Marlin Texas, Falls County seat. (original) (raw)
Palace Theatre and Cafe by RR tracks
TE photo, April 2003
History in a Pecan Shell
The town was named after early settler John Marlin, the County after the falls of the Brazos River. County was originally part of Milam and Limestone.
A hot artesian spring was struck by accident in 1893 and the town became known for its curative waters. This was the era of health awareness (people became aware of how little they had) and what better excuse was there for leaving home, than "taking the cure" in Marlin? Even today you can drink from a fountain from that era, right next to the Chamber of Commerce Office. You can soak your feet too, and they've thoughtfully provided a separate facility for that purpose. Water has a tendancy to purge and locals have timed it's effects at 43 minutes.
Historical Marker:
Marlin
In 1851, one year after Falls County was created, the town of Marlin was designated county seat. Formerly known as Adams, it was renamed for area pioneer John Marlin. The first courthouse was a log structure which also served as a school and community gathering place. A post office was established in 1851, the city was incorporated in 1867, and railroad service began in the 1870s. The discovery of hot mineral water wells in 1892 caused an economic boom. Spas, hotels, and hospitals were built, and Marlin was a noted health resort for the next fifty years.
1990
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Men drinking from hot artesian spring in Marlin, circa 1920 Old postcard |
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Marlin, Texas Landmarks / Attractions:
Marlin historic downtown has many antique sources.
Falls on the Brazos Park has canoeing, camping and fishing ( Any Marlins caught must be released).
Brick collectors can find Marlin Bricks at downtown antique stores.
The Falls County Historical Museum
Hour: Mondays and Fridays 1-4 P.M.
Phone: 245-883-910.
Palace Theatre
TE photo, April 2003
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Falls Hotel today Photo courtesy George Lester, 5-2004 |
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The Falls Hotel
Conrad Hilton's Eighth
"I guess you know the history of this famous old hotel in Marlin. It had a tunnel going to a bathhouse across the street. The bathhouse is gone and the tunnel has been blocked off.
During the depression I stood on the sidewalk just to the left of the entrance way shelter and watched a "human fly" scale the wall. I don't know how high he climbed because I couldn't stand to watch the full ascent. I believe the only thing he received from his daring act was the net proceeds from a passed hat. I heard that he told someone when it was all over that the biggest danger he faced was starving to death." - George Lester, May 18, 2004
Blue Ridge Baptist Church in SE Marlin
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2005
St. Paul's United Church Of Christ north of Marlin
Photo courtesy Michael Baxter, 2007
Marlin, Texas Vintage Photos:
Photo courtesy Larry W. Johnson
Marlin, Texas Chronicles
- Hot Air Verses by Mike Cox
Back when Dr. John Walter Torbett practiced medicine in Marlin, his patients could buy his �Hot Air Verses from the Hot Water Town� from him for a quarter or at the local Renfro Drug Store. The 88-page softcover booklet offered a mixture of the good doctor�s doggerel and medical advice that for the most part rings surprisingly true more than a century after he published it. - Common Sense Justice in Marlin by Mike Cox
�Battery Dan� Finn's renown for putting �equity before the law,� seems to have come to the judicial notice of Marlin�s mayor, F. S. Heffner... - Bring Me the Head of My Least Favorite Nephew by John Troesser
Getting what you wish for in Marlin, Texas, 1908 - The Movies in 1930s Marlin by George Lester
Our dad gave us each a quarter to spend on our big "Saturday-go-to-town" day ...
Marlin, Texas Tourist Information
Marlin Chamber of Commerce - 254-883-2171
245 Coleman St.
Website: www.marlintexas.com
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