“This unassuming plaque. What secrets does it hold?” The Dalworthington Gardens Plaque stands before you a testament to a unique chapter in Texas history. It tells the story of a community born during the Great Depression a New Deal experiment in planned utopia.
In 1934 the federal government invested $250000. This funded the purchase of 593 acres of land. The aim? To create a subsistence homestead project. This project aimed to improve living standards. It combined part-time industrial work with subsistence farming. Dalworthington Gardens was one of only five such projects in Texas. Remarkably it remains the only one still in existence today.
The land was divided into seventy-nine plots. Each varied in size from three to thirty-two acres. Forty-three acres were designated for a community house and park. Gravel roads crisscrossed the area. It wasn’t simply a handout. Applicants had to make a 10% down payment and prove their ability to repay loans. Monthly payments were surprisingly low less than $25. This included mortgage management fees and utilities.
By 1935 construction was nearly complete. By 1937 every homestead was occupied or in the process. Early residents showed remarkable resilience and ingenuity. They formed a cooperative called Texas Industries. They even produced furniture stepladders and butter churns.
The community thrived. In 1949 residents voted to incorporate. The population boomed from 267 in 1950 to over 2000 by 2000. Modern homes now stand alongside the original homesteads. Many of these original homes are marked with historical markers. These markers are a tribute to the Dalworthington Gardens Historical Commission’s efforts.
This plaque you see before you is one such marker. It serves as a lasting reminder. It reminds us of the determination of those early settlers. It embodies the spirit of community and resilience. It’s a small but powerful symbol. This symbol commemorates a unique piece of American history. Remember Dalworthington Gardens as you continue your tour. Remember its unusual and inspiring story.