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Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag How the Courthouse came to Conroe New video on "How the Courthouse came to Conroe" click below to view! Video Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Texas Historical Timeline Vol. I & II by Larry Foerster 2024 Softbound $35 Hardbound $50 The two-volume updated second edition of my Montgomery County Texas Historical Timeline has now arrived from the printer and will be available for sale. This expands my first edition published in 2013 from 239 pages to 500 pages in two volumes. Cover photos taken by professional photographer, David Clements, are of “The Texian” statue, created by noted local sculptor Craig Campobella. The statue is the centerpiece of the Lone Star Monument and Historic Flag Park in Conroe. This is a Montgomery County Historical Commission project with the support of County Judge Mark Keough and County Commissioners Robert Walker, Charlie Riley, James Noack, and Matt Gray. Volumes will soon be available at all County libraries. Volume I covers the years 1500 through 1918. Volume II covers the years 1919 through 2021. Each softbound volume is full of historic photos, maps, and other historic items that make reading our County’s history more interesting. Softbound Volumes I and II retail for $35 each. All proceeds are used to promote and preserve the history of Montgomery County. Checks can be made payable to the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Email Larry Foerster at foerster@dfcllp.com Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission "Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Videos Videos Videos from around Montgomery County How the Courthouse came to Conroe New video on "How the Courthouse came to Conroe" click below to view! Video Videos All Videos All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing Restoration of the Turner Family Monument 01:40 Play Video Now Playing Mary McCoy 'Elvis & Living Her Dream' 51:07 Play Video Now Playing Miracle City Moments: How the Courthouse Came to Conroe 02:09 Play Video Texas Centennial Snapshots (1936) This film from the Orris D. Brown Collection documents notable locations, battles, and citizens that tell the story of early Texas at the time of its centennial in 1936. Intertittled to introduce each place and its significance, footage is included of statues of La Salle and Sam Houston, the Spanish Governor's Palace and the Alamo in San Antonio, the Battle of Gonzales battlefield, the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in Washington-on-the-Brazos, Sam Houston's homes in Independence, Texas and Huntsville, Texas, and the graves of the Houston family. Most notably, footage of Sam Houston's slave and personal servant, Uncle Jeff Hamilton, is also included. The digital preservation of this film was made possible by a grant to the Texas Archive of the Moving Image and the Houston Public Library from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church- Conroe (1970) This home movie captures scenes of the congregation of Mt. Horem Baptist Church traveling by bus to Conroe, Texas for what seems to be a joint service with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Children put on robes for a choir performance and a potluck dinner takes place. Cut and Shoot Fast Draw (1980) Broadcast on August 21, 1980, this episode of PM Magazine features profiles of quick-draw champions Diane and Bob Graham and economist Howard Ruff. PM Magazine Departments also offer gardening tips, a warning about refined sugar, and a recommendation for a local take-out restaurant. PM Magazine was a local news and entertainment television program broadcast on Beaumont's KFDM-TV in from late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Sam Houston Trail Ride & 1964 World's Fair This 1964 home movie first captures the Sam Houston Trail Ride, an all-horse parade that travels the trail roads from Montgomery into Houston to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, now averaging over two million attendees annually. Later, the Rairigh family journeys to New York City for the 1964 World's Fair, where they see DuPont's "Wonderful World of Chemistry." The film concludes with the Rairighs back home in Beaumont to celebrate Christmas. Trail Ride in Montgomery (1958) This home movie, shot by former member of the Texas House of Representatives Harold H. "Hal" Coley, captures a trail ride in Conroe. Participants dressed in Western attire ride horses or atop covered wagons. Later, the Coley family tours their new lake house. Explosion Starts Oil Fire (1933) Conroe "Remarkable pictures of a burning gusher that shakes houses seven miles away when it ‘goes up' and which defies all attempts to quench its roaring flames." [From original Universal Newsreel content sheet.] This Universal Newsreel contains dramatic footage of an oil well fire near Conroe, Texas. Men approach the blaze behind protective shields and a crane pours dirt over the flames. Conroe, Texas, like many East Texas towns, enjoyed an oil boom in the 1930s. This newsreel is believed to depict the Conroe well fires of 1933. Two wells a mile apart, the Standard of Kansas No. 1 Madeley and the Southland Oil No. 2 Cummings, both burst into flame the morning of January 12th. The Madeley was particularly difficult to get under control, with nitroglycerine blasts and dirt fill proving unsuccessful. The well cratered, swallowing the derrick and other nearby rigs, resulting in huge damages. After drilling many relief wells, the fires were eventually brought under control, but had created a large oil-filled "crater well" in the Conroe oilfield. Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Home of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More County Historical Markers Tamina Sweet Rest Cemetery Piney Grove Missionary in Magnolia Addison-Gandy House The Addison-Gandy House was built for John Britton Addison and his wife Martha Bowe Davis Addison around 1892. Local craftsmen Robert and John Carpenter constructed the residence out of pine and cypress timbers. Today, the facade is unchanged with its detailed Victorian gingerbread port railing. It is a one story "L" shaped cottage with a gabled roof and a front porch supported by plain square posts and decorative brackets. Read more... Algernon Texas Alexander Algernon Alexander is internationally recognized as a father of Texas Blues. Born into abject poverty on September 12, 1900 in Jewett, Leon County, Texas, Algernon was raised in Richards, Texas, by his grandmother, Sally Beavers. While working in the cotton fields and for the railroad, Alexander learned the "Blues," a new expressive style of emotional and spiritual music sung by African Americans. Alexander made over 69 recordings for Okeh and Vocalion records as "Texas" Alexander. Conroe Service League Conroe Service League began in 1955 with 12 enterprising women who made a difference in their community by forming one of the first organizations in the county to help the needy and disadvantaged children. The women were pioneers that effected change for the underserved in the community. They were instrumental in establishing the Heritage Museum. Local women have followed in their footsteps using their guiding principles and ideals to continue their legacy. Grogan-Cochran House The Grogan-Cochran house was built in 1924 by James G. Grogan, Sr., who was prominent in the lumber industry at that time. This single-story frame house was built for his family in the Texas Bungalow architectural style that was common during the early 1900's. The house was constructed with wooden shiplap walls and floors from local pine produced at the Grogan-Cochran Lumber Company sawmill. The house was originally located near downtown Conroe at 615 North Thompson. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church Established in 1901, the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church has served the Black community of Conroe, Texas for 120 years. Strake-Gray Oilfield House The Strake-Gray Oilfield House was purchased by George Strake, Sr. for his first oilfield superintendent in 1938. The house was originally located at 11585 Duffey Road off FM 1314. It represents the typical front gable single story bungalow-style house of the period. It is unique in that it is of portable construction, meaning it was prefabricated. It is believed that the house was ordered from a Sears and Roebuck Catalogue, shipped by rail in pieces, transported to the oilfield, Read More Sanders Cemetery Julius J. Sanders was born in Jones County, GA in 1836. He and his wife Sarah Torvah moved to Texas in 1872 after serving in the Civil War. Julius was a circuit preacher for the Methodist Church and traveled to many towns in Montgomery County preaching the gospel. In 1875, he acquired 59 acres in the W. Hillhouse Survey establishing his homestead and family cemetery. he was one of the first Methodist Ministers in Magnolia and helped build the first Methodist Church building. Shepard's Barber Shop This is the oldest barber shop in continuous use in Montgomery County. The building was known locally as the "Little Jack West Building" when constructed by Pete West about 1914. It was first used as a barber shop by Henry Williamson in about 1922 and then in 1938 by Stovall Thomas. Bob Shepard purchased the building from Waren Stubblefield in 2000. The building's exterior was restored in 2007. WA & Gertrude Dean Home The Dean family were one of the prominent mercantile and community leaders of Magnolia in the early 1900s. In 1919, W.A. (Willie) Dean constructed this house and completed it a year later in time for his wedding to Gertrude Crook. They lived in this house until Willie's death in 1963. This home is a typical one-story house popular in the early 1900s. It was constructed of pine and hardwoods milled at a Magnolia sawmill. The Dean home is an excellent example of typical 20th century small housing. County Marker Documents

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Youth Advisory Board Youth Advisory Board COUNTY-WIDE “YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD” ​ One of the most important branches of the Montgomery County Historical Commission is its Youth Advisory Board (“YAB” for short). Composed of juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools in Montgomery County. The goal is to harness the “Youth Power” in our communities by forming a high school youth advisory board. The Historical Commission believes this is the first such county-wide youth organization of its kind in Texas. ​ The Montgomery County Historical Commission is a duly constituted organization of Montgomery County government composed of citizen members appointed by the County Commissioners who serve for two-year terms. The Commission reports to the County Judge and the Commissioners Court and the Texas Historical Commission. The Commission works in various fields including archeology, architecture, history, economic development and heritage tourism for the purpose of preserving and promoting the rich history and heritage of Montgomery County—the third oldest county in Texas, created in 1837. The Youth Advisory Board has its own set of By-Laws along with a Mission Statement: ​ To provide the youth of Montgomery County opportunities through volunteerism and service to have a positive effect on the preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of Texas and Montgomery County; to discover and circulate information that is important to the historical identity of Montgomery County; and to offer a forum by which youth in Montgomery County can voice their ideas and concerns. ​ These energetic and creative young people—all personally selected by their school teachers and administrators—will individually and collectively: ​ Be a voice for the youth of Montgomery County in our Historical Commission’s goals to make history relevant, interesting and fun for all ages Promote Historical Commission activities and events, such as the upcoming first annual History Road Rally and similar historical events around Montgomery County Generate fresh and fun ideas for projects that serve the Historical Commission and the citizens of Montgomery County Increase awareness of educational opportunities for Texas and Montgomery County history Be directly engaged in the preservation and promotion of the history of Montgomery County Promote the contributions of Montgomery County youth as service volunteers Help with the maintenance of the Historical Commission website and other social media that distribute information about Montgomery County’s historical sites and its rich heritage Have fun working with other Montgomery County youth along with respected County leaders ​ For more information about this new organization, please contact Commission member and Board sponsor, Brenda Beaven at 936-499-3786 (cell) or email: brenda.n.beaven@gmail.com . Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Bessie Owen Collection The Bessie Owen Collection This is a courtesy from the History Task Force who scanned the collection to find out more visit the History Task Force Currently Displaying Boxes 1-7 of 12, More Coming Soon! Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Minutes and Reports Annual Report of the Commission 2023 Montgomery County Historical Commission Report Minutes and Reports Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Grants Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historic Resources Preservation Montgomery County Historic Resources To preserve historic and cultural resources, we must first know they exist. Architectural and archeological surveys identify significant properties in neighborhoods, communities, and entire counties. Published inventories of such sites can be indispensable in raising a community's awareness of its cultural heritage and in its planning efforts. The most important resources identified through surveys have the potential for state and national landmark designation. Moreover, the information and photographs generated by a survey create an irreplaceable record of the present state of that heritage. Preservation Resources Nr_Survey_NrSurv79-DCF MCHC Resource Tracking Log Tx Preservation Handbook_10 National Preservation Act Application for Funding Reimbursement Procedures (Jan 2022) Preservation Projects and Grants Projects 2020 Preservation Projects 2019 Preservation Projects 2018 Preservation Projects Grants 2020 Historic Preservation Grants 2019 Historic Preservation Grants 2018 Historic Preservation Grants Historical Resource Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Cemetery Preservation Montgomery County Cemeteries Cemeteries are among the most valuable of historic resources. They are reminders of various settlement patterns, such as villages, rural communities, urban centers, and ghost towns. Cemeteries can reveal information about historic events, religions, lifestyles, and genealogy. ​ Names on grave markers serve as a directory of early residents and reflect the ethnic diversity and unique population of an area. Cultural influence in grave marker design, cemetery decoration, and landscaping contribute to the complete narrative of Texas history. Established in large part for the benefit of the living, cemeteries perpetuate the memories of the deceased, giving a place of character and definition. ​ The Texas Historical Commission is aware of about 14,000 cemeteries in Texas, and this number continues to rise. These range from single, isolated, and often unmarked graves to expansive cemeteries spanning hundreds of acres and reaching up to hundreds of thousands of burials. ​ Unfortunately, historic cemeteries do not necessarily remain permanent reminders of our heritage. Across Texas, they are threatened by development and expanding urban areas, natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation, lack of fences to keep cattle from toppling headstones, and vandalism and theft, including removal of headstones and objects. Neglect accelerates and compounds the process. The THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program offers technical assistance to assist concerned citizens and local and regional organizations with their cemetery preservation efforts. The program administers the Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation process to record and protect historic cemeteries across the state. Participation can lead to a strong and long-lasting preservation effort. ​ The THC offers guidelines (PDF) to aid in the preservation of the state’s historic cemeteries. However, this information alone is not enough to protect them; preservation starts with you. Individuals and groups interested in saving these irreplaceable cultural resources of Texas’ heritage are the driving force in long-term preservation. What Can I Do? Preserving historic cemeteries begins with you. Cemetery preservation is community-driven and begins with grassroots efforts. ​ It is important to educate city and county officials about cemetery preservation issues and inform state legislators of the need for stronger state laws. Elected officials are not always aware of historic preservation challenges in the community and they will welcome input. ​ A working knowledge of federal, state, and local cemetery laws is essential, as is an effort to publicize attempts to protect and care for cemeteries when possible. Here are a few things you can do: ​ Record unidentified and abandoned cemeteries in your area with a Notice of Existence of Cemetery form This form, filed with your county clerk’s office, will add the cemetery to the county deed records, allowing future landowners knowledge of a cemetery on their property.​ Record unverified in your area with a Notice of Unverified Cemetery form. This form is filed with the Texas Historical Commission and concurrently with the landowner on record. Apply for a Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation. This process provides the Texas Historical Commission (THC) with additional information about the cemetery and is accompanied by detailed information including the history, a map, photographs, and historic deed records. Form a cemetery association or 501(c)(3) corporation. A cemetery association can create rules and regulations that can protect the cemetery. It can also raise tax-deductible funds to aid in cemetery maintenance, clean-up, preservation, and conservation efforts. Keep the THC informed of cemetery preservation projects taking place in the community. If you need additional help or information regarding historic cemeteries, or if you would like to talk with a staff member about the HTC designation, please contact the THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program staff at 512-463-5853, or history@thc.texas.gov . Montgomery County Cemeteries Montgomery County Cemeteries Lat and Long Texas Atlas List of Cemeteries Conroe Community Cemetery Restoration Project Cemetery Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Image Gallery Gallery 1 The photos presented are courtesy of the History Task Force. Gallery 2 The photos presented are courtesy of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County. Share your Pictures Share your pictures and your stories with us! Upload Files here. ​ To Contribute: To contribute images to this gallery, insert images to the folder and note that in contributing images, you are releasing them to be shared on the website. Thank you. Gallery

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Oil and Industry History Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historic Preservation Cemeteries Historic Resources Survey Historical Marker THC Historical Markers Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.