Historic Mesquite, Inc.

08/30/2026

Look near the center of this page for the small, single-story building with the broad roof. It is thought that this may be Mesquite’s Texas Interurban Railway depot, which stood on the south side of the public square facing what is now Davis Street.

This page appeared in *Making Neighbors*, a promotional booklet published by the Texas Interurban Railway in 1925. It presented photographs and information about the communities served by the Dallas–Terrell line.

On Sunday, January 14, 1923, the railway began full service along the new line—including a stop in Mesquite. The electric railway carried passengers, baggage, and express freight between Dallas, Mesquite, Forney, and Terrell. Special cars brought visitors to Mesquite for an opening celebration on January 13, which included music and remarks from local and county leaders.

The interurban served Mesquite for just over nine years. Rail service ended on March 13, 1932, after the Dallas Union Trust Company foreclosed on the railway.

Do you remember hearing stories about Mesquite’s interurban—or seeing the former depot before it was gone?

If you enjoy the history we share, please use the share button to pass along Historic Mesquite’s original post. Sharing directly helps more people discover HMI’s work while keeping the images, research, and source information together. 😊

Sources: *The Texas Mesquiter*, January 12, 1923; *Making Neighbors*, Texas Interurban Railway, 1925, courtesy of the Mesquite Public Library via The Portal to Texas History; Texas State Historical Association, “Electric Interurban Railways.”

08/28/2026

Do you remember the old Joe Lawrence House on Long Creek Road?

This undated photograph shows the white Folk Victorian house that once stood at 377 Long Creek Road in Sunnyvale. A handwritten note identifies the woman beside the picket fence as Edna B. Lawrence.

The house belonged to Jefferson Zachariah “Joe” Lawrence, a nephew of S. D. Lawrence, who built what is now the Opal Lawrence House. According to a note attached to the photograph, the Long Creek house burned in 1980. Joe’s daughter, Mary Carol Lawrence, later built a brick home on the same footprint.

Do you remember seeing this house on Long Creek Road? Tell us what you remember in the comments!

Image digitally enhanced for clarity.

Source: Dennis Hevron Collection, Historic Mesquite, Inc., donated 2022.

08/27/2026

Calling all kiddos who love stories and nature! 🌳🌳📖📖

Historic Mesquite is hosting Storyfest! on Saturday, September 5th at Opal Lawrence Historical Park!

In partnership with MesquiteTx Public Library System and Read Play Talk, the historic house museum will feature two storywalk trails around the park, library card sign-ups, the Read Play Talk book bus, and more family fun!

Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for more information!

08/26/2026

What’s Happening Wednesday 🧶

Join us for Craft from the Collection: Crochet Workshop at the historic Range House!

📅 Saturday, September 12
🕧 12:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 Opal Lawrence Historical Park
🎟️ $45, including fees

Your $45 ticket includes all supplies, the modern project pattern, a copy of the original historical pattern, a project bag and extra materials to make more at home!

Participants should be comfortable with foundational crochet stitches. Only a handful of tickets remain, so reserve your spot today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-from-the-collection-crochet-workshop-tickets-1995972258756?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/24/2026

👕 It’s Membership Monday—and today we’re sharing another way you can support Historic Mesquite!

Be part of one of our fundraising campaigns that helps fund the wonderful events our community enjoys. Official 16th Annual Mesquite Meander T-shirts are now on sale, and proceeds from shirt sales will help sponsor next year’s Meander!

Thank you to all the wonderful guests who join us year after year—and to our talented volunteer actors who bring Mesquite’s stories to life. You are what makes the Meander possible!

👕 Order your official Meander T-shirt:
https://www.bonfire.com/mesquite-meander-2026/

🎟️ Haven’t purchased your tickets yet? Join us October 9–10 for the 16th Annual Mesquite Meander: https://www.eventbrite.com/manage/events/1993541606610/details

08/23/2026

🍓 Turn history into something handmade!

Registration is now open for our first Craft from the Collection workshop! Join us Saturday, September 12, to crochet a cute and functional strawberry potholder inspