Millersview Texas. (original) (raw)

Millersview Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, October 2010

History in a Pecan Shell

Named for Edward D. Miller, who co-founded the town with one Henry Barr. Previous settlement had been scattered along Mustang Creek - some seven miles NE of present day Millersview. The town was granted a post office in 1903. In 1914 the town had a population of 160. From 300 people in 1931, it was reduced by two thirds by 1933 but somehow managed to rise to 250 as the Depression was winding down.

The Millersview school had eight teachers in 1940 to teach both elementary and high school grades. High school classes were suspended in 1958 although elementary classes continued until the school closed sometime before 1989.

The population was 175 in 1963, declining thereafter to 70 by 1970 - an estimate that stayed in place for thirty years. Students from Millersview now attend classes in Eden.

The community is reportedly the only town in the United States using the name Millersview.

Photographer's Note: "This is the Millersview School......there was a marker on the inside of the outer foyer but it is gone. The building had 6+ classrooms. I say 6+ because I surprised a skunk in one of the classrooms. It raised its tail and I abandoned my classroom count. I ran very quickly out of the building. It is interesting how the community maintained the gym but let the school go... the roof is caving in in several places. Money, or the lack of it, would account for that. Also, many of these old buildings would cost a great deal to demolish because they have asbestos inside; asbestos abatement tends to be very expensive." - Stephen Taylor, January 09, 2006

Photographer's note: "This is the WPA-era gymnasium at Millersview. It is a real gem and has been restored by the locals and is being kept up as a community center. A cornerstone states 1939 as the date of construction." - Stephen Taylor, January 09, 2006

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