Monthalia, Texas, Gonzales County. (original) (raw)
History in a Pecan Shell
The name is said to come from early settler and former Georgian Phelps White, who had lost his sweetheart (Thalia) back home. Originally called Mount Thalia, over time the two words were merged into one. Earliest settlement was in the mid 1840s. A Masonic Lodge and church were organized in the late 1860s.
Land was bequeathed for a church and school, by noted Texas philanthropist and Civil War veteran George W. Littlefield. German immigrants arrived late in the 19th Century . A post office was granted in 1893 with M. L. Potts serving as postmaster.
Store owner August Pape built a store here in 1900 and the post office moved into the building shortly thereafter. It was relocated to another store in 1930 and closed for good in 1968.
Monthalia was a closely knit community throughout its history with various clubs making life easier for the residents. After WWII, Monthalia�s students were merged into the schools of nearby Cost and Gonzales.
Photographer�s Note:
�The Monthalia Methodist Church is on FM 112 at CR 140, 2-1/2 miles SE of Monthalia. The cemetery is across from the church.� �
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