“Howdy folks! Ever wondered what life was like for early settlers in Dallas County? Today we are standing at the Florence Ranch Home Plaque. It marks the spot of a significant piece of Mesquite history.
Let’s dive into the story of the Florence Ranch Home. It all began in 1871. David Walker Florence and his wife Julia Savannah Beaty Florence established their homestead here. David was born in Alabama in 1848. He migrated to Texas with his family in 1856.
David and Julia married in 1866. Five years later, they began acquiring land in eastern Dallas County. The initial purchase was 207 and a half acres. It cost them $2,075. Imagine that.
As David constructed their farmhouse, Julia planted a bois d’arc hedgerow. She used seeds she carefully selected. Some of these trees have amazingly survived into the twenty-first century. By September 6, 1872, the Florence’s daughter Martha was born. The homestead was complete.
David Florence became a successful stock farmer. By 1892, his farm grew to 730 acres. About 300 acres were cultivated. The remaining acreage was used for prairie hay and pasture. To expand, David and his son John Hicks Florence patented 1,280 acres in Taylor County in 1890.
In 1894, they bought 1,000 acres near Cedar Hill. David dedicated part of his property for a school. It became known as Florence Hill. The last part of the ranch owned by a Florence granddaughter was taken. It was for the construction of Joe Pool Lake in the late 1970s.
David and Julia Florence retired in 1909. They purchased lots north of Mesquite town square in 1913. They built a Victorian-style home. They lived there for the rest of their lives. The Florences greatly contributed to the development of Mesquite. They were active members of the community. Julia passed away in 1914. David remarried Mattie Parker Bennett in 1920. He died in 1932 and was buried next to Julia.
Their son Emet David Florence inherited the homestead. He was born in the home in 1885. Emet married Perle Curtis in 1906. Their daughter Florence was born at the home in 1909. Emet took over the ranching duties. In 1909, he acquired the family homestead. By 1911, his farm exceeded 600 acres.
Emet implemented new farming techniques. He introduced purebred livestock after studying animal husbandry. The Florence Ranch became Meadow View Farm. He adopted the Terrapin brand for his stock.
Emet became a prime producer of prairie hay. He dedicated over 100 acres to feed crops. He raised Hampshire Down sheep. He also bred Shorthorn and Hereford cattle. Meadow View Farm was renowned for its Percheron horses. Emet regularly entered them in exhibitions.
His stallion Robert Olbert was a champion. He appeared on the cover of Farm and Ranch magazine in 1923. With the Great Depression, Emet shifted to breeder cattle. He diversified to cotton and feed crops. The operation became simply Florence Ranch.
Emet’s wife Perle was active in Mesquite civic affairs. She served on the Mesquite Parks Board. In 1955, the remains of seven family members were reinterred in Mesquite Cemetery. Land was also sold for roads and highways. Emet died in 1963. Perle continued to operate the farm. She gave up more land for the Interstate 30 and Interstate 635 exchange. Perle died in 1976.
Upon Perle’s death, the homeplace passed to her daughter and granddaughter. In 1978, the Florence Ranch Home became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The house was constructed of rough-sawn longleaf pine. It had a central chimney of handmade bricks.
In 1987, the Florence Ranch Home was given to the city of Mesquite. It became Mesquite’s first historical park. Today, Historic Mesquite, Inc. cares for the Florence Ranch Homestead. The home displays original Florence items. Tours provide a glimpse into Mesquite’s history. This plaque stands as a reminder of the Florence family’s contributions. They shaped the area we know today. Thank you for joining me on this journey through time.”