Old textile mill marker’s relocation puts Marble Falls history in its right place
CONNIE SWINNEY • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — A site at the entryway of the city of Marble Falls now bears a historical marker that chronicles how the old textile mill property evolved as an economic driver for the Highland Lakes.“That location right there caught (Gen. Adam R.) Johnson’s eye. He’s the one that put together the group that founded the town,” said Fran McSpadden of Falls on the Colorado Museum. “The falls were there, and that was what would create power to support the industry.”
Marble Falls was founded in 1887 by Gen. Johnson. He and a group of entrepreneurs launched Marble Falls Cotton and Woolen Co., which made textile products in the mill built on the north bank of the Colorado River at the south entrance of the city.
In the 1970s, officials installed a historical marker adjacent to the property.
The Burnet County Historical Commission moved the sign to the original site in February.
“It always has been an important landmark. It was just in the wrong place,” said Caryl Calsyn, chairwoman of the Burnet County Historical Commission. “People couldn’t get to it to read it. Now it’s in a place that’s accessible.”
After decades of development, the property has become the site of Riverbend Conference Center, Hampton Inn, Chili’s and River City Grille.
Paul Brady, owner of River City Grille, said he welcomed the request to place the marker near the entrance of his restaurant’s front door.
“(The marker is) back home again. This is the actual location of the building, and we’re pleased that it’s here,” he said. “It’s a big deal. We’ve already had a lot of comments from people.”
The re-location reminds visitors and residents of the industrial roots of the city, said Jane Knapick, past president of the Burnet County Historical Society.
“I like to think we will build on what our ancestors have left for us,” Knapick said.
connie@thepicayune.com
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The Marble Falls skyline at the community’s entryway from south to north presented a more rustic view in images from the 1890s. The original bridge, the falls that preceded the lake and the old textile mill dominated the landscape. Photo courtesy Falls on the Colorado Museum/www.fallsmuseum.org
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The old textile mill, which was started by the Marble Falls Cotton and Woolen Co., launched growth in Marble Falls in the 1890s. Photo courtesy of Falls on the Colorado Museum/www.fallsmuseum.org
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1892 — Farmers Alliance, comprised of city founders, formed the Marble Falls Cotton and Woolen Co. to establish a textile mill factory, which operated as a cotton gin with looms fashioning raw cotton product into materials for garments.
1924 — Investors from Delaware organized Marble Falls Textile Co.; crews built a three-foot concrete dam on the top of the Colorado River falls near the foot of the site to raise the level of the lake and use more water to generate power.
1930-31 — Certified Laboratories Inc., a Dallas-based firm, produced surgical gauze and absorbent cotton for hospitals.
1934-36 — The facility was the site for Marble Falls High School graduation ceremonies.
1936 — It was converted to a dance hall called Casino Royale.
1941-45 (World War II era) — The facility was primarily used for storage.
1954 — Mathis Co. purchased the building and manufactured central air-conditioning units and wooden cases that enclosed fans and air-conditioners.
1959-61 — It was purchased by Republic Trans Com Industries of Pennsylvania.
Aug. 8, 1964 — A fire that lasted two days destroyed the building.
1971 — Rubble was cleared, leaving concrete slabs; several years later, the foundation became a site for lakeside festivals.
1998 — It was purchased by a private company that launched the development of the existing retail complex, including the Hampton Inn, River City Grille, Chili’s and Riverbend Conference Center.
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