Texas Historical Marker #03665
Odem Building. The Sinton townsite company was organized in 1894 to promote the development of the new railroad town of Sinton. Local merchant David Odem, one of the founders of the townsite company, established himself as a prominent landowner and businessman in Sinton. In 1906 he became one of the principal stockholders in the newly organized Sinton State Bank. This building was erected in 1909 as the Sinton State Bank Building. Closely associated with David Odem, the building became known locally as the Odem Building. Its architectural design exhibits Beaux Arts influences, and features an emphasis on symmetry, a focal corner entry with fine terra cotta details and cast stone door and window surrounds. Also of note are the two story arches over round-arched windows and terra cotta detailing on the top of the parapet. The Sinton State Bank continued to operate from this site until difficulties during the depression resulted in the bank's closing in 1934 since that time the building has been used for various business purposes. Due to its solid construction the Odem building has withstood the storm and fire-related disasters which destroyed or damaged many of the early wooden structures in Sinton's downtown area. #3665
Vineyard at Sinton St., Sinton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12183
Sodville Community. George H. Paul, a land developer from Iowa, joined forces with the giant Coleman-Fulton Pasture Company in 1907 and 1908 to sell 56,000 acres of land for a development. Mexican migrant laborers cleared the area of brush, which was so thick that prospective buyers had to mark their paths. Sodville was probably named for its fertile soil when the real estate agency was creating promotional literature for prospective buyers in the midwest. Land sold at a steady pace, and in 1908 there were enough children in the area to prompt T. F. Harwood to donate land on which to build the Sodville school. By 1910 Mynier's store served the community. A Union church met in the schoolhouse, brush arbors and other locations. Hall Industries of Beeville bought Mynier's interest in the store and built two cotton gins in the area. The company later sold its interest in Sodville to W. A. Dunn, whose store and the corner on which it stood became community institutions. The Sodville Baptist Church organized in 1914 and the congregation met in its own building by 1916. In 1919-1920 T. F. Harwood donated more land to the school, and the Sodville Independent School District formed. By the 1930s Sodville had about 50 residents and three businesses; the roads were paved. A brick schoolhouse was erected in 1938. As people left farms and rural areas for cities in the second half of the 20th century, the population of communities such as Sodville declined. The school district was consolidated with Sinton schools in 1947; Dunn's store closed in the mid-1950s. The Sodville Baptist Church disbanded in 1961. Dunn's corner, near this site, and a few homes were all that remained of the Sodville community at the end of the 20th century. (2000) #12183
?, Sinton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12185
West Sinton Community. In the early days of the 20th century, the land in this area was situated within the large J. J. Welder Cattle Ranch. George Paul developed much of the local acreage and attracted settlers from many states by advertising a "homesteaders" program of land sales. The settlers cleared the mesquite and brush with the help of Mexican laborers, planting cotton and corn on their new land. In 1913 Gust Adams and his family arrived from Guadalupe County. The Adams family set aside land for a schoolhouse in 1914. Also used for worship services, the structure quickly became a social center. The area became known as both Adams School and West Sinton community. More settlers came after the first World War. The community grew steadily in spite of such tragedies as the influenza epidemic of 1918 and 1919 and the devastating hurricane of 1919. Local cotton farmers established the West Sinton Gin Company in 1923 and built a gin nearby. In 1924 a two-story stucco school building was erected by the newly formed Adams Independent School District on this site. The community was large enough for a separate Mexican American school and a grocery store. Neighbors enjoyed such activities as sports, community suppers, parties, and dances. The San Patricio Farm Bureau was organized here in 1936. Electric power came to the area in 1939. The Adams School closed its doors in 1943 when the students were transferred to other area schools. The schoolhouse was used for community events until 1948. It was razed in 1962. Although the cotton gin closed in the 1980s, cotton, milo and corn remain the community's main economic focus. The Lutheran church and many local organizations continue to serve the area. (1998) #12185
?, Sinton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05748
Welder Ranch. Original homesite and Mexican land grant of Don Felipe Roque de la Portilla and wife Maria Ignacia de la Garza spanish empresario in Texas 1807-1812 forerunner of Stephen F. Austin founder of San Marcos de Neve 1807 joined irish colony of Col. James Power and James Hewetson 1828 received mexican land grant at this site 1834 daughter Maria Dolores de la Portilla married Col. James Power 1832 and had two children Dolores and James Power, Jr. after Dolores died 1836 Col. James Power married her sister Maria Tomasa de la Portilla and had five children. 1850 ranch of John Welder and wife Dolores Power daughter of Col. James Power and Dolores de la Portilla Power. Col. James Power was an empresario and soldier signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Republic of Texas constitution John Welder came to America from Bavaria with his father Franz Welder 1830 landed at Copano 1833 with Beales and Grant Colony oldest son of John Welder and wife Dolores Power John J. Welder married Eliza Hughes daughter of Patrick Hughes Ireland to Texas 1852 Capt. in confederate army wife Elizabeth Traylor daughter of Winn Traylor Texas land grant 1840 this land still owned and ranched by descendants of these great texans. #5748
US 77 about 6 mi. N of Sinton, Sinton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #04059
Plymouth Oil Company and Plymouth Oilers. Pennsylvania-based Plymouth Oil Company was founded in 1923 by M.L. "Mike" Benedum (d. 1959). With operations headquarters in Sinton, the company profoundly affected the city's development by creating jobs, building company housing, and providing health and retirement benefits for many local workers. In 1933 Plymouth began leasing vast amounts of property in the area and in 1935 discovered oil on the Welder Ranch with completion of Welder Well C-1. In 1937 the company's second major discovery in San Patricio county was the Brigham Well No. 1 in the East White Point Field South of Taft. In 1949 company executive W.M. "Mike" Griffith (d. 1954) organized the semi-professional Plymouth Oilers baseball team, providing a tremendous boost to the Sinton area. The company hired proven players as permanent employees and employed college athletes during the summers. The team's games at company-built Oiler Park were major community events. The team won state, national, and world semi-pro championships in 1951. The baseball team played until 1957, and the company operated until 1962, when it was purchased by Ohio Oil Company, later known as Marathon Oil. #4059
301 N Rachal, Sinton, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #13980
First United Methodist Church of Sinton. Serving the community of Sinton since the early 20th century, the roots of the First United Methodist Church date back to earlier interdenominational services. Between 1894, when the charter for Sinton Town Company was granted, and 1908, there was no organized Protestant church in the town. However, Christians met regularly for worship and were ministered to by visiting pastors of different denominations. The local Methodist lay leader, W.T. Barnhouse, served when no ordained Methodist minister was available. In 1907, the Sinton Town Company passed a resolution donating one lot to any group wishing to erect a church building. Members of the Church of Christ accepted the offer and built the first Protestant chuch building in Sinton. There, the practice of alternating preachers and denominational services continued. In 1908, Sinton Methodists organized, erecting their first church building that year. First United Methodist Church of Sinton has a long history of community service. As a driving force within the church, the women held events to raise donations and funds. A former victim of flood damage itself, the church has also donated to others who have suffered from floods. Additionally, members have helped Sinton residents through community health, food ministry and child education programs. Through the years, notable pastors, such as the Rev. J.J. Mason, led the church as it grew. Members have also entered fulltime ministry and have supported overseas missionaries. Today, First United Methodist Church continues to provide for the spiritual, physical and educational needs of the community of Sinton. (2007) #13980
405 W Sinton, Sinton, TX, United States