Gorman, Texas, Eastland County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Originally named Shinoak, Gorman was the name submitted for a post office in 1889. Patrick Gorman was roadmaster of the Texas Central Railroad.

The town was incorporated in 1902, and by 1904 Gorman had a hotel, lumberyard, cannery, light plant and newspaper.

From 1905 to 1912 Gorman was home to Hankins College.

Gorman, with its railroad was a supply center during the Eastland County boomtimes.

The first peanut-shelling machine in Texas was introduced in 1940, and Gorman became a center of the Peanut Industry with both the Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Southwest Peanut Growers' Association headquartered there.

Annual Event:
Gorman Peanut Festival - Second Saturday in September

Gorman Landmarks:

First Baptist Church
Vintage photo courtesy City of Gorman

Former grocery and water tower
TE Photo, February 2004

A Peanut Scale at Gorman
TE Photo, February 2004

Gorman Peanut Festival sign
TE Photo, February 2004
See Texas Food

Gorman, Texas Forum

• Subject: Gorman, Texas
  My grand parents lived in Gorman and are buried in the Gorman Cemetery. Charles Thomas and Elizabeth (Bowman) Moorman. I was born in the Blackwell Hospital (12 15 34) as was my younger brother-John Truett- (7-22-38). My mother wanted to be at home [in Gorman] for the events. My grand parents lived there until their deaths- Charles in 1941 and Elizabeth 1952. My earliest memories are from about five years old when we would come for visits and ride in their Model T Ford to town. Wonderful memories! My wife and I sometimes detour through Gorman-just to visit the grave sites. - Charles Robert Palmer, Houston, Texas, September 16, 2007
• I was born and raised in Gorman,Texas. I was born in the Blackwell Hospital that has since been torn down. I went to school in Gorman 11 1/2 years. My parents bought Pullig's Cleaners and changed the name to Munn Cleaners. I would walk from the school which was only three blocks away to the shop and then would go to the corner drug store to get a fountain drink and play "Spades" till my mom picked me up a little after 5:00. I attended First Baptist Church, baptized in Aug. 1964. Was married in June 20, 1970 in the new First Baptist Church by Pastor Polnac.
  I can remember when Gorman had 3 drug stores, 2 variety stores, 3 grocery stores, and a department store (Frossard's). My mother still lives in Gorman and she is 89 years old. I have pictures, but I will have to look for them. - Jean (Munn) Miller, Gilmer, Texas, April 12, 2006

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