this year Minnie Goodykoontz is to arrive in the Valley. For many years she is superintendent of the first hospital in Mercedes. When she dies 8/26/62, this resident of 815 Van Buren leaves behind her husband Joe, whose trade has been carpentry, but no children. Grover Raid will arrive to become Harlingen's third practicing attorney. This native of Cleveland AR was born 4/21/86 of Scotch-Irish heritage. After serving in the navy from 1905 to 1913, he marries Myrtle Bush of Wolfe, TX on 8/30/13. He is to become a justice of the peace and an abstractor. He and his wife reside at 506 E. Jackson. 1919 In this year, two year old Betty Nosler came to San Benito from Indiana with her parents James Bertram and Marie Williams Nosler. He would build and operate the San Benito Electric Gin, the first of its kind in the Valley and which operated until the mid- 30s. In 1937 Betty would be graduated from UT-Austin with a degree in education. On12/27/38 she marries Menton Murray, a young lawyer who has an office in Mercedes but lives in Harlingen. They had two children, Menton Murray, Jr., a District judge for many years, and Betty Marie Murray Smith, now in Tennessee. The senior Murray served in WWII, as a city judge, and in the state legislature from 1947 to 1975. 1919 In this year, two year old Betty Nosler came to San Benito from Indiana with her parents James Bertram and Marie Williams Nosler. He would build and operate the San Benito Electric Gin, the first of its kind in the Valley and which operated until the mid- 30s. In 1937 Betty would be graduated from UT-Austin with a degree in education. On12/27/38 she marries Menton Murray, a young lawyer who has an office in Mercedes but lives in Harlingen. They had two children, Menton Murray, Jr., a District judge for many years, and Betty Marie Murray Smith, now in Tennessee. The senior Murray served in WWII, as a city judge, and in the state legislature from 1947 to 1975. James William Sweeney came to the Valley in 1919. Born in Texarkana 10/2/98, he had, along with four siblings, been orphaned. The children were raised in the Incarnate Word Orphanage in San Antonio. Jim finished high school, went on to St, Mary's University, lettered in three sports including football where Dwight David Eisenhower was his coach, and was graduated in 1917. In WWI he was a ground crew member of the Lafayette Flying Esquadrille. He came to work for the American Refrigerator Transit Co. (A.R.T.) in San Benito. It specialized in providing insulated railroad cars for the transportation of produce. He soon was working for the Ice Company, precursor to CP&L. In 1923 he married Mary Yeasel Greiner who, in 1919, had come to San Benito from Chicago with her grandfather. They lived in company housing next to the loading dock adjacent to Fair Park and later moved to San Benito. Sweeney worked for a division of CP&L for 45 years, finally retiring at age 70. This three pack a day smoker died of lung cancer on 4/14/69. A daughter Mary Lou Sweeney Rumbo was to be a long time school teacher and organizer and first president of the Harlingen Historical Preservation Society. It is 1919 when Etta L. Brown moves here from Montecello, MO with her husband Charles H. Brown. He will enter the real estate business and serve as City Commissioner 1937-41. He will precede her in death. When she dies 714/62, she leaves no children, but one of her five sisters here is Lila Schriver and brother Henry Schriver. 5/19 Andrew Jackson Bowen and wife Birdie Hubbard of Madison, Kansas move to Harlingen. With them are Ruth Bowen, age 6, and her brothers Frank, Harry (later of Combes), Jack (later of Long Beach), and Ray. Frank, later a volunteer firefighter, is to die in the line of duty in 1932 when a skidding fire truck overturns on him. Her father operates a grocery store for many years next to Day's Drug Store on Jackson. In fact, after initially buying 10 acres of farmland, where Tri-Pak now stands on N. Commerce, for $315 an acre he buys and sells a series of stores. The first was purchased from Marlow and Clair Grocery and later sold to A.E. McClendon. Then he bought another store at 117 E. Jackson for $1,200 selling it 15 years later for $18,000. Next he purchased the store at 310 E. Jackson holding it until his retirement at age 64 in 1945. He is a Mason and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Ruth is to work for H.E.B for 27 years as office manager of its store No.2 on Harrison next to the old Sear's store (now Johnny's True Value). She was to marry T.J. Enny, a farmer for many years in the Stuart Place area. When she dies at age 93 on 3/15/03 in San Antonio she is the last of her family and leaves one son, Thomas J. Enny, Jr. of Universal City and a daughter-in-law.

