Fouke in Wood County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Lillian Richard
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 29, 2026
1. Lillian Richard Marker
Born in the Fouke community in 1891, Lillian Richard was one of eleven children of Derry and Cornelia (Washington) Richard. In 1910 she moved to Dallas, working initially as a cook. In 1925 she accepted a position with the Quaker Oats Co. portraying Aunt Jemima, a character from an 1875 song later popularized in minstrel shows, radio programs and movies. Lillian was one of several African-American women who traveled the country promoting Aunt Jemima brand pancake mix. Her career with Quaker Oats lasted 23 years until she suffered a stroke and returned to Fouke. She died in 1956 and was buried in Fouke Memorial Cemetery. Because of her legacy, in 1995 the Texas Legislature named Hawkins the Pancake Capital of Texas.
Erected 2011 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16717.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 32° 37.606′ N, 95° 16.446′ W. Marker is in Fouke, Texas, in Wood County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 2869 and County Road 3470, on the right when traveling north on Road 2869.
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Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rosenwald Schools in Wood County (here, next to this marker); Jobe Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Martin Varner (approx. 4.6 miles away); Jarvis Christian College (approx. 6.2 miles away); Smith Chapel United Methodist Church (approx. 6.7 miles away); Bethesda Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (approx. 7.4 miles away); Henry "Ragtime Texas" Thomas (approx. 7.6 miles away); Sabine Methodist Church (approx. 8.1 miles away).
Regarding Lillian Richard. Unfortuately, her image has been removed from the packaging, currently
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 29, 2026
2. Lillian Richard Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
