Direct, Texas, Lamar County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The unusual name has two sources - one as likely (or unlikely) as the other. Story one: Indians from Oklahoma crossed the Red River "direct" to get whiskey. Story two: A preacher told the inhabitants that if they didn't change their ways they were danger of going "direct" to Hell.

In either case, the town was familiar with "beverage alcohol" and a local bartender is said to have financed the building of the community's first church.

The town's post office had a lengthy run - operating from 1887 through the mid 1950s. Direct supported three general stores during its early days and by 1914 when the population had exceeded 200, there were four stores, plus two blacksmiths. The population reached a high of 250 shortly after WWII but a decline set in and by the 1980s there were only 70 people remaining. The same figure remains in use for the 2000 figures.

Direct Convenience Store
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, August 2010

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