Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
Requests for Info
Received via Website
Received via Website
Marc Sefcik
flat5263@yahoo.com
5260 PR 1016
Caldwell, TX
Code : 77836
Hello, I was wondering about a store near the Sand Grove Cemetery area. Traveling north, from Caldwell, on
the right OF HWY 36 is a store from decades ago. Can you give some history about this place? When was it last
open? Who was the proprietor? What kind of store was it? When did it open?... what community was it in?, if
any? and any such historical information you may have.
I only noticed it this year and have passed the area quite a few times. A bit past is my favorite landmark,
the "rock house" which is always quite easily seen.
Regards,
Marc
*****
2016-10-25
Standard reply sent to Marc. Email forwarded to MCHC members and others.
*****
2016-10-25
Do you mean where the RV Park is? Very nice couple that live there, tiny house. I think it is just the
business office for the RV Park, and they also take care of the San Antonio Cemetery. (a lot of people don’t
notice it).
C and H
candhjentsch@farm-market.net
*****
2016-10-26
Hello,
THANK YOU!!!
Marc Sefcik
*****
2016-10-26
John Brooks
bjohnr2010@hotmail.com
Mr. Sefcik,
First off, let me commend you for your 20/20 vision by being able to pick out the Old Turner Grocery Store
through the moderate to heavy tree cover at 70 mile per hour after straightening out in an outside curve. Talk
about multi-tasking. All kidding aside, I completely understand your fascination with the property since it
struck me the very same way. Since I'm a newer member to the Commission, I too was unaware of the Turner Store
until I went to the field to see what had drawn your attention.
After turning down the dirt driveway, I was greeted by no less than 3 Posted, No Trespassing signs. I stopped
and put on my 1" x 3" MCHC nametag as if it was a police officers ballistic vest. At least they'll know where
to return the body if I'm shot for trespassing. Upon proceeding, the only thing that initially greeted me was
at least a half dozen cats and kittens who viewed me as their dinner Chef. Mr. Anthony Collins then greeted
me, unarmed no less. I was quickly reminded that his late father, Carter Collins, had been a preservationist
and member of the Milam County Historical Commission. Anthony stated that the building is family owned and had
been moved from Cameron to its current location about 10 years ago. It's now located in what is called the
elevation Community. There is a rise in the property in this vicinity and I wonder if the Gulf, Colorado and
Santa-fe Railroad passing through slightly west of here, back in the late 1800's, might have had a hand in
naming the community(that's an inquiry for another day). About this time, some of Anthony's friends stopped by
to visit. I told him that I would return when it was more convenient and gave him my business card. He stated
that he had a considerable amount of historical literature regarding the store and would attempt to locate it
and call me at a later date. I was allowed to take a few photo's before I left the property. I left wondering
what sort of treasures might lurk inside the bowels of the old store.
I next passed the historic Beard Rock Home that was landmarked in the inquiry and am attaching a photo of the
same for those reading this post that may not be familiar with the structure.
Since my visit only whet my curiosity I then Called Mrs. Dolores Mode, one of the MCHC's more (if not most)
tenured and knowledgeable member to see what she knew about the store. As usual, she didn't disappoint. She
stated that the store originally stood on the southeast corner of Fannin and 12th Street. If you'll note the
attachment showing YOE High School, it was located exactly where the shrubs are decoratively trimmed YOE.
Obviously the property was needed for expansion of YOE High School and/ or the C.H. Yoe Performing Arts
Center. It was moved in the 1980's to a location on the west side of N. Travis St(Hwy 77N) near, if not at,
where the Oriely Auto Parts store is located today(1308 N. Travis). It stood there until about ten years ago
when Mr. Collins was finally able to persuade the owner to sell it to him. During that time it was used for
storage purposes.
After the store was moved to Elevation, the MCHC had a least two meetings there, one June 11th, 2011 and one
June 8th, 2009. The notification to the members of that latter meeting follows;
"June 8, 2009
10:00 AM
Carter Collins Store
Milano, TX
This is a reminder of the 10:00 a.m. June 8 meeting of the Milam County Historical Commission. The meeting
will be at Carter and Ann Collins’ Country Store on their property in Milano, Texas. Carter says that if the
weather is nice we are planning of doing this outside and if not we can be inside. This will most likely be
our most casual setting for everyone. Jeans and sneakers should be the dress code for the day.
Carter and Ann have graciously volunteered to have a deli lunch for us. They will provide soft drinks, juice
and water. If you would like to bring a salad or dessert that would be great, but not necessary. He would like
for you to bring lawn chairs (just in case we need more seating) and remember to dress in light summer clothes
since this is going to be an outside event. AND Carter also said to let you know that there is an indoor
restroom!!!!!
Be sure to look for a street sign with balloons on the highway.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the June meeting.
