Rockdale High School - Lair Yearbook (Rockdale, TX)

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incorporated and owned .1 park 01 lhlrU' acres. covered by hundreds of immense oaks Large and attractive CXlelllUn bunldings, grandstands. barns. and stalls dotted the grounds in attractive arrangement. In 1911 H. C. Meyer was President. John Hicks. Yitc-Prcsidcnt: A, 11 Perry. Jri. Secretary: R. L. Hale. 'lircasurcr: with George Banzaph, 1.. lsaacs. O. K. Phillips. 3. G. Hodge, .1 F: Comeld. Jr. and XV. 15. Gaithcr .is board of directors. In later years lack of interest. financial less and hard times caused the Fair to lose out. The park is now used by the American Legion for Fourth of July celebrations and other entertainments. Home of Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Ryan. The City Hall was built in 1895 during the time that B. A. Coflield was mayor, with J. G. Brown. 0. A. Bowen, Lee Wallace, and E. L. Rasberry as councilmen. E. A. XVallace was city attorney: 1,. Isaacs, secretary-treasurer: At that time it was large enough to accommodate the crowds who assembled in the auditorium J. B. Hamilton. marshal: and J. H. Burnett, tax assessor. for social gatherings. school commencements, and political meetings; but of late years the building has lost its former splendor. and is now used only for athletic purposes and a few high school dances. These affairs will soon be held in the new auditorium being constructed on the high school campus, and The tax collector's office and the fire department are housed on the lower floor. the City Hall will have served its purpose. Ever since Rockdale has been incorporated, it has had some strong, able men as mayors. the first of these being Alfred A. Burck, who in turn was fol- lowed by Hugh L. Witcher, W. E. Copeland, E. M. Scarbrough, Dr. W. R. Kennard, J. 8. Perry. B. A. Coflield, J. E. Longmoor, H. F. Snively, C. H. Coffield, H. C. Meyer. W. E. Gaither. and E. A. Camp, the present, very efficient head of the town. Mr. H. C. Meyer. now with the State Board of Control, heads the list with more years of service, having served faithfully and well for over twenty years. Mr. Meyer was justly called the father of good roads in this section of the country. and had much to do with improvement of high- ways and byways in this trade territory. Leonard Isaacs was city secretary for thirty years, and was succeeded by J. Frank McCalla, who served next in length of time as city tax collector and treasurer. E. T. Kemp. city secretary and treasurer, was succeeded by J. Branch Lewis, the present incumbent. Judge Fred Hill served as first justice of the peace, and was followed by W. D. Wells, R. W. H. Kennon, Ed Gunn, Roy Hillyer, and the present incumbent, Leo Harris. Ofiicers of the law included .1. E. Holtzclaw, C. C. Bethea, John R, Arthur. Howard, Eb Aldridge, N. J. Alford, and John H. Bonds, who held that place for many years. At present W. C. Colvin and Night Watchman C. H. Landis look after the welfare and safety of the town. Uncle Sam has appointed some valuable men to look after the postal depart- ment in Rockdale, one of the earliest postmasters being Donneke; then came H C. Travers. hV, B. XVoody, Hugh L. bVitcher. E. J. M. Hopkins. B. 1:0wen- stein. Sr.. J. A. Shappard', H. P. Talley, E. l'. Wade. and the present incum- bent. H. H. Turner. In the early days of Rockdale private cisterns or tank cisterns furnished water for the town, and there were a few wells for home use. but these were mostly spoiled on account of minerals. Lamps were the order of the day. Mr. R. H. Ames owned the nrst electric light plant and later sold to Lenard Isaacs. who owned the light and water works for a number of years. The city later purchased the water works and improved it until today Rockdale has two of the deepest, finest wells with underground and tower reservoirs of 110.000 gallons capacity. The Texas Power and Light Company furnishes power and electric light from three high voltage lines, which insures uninter- rupted service to its customers. The Southwestern Bell Telephone system dots the land, and the Western Union Telegraph Company maintains an uptown office besides tower service. The latest convenience that was acquired in the town was natural gas, piped in by the Community Gas Company of Dallas. Construction began May 1, 1928. and the piping of the city being completed, gas was pumped into the mains on September 5, 1928. The paving program was completed in September, 1929, and