Nada, Texas, Colorado County. (original) (raw)

Historical Marker: On the grounds of St. Mary's Parish, 1/8 mile E. off Hwy 71.

Nada

Located on land once included in Stephen F. Austin's colony, the community of Nada was first settled in the 1880s by German and Czech immigrants. John William Schoellman brought his family here from nearby Frelsburg in 1881. He built the area's first store, which was operated by his son, John Henry Schoellmann. Other early settlers included the families of Joseph Laby, Florian Frnka, Gerhard Eggemeyer, Ernest Krenk, Joseph Schneider, and Diedrich Frels. A public school, known as Red Bluff, opened in 1883. In 1889 the Schoellmann and Laby families donated land for a Catholic Church and Parochial School. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1896 and has served as a center of community activities since that time. A U.S. post office was established in 1894 with William Engbrock as postmaster and the town was named Nada. By 1904 the community boasted homes, schools, stores, a church, cotton gin, and dance hall. Nada has remained an agricultural community. Many descendants of pioneer German and Czech settlers continue to live in the area.
1990

Nada is not what you think. The name is not Spanish, but is an Anglicized variation of Nadja, which we were told is the Czech word for hope.

Nada is the only town you'll see between Garwood and El Campo. There is, however, a lot of the Spanish "nada" between these two towns.

The store below is surprisingly clean and well stocked. Sandwiches are available and the service is friendly.

	The Nada grocery store TE Photo, 2000

Historical Marker: on Hwy 71 in front of Nada Post Office

Nada Post Office

The post office in Nada was established in 1894 when William J. Engbrock, Jr. was appointed the first postmaster. The post office was located in the general store owned by his father, William Engbrock, Sr., until 1898. Subsequent locations of the post office changed several times over the years, depending on the profession of the succeeding postmasters. Twice it was housed in the medical office and pharmacy of Dr. Francis Daehne, appointed in 1898, and Dr. John A. Halamicek, appointed in 1915. The post office returned to the general store during the terms of Joseph H. Labay, named in 1900, and Joseph J. Patter (Potter), appointed in 1903. Adolf Hruzek became postmaster in 1911 and moved the post office to his general store across the street. Appointed in 1921, Antone Lichnovsky moved the office in 1935 to his general store built near the newly constructed State Highway 71. His daughter, appointed in 1946, also served from his store. In 1953 the post office moved to the site of the postmaster's new service station and garage, where it remained for thirty years. In 1987 a new post office facility was built here on land purchased from the Braden family.
1996

Nada Dance Hall - Still standing
Photo Courtesy Steve Dean, October 2007
More Texas Dance Halls

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