| In 1901 the GC&SF built a new depot where its tracks and what is now Main Street intersected. [The reason I said it like that is because the railroad was their first--it would have been Main Street crossing the tracks.] The southeast corner of the square was about a block east. The depot was moved in the 1970s or 1980s to its present location at 200 Museum Drive, just north of where State Street crosses the tracks.
It is home to The Garland Landmark Society. Inside they have restored the interior to its early days of operation. Included are photographs of Garland in earlier days. Of special interest to me was a photo taken about 1890 showing Embree from the west looking east towards the depot [it looks like it could have been taken from where Garland High School stands today. Along the north wall of the conference room (in what was the freight warehouse of the combination depot) is a photo of a passenger train stopped at the Katy Depot headed east to Rowlet, Rockwall, Royce City, Greenville and all points beyond. The depot was situated on the south side of trackage. So the photo would have been pointed towards New Duck Creek.[3] |
I also found interesting a photo taken sometime in the late 1890s or early in the first decade of the twentieth century. It showed the town square being put to use in some kind of community purpose--either a festivity of sorts or general agribusiness. The photo panned the square from southwest to northeast and appears to have been taken from the southside of the southeast corner of the square (today's Main Street). What a difference; no paved streets--not even bricks--and board sidewalks and frontier businesses built of wood with false facades. Also on the grounds is a railway coach car dating from the early twentieth century. Unfortunately, the interior of it is gutted and is not open to the public. The estimated cost to refurbish it is beyond the museum's ability any time soon. However, the exterior is painted and makes a fine addition to the depot. To the north of the depot the Society also maintains two residences of the late 1800s that were relocated to the grounds.[5] The museum is only open the first and third Saturdays of the month between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (garlandhistorical.org). 
[The museum is closed on those days if a major holiday should fall on the preceding Friday or following Monday.] |
On the southern part of the building is a ramp to accommodate persons with ambulatory impairments--the door at the top leads into their office and is kept locked; a docent inside the building will have to be notified to effect necessities. Donations accepted with a SMILE! The town square, itself, was greatly enhanced by the city in the early 1990s. It is park-like in appearance with a lagoon and fountain, shade trees spaced around the perimeter of the brick-fenced center that demarcates it from the sidewalks and streets, and settees placed along several locations within the perimeter of the grounds. Unfortunately, because of the current drought we are experiencing, the fountain was drained. It will be refilled as soon as the drought is finished. Also unfortunate is the fact that Old Downtown Garland has experienced and had to undergo changes due to urban progress; it no longer is the business magnet it once was. However, there are many businesses that have come to replace those that have left. Today there are businesses that cater to a more casual clientele and visitor--friendlier too. Several fine eateries too. All businesses are at street level and should pose no problems to those with impairments. I must say that Downtown Garland has one of the best on-street parking arrangements I have seen. All parking is into the curb, well maintained and NO PARKING METERS! Garland's historic business district is a splendid place to spend some time. SO GO! |