Rockdale now has more than six miles of concrete paved streets with uniform curbs to match, covering the entire business district and a major portion of the residential districts. The Rockdale of today presents a beautiful picture with streets lined with magnificent trees, lovely and substantial homes with green lawns and well-kept shrubs and flowers greet the eyes on every side. In the last few years a number of fine brick homes have been constructed. Home of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Noack. Churches have not been mentioned so far, but Rockdale has some lovely church edifices, of which the citizens are justly proud. After the people became permanently settled in homes and businesses and felt established, they then turned to the building of comfortable homes of worship, but the work in each field preceded the building. All evangelical denominations were represented in the early days of Rockdale, and the first church service was held over W. P. Branch's dry goods store. It was a bare room, the rafters covered with dust and spiderwebs. Boards across empty beer kegs served as seats; singing was led by Mr. Jack Stewart, with his tuning fork and choir of singing school pupils. Mr. Vandivere, a Baptist preacher, conducted services. Most of the services were conducted in the old Presbyterian. church, known as the Union Church Building. Rev. W. E. Copeland, living in Washington County at that time, made monthly trips to Rockdale to minister to his little flock. Rev. Copeland was born in Scotland, came to Texas in 1858, and as early as 1874 came to Rockdale. In 1880 he moved with his family here and supplied the pulpit from year to year until his resignation a few years before his death. He lived to become pastor of the handsome new building that stands on the grounds of the First Union Church, which was erected under his guidance and dedicated with elaborate ceremonies on April 19, 1914, with the united clergy and throngs of people assembled to witness the dedication.

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three children. Dr. Brooks died many years ago in San Antonio and his body was brought here for burial by his sons, John and' James. Surveying was begun for the entrance of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad into Rockdale in the early nineties. The track was completed in 1893. and the first train was run into town, with A. J. Bashaw as first agent. L. A. Baxter is present agent. In 1926 'the S. A. 8 A. P. was con- solidated with the Southern Pacific Lines. but remains the i'Sap railroad to old patrons. Druggists of the early days were George P. Winder, C. C. Howell, Isaacs and Lockett. W. R. Kennard. Giesekea and Hodge. W. E. Douthit, Clark and Perry. H. O. QUEBE and BALDRIDGE AND PREWITT are the two splendid. modern drug stores Rockdale possesses today. The late Mrs. E. S. Loper was millinery artist for thirty-five years, selling out about twenty years ago to another pioneer artist, the present Mrs. Dora Poole. Mrs. Loper also had a dressmaking establishment and carried the famous old style magaines. Godeyls Ladyk Book and Demorestis Magazine, devoted to the Artistic, the Useful, and the Beautiful. John Scott was the veteran photographer of Rockdale. a real artist in his line. He was considered one of the best in this part of the country. He was succeeded by the McClintock Studio with Miss Lulu McClintock in charge. These two are about the only photographers Roekdale has ever claimed for any length of time. .1 2N. i' We Rockdale Main Street. July 4. 1916. Vogel was the pioneer jeweler, and H. Bland and Son owned the first Jewelry and Bookstore. These were succeeded by. James H. Hill, B L. Douthit, and B. Regenbrecht. Hughton and Robinson, A. E. Fullenwider, W. H. Richardson, H. Lock- wood. and W. Dr Bagley were the first lumbermen, and' are today succeeded by Wm. Cameron 8 Company and Turner Lumber Company. ' W. L. Lutner and Joseph Hooks were the first blacksmiths in Rockdale, and for many years ran their places in the same old stand, was finally sold to Louis Diehl, who continued at the same place until the property was finally sold to make way for the modern brick garage owned by W. P. Henry. Max Ferrari today controls the longest established confectionery business in Rockdale. It was operated for many years by his late father, E. Ferrari. Citizens must have lawyers to get out of legal entanglement, and Rockdiale has been blessed with many a i'skilled exponent of the Mosaic