Park of Old Settlers Association of Grayson County
Sherman, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A public-spirited group dedicated to preservation of history and enrichment of contemporary life. Founded in 1879, when oldtimers traveled by wagon and camped near Sherman to reminisce about days of Republic of Texas, the frontier, and the southern Confederacy. Speakers at first meeting included Mrs. Julia Shannon King (daughter of donor of part of Sherman townsite) and Mrs. Sophia Porter, who came to Grayson County in 1838 as a bride of Holland Coffee, owner of Indian trading post at Preston Bend. The association was incorporated on Oct. 3,1 1898. Having met in various groves, it purchased this popular and accessible site in 1899 as permanent headquarters. Financing was hampered by adversities (bad weather, smallpox, power failure on commuting streetcar line), but purchase cost was paid by 1909. The auditorium, named for the veteran association secretary Jesse Loving, was built in 1923. Noted orators at annual conventions have included statesmen Joseph Weldon Bailey, James S. Hogg, Roger Q. Mills, Sam Rayburn, John H. Reagan, Morris Sheppard. Used for years by Red River Valley Fair, and now by civic and youth groups, this park serves as a reminder of the foresight of pioneer citizens.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1879 the old settlers of Grayson County began traveling by wagon to camp near Sherman and reminisce about the days of the Republic of Texas, the frontier, and the Confederacy. Their association, incorporated in 1898, bought this park in 1899 as a permanent home despite setbacks from bad weather, smallpox, and streetcar breakdowns, paying it off by 1909. Its Jesse Loving auditorium, built in 1923, hosted orators from Sam Rayburn to Governor James Hogg.
Why it matters
The park embodies the American impulse of aging pioneers to preserve and celebrate their own frontier memory, turning firsthand recollection into a lasting institution of local history.
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Related people
- · Sophia Porter
- · Sam Rayburn
- · James S. Hogg
- · John H. Reagan
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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