Early History
From: Panhandle Pioneers
Texhoma Genealogical and Historical Society
Volume 1, 1969
INTRODUCTION
No Man's Land was opened for settlers in 1890. Before this some ranches had been established along the creeks and some like the 3C had drilled their own water wells. After the opening some of the land was filed on near the ranch headquarters mostly by the cowboys and sold to the ranch as soon as proved up. A post office named Loretta was established May 7, 1898, but the name and location was changed to Texhoma in Nov. 12, 1901; as there was another Loretta Oklahoma. Very few claims were filed on until the railroad was assured.
Post offices were established at Rice, Griggs, Sampsel and Eva in 1906; and at Midwell in 1908; soon after Ona, USNA, Baker, Oshuskey, Dilya and Hildago. Most of these had stores; the supplies for which were freighted from Texhoma, since it was the closest railroad town to the people who lived as far north and west as present Boise City, and south into the Texas Panhandle to the present town of Gruver. The Texas land was not homesteaded, but could be bought very cheaply and was not as thickly settled as Oklahoma.
Taken & Modified From: Panhandle Pioneers
Texhoma Genealogical and Historical Society
Volume 4, 1973
Later Post Offices In Texhoma Area
From: Panhandle Pioneers
Texhoma Genealogical and Historical Society
Volume 7, 1981
FOREWORD
In 1901 when the Rock Island Railroad came through Texas County on its way to the west coast it made it possible for settlers to obtain necessary building material and to get their farm products to market. This area was also one of the last that had free land available for homesteading. People came in numbers and soon every quarter section had an occupant. They proved up their claims and some moved on as soon as they could sell. Those who stayed bought the abandoned land, tilled and planted the rich soil and earned for the plains the nick name "Bread Basket of the World."
In the 1930's the drought, wind erosion, and depression brought even tougher problems for those who loved the Panhandle and wanted to make it their home. These people by hard work, patience, improved farming methods and sheer stubbornness made the Panhandle again produce food for millions. it is to these people, their children and grandchildren, and to the railroads that we dedicate this, the seventh volume of Panhandle Pioneers. You are the backbone of our nation and may you always labor to protect and conserve our God given resources.
The following is taken from a brochure printed in late 1908 or early 1909.
Texhoma has the resources for a stable city. This is apparent at a glance. It is the central point drawing from the five best counties in Texas and Oklahoma. Regardless of all other towns in these counties. It has more than 5,000,000 fertile productive acres at its doors. It has already grown from a 160 acre claim, filed on in November, 1901, to a busy, hustling town or city of 1,000.
All its growth and development has practically come in two years. In 1898 there were not over 100 people for miles and miles around Texhoma. These were cattlemen and cowpunchers. Texhoma was filed on November 1901. The first building was erected in the summer of 1902. The first bank in Texhoma was established in February 1906; the second in the summer of 1907; the third in the fall of 1907.
Texhoma has a public school with about 200 scholars. A new $5,000 building will be built this year.
Texhoma has a Baptist and Presbyterian Churches. A new Methodist Church is to be built this year at a cost of about $3,500.
Texhoma has the Texhoma Milland Elevator Company in operation, about seven weeks. It has shipped an average of a car a week since beginning business. One order for a car of seed came from New Mexico.
Texhoma is soon to get a Texas shipping rate, equivalent to a reduction of 10 cents a hundred on all shipments. Texhoma is well supplied in a retail business way, and also in a professional way.
In a short time cantaloupes and watermelons and everything that grows in the Texhoma country, from forage crops to sugar beets, will become a manufacturing probability. Texhoma is advantageously located for a shipping point, and several large manufacturing plants within a few years is no dream.
About 1900's on Main Street with "Hook's" Hardware Store in left background.
Second and Main Street (looking east)
Probably 1905 as The Farmers State Bank building (left side) is not finished as there are no windows on second floor.
Building plaque indicates completion and open for business February 1906.
William's half-block of new stores south of Thomason's Department Store,
during the 1910's, on 2nd Street.