Smyer, Texas, Hockley County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

A town with no 19th Century history, Smyer appeared in the mid 1920s. It was platted in anticipation of the railroad�s arrival (the Santa Fe) and it was named after a railroad superintendent (Clifton Smeyers). Rancher W. L. Ellwood sold small parcels of land to would-be farmers.

The community got off to a promising start with a cotton gin and school soon established. A lumberyard facilitated building and in 1926 a post office was granted.

Tragedy struck in 1929 in the form of a tornado that demolished the school as well as the town windmill and water tower. The loss made the Great Depression a little harder to bear for residents. The 1940 Census reported five businesses and a population of 125. By the end of WWII it had doubled to 200 residents and the number of stores trebled to 15.

Growth was slow but steady over the decades as the town added services. By 1980 there were 455 residents. By that time Smyer had added a city hall and fire station as well as a grain elevator.

The 1990 census reported 442 people which grew to 480 by the year 2000.

Photographer's Note:
"Being on the eastern edge of Hockley County, Smyer was hit hard by the reduction/closure of Reese Air Force Base." - Barclay Gibson, February 24, 2013

Smyer's "Texas" shaped welcome sign
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, March 2010

Smyer 4-H Club Welcomes You!
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, March 2010

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.