lawi Among the first lawyers were James Breeding, Harry Tracy. Judge Fred Hill, Major Wm. M. McGregor, Long, Guy Hinman. Ben Bonart, John Absher. Kilpat- rick and Kimbrough, A. G. Wilcox, J. S. Perry fstate senatori, Dr. A. C. Isaacs- trepresentativei, Henry Cone. E. L. Antony fcongressmani. N. H. Tracy lstate representativei, and later W. A. Morrison. Eugene Wallace. W. K. Clement, J. W. Garner, E. A. Camp, and Ed Gunn. Among the early physicians who ministered to the ailments of the people were Dr. Connoly, David W. Broadnax, P. A. Horton. T. E. Riddle. W. A. Brooks, W. R. Kennard. Milton Antony, J. E. Douthit. George Prewitt. A. C. lsaacs, E. H. Gray, R. S. Wallis, D. R. Wallis, Q C. Wallis, and A. C. Walker. who became noted surgeon of the Protestant Sanitarium of Fort Worth. These were, one by one. succeeded by l. P. Sessions. H. T. Coulter R. W. Wallis, T. S. Barkley, and lately B. E. Laurie. T. J. Avirett, Hunter Alexander, J. W. Allen. followed by G. B. Renfrow. P. E. Berndt. George B. Kincaid, and E. A. Swafford. were the popular dentists. Rockdale is justly proud of her hardware and furniture stores. The J. F. Coflield Hardware and Furniture Store occupies the same location at which the late J. F. and C. H. Cofiield had established business in the early eighties. The Henne and Meyer Company, that had been in business for the past forty years, was succeeded by E. M. Peeples and Sons in 1933. Phillips and Luckey, Undertakers, long-time associates of the Henne and Meyer Company, have recently completed a handsome funeral home, the hrst in Rockdale. They purchased and remodeled the former J. Sid Hudson home. built in 1893. on East Bell and Burleson Streets. Max and the jovial Pat Reilley were the pioneer bakers, followed by J. A. Stem, who had been in business for thirty-five years. when He was succeeded by his son, Ottot Solon Joynes, commission merchant, weighed and shipped the first bale of cotton out of Rockdale. Other buyers were B. B. Baxter. W. A. Estes. J. H. Sparkman, Leo Strelsky, Valentine and Arnold', W. T. Coffield, Bryan Heard and J. W. Perry. The Noack Abattoir, erected on the old D. H. Hunt homestead west of the city, is the only one in this territory. Among other names who helped make Rockdale of today possible are: The Ackerman Dry Goods Company, Baum and Crohn, A. Kaiser, H. Goldsticker, John G. Brown, Max Blum, Leo Strelsky, John N. and Fayette Redding, Berry Loper, E. S. Loper, Hyman Block. A. Young, Valentine and' Arnold. Solon Joynes, Coflield and Dunnington, J. S. Walden, I'saacs and Lockett. L. Box, W. A. Estes, J. M. Ousley, B. B. Baxter, J. R. Rowland, Richard Ames, John Randle, John Lyons, Woody and Berry, W. A. Gentry, L. J. Porter. Cyrus Edwards, A Wolfson, H. 8 L. Hudson, T. B. Kemp, George B. Randle, John Dunnington. W. C. Wright, Joe Hawkins, Hamblen and Porter. August Schaffer. James Wicks, Tom Hudson. J. Sid Hudson; Dan and Hyman Lasker, N. H. and Harry Tracy, Joe Sitman, James H. Hill. Standifer, Robert, Steve, and John Wilson, C. A. Duffy, Jake Pettyjohn, Fred and George Graves, Cebe Houghton, W. H. Bagley, Henry McGowan, Tap York, John York, D. C. York, J. B. Hamilton. James and W. P. Branch, Vineyard. Perry Hale, E1 Smith, J. P. Linn, T. F. and D. P. Hewitt, Abe Steinberg, C. E. Wynne. W. H. Marshall, Frank Allen. A. Wolf, J. R. Arthur. T. M. Freeman, John Freeman, Sparkman and Lee, Busby. Chas. Reed, Tom Reed, Arthur Collins, Thomas Prewitt, J. E. Longmoor, W. M. Ferguson. F. C. Kinney, B. T. Middleton, Chas, Heidenerich, W. P. Jones, Max Ross, C. K. Robinson, Theo. Schirmacher, Max Winterberg, Kincaid, Fowzer, T. H. Paul, Dave Harris and sons, Clark and Wells, C. K. and Cleve Stribling. D. W. Broadinax, J. P. Kevil, A. P. Perry, M. S. Riglander, John Fears. Moffitt and Hefley, P. Sass, Leach Grocery, A. H. Gladdish. Rasberry, Stevens, McCalla, Sprott, Wallis, Turner, Clark, Dudley, Rice. Worley, Beathea. Simms, Arnett, Armstrong, Millican, Sherar, Hillyer, Williams; Wash Wilson. Davis, Shappard, Foster, McGuyer, Rexford Wells. W. M. Wells. Hall, Baines, Douglass, Orr, Turnham, Aldridge, Tom Williams, J. C. McCawley, J. S. Bonner, Minor H. Brown, Bernard Gary, George Vandeventer, John Cole, Frank Block, Eads, Castleberry, Dan Wooten, J. J. Hairston, A. J. Bell. Kennard, Harvey, Beck, Lewis, Evans. Vogel, Henry, Lockwood, C. H. and J. F. Coffield, W. E. Copeland, J. H. Stribling, and Frank Hubert. There are about one hundred and ten businesses in Rockdale, including the ones mentioned, and in addition an ice factory. electric oil mill, several cotton gins, an up-to-date moving picture theatre, confectioneries. cafes, a bakery. modern grocery stores, and any number of small businesses, together with many modern gasoline filling stations, representing the various major oil companies. The Rockdale mines are said to be among the largest in the United States. These mines have been operated for over forty years. and many a ton of lignite has been shipped from here to all parts of the State. At one time there were five shaft mines and one strip pit. The Rockdale-Minerva oil field created a great deal of excitement in 1920. and extended operations to within sight of the city. At times excitement dies down, only to be stirred up again with the drilling of another test. A few undaunted citizens are still hopeful of an oil boom in the future, when Rock- dale will be put on the map forever. The Rockdalc Volunteer Fire Department is composed of sturdy citizens. who boast of having one of the most complete engines and fireefighting appa- ratus in the State. Recently during the disastrous Scarbrough 8 Hicks Com- pany lire, when that firm was completely destroyed. two young Rockdale men. John W. Hooper and Wilbur XVilliams. lost their lives. Their heroic deaths will be permanently commemorated by the opening of a park to be known as the Hooper-lVilliams Fireman's Memorial Park. This park will be located on two acres of ground west of the waterworks property on Highway 44. The Rockdale Fair was organized in 1908. and ran successfully for a numv ber of years. At one time it was considered the third largest fair in Texas. and was the pride of every citizen in and near Rockdale. The association was

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3421423. 5' 14.5: r3375 w 5.. ll 3 3 W Other active ministers of the early days were the Rev. B. B. Baxter. who was a passenger on the first incoming train and who helped to organize the First Baptist Church: Rev. Beasley of the Methodist Church; and the Rev. Edwin XViggins of the Episcopal Church. Two outstanding ministers. the Rev. James H. Stribling and the Rev. George Baines, served as pastors of the Baptist Church. The first revival of any note was held by the great evangelist. Major Wm. E. Penn. who, together with his singer, Mr. Parker, captured the town. The historic Penn Camp Ground at San Gabriel was a favorite meeting place for those of all creeds. Some years after the old Presbyterian Church was built, St. Thomas Epis- copal Church was erected on property where the old Solon Joynes home stood. This home was destroyed by fire and Mr. Joynes gave the lot to the church. Then followed the Baptist, the Methodist, and last the Christian Churches. St. Joseph's Catholic Church was erected on a lot donated by Leopold A. Strelsky, Sr., who. with his family, had located in 1870 on a farm some three miles north of Rockdalet The Lutheran Church was established some years later. All have ample and handsome edifices, good choirs, Home and Mission Societies, and good Sunday Schools, and the pulpits are supplied by able, good, and intelligent ministers. We could not add finis to this bit of history of Rockdale without saying something about its social life. In the old days the Mundine Hotel became known far and near and was the social center for newer Rockdale. A social club was organized by the young men and brilliant affairs were given. The officers were H. C. Travers, president: Minor H. Brown, secretary, with the assisting committee being composed of J. E. Longmoor, Homer Eads, L. H. Porter, Frank Block, Isaac Crown, Leo Wolfson, Phil Dunnington and others. In June, 1882, Dr. and Mrs. Brooks of the Mundine celebrated their silver wedding anniversary and the reception was conceded to be the most brilliant in the history of Rockdale. The old Mason Hall, and later the Randle Opera House were other centers of social gatherings. No set forms were observed and entire families would attend these delightful entertainments. The town was full of young married people. The old Presbyterian Church which served all denominations was a gathering place- for the young folk on Sunday afternoons. Rockdale is today represented by lodges and women's circles, benevolent associa- tions and the patriotic organizations of Camp Sam Davis No. 1169, U. D. C. Chapter and American Legion Carlisle Post No. 358. And so we say farewell to the past and look with hopes to the future of a greater, bigger and more successful Rockdale. 