McDade Historical Society

08/17/2026

08/15/2026

Since I am on the executive board of the McDade Historical Society and am usually the one posting things on Facebook, I get a lot of messages asking if we know about the proposed movie/tv series in the works about McDade’s wild west past.

Yes, we know, and we are here to help as much as we can. We cannot help financially because we just replaced the roof on two buildings and will have to replace the a/c in the museum in the near future. Movie makers have to please their investors; therefore, we will not have a direct say in what spin is put in the film. Nevertheless, we wish the filmmaker the best of luck with this project.

07/22/2026

Donaly Brice grew up in Lockhart, exploring where the Battle of Plum Creek took place on his family’s farm. After earning a Masters Degree in History from Sam Houston State University, he taught school before enlisting in the Navy. While serving at the Pentagon, he volunteered at the Smithsonian. Enjoying it so much, after leaving the military, rather than go back to teaching, he got a job at the Texas State Library, working his way up to the Reference Archivist for the library before retiring.

Donaly has written numerous books on Texas history, including “The Great Comanche Raid: Boldest Indian Attack of the Texas Republic.” He resides back in his hometown of Lockhart, sharing his knowledge and love of Texas history to multiple generations.

Free admission – Public welcome

07/05/2026

I don’t think anyone was prepared for the wild success of the fireworks show in McDade last night. Thanks to everyone who donated money and fireworks. Special thanks to David Kylberg and friends for setting off the fireworks and being safety conscious. It never would have happened without all of you.

(And thanks to other people “in the hood” who shared their fireworks.)

1776 – 2026 Blessings from The McDade Historical Society

Send a message to learn more

07/03/2026

Today, I bought another box of fireworks to donate for the show tomorrow night. Finley's Fireworks in the Elgin VFW parking lot has good prices and donated 3 more boxes for me to take.

Johnny Klemm is handling the money, it's not too late to donate cash. 512 and 940-1572. You can also buy a box of fireworks and drop them off at the museum tomorrow from 1:00 to 4:00 or bring them later that evening.

Happening tomorrow night, Downtown McDade, put in 557 Old Hwy 20 and it will take you there.

06/28/2026

Bring your lawnchairs to downtown McDade on July 4th for a friendly neighborhood fireworks show beginning at dark.

(Not a ten thousand dollar extravaganza. Not responsible for accidents. Remember to secure pets and be prepared for a little noise as we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday.)

God Bless the USA!

06/08/2026

Okay, skip the booze but donate money for fireworks. The McDade Historical Society plans on having a Fourth of July Fireworks Show, weather permitting. Bring a check or cash to the museum this coming Saturday, June 11th, 1 to 4, or to the June meeting, 7:00 p.m., June 22nd. Or mail it to the McDade Historical Society, P.O. Box 621, McDade, TX 78650. Or give it to any member. Please help us have a fantastic show for our nation's 250th birthday!

06/07/2026

The McDade Historical Society’s banner of Revolutionary War ancestors is hanging downtown.

It is by no means a complete list. On some families, there wasn’t enough information to follow. Many others, especially those of German origin, came after the Revolution.

If there is information the person was an officer, it is listed. Otherwise, rank was unknown, he was a private, or he served in some other capacity. For example, Kittrell Mundine was an older man serving as Justice of the Peace who made sure young men joined the army, so he is listed in the Book of Patriots. Likewise, John Watson, a wealthy landowner, provided goods.

There is no shame and much to be proud of an ancestor who was “only” a private. He was probably only a teenager who fought hungry, half-naked, and left bloody footprints in the snow. Pvt. Thomas Poore suffered as a prisoner of war, the British treatment of them being brutal and inhumane.

Names evolved. Gresham became Grissom, probably to differentiate from their Tory cousins. Johann Mehn became John Main. Null became Nutt, a change one of the Notch-cutter outlaws made probably to protect his family from his nefarious reputation. Poore became Moody when an orphan took the name of his guardian.

Sometimes there are interesting things to learn. Archibald Heffington, the ancestor of the deputy who was shot in downtown McDade, participated in exciting sea battles, going ashore to witness Cornwallis surrender his sword to George Washington. On the other hand, all that could be learned of John Greenhaw was that he was a Virginia soldier.

If you see a family name on the list and want to find out more, Google the name with revolutionary war to see what comes up.