McGregor, Texas, McLennan County. (original) (raw)
The McGregor Depot / Amtrak Station
TE Photo, March 2004
More Texas Depots
History in a Pecan Shell
A doctor with the redundant name of Gregor McGregor granted the railroad a right-of-way and thereby earned the honor of having the town named after him. Like nearby Waco, McGregor was blessed with artesian springs. Lots were sold from a railroad flatcar in September of 1882 by a state land commisioner.
In short order, McGregor was drawing off the populations of smaller communities and one (Banks) even transferred their post office to McGregor in October of 1882.
During WWII, an Army Ordnance plant just outside of McGregor brought in enough workers to triple the population. After the war, the plant �beat swords into plowshares� by manufacturing stoves and other pacific appliances.
The election of George W. Bush as President may well help McGregor economically. It�s possible that the town may benefit in the same way Fredericksburg did during LBJ�s terms. It�s the closest town to Bush�s farm at Crawford, Texas. Fredericksburg was the nearest populated area to Stonewall and LBJ�s ranch.
Today Amtrak�s Chicago to Los Angeles Texas Eagle makes a stop in McGregor at the depot. The neat little waiting room is air-conditioned and is furnished with the old railroad pew-type seating and a soft drink machine (Dr. Pepper of course).
McGregor Attractions
- Amsler Park: just north of town on Hwy 317.
- The Spradley Telephone Museum: 921 W. 3rd Street
- The McGinley Memorial Library at 317 Main contains movie memorabilia in the balcony section. 254-840-3732
The McGinley Memorial Library,
formerly the Ritz Theatre, 317 Main Street
TE Photo, March 2004
The 1912 Texas Theatre neon sign
Photo courtesy Shawn Stephens, February 2018
Photographer's Note:
This is the oldest theatre in Texas built specifically for motion picture and entertainment purposes. - Shawn Stephens, June 22, 2018
Texas Theatre
Photo courtesy Shawn Stephens, February 2018
The Odd Fellows Hall in McGregor
TE Photo, March 2004
More Texas Lodges
McGregor Tourist Information
McGregor Chamber of Commerce
303 South Main 254-840-2292
City website: www.mcgregor-texas.com
NATIVE SONS
- Johnnie High by Dorothy Hamm
Today almost every county in Texas has an �opry,� a country music variety show that showcases local talent., but that has not always been the norm. In 1975, when Johnnie High, a handsome, super-personable entertainer who had been picking and singing since his early teens, dreamed of establishing a wholesome, quality, country music show using local �unproven� talent, his friends told him there was no way it would succeed.
Thirty years later, Johnnie High�s Country Music Revue is a North Central Texas "institution" that has earned international recognition, growing into one of our most enduring country music traditions. more
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