Elstone, Texas. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Sarah Elstone Mercereau is thought to be the town's namesake. She was a descendant of the Duke of Marlborough, and a resident of the town, but there's no mention of how she came to reside in such a remote locale.

Information is scarce, but we do know there was a post office from 1910 to 1917. The only population figure comes from 1914 when the community had 50 residents, a store, cotton gin and the aforementioned post office. A boll weevil infestation hit the area hard in the 1920s which foretold Elstone's demise. It was said the store held on until the early 1930s but residents went in search of whiter (and less infected) fields. Elstone had become a ghost town by the mid 1930s.

Elstone, Texas Forum

Subject: Elstone store
There is a road called Elstone out in Medina County, west of Castroville. And there was even an old store building that still remained. You had to turn right on Elstone Road and cross the railroad tracks to get to it. The store was visible from USHwy 90 West. You might be able to see if it shows up on Google Maps. Been years since I have been out that way. - Holly Hilpert, August 30, 2017

1920s Medina County map showing Elstone SE of Hondo
From Texas state map #10749
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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