Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Collin Street Bakery
Combining the talents of a baker whose pride and joy was baking a better cake with the flare of a man whose business ability had a touch of the sensational was a move that resulted in a most unusual and successful business enterprise.
One of Weidmann's few assets was an unknown cake recipe. This was to become the famous original "deluxe fruitcake," today shipped to every state in the United States and to many foreign countries.
McElwee, a lover of sports and the theatre, built a rooming house over the bakery in 1906, and invited visiting baseball players, circus performers and vaudeville troupes to stay there. Soon guests were having fruitcakes shipped to friends in remote places.
Employees at the bakery during this era recall visits from Will Rogers, Enrico Caruso, John J. McGraw, "Gentlemen Jim" Corbett and many other celebrities. They also recall the day the great circus showman, John Ringling, and many of his famous performers stopped in and ordered Christmas cakes sent to their many friends in distant lands.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 11601.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 32° 5.402′ N, 96° 27.965′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. Marker is on West 7th Avenue (State Highway 31), on the right when traveling north. Located between South 13th and South 14th Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 West 7th Avenue, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Johnson-McCammon House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Magnolia Cannon (about 600 feet away); Birthplace of the Texas Oil Industry (about 600 feet away); First Commercial Oil Discovery in Texas (about 600 feet away); The Birthplace of the Petroleum Industry (about 600 feet away); Old Welding Shop of H. C. Nicol (about 700 feet away); Temple Beth-El (about 800 feet away); Birthsite of Beauford H. Jester (1893-1949) (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 739 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 26, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.