Maydelle named for governor’s daughter

Maydelle Centennial festivities on Sept. 11 will commemorate 100 years of Maydelle as a township. The town was platted by a local resident, J. S. Sherman, and two other men from the Dialville area, C. D. Jarratt and N. A. Slover. Shortly after the men platted the townsite, in 1910, Texas Gov. Thomas Mitchell Campbell, and his college-age daughter, Maydelle Campbell, paid a visit to the site. The men may have felt gratitude towards the governor, since he had been especially instrumental in causing the railroad to be completed between his birthplace of Rusk and Palestine. Whatever the reason, the newly platted townsite was given the name of Maydelle. Apparently pleased, history records that Maydelle Campbell sang at the dedication of the town named in her honor. Whether Maydelle ever returned to the town is unknown. She became the bride of Roderick Random Allen, a military man, who was stationed at numerous locations throughout the United States and Europe during their marriage of 53 years. Her husband was eventually promoted to a major general. They had two daughters, Nancy and Gail.

Due to its location poised on the newly extended rail line, Maydelle blossomed and before long, boasted a population of approximately 450 . Though the population has fluctuated over the years, the one thing that has remained a constant, is the presence of the Texas State Railroad. The commemorative Maydelle festival will rightly be held with the joint participation of the Texas State Railroad. The railroad will offer various rides at reduced prices. An engine will be posed on the turntable for photo shoots. A wild west gun battle will occur after the train arrives at the festival. Live music, karaoke contests, a Miss Maydelle contest, historical displays, games and fun for the kids, arts & crafts booths and food vendors, drawings for prizes, and an old fashion street dance are some of the activities to expect.

Maydelle has a commemorative cookbook that can be purchased now. Theme related t-shirts will also be available, soon, as well as other commemorative items at the celebration. The festival will honor and benefit the Maydelle Volunteer Fire Department. More information can be found online at bigenginestudios.com/ Maydelle/ or unclestick.com/ Maydelle/.