Texas Historical Marker #09593
Old Settler's Cemetery. (0.2 miles west) Settlement of this area began as a result of railroad development through north Brazoria County in 1882. First known as Mark Belt, the townsite was platted in 1894 and named Pearland because of the abundance of pear orchards in the vicinity. An advertising campaign featuring favorable farm conditions brought many settlers to the area in the 1890s. Although some were discouraged by storm and freeze damage to their homes and crops in the early years, many remained and established permanent homes. A community graveyard was begun with the burial of pioneer Echolean C. Ackerly, who died August 11, 1894. Four years later her burial plot and the surrounding land was officially dedicated as a cemetery. Six Civil War veterans are interred in the graveyard. The cemetery contains many types of burials. The early practice of scraping the earth over graves was followed by cement paving, gravel cover, and bricking. Styles of gravestones range from simple stone markers to tombstones featuring elaborately carved decorations. Old Settler's Cemetery remained the primary community burial ground until 1936. It continues to serve as a reminder of Pearland's early history. (1988) #9593
?, Pearland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11763
First United Methodist Church of Pearland. Though local Methodist worship can be traced to 1894, this congregation was officially organized in 1898 as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pearland. The original frame building, shared with other denominations, was damaged in the storm of 1900 and destroyed in the hurricane of 1915. A new structure was completed by 1917. With activities such as Sunday School programs and a ladies' aid group, the congregation grew steadily. A new sanctuary was required in 1947; the 1917 structure became a fellowship hall. New facilities were acquired as needed. With over 2,000 members in its centennial year, the congregation continues to uphold the traditions of its founders. (1998) #11763
2314 N. Grand Blvd., Pearland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11767
Zychlinski Park. Named for the Polish nobleman who came to Brazoria County in the late 1880s and fell in love with the flowering pear trees in an area he called Pearland, Zychlinski Park was included in the original town site. Captain Wilhelm Zychlinski bought 5991 acres of land by a railroad siding switch at a station called Mark Belt. Shortly after completing his town plat, Zychlinski sold most of his holdings and disappeared, leaving his lawyer, J. W. O'Brian, to file the map of Pearland with the county Hall of Records on September 26, 1894. In 1911, land developers Allison and Richey set up offices in the Suburban Gardens Hotel. To promote Pearland, the firm supported a music band and outfitted the Suburban Gardens baseball team. For nearly two generations the people of Pearland played baseball in Zychlinski Park. Old-timers have recalled long Sunday afternoons on the sidelines and overtime games illuminated by car headlights. During the depression era, baseball in the park was a popular escape. Only World War II stopped baseball in Zychlinski Park. In 1946 a group of citizens signed a petition to allow the park to be used by the school district, and until the late 1990s it was the playground of the C. J. Harris Elementary School. (1998) Incise: Pearland Independent School District (1996-1997) James Schleider, superintendent Board of Trustees: Glen Moreau, president; Phil Peevey, vice president; Ed Thompson, secretary; Lilliam Smith; Glenn Garrison; Rosella Webb; Jim Watson #11767
2319 Grand Blvd., Pearland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11765
The 1937 Pearland High School. A terrible storm ravaged Pearland in 1915. Among the important structures it destroyed was the town's high school. For the next 22 years, Pearland teenagers traveled to Webster to attend classes. The long commute severly curtailed their involvement in school and community life. Despite the difficulties of farm life and the depression years, it was important to the townspeople that they be able to educate their children in Pearland. In 1937 they approved a new school bond. Architect Henry Stubee designed the new high school building and the Morgan Bouiffle Construction Company of Houston erected it. Fifty-eight students attended Pearland High School in fall 1937. The first challenge they and their carefully assembled faculty tackled was that of accreditation. This was achieved in the school's first year so that every Pearland graduate would have the option of going on to college. The school was a focal point for social and recreational activities as well as academics. The Pearland Oilers excelled at several popular sports; THE GUSHER, later called THE PIPELINE, was the school newspaper. The yearbook also was called THE GUSHER. Other groups such as the Boys' Travel Club, the Spanish Club and the Choral Club also were active. The school colors were deep maroon and white. The structure is a typical early 20th century schoolhouse made of brick veneer, a solid material built to withstand time and weather. It survives with few alterations. Architectural features of interest include the offset central entry bay with shed dormers. A new high school was erected in 1953 and this structure became part of the Pearland elementary schools. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1999 Incise: Pearland's first accredited high school, Common School District Number 1, Brazoria County Public Schools, 1937-1938 J. Paul Rogers, Superintendent County Schools B. B. Ainsworth, Superintendent Pearland Schools Board of Trustees: George M. Wall, president; Clyde Oblinger, secretary; F. E. Moore, member Teaching Staff: B. B. Ainsworth, superintendent and teacher; Billy M. Wall, principal and teacher; Lloyd C. Hawkins, coach and teacher; Oleta Campbell (Hawkins), teacher; Fay Brookshire (Hunter), teacher; Hazel Skinner (Muetz), teacher; Virginia Ainsworth, librarian. #11765
2319 N. Grand, Pearland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #09582
Pearland and The Santa Fe Railroad. The Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad built a siding switch called "Mark Belt" near here in 1883 as part of its Houston to Alvin branch rail line. In 1893 William Zychlinski purchased 2560 acres in this area which he subdivided and platted in 1894. Included in Zychlinski's subdivision was the 273-acre townsite of Pearland. S. M. Christensen, president of the Southern Homestead Company, contracted to develop the townsite. As part of a plan to attract settlers to the townsite Christensen planted numerous pear and other fruit trees. In 1900 the Santa Fe Railroad built a depot nearby which soon became a gathering place for settlers to meet visitors and pick up mail and supplies. Locally produced cotton, hay, cattle, fruit and vegetables were shipped to market by railroad from the depot. Pearland's development, delayed by the devastating storm of 1900, surged about 1910 as the Allison-Richey Suburban Gardens Co. successfully promoted the area as an agricultural wonderland with vital railroad access. Oil production, cattle ranching, and hay, rice, and fig farming sustained Pearland's growth. The railroad's importance diminished and in 1972 the depot closed. It was donated to the city and moved here through the efforts of many citizens and organizations. (1994) #9582
3501 Liberty Dr., Pearland, TX, United States