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Old Settlers Association
of Grayson County On
the farm of J. C. McKinstry, located about seven miles southwest of
Sherman, a group of Grayson County settlers gathered in a grove of
walnut trees. It was August 28th and 29th, 1879.
Speeches were given by settlers who had come to Texas before and after its statehood. Many speeches recounted the early settlement of the state and reminiscent of the Confederacy. Although over, the settlers may have lost in battles but they had not lost in courage. They could still give the "rebel yell" and defend their loyalty to their state and country. "The Old Settlers Association of North Texas" was formed. On October 31, 1898, the name of the organization was changed to "The Old Settlers Association of Grayson County". The reason for the name change was in anticipation of acquiring land and becoming a corporate entity; having at the time, no capital stock or property. The first eleven trustees were: J. D. Woods, R. L. Bullock, J. P. Loving, J. H. Dills, J. H. Tolbert, T. S. Freeman, James W. Vaden, W. S. Holt, David Wlliott, M. S. Webster and W. P. Dugan. The Association purchased 26.1 acres on January 1, 1899 for $100 each. This land is n ow Old Settlers Park located in Sherman. The park was paid for from funds donated by individuals giving from $0.25 to $1.00. Finances were maintained by selling concession privileges for the annual meeting. An Old Settlers Picnic was held the week of the full moon in August. Visitors came from all parts of the county, traveling in covered wagons, pitching tents and remaining for the week. This annual picnic continued until the advent of the automobile, radio and television. The Association contracted with the Bill Hanes Shows, a carnival, in 1951 for the use of the grounds during the annual week-log celebration. The carnival returned annually. The Old Settlers Grounds have been a part of the city's park system by being leased to the City of Sherman since 1921. On January 21, 1921, the Association granted the right to drill two water wells and to install, without charge, an underground reservoir to the City of Sherman. source: Bullock & Bass Families of Grayson County, Texas; complied by M. C. Haggard & Ella Brown, 2004 Old Settlers Association History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |