Parker in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
T.L. Johnson Store
Photographed by James Hulse
1. T.L. Johnson Store Marker
Thomas L. Johnson opened and operated a store located on the north side of Parker Road in the 1880’s when the population of Parker was about 50. The store sat east of the current Corinth Presbyterian Church, separated by what is now called Church Road. The store was two stories with a room on the east side of the building serving as the lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. Next to the lodge was a barber shop. The post office which opened in 1888 and closed in 1900 was located in the back of the store.
Mildred Corzine Gatlin loved to visit the store when she visited her grandfather W.E. Edens. She specified the store had everything a home might use in those days including buggy whips, wash tubs, rubbing boards, coal oil lamps, lanterns, and dry goods.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Gatlin bought and ran the store in 1919, then in 1930, the Gatlins tore down the Johnson store and erected a new store in its place. According to Joe Curtis, J.L. Gatlin ran the store for a number of years. In the 1960’s the store stood abandoned and was torn down when Parker Road was expanded.
Erected 2017 by Collin County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 33° 3.293′ N, 96° 37.28′ W. Marker is in Parker, Texas, in Collin County. It is at the intersection of East Parker Road and McMenamy Ln, on the right when traveling east on East Parker Road. The marker is located on the grounds of the Parker City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5700 E Parker Rd, Allen TX 75002, United
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Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: William C. Parker (here, next to this marker); Welcome to the Preserve (a few steps from this marker); 1st Lt. Charles P. Moses, U.S. Army (a few steps from this marker); Parker Cotton Gin (within shouting distance of this marker); Corinth Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Comfort Allen and Lydia McMillen Farm (approx. 1˝ miles away); First Baptist Church of Murphy (approx. 1.8 miles away); McMillen Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parker.
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
2. T.L. Johnson Store Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
3. T.L. Johnson Store Marker
The marker stands on the left side of the two markers.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
