IN OLD SPLENDORA

Downtown Splendora in 1946 - 1947 had the same layout it has today , it began at the corner of Old Hwy 59 and FM 2090 . On the corner was the service station run by Pud Daw and his brother Cooter . They offered full service gas , windshield cleaning with a real chamois , check oil , tires and requests . The mechanic most of the time was Sidney Davis , father of Mark . Connected to the service station building was the cafe , at that time operated by Bertie Collins , who was one of the best cooks ever in these parts . I have a cook book of her recipes assembled before she died , but I can't make them taste like she did . For a copy contact Alba Coleman or Wanna Thornton or their kids . Two of the waitresses were Alba and Wanna . She served home cooked meals , hamburgers , chili and other cafe staples . Next , approximately where Archies is was the two story frame hotel/boarding house owned by Lee Burrow . Next was a building that had a movie theater operated by Wilbur Lee Burrow . The movies were mostly " B " westerns and Laurel and Hardy films in black and white . One time I remember a Grand Ol' Opry show with Roy Acuff , Minnie Pearl and comedian Rod Brasfield made an appearance there . Next was Lee Burrow's grocery and feed store . It was not usually self service , you came in with your list and gave it to Fred , Lee's brother or his wife Oma ( ? ) . They proceeded to fill your order and put your items in a cardboard box . There were not many cash transactions , most people had an account that they paid when they got paid . Lee did not sell meats , that involved a trip to Cleveland to either Dishongh's or Rhoden's . Most people back then rarely bought meats , they killed their hogs and cured their bacon and hams and salt pork . If they could they raised a steer and took it to a locker plant where it was killed and cut into steaks , roasts and hamburger . A locker plant would package and freeze the meats and keep it in a locker for you since most people did not have a freezer . People who lived along Daw Collins did not have electricity until 1950 . Last of the stores in Splendora was Mr . Sallee's dry goods store , that sold cloth and sundries for sewing . Most ladies made their own dresses and only bought a Sunday Go To Meeting ( Church and funeral ) dress . Flour in 25 and 50 pound bags and some animal feeds came in print cloth sacks . Those made everyday dresses and boy's shirts . Most men wore overalls and khaki or blue work shirts . That was Old Splendora downtown , no police station , no fire station no mayor or city council . If anybody has any pictures from that time please post them .