Near Mingus in Erath County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Thurber Big Lake and Dairy
Photographed By Duane Hall, September 8, 2016
1. Site of Thurber Big Lake and Dairy Marker
Inscription.
Site of Thurber Big Lake and Dairy. . In 1891, a 20-acre “little lake” was built south of the Thurber townsite to supply water to the community. It soon proved inadequate, however, and five years later a 150-acre “big lake” was constructed here about a mile southeast of town. Texas and Pacific Coal Company president R.D. Hunter organized a hunting and fishing club at the big lake for company executives and staff. Water from the lake irrigated company-owned farmland in the valley below, and provided water for the nearby Thurber Dairy. The dairy’s twin silos were still visible decades later.
In 1891, a 20-acre “little lake” was built south of the Thurber townsite to supply water to the community. It soon proved inadequate, however, and five years later a 150-acre “big lake” was constructed here about a mile southeast of town. Texas and Pacific Coal Company president R.D. Hunter organized a hunting and fishing club at the big lake for company executives and staff. Water from the lake irrigated company-owned farmland in the valley below, and provided water for the nearby Thurber Dairy. The dairy’s twin silos were still visible decades later.
Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4902.)
Location. 32° 30.476′ N, 98° 23.845′ W. Marker is near Mingus, Texas, in Erath County. Marker is on Interstate 20 Frontage Road, one mile east of County Road 107, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mingus TX 76463, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Marker is on left (south) side of highway The Thurber smokestack is visible in the far right background
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