Some lesser lights who made Harlingen home this decade and remained here until at least 1960 were: Merle H. Weaver (1912) with the South Texas Lumber Co., Hays C. Mitchell (1914), Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Whitley (1917) with the Harlingen Ice Co., Ben J. and Helen Moncus (1917), whose sons Cal and Thomas would be with CP&L, Mrs. May Moncus (1918), and Mrs. W.E. Carey (1919), the wife of the policeman. George Edwards Phillips will also take up residency this year after moving from Marlin. He will become involved win real estate and be on the executive board of Valley Baptist Hospital. This First Baptist Church member and Mason will die at age 69 on 1/18/52 leaving his wife Emma and son Hawthorn.

Education

5/14/10 The School Board of Trustees considers a bond election. On 7/8/10 the issue is set for $40,000, payable in 40 years at 4% interest in order to construct, equip, and purchase the sites for two brick schools. 1910 A school bond election for $40,000 was held to finance the construction of the two brick schools. Forty-six voters out of the population of 1,126 participate When the state attorney general did not approve the election, a second one was held 11/26/10. The issue received 51 unanimous votes for approval. . L.S. Green of Green and Briscoe, Architects, Houston is selected for the "Main School" to serve grades 1 through 11. A.W. Cunningham is instrumental in purchasing a whole city block between 5th and 6th Street along Main Street for the site of the school. It is purchased from Lon C. Hill for $3,500. The Anglo students are attending school in the former Seventh Day Adventist building while the Hispanic students are in the brick one-story two-classroom school on what will be South E Street. Evie Chaudoin will commence teaching school this year and continue until 1917 when she takes a position at the Planters State Bank. When the new school arose Miss Tarver taught grade 1, Mrs. Clift will be teaching high school classes, Pearl Boss will handle mathematics, and Mrs. Kuykendall music. When W. E. Sturgeon is school principal his wife is ambitious enough to organize both the girl's basketball team and the boy's football team. It is 1910 when Dr. Pierre Wilson and John F. Rodgers work to erect a two room wooden school house about in the center (presently Primera) of the Wilson Tract. Rodgers, with six children to educate, has a vested interest in providing a school.

4/15/11 Contract for $5,649 let to R. H. Tadlock to construct the second story addition to the existing two classroom brick schoolhouse for Mexican ethnics. When he opts out the contract is let to Ledbetter and Bales. To some this school was called the Benito Juarez School after the president of Mexico. Juarez was called the Lincoln of Mexico for expulsion of the French and his many reforms during his service as president 1861-1872. To others its name is simply the Mexican School. The school will then have four classrooms. This school is located between what will later be named South F and South E Streets on the east side of the 400 block of South F Street at 415. The School Board Trustees accept this addition on 3/12/12. At this time J.S. Ford is president of the Board and Prof. William L. Sturgeon is school superintendent and secretary to the board. Sturgeon serves from February 1911 until 1914 when A. B. Tyson takes over. Sturgeon is also a staunch First Christian Church member. Later when the board is reorganized, John E. Snavely will handle security. This is the first of two schools to carry the name Alamo. By 1930 the original building was no longer being used as a school. Its second story was removed in 1949, and the rest demolished in 1975. 4/25/11 Andrew Goldammer is awarded a $25,000 contract to build a brick schoolhouse on the northwest corner of Jackson and 6th Streets. It will have a half-sunken basement and two-stories each with 20' ceilings to afford cooling. J.P. McDonald is to supervise its construction. Another source puts the low-bid contract at $22,800. Now called a $40,000 school, it is nearing completion by 10/26/11. The building is accepted 3/25/12 (a second source says 7/8/12). First called the Central Ward School, it is, in 1936, renamed the Sam Houston School. Advanced students this year occupy a room above the saloon at the corner of Jackson and A Streets. One teacher instructs 15 students who even have to take a course in Latin. Ireneus Snavely, who will be graduated in the class of 1915, later recalls that boisterous saloon customers were frequently a distraction and the facility had no amenities. On March 10, 1984 he will celebrate his 85th birthday. He had come to Harlingen from the Oklahoma Territory with his parent on August 30, 1909. At age 27 in 1926 he joined the Border Patrol that had first been organized in 1923 under the Labor Dept. He would retire with 30 years service in 1955. 1911/12 Mary Wooten is a schoolteacher at the Dilworth Ranch School west of town. In 1912 she will marry Mackie Chaudoin, son of ranch overseer Robert Lewis Mackie.

