Envision a time when fertile lands drew families seeking new beginnings. That’s how the Union Bower Community began.
Here at the Union Bower Community Plaque, we remember those early settlers. This plaque tells a story of collaboration and resilience. It marks a place where community blossomed.
Attracted by the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, settlers arrived in the mid-19th century. Among them were William and Virginia Smith from Pennsylvania. They came in 1879. Soon after, Charles and Lucy Voirin bought land nearby. These families worked together. They established what became the Union Bower Community.
Residents of Union Bower faced challenges. They cut wood from the riverbank thickets. They hauled wood and farm products to market in Dallas. Their goods included cotton, corn, vegetables, and fruit.
Community was central to life here. In 1885, families organized a non-denominational Sunday school. Later, the Methodist Church sent Rev. W.E. Hawks. He established a church dedicated in 1907. Originally Hawks Chapel, it became Union Bower Methodist Church. Today, it continues as Oak Haven United Methodist Church.
The Smiths experienced tragedy. After their daughter’s death in 1886, they established a cemetery. It was for community use. This cemetery became known as Smith Cemetery and many street names in the area match the names on the headstones.
Education was also a priority. Mark Callister Lively founded the Lively School around 1890. It stood at Britain and Union Bower Roads. Catholic and Church of Christ families held services there too. The Union Bower School opened in 1891. The Smiths donated the land. It served the community until the 1960s.
The arrival of the Rock Island rail line changed things. Irving was established in 1903. Rural communities like Union Bower declined. The Elm Fork channel was rerouted. Industries developed. By 1956, Irving annexed Union Bower. The community’s agricultural roots faded.
Even decades after the Union Bower School closed, alumni still meet. They share memories of their close-knit farming settlement. The Union Bower Community endures in their hearts. The Union Bower Community Plaque ensures their story is never forgotten. It stands as a reminder of their hard work and unity. Remember this spirit as you explore this historical place.