This Way To My Blog

This Way To My Blog

Friday, October 22, 2010

A Ghost Town?


Almost a ghost town but not yet and maybe never. This is a picture from John's hometown Charlotte, Texas. No not named after Charlotte, North Carolina. A doctor named the town after one of his daughters. It has been a long time since the town claimed their own doctor. Maybe back in the days when Suitcase Jones was the town bum. Many years ago the train did run through but all that is left is this railroad car which served as a busy convience store. It has been for sale for years with no takers. A large convience store company built a store which took all their business. They have one beauty shop, one store, three churches (Catholic, Methodist, and Baptist), a post office, school, several Mexican food cafes at any given time, and that is about it. There are a lot of old buildings not fit to stand any longer. This was a booming oil town at one time. I'm told there were three or four beer joints in successon in the middle of town. Now there are none. One brave soul built a large bar and grill which lasted about a year and has been rented for office space for some of the oil business coming through our county now. They say (whoever they is) Charlotte is going to rise again and boom. Another brave soul has taken a piece of mesquite tree infested land and cut makeshift roads trying to sell lots for homes. Maybe this little town will make it and maybe it will remain the way it is.

10 comments:

Lisa said...

If they can bring new residents and new businesses in they may see some growth. It is interesting hearing about the history of places. Thank you for sharing. Things like this always fascinate me.
Lisa

Marty said...

Hmmm ... I'll keep my fingers crossed. I'm guessing there's probably no "anchor" like a body of water or a university nearby that gives folks a more permanent reason to be there/creates a steady stream of demand. Without that, poor Charlotte is left exposed to unpredictable forces (like whether an oil boom will return and etc.).
Best,
Marty

Lucy said...

It has really lost so much but it sounds like there could be a revival if it could be perked up.

Sheila Y said...

Hi Paula, hope all is well with you, keeping the ranch in line and taking care of the turtles. Have a great weekend, Sheila

Kay said...

So sad to see our small towns vanishing. They are what made this country great.

jack69 said...

I just think I would have liked to be suitcase Jones!!!
No responsibilities, no duties, no things, just the suitcase!
I think I like Charlotte, Texas. Maybe it needs a Bed and Breakfast!!
Take care, how is the straw bossing going??
Well I hope!

Now surprise John, call the cowboy and take eerything except Shellie marie to the auction!!!
Just a suggestion, you don't have to take it.!!! hahahahahahahah

Be good!!!

Heather said...

I love town history! So sad that soo many towns have parished cause the railroad passed them by or changed routes.

Toon said...

I root for places like this to make a go of it. Too bad for the bar closing. :(

Anonymous said...

This is just the sort of place I would love.
I hope someone(or several people) can save it.

Lori said...

There are lots of little towns like that back where I'm from.