Howe in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Mame Roberts

(Aug. 19, 1883 - Dec. 24, 1976)

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

1. Mame Roberts Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The daughter of James M. and Martha Sue (Baxter) Roberts, Mame Roberts lived her entire life in or near the community of Howe. Largely self-taught, she worked as a substitute teacher in the lower grades at the Howe Public Schools in the early 1900s before turning to her life's work-promoting civic improvements and beautification.

As the writer of a weekly column in the Howe Messenger, Mame Roberts promoted her hometown and encouraged its beautification. Her campaign to make Howe the "Prettiest Little Town in Texas" motivated other small Texas towns to take similar action. A series of articles in the Dallas Morning News provided step-by-step instructions for carrying out beautification efforts, and she was in great demand as a speaker at garden club gatherings throughout this part of the state. Mame's work attracted the attention of Life Magazine and Reader's Digest, and she was named "Woman of the Day" on May 14, 1949, on Eleanor and Anna Roosevelt's national radio program.

Her leadership positions included: President of the Grayson County Federation of Women's Clubs; President of the Texoma

The Mame Roberts Marker in the garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

2. The Mame Roberts Marker in the garden

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Redbud Association, which urged the planting of redbuds along highways in Texas and Oklahoma; and founder and president of the Howe Sesame Club. Her work, which spanned the decades before and after World War II, is a significant part of the civic history of Howe and of all the towns that put her lessons into action.

Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12709.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is May 14, 1949.

Location. 33° 30.393′ N, 96° 36.748′ W. Marker is in Howe, Texas, in Grayson County. Marker is at the intersection of North Denny Street (State Highway 5) and East O'Connell Street on North Denny Street. The marker is located in a small garden at the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East O'Connell Street, Howe TX 75459, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Christian Church of Howe (a few steps from this marker); Jabez and Harriet Haning (approx. 2.6 miles away); William Whitley Wheat (approx. 2.6 miles away); Hall Cemetery (approx. 2.6 miles away); Boy Scout Troop 1 (Troop 44) (approx. 5.8 miles away); Site of Campus of Old Columbia College

The view of the Mame Roberts Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 29, 2022

3. The view of the Mame Roberts Marker from the street

(the marker is located to the right of the brick gazebo)

(approx. 5.9 miles away); Howe Lodge No. 430, A.F.& A.M. (approx. 6.1 miles away); Mantua Masonic Lodge No. 209. A.F. & A.M. (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Howe.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.