Wills Point in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Brick Streets of Wills Point
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, June 17, 2018
1. Brick Streets of Wills Point Marker
Inscription.
Brick Streets of Wills Point. . In the early 1920s, an atmosphere of gratefulness for the end of World War I was prevalent throughout the country. In Wills Point, a sense of optimism and interest in urban development led to the formation of a chamber of commerce on December 5, 1921, at the Majestic Theater. The number one goal for the new chamber was for the city to pave the streets in the business district. The city council ordered a special election to determine whether to issue bonds to pave and gravel the streets. Even though the rain poured that day, the vote was the largest ever seen in a city election and the bond passed. , , At a June 15, 1922, city council meeting, H.N. Roberts, civil engineer, and E.M. Starr accepted the contract for unloading material and curbing. Mayor Henry Gilchrist and five aldermen traveled to Mineral Wells paving brick plant to inspect the brick quality. It is believed that the bricks came from this plant. Plans called for a 4-inch concrete base covered with a layer of sand upon which the paving bricks were laid with a heavy wearing-surface of asphalt. Instead of contracting for labor to lay the brick, volunteers under an experienced supervisor saved the town hundreds of dollars. When the brick streets were completed in November 1922, two traffic cops were stationed downtown at the Rose Fountain for the first time to familiarize the public with new traffic laws. Soon, a new ice plant, churches, electric light plant, a renovated post office and free mail service was available to Wills Point. The brick streets in Wills Point opened the door to a range of new businesses and modern conveniences in the downtown area.
In the early 1920s, an atmosphere of gratefulness for the end of World War I was prevalent throughout the country. In Wills Point, a sense of optimism and interest in urban development led to the formation of a chamber of commerce on December 5, 1921, at the Majestic Theater. The number one goal for the new chamber was for the city to pave the streets in the business district. The city council ordered a special election to determine whether to issue bonds to pave and gravel the streets. Even though the rain poured that day, the vote was the largest ever seen in a city election and the bond passed.
At a June 15, 1922, city council meeting, H.N. Roberts, civil engineer, and E.M. Starr accepted the contract for unloading material and curbing. Mayor Henry Gilchrist and five aldermen traveled to Mineral Wells paving brick plant to inspect the brick quality. It is believed that the bricks came from this plant. Plans called for a 4-inch concrete base covered with a layer of sand upon which the paving bricks were laid with a heavy wearing-surface of asphalt. Instead of contracting for labor to lay the brick, volunteers under an experienced supervisor saved the town hundreds of dollars. When the brick streets were completed in November 1922, two traffic cops were stationed downtown at the Rose Fountain for the first time to familiarize
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the public with new traffic laws. Soon, a new ice plant, churches, electric light plant, a renovated post office and free mail service was available to Wills Point. The brick streets in Wills Point opened the door to a range of new businesses and modern conveniences in the downtown area.
Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17627.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is June 15, 1922.
Location. 32° 42.542′ N, 96° 0.474′ W. Marker is in Wills Point, Texas, in Van Zandt County. Marker is at the intersection of East James Street and North 4th Street (Farm to Market Road 47), on the right when traveling east on East James Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wills Point TX 75169, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.