Birth of a Texas Ghost Town: Thurber, 1886–1933

Preface

Preface F or nearly fifty years, Thurber was known as one of the most colorful towns in the Southwest. It was noted for its coal mines, enormous horseshoe bar, badger fights, and grappo. Immigrants, from all parts of Europe, came to Thurber and successfully transplanted much of their European culture to this unusual coal mining camp. The purpose of this study has been to collect and record, at least in part, the history of this unique town. Thurber no longer exists, and it is becoming more and more difficult to find accurate historical data relating to it. The old timers are scattered to all parts of the world, and even when they are located, it is difficult to persuade them to write of their experiences in Thurber. This reluctance is often caused by lack of education or from an insufficient command of the English language. Since Thurber was owned by the Texas Pacific Coal & Oil Company, the official records of Thurber are in the possession of this company and were not available at the time this study was made. Probably someday, the company officials will allow the records to be studied, and when this is done, a more detailed history of Thurber can be written. So far as I know, there is no complete file of Thurber newspapers; in fact, I have located very few issues and those to which I had access are falling to pieces and will soon be useless. County records would have been used more extensively if it had been possible to secure them, but many of the Erath County records have been packed into boxes and these boxes are stacked to the ceiling and almost to the four walls of a room which was once used as a coal bin. Lack of available working space in the room made it impossible to examine the material. xl Although it is impossible for me to list the names of all persons who contributed information to this study, I wish to acknowledge their willingness to help me at all times. I am especially indebted to Gomer Gower who wrote many long, interesting descriptions of life in Thurber, and I have found these letters to be a valuable source of historical data. To Hazel Miller, I wish to express my appreciation for the use of her collection of Thurber pictures, Thurber newspapers, and personal papers of her husband, Mose Miller. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Walter P. Webb whose patient supervision , advice, suggestions and words of encouragement made this study possible. Mary Jane Gentry The University of Texas August 1946 Author’s Preface ...