Geri and Dee Dee"
DIRECTIONS TO CARTER AND ANN'S COUNTRY STORE..MILANO,TEXAS
4571 S. HWY 36 Milano, Texas
FM ROCKDALE GO EAST ON 79 TO SECOND STOP LIGHT..TURN RIGHT ONTO HY 36
FM GAUSE GO WEST ON 79 TO FIRST STOP LIGHT..TURN LEFT ONTO HY 36
FM CAMERON GO SOUTH ON 36 TO FIRST STOP LIGHT..TURN LEFT ONTO 79..GO TO SECOND STOP LIGHT AND TURN RIGHT ONTO
HY 36
FROM THIS INTERSECTION GO SOUTH ON HY 36 TOWARDS CALDWELL.APPROX THREE MILES ON THE LEFT YOU WILL SEE AN OLD
ROCK HOUSE.THIS IS THE FIRST OF CR LOOP 344. ABOUT ONE MILE MORE YOU WILL BE AT THE SECOND PART OF LOOP 344.
GO A SHORT DISTANCE MORE AND YOU WILL SEE A LITTLE DIRT FARM ROAD..LOOK FOR SIGN AND ARROWS.
This country store was moved from Cameron. It started as Suffield's Grocery in the early 1900s..was bought by
R.L. Turner and was a grocery store and lunch for a lot of kids at Yoe High. Moved from the school grounds in
the 80s and we bought it because of the memories of those 25 cent lunches in high school. Near this store were
two other walk up or drive up stores full of ice cream and cokes for the kids and other grocery items for
those who had no cars and could walk a couple of blocks for groceries.
It was a favorite place to hang out before school as we could hear the first bell ring.
In the above preceding paragraph, I believe that the word Suffield is a typo and should read Shuffield, a very
prominent family in Milam County.
Dolores stated that that Mr. Lester Turner owned the store for a considerable period of time. The front peak
has been painted to read "Bob Turner Grocery", Bob being Lester's son who possibly ran it after his father.
I hope that I, with the help of Mrs. Dolores Mode's knowledge and kindness, have answered most of your
questions regarding the historic Turner General Store. When Anthony Collins calls, I'll be sure to relay any
additional information that he may share.
Jack Brooks
*****
Photos by Jack Brooks
Photo from Temple Daily Telegram
2016-10-28
Jack Brooks
bjohnr2010@hotmail.com
While researching the Cameron Herald newspaper archives through the Portals of Texas website I discovered the attached newspaper article with the header; Grocery Store Open here Wednesday. This article was dated August 3, 1951.The location is 11 blocks north of the Yoe High School location reported earlier and not far from the Airport in Cameron. I discussed this with Ms.Mary Ann Eanes, Ms. Jane Monroe and Ms. Liz McDermott, all tenured and very knowledgeable members of the Milam County Museum and who also reside in Cameron. They have mixed memories of the 23rd St. store after 65 years. It was mentioned that many of Cameron's streets were renumbered over the years possibly causing some confusion.
I then went back and zoomed into the front peak of the store and struggled to see how the very faded lettering actually read. I discerned it to read Bob Terry Grocery and not Turner at all.
This now made some sense. Lester Turner purchased the business from Bob Terry as stated in the newspaper article. He never changed/ repainted the business name on the front of the store. Lester Turner had no son Bob. All of the ladies confirmed that this is the store that was once located near YOE High School. I'm unable to factually explain the N. Fannin and 23rd street business unless it was an additional store that Lester Turner also purchased from Bob Terry or the street numbers were changed during this period causing all the confusion.
Lets go back to the location where the Turner Store was moved between the 1980's and approximately 2006. Ms. Mode stated that it was close to the O'Reilly Parts store and Anthony stated that it was used for storage during that time. With this information, I went to the Google Earth site which has a slider time line bar that allows different satellite photos over a time range. I believe that I may have identified the Turner store by location and timeline. If you'll note the attachments, in the satellite pass of 1/26/1996, you'll see what I believe to be the Turner store north of O'Reilly's. Next the Satellite pass of 10/30/2008 it has been removed from that location. That would help confirm the earlier move around 2006.
I am very thankful to have such helpful friends that share an interest in Milam County History. Thanks "guys" for assisting our MCHC website guest.
Sincerely,
Jack Brooks
*****
Jack Brooks
bjohnr2010@hotmail.com
While researching the Cameron Herald newspaper archives through the Portals of Texas website I discovered the attached newspaper article with the header; Grocery Store Open here Wednesday. This article was dated August 3, 1951.The location is 11 blocks north of the Yoe High School location reported earlier and not far from the Airport in Cameron. I discussed this with Ms.Mary Ann Eanes, Ms. Jane Monroe and Ms. Liz McDermott, all tenured and very knowledgeable members of the Milam County Museum and who also reside in Cameron. They have mixed memories of the 23rd St. store after 65 years. It was mentioned that many of Cameron's streets were renumbered over the years possibly causing some confusion.