9th? Rockdaie Public School In 1874, a few weeks after the I' 8 G N railroad reached Rockdale, the first school in the town was organized by a Miss Molly Roby. Miss Roby taught for six months, and though realizing the lack of educational advantages, she was finally forced to give up on account of poor patronage. Mrs. R. H. Hicks, El Paso. Texas. The former Miss Maggie Hall, first teacher in Rockdale schools. It was not until the following fall that an attempt was made to reorganize the first school. Miss Maggie Hall, a slight, girlish, young lady. who had attended Baylor University down in old Independence, and who had taught several years in the Bryan Public School, felt the great need of education for the young. So in September she opened a private school in one small upper room of a house owned by Mrs. Cole, located where the Matson home now stands. Miss Hall taught her little school for the nine months term of 1874-75. The town had been incorporated, and the citizens decided it was time they should' have the benefits of the public schools that had been secured for Texas under the administration of Governor O. M. Roberts: so the council appointcd a board of trustees consisting of Dr. W. A. Brooks, R H, Hicks. Rev. J. H. Stribling, A. E. Fullenwider, Dr. A. C Walker, Rev. XV. E. Copeland. with E. M. Scarbrough. fMayor. Ex-Officioi chairmanb-a strong sturdy group of pioneers. An old abandoned storehouse at the corner of Cameron and Green Streets was appropriated, and the public school of Rockdale was launched. 'Very ' meager indeed were the furnishings of this first school. Miss Hall, who had been elected' assistant teacher, had a small desk at the front of the room, while Mr. W. Wyatt. who was principal, had a small platform at the rear of the room. Mr. Wyattfs only recommendations were that he was a Confederate soldier and he could lfwallop the boys. His platform was equipped with a desk, a box of sand used as a cuspidor, and a bundle of switches. The princi- pal's general attitude and the sight of the switches aroused the resentment and tears of the pupils. However, under these primitive conditions the first public school of Rockdale dragged through its first session. One term for Mr. Wyatt was enough for the school board; so Mr. Brick- house was elected to be the principal for the new term. Miss Hall again accepted the position of assistant. Mr. Brickhouse conducted the school in such a way as to gain the respect and confidence of both the pupils and parents, despite the fact that the same poor old building and equipment were used. He was a clean, quiet gentleman of middle age, a widower with five children. At the beginning of the next term Miss Hall resigned her position and built a small schoolhouse on the site of Conn R. Isaac's present home. There she taught a private school for girls. Mr. Brickhouse taught this session alone in the old building, which now almost amounted to a boys' school, as most of the girls attended Miss Hall's school. At the close of this term the council offered to rent the new building of Miss Hall's for the use of the public school and elect her as principals She gladly accepted this offer. and for the next two years school was conducted under these circumstances. Following the close of school in the spring of '79. Miss Hall resigned and was married to Mr. R. H. Hicks. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks continued to be identified with the social. religious, educational and business interests of the town. serving in many capacities throughout the years. School attendance was growing rapidly. The trustees. realizing the need for a larger building. rented the old Brooks Hotel on the corner lot where now stands the J. L. Lockett home. Mr. G. iV. Rainwater. as principal. and Miss Ella Meekin tthe late Mrs. A, H. XVilkinsi. as assistant. were in charge of the classes and proved competent teachers. The school grew and prospered under their leadership for the next two terms, after which the hotel was bought by Mr. Lockett. XVe might add here that there were a number of private teachers in those earlv days. Mr. O. F. Rogers, a maternal grandfather of Mrs. H. T. Coulter. a Presbyterian minister of the old schoolr organized and taught a private school in a church building which served the needs of all denominations. This building was where the Presbyterian church now stands, Here also a Mr. Waddel. an Episcopal minister. conducted a private school. The section around