Mykawa, Texas, and rice cultivation. (original) (raw)

The 1923 Mykawa Elementary School
TE photos, August 2006

History in a Rice Bowl

Shinpei Mykawa, a naval officer traveling by train with a Japanese delegation in the 1890s, noticed the flat expanses of this part of Texas and how suitable it would be for rice cultivation. He returned as a civilian and is credited with introducing rice culture in this part of Texas. A post office was in operation in Mykawa from 1907 to 1933. By 1914 the town had a population of 200, but this dropped to only 20 by the mid-1920s.

Oil was discovered nearby, but was hardly noticed with all the activity in other parts of Harris County. The railroad still has a siding marker Mykawa and the long road North to East Houston has a huge police detention center - which is the most common association with the name Mykawa.

The former one-story brick elementary school is now in use as the Minnitex Civic Center.

Shinpei Mykawa was buried in Houston's Hollywood Cemetery (where I-45 meets North Main Street).

Mr. Mykawa's Grave in Houston's Hollywood Cemetery
TE Photo, September 2003

Japanese inscription on Mr. Mykawa's grave.
TE Photo, September 2003

The 1923 Mykawa School
TE photos, August 2006
More Texas Schoolhouses

The Mykawa School Cornerstone
TE photo, August 2006
More Texas cornerstones

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