I then went back and zoomed into the front peak of the store and struggled to see how the very faded lettering actually read. I discerned it to read Bob Terry Grocery and not Turner at all.
This now made some sense. Lester Turner purchased the business from Bob Terry as stated in the newspaper article. He never changed/ repainted the business name on the front of the store. Lester Turner had no son Bob. All of the ladies confirmed that this is the store that was once located near YOE High School. I'm unable to factually explain the N. Fannin and 23rd street business unless it was an additional store that Lester Turner also purchased from Bob Terry or the street numbers were changed during this period causing all the confusion.
Lets go back to the location where the Turner Store was moved between the 1980's and approximately 2006. Ms. Mode stated that it was close to the O'Reilly Parts store and Anthony stated that it was used for storage during that time. With this information, I went to the Google Earth site which has a slider time line bar that allows different satellite photos over a time range. I believe that I may have identified the Turner store by location and timeline. If you'll note the attachments, in the satellite pass of 1/26/1996, you'll see what I believe to be the Turner store north of O'Reilly's. Next the Satellite pass of 10/30/2008 it has been removed from that location. That would help confirm the earlier move around 2006.
I am very thankful to have such helpful friends that share an interest in Milam County History. Thanks "guys" for assisting our MCHC website guest.
Sincerely,
Jack Brooks
*****
2016-11-04
John Brooks
Mr. Sefcik,
I have a few more details to share with you regarding the store.
Attachment # 1 is the view of the store via Google Earth Street View from Hwy 36, as you had previously observed. How you picked that out while driving, I'll never know.
Attachment #2 are articles related to the Elevation Community of which you inquired. The upper was found in Tales From The Museum Volume #2, From the files of the Milam County Museum. Compiled and edited by Charles King- Milam County Museum. The book has no page numbers. The lower article is from The History of Milam County, Texas, by Lelia M. Batte. Pages 163-164. Both of these books are available for sale at the Milam County Museum, Tel. # (254) 697-8963.
I have not spoken with Marjorie Ann (Graham) Collins, the late Carter Collins' wife, about the store yet and haven't heard back from her son Anthony. The store and her home appear to be located on the same large tract of land. I would like to also confirm that her heritage is of the Graham heritage as mentioned in the above article.
My attempt at an abstract type search of the store property to confirm earlier Shuffield ownership has not been successful to date. The original store property ID was collapsed into the Yoe High School property after it was purchased. It appears that Cameron ISD property is proprietary and therefore no Volume and page is shown on the Milam County Appraisal District (MCAD) website (at least publically available). I'll visit the Milam County Clerk's office the first chance that I have and search the Volume that addresses the time frame dated Aug. 30, 1951 when Lester Turner purchased the store from Bob Terry.
Ms. Jane Monroe, from the museum, was kind enough to speak with Mr. Bob Terry, grandson of the Bob Terry who once owned the store. Should you be familiar with Bob's Steakhouse in Cameron, that is his business. He firmly stated to Jane that his grandfather built the original store and not a Shuffield. Another conflict in information from two different individual that needs to be resolved. I'm hoping that the above title search will resolve the discrepancy.
I will advise.
Jack Brooks
*****
John Brooks
Mr. Sefcik,
I have a few more details to share with you regarding the store.
Attachment # 1 is the view of the store via Google Earth Street View from Hwy 36, as you had previously observed. How you picked that out while driving, I'll never know.
Attachment #2 are articles related to the Elevation Community of which you inquired. The upper was found in Tales From The Museum Volume #2, From the files of the Milam County Museum. Compiled and edited by Charles King- Milam County Museum. The book has no page numbers. The lower article is from The History of Milam County, Texas, by Lelia M. Batte. Pages 163-164. Both of these books are available for sale at the Milam County Museum, Tel. # (254) 697-8963.
I have not spoken with Marjorie Ann (Graham) Collins, the late Carter Collins' wife, about the store yet and haven't heard back from her son Anthony. The store and her home appear to be located on the same large tract of land. I would like to also confirm that her heritage is of the Graham heritage as mentioned in the above article.
My attempt at an abstract type search of the store property to confirm earlier Shuffield ownership has not been successful to date. The original store property ID was collapsed into the Yoe High School property after it was purchased. It appears that Cameron ISD property is proprietary and therefore no Volume and page is shown on the Milam County Appraisal District (MCAD) website (at least publically available). I'll visit the Milam County Clerk's office the first chance that I have and search the Volume that addresses the time frame dated Aug. 30, 1951 when Lester Turner purchased the store from Bob Terry.
Ms. Jane Monroe, from the museum, was kind enough to speak with Mr. Bob Terry, grandson of the Bob Terry who once owned the store. Should you be familiar with Bob's Steakhouse in Cameron, that is his business. He firmly stated to Jane that his grandfather built the original store and not a Shuffield. Another conflict in information from two different individual that needs to be resolved. I'm hoping that the above title search will resolve the discrepancy.
I will advise.
Jack Brooks
*****
.
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