1912 A small elementary school sponsored by the Sacred Heart of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church opens in southwest Harlingen with 48 students. It is in a frame house donated by the Extension Society. In 1918 Sisters of Mercy will come from Laredo to join the teaching staff and take care of administrative duties. 4/1/12 The Central Ward School is occupied. It serves as a school from 1912 to 1950 then several years as a community center. Before a new separate high school is built in 1925 the school is taxed for room with Harlingen's increasing school population. Two wooden classroom buildings for early graders are constructed to the north of the brick edifice. They are later moved adjacent to the Alamo School when it too requires more classrooms. In 1952, with its name by now changed to Sam Houston School the Central Ward is purchased and renovated into an office complex named the E.O. Matz Building. E.W. Anglin, a school board member in 1911-12, recalls, "We gathered up all the classes scattered about town on April 1, 1912 and moved them all to the new brick building on Jackson Street. The next year was a rainy one and we had to build a board walk all the way from downtown to the school." Students who ride their horses to school tie them to a huge mesquite tree on the school grounds extending to the corner of 5th and Monroe streets. 10/12/12 A school census shows the scholastic population to be 294.

1913 Enough boys are enrolled in the high school, so a 14 man football team organizes. 1913-18 Lyceum Courses for adults are held in the Central Ward School in these years.

5/14 The first graduating class (then 11 grades) of the Harlingen High School is compose of Roberta Chaudoin (later Mrs. I.E (Renus) Snavely), Murl and Gladys Snavely, and Fred Osborn.

1915 The Wilson School at Primera to the west of J.F. Rodgers' place is built. Rodgers and J.T. Avery are its prime movers. Lilian Weems Baldridge is to be its first teacher. The Sacred Heart of Mary opens a three room school. Three years later a fourth class room is added. It is located just south of the church on Winchell Street. September of this year is when W. F. Jourdan becomes superintendent until January 8, 1918 when T.J. Foster comes on board. Foster comes from McKinney Texas where he was principal for seven years. 3/20/1915 When established this date, the Cameron County School District No. 4 included the future bounds of Harlingen.

4/7/16 Pearl Botts is principal of the high school. Domestic science classes will be added next term. Miss Pearl Cleary is principal of the Wilson rural high school. There were never more than two men on the staff at one time.

1918 This is the year Paul E. Phipps comes to the Valley where he later becomes Superintendent of McAllen schools for two years. He comes to Harlingen in 1922 and takes the same position here until 1931, the year of his death. He is a native of New Boston, MO having been born there 4/30/88. He was educated at Kirksville Teachers College in Missouri and Columbia University where he received an M.S. degree. He also has a Superintendent School Diploma from Columbia. This Methodist and Mason married Susan Case on 6/28/11. He was president of the Valley Mid-Winter Fair Association its first two years in Harlingen. His daughter, Jean Phipps Clore, will provide a valuable service by documenting the history of the First Methodist Church in Harlingen. Four new rooms are added to Central this year.

