Waco

Waco

(Severin)

Biographies Alf. L. Scott and T. J. Westerberg

The city counts its existence from the year 1849, when the first colonists, under the leadership of Major George B. Erath, pushed the small group of Indians of the Caddo tribe aside, a tribe that lived by the Brazos River and after whom the city has been named. When the Indians had been driven away, pioneers in large numbers arrived and they settled by the river where farming and ranching was a profitable source of income. In a short time a city flourished, one that promised to become one of the most important in this part of the state. The Civil War had grave consequences, here as in other places, and the growth of the development of the city slowed for a number of years. When the war was over the people of the city began rebuilding their city and many showed great spirit of sacrifice and devotion. There were great obstacles to overcome, and it is only in the recent years that the city has prospered. In 1910 the inhabitants were 26,425 and at the latest count (1916) the number has risen to 45,237, an increase of 18,812 in six years. Waco is located in McLennan County, on the Brazos River, and because of its lovely parks, beautiful gardens and forested surroundings, it has been called “A City Built in a Park”. The largest of its twelve parks is Cameron Park and it is considered the most attractive in Texas. The park and the beautiful look-out spot. Lover’s Leap, were donated to the city by the Cameron family.

Waco is located in the center of the state and is the center of the railroad network. Surfaced highways have been built at a cost of two million dollars, which connects the city to the surrounding areas. Within the city, an elaborate street-car system handles the traffic. The streets are wide and often lined by shading trees and beautiful plantings. In the business district there are many impressive buildings that give the city an attractive facade. Business is booming and the cotton-industry is the greatest source of income, here as in other cities. Cotton production in McLennan County has in the last five years been on the average Ill,138 bales a year, and because of its location and good transportation network, Waco is one of the largest marketplaces for cotton in Texas. The city’s businesses have had good sales since Camp MacArthur was located here and many of them have built new and modern buildings to serve their customers.

One of the many things the city is proud of is its schools. There are eleven public and two grammar-schools for the white race, and four public schools for the colored race. In addition: the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the Hebrew School, the East Waco private school, the South Waco private school, the Gurley private school, the Providence Sanitarium Training School, the Paul Quinn and Central Texas Colleges, and in addition two business schools. In the public schools 8,148 children are taught. Baylor University is the richest and one of the oldest Christian universities in Texas The university is supported by the Baptist Church and was founded in 1845. Through good teachers and modern teaching methods, the university has won a good reputation, and students from across the state come here for their education. In addition to the schools, we can mention the Public Library. The library is open all days, and the 20,000 books are available to the public. It is of great help to the students in the city and a big factor in the spread of information. There are sixty-two churches, representing all denominations. Among other institutions we can mention: two Y. M. C. A.’s, one Y. W. C. A., and among the many hospitals we want to point out the newly built Baptist Sanitarium.

Among places of amusement, the Cotton Palace is the foremost. It is open for sixteen days every November, and it is visited by three hundred thousand people every year. It was built in 1910 and is the the largest and most profitable exhibition place in Texas.

In the spring of 1917, a large military camp was built near the city. Camp MacArthur, where thirty-five thousand soldiers are stationed and trained for military service. Due to the advantageous location and the fresh water, illness among the soldiers in Camp MacArthur is very low. Because of the good terrain they have therefore planned to expand the camp considerably. In conjunction with Camp MacArthur, an aviation school has also been built, Rich Field, where many skilled aviators have been trained.

Camp MacArthur and Rich Field have had an enormous influence on the city and particularly on business, which is easy to understand. The good opportunities for good pay that are available has tempted many people to come. Never before in the history of the city has there been a time when it has grown as fast and developed as quickly as now. There are comparatively few Swedes living in the city, and some settled there in the 50’s. Among the first were the Forsgard brothers, Samuel Forsgard in 1857, and Oscar Forsgard in 1867. Enbert Soerly came in the 70’s; J. L. Bergstrom, E. O. Anderson, Dr. Kassell and A. S. Hart in the 80’s. Since then there have been many other Swedes which we can see from the following biographies. Swedish church activities are carried out by the Methodists who have a beautiful and valuable property in the city.

Extracted from: Swedes In Texas In Words and Pictures,

English Translation, 1838 - 1918