Old Settlers Association of Grayson County

A public-spirited group dedicated to preservation of history and enrichment of contemporary life. Founded in 1879, when oldtimers traveled by wagon and camped near Sherman to reminisce about days of Republic of Texas, the frontier, and the southern Confederacy. Speakers at first meeting included Mrs. Julia Shannon King (daughter of donor of part of Sherman townsite) and Mrs. Sophia Porter, who came to Grayson County in 1838 as a bride of Holland Coffee, owner of Indian trading post at Preston Bend. The association was incorporated on Oct. 3,1 1898. Having met in various groves, it purchased this popular and accessible site in 1899 as permanent headquarters. Financing was hampered by adversities (bad weather, smallpox, power failure on commuting streetcar line), but purchase cost was paid by 1909. The auditorium, named for the veteran association secretary Jesse Loving, was built in 1923. Noted orators at annual conventions have included statesmen Joseph Weldon Bailey, James S. Hogg, Roger Q. Mills, Sam Rayburn, John H. Reagan, Morris Sheppard. Used for years by Red River Valley Fair, and now by civic and youth groups, this park serves as a reminder of the foresight of pioneer citizens.

Old Settlers Association of Grayson County is a historical marker in Sherman, Grayson County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 144 historical markers documented in Grayson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 208 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.6550, -96.5945 near Sherman. The nearest cataloged historic site is Austin College (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Austin College, Carr-Taliaferro House, and Pioneer Cotton Seed Oil Mill.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5181007415. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.