1919 Some time before 1920, the population of rural Leeland to the west of Harlingen had grown enough that a school was warranted. A frame building consisting of two large rooms to serve all grades was erected at the corner of what is now Business 83 and Altas Palmas Roads. Before 1923 this facility was being outgrown, so a one-room frame building was added to hold the first and second grades. It is around this year that Samuel Emmons Van Burkleo, wife Mary Jane Penn, and children Ben, Elizabeth, Dora, Hugh Perry, Christina, and Tracy move to Stuart Place from Altus, Oklahoma. He will become a teacher at the school. At the Central Ward School shelters were provided on the north side for horses and vehicles. On a scaffold at the entrance to the school was a bell rung to summon and dismiss students at regular sessions and at recess. In 1954 it was still in use at Travis serving as a fire signal. 5/17/19 Another $40,000 bond issue carries, but no school buildings are erected when construction costs escalate.

Religious

1/30/10 The First Presbyterian Church is organized by 17 charter members in a gospel tent at the conclusion of a service conducted by the Presbyterian Evangelist of the Presbytery of Western Texas. On July 26, 1910 Lon. C. Hill had donated lots number one and two in block 55 to the Presbyterian Church. Its first sanctuary on E. Jackson, four blocks west of the present one, is erected at a cost of $1,200 in 1912. Until that time services were conducted in the old Seventh Day Adventist Building, a structure used by numerous entities. A second and larger one is constructed at 402 E. Jackson. The hurricane of 1933 is to badly damage this church sanctuary but repairs are made in 1939. On 6/16/40 a completely new sanctuary is dedicated at the same site. 2/19/10 The First Methodist Church is founded by 31 charter members. At that time it is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. With the Rev. R.L. Pyleas as its minister, the church's list of members provides an indication of whom some of Harlingen's and its nearby citizens are. They are: Mr. and Mrs. David Allen Barbee and children Lucille and Archie; Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bullard and children A.T. and Beatrice; W.T. Campbell; Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Clift; Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Chambers; Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Chaudoin and children Eva, Mack, Barney, Morris, and Lily (later Lily Liston Cleary); Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Cunningham; Miss Mildred Davis; Mrs. Bertha Dorough; Miss Moody Dorough; Mr. Bunny Shook Dorough, J.D. Dorough; Mrs. Wil D. Darfy; Mr. and Mrs. S.P .Eaton, Sr. and S.P. Eaton,Jr.; Mrs. E.L. Fender; G.E. Goodykoontz; Mrs. Minnie G.; Miss Katie Mags; M.M. Osborn; Mrs. Nellie Osborn; Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Perry, Mr. G.H. Pletcher; Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Posy and daughter Lola; Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Snavely and children Doris, Ed and Berta. 4/10/10 Lon C. Hill designates several blocks of the townsite for parks and a number of corner lots to be donated to denominations for church building sites. The Methodists had previously selected the northwest corner of Harrison and 4th Street. The deed for Hill's gift is for lots 13, 14, and 15 of block 72 recorded 2/23/10. They build the first brick church in the city. Its contractor is J.D. Gross. It will later be torn down and replaced with a much larger brick edifice. 10/16/10 The Very Rev. Henry Constantinau blesses the new 50'x25' frame chapel, as a Catholic mission named the Sacred Heart of Mary Immaculate.

1911 On Easter Sunday of this year the completion of the Methodist Church sanctuary is celebrated. Among the first marriages in the Church were those of the Simmons daughters: May to Fred Downing; Ava to Frank Martin; and Eunice to Neil Madeley, Sr. A few years later Ophelia Harrington and Morris Chaudoin were married.

1912 Rev. Paul Hally, curate in San Benito, takes charge of Sacred Heart of Mary Mission in Harlingen relieving Rev. Isidor Chateau. The Methodist Church builds its first parsonage for $600. It is for the Rev. J.D. Dorsey, a bachelor, who heretofore has used a portion of the church for his living quarter. Newcomers to church membership this year are John F. Sanders, Jake S. Pletcher, the J.M. Paine family, the J.E. Wilson family, and the J.T. Avary family.

