Silver Falls Pavilion

Silver Falls Pavilion. . The Silver Falls area has long been a travel highlight. Judging from the number of centuries-old artifacts found in the area, it appears Native Americans knew its value as a watering hole for plentiful game. Around the turn of the 20th century, the first Anglo settlers to the area, Henry Clay "Hank" Smith and his family, likely organized day-outings to Silver Falls with their neighbors. In 1917, Mineral Wells entrepreneur Sidney Webb saw an opportunity. He purchased 7,659.89 acres of land then known as the Two-Buckle Ranch from local land agent Julian M. Bassett for the purposes of building a recreation center on the White River near Silver Falls., In 1923, Webb built one of the earliest dams in the area, and created a boating, swimming, fishing, and recreation center. The pavilion and surrounding area included four sections: a skating rink, dance hall, a swimming hole with three diving boards with a slide, and a golf course. As a result, thousands of area residents flocked to the site for picnicking, camping, swimming, skating, and dancing. The pavilion hosted numerous regional meetings for organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, secretaries of Chambers of Commerce of the Lower South Plains District and home demonstration agents. When Highway 62/82 was paved in 1931, it made the area more accessible to patrons. The State Highway Department first developed a public park in the area in the 1930s. The pavilion and skating rink are remembered to have been destroyed by fire circa 1940. The café and swimming pier also burned. For the years it stood, the Silver Falls Pavilion provided local residents and travelers with opportunities for culture and recreation.