Early 1913 The Rev. Dr. Edgar G. Gannon becomes the first resident minister in Harlingen when he accepts the position at the First Presbyterian Church. This Virginia native accepted the position with a compensation of $50 a month. He would serve for five years. 2/9/13 The First Christian Church is organized by 31 members. They meet in the Central Ward School auditorium. Their leader was the principal of the high school. Among its charter members is 29 year old Miss Paul Hill, who would teach Sunday School. Others are her sister Annie Rooney Hill, Mr. & Mrs. John Myrick, Mr. & Mrs. L.K. Shipp, Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Finnegan, Mr. & Mrs. S.A. Thompson, Mr. & Mrs. W.G. Stewart, Mrs. C.L. Ogan and daughter Lois, Miss Lucille Shipp, Mrs. T.L. Phillipps, and Mrs. E.H. Adams. It uses the old Seventh Day Adventist building at 4th and Main Street as its sanctuary around 1913-14. This was purchased for $400. J.W. Rhone, S.A. Thompson, and John Myrick are later to gift the lot at 710 E. Jackson and loan $1,800 for the erection of a parsonage. In the future this five-room house is sold to Mrs. Mildred Griffeth for $2,250.

1916 During this year the First Baptists secure three lots at Jackson and 3rd Streets and erect a church building on the southwest corner at a cost of $2,500 to $3,000, $400 of which is donated by the State Mission Board. Church member Andrew Goldammer constructs it for the 58 members. After being placed in use, the old church on Van Buren becomes a parsonage and is used as such until 1923 when a new one is built at 609 E. Harrison.

1919 Pastor H. Meyer of San Benito begins ministering to the Lutherans of Harlingen by conducting services in their homes.

Organizations – Social, Civic, Service

3/7/10 Construction starts on the modest wood frame building near the junction of Monroe and Commerce. This costs $260.55 and will house the nascent Chamber of Commerce organization and also serve as the city hall.

1911 This is the year Louis Miller arrives in Harlingen at age seven. Born 9/8/04 in Baxter Springs, KS he will die 11/21/63 at age 59 leaving a widow Lois here and three sons. This gentleman was a charter member of the Harlingen Optimist Club. 2/11 The Harlingen Civic Club through the Cemetery Association requests the city appoint a cemetery commission. C.W. Clift, E.W. Anglin, and B.F. Surface are named. On 2/1/12 for the sum of one dollar Lon C. Hill (acting for the Harlingen Land and Water Co.) sells the aforementioned gentlemen, who are trustees for the Harlingen Cemetery, 7.6 acres of land to be used as a cemetery. This is to be on the San Benito Highway, later South F Street. 2/6/11 The City Council thanks the women of the Harlingen Civic Club for their effective cleaning and beautifying of the town. The club may have begun when a group of women came together to beautify the railroad station area. Miss Paul Hill, Miss Pearl Botts, and Mrs. Edgar Gamin drafted the club's first constitution while Mrs. O.P. Storm was elected its first president.

1912 The Harlingen Volunteer Fire Department is organized early in the year after the installation of hydrants and a water system.

1914 The Better Harlingen Club is organized "to work as a civic and beautification body." In 1925 it joins with the Valley Midwinter Association to hold a flower show and continues this tradition annually ever since though under various sponsor names. In 1928 the BHC joins the Woman's Chamber of Commerce as a Garden Club Department and remains as such until 1934 when it transforms into the independent Harlingen Garden Club.

1915 The Camp Fire Girls here is chartered.

7/22/17 The organization meeting for a Red Cross Chapter here is held in the Methodist Church. Seventy three members are enrolled. President is Mrs. C.D. (Sally) Pendleton; Miss Paul Hill, secretary; Mrs. H.H. Burchard, treasurer; Mrs. Otto Weller, sewing chairman; and Mrs. E.W. Patterson, finance chairman.

12/4/19 Harlingen Masonic Lodge No.1132 receives its charter. Dr. Cash was a prime mover in its founding as he was later for the Rotary Club. In this year the PTA is first organized here with Mrs. J.B. Challes as president.

Miscellaneous

1910 According to an April/May 1985 Sand Dollar article, in this year in Harlingen "gambling was open, as was most everything else here." Over time two popular swimming holes are the Mitchell Place south of town and one south of the railroad bridge. Diving boards are even set up. Sand deposits add to their ambiance. The Arroyo Colorado has clear waters and abundant fish. 11/10/10 Eight buck deer killed within Harlingen city limits.

1910-20 Robert Runyon, who comes to Brownsville in 1909, will open a photograph studio in 1910. In 1910 and throughout the decade he will come periodically to Harlingen and photograph the community. Seventy-one of his Harlingen area photos may be viewed on the internet by going to www.loc.gov, clicking on American Memory, Collection Finder, List All Collections, Texas Border Photographs 1900-1920, then Harlingen search. Runyon will become famous for Valley pictures and those of the Mexican Revolution and will go on to do outstanding botanical work also. While Harlingen would eventually have a number of soda bottling plants, the initial availability of soda water in the town was provided by the Hoffman family that made it "one bottle at a time" in their home.

1911 Harlingen's first, but unofficial hospital, is operated by Mrs. Katherine C. Brown at 1222 W. Harrison Street. This physician, born in Coverton, KY 9/7/59, practiced medicine in Hopkinville, KY and St. Louis before moving here this year. While she did not practice medicine here, she did turn her home into a hospital. Her husband, Frank H. Brown came here as a representative of the Mississippi Valley Trust Company and later joined the water district. In the 1930s the Browns moved to Brownsville. When she died at age 80, she left behind he husband and two daughters, including Mrs. Tom Yates. 1912 Lon C. Hill prepares a Texas style barbecue in St. Louis for 150 nationally known bankers. It is written up and pictured in the National Geographic Magazine.

5/1/12 A Mr. Yoakum, bookkeeper at the train depot and nephew of the railroad magnate, shoots F.J. Largent five times. The latter had gone to the station to rectify a 30 cent misunderstanding involving his son. In due course his anger led him to strike Yoakum with a cane he was using due to a recent accident in which he was injured after he fell from a boxcar. Largent's wounds are treatable, but he may lose an arm. 1/29/13 The railroad is to provide arc lights or flagman at crosssing.

1913-17 At intervals troops are stationed in the Valley and in Harlingen as border unrest accompanies the decade-long (1910-20) revolution in Mexico. The units here are the 2nd and 3rd Texas Infantry, the 26th Infantry, and the 6th Cavalry. Camps are located at the high points in the area bounded by East Lee and Austin Avenue and south of town in the brush at about the corner of South 4th and Polk Streets. Runyon photos also show a camp west of the railroad tracks where Jefferson ends. The extended trouble is reflected in the year 1916 as the Methodist church records only three new members but 45 departing ones. Lon C. Hill during the "Bandit Period" was said to have guided several posses into Mexico in search of bandits. He was also a scout for Col. Robert Lee Bullard when U.S. troops crossed the Rio Grande in pursuit of organized outlaws.

1/16/17 A tent show comes to Harlingen. Most likely this was one which presented a Chautauqua Society program, that is, an edifying educational one traveling around the country.

10/29/18 Returning home for his brother Gordon's funeral, Lon C. Hill, Jr. lands the first airplane ever in Harlingen. The light bi-wing aircraft puts down in a football field close to where the present Harlingen airport exists. In his trip from San Antonio he has refueled at the King Ranch and approaching Harlingen looks for sheets spread along side the grass field selected for his landing.

5/19 Harlingen has a smallpox outbreak. Dr. Letzerich vaccinates many, but Mrs. Santos Lozano, who helps to nurse others, dies of the disease. Towards the end of the decade city musicians who would perform on Saturday afternoons and holidays raised enough funds to construct a bandstand on a vacant lot which later would be the site of the Reese-Wil-Mond Hotel/Heritage Manor. It was mysteriously burned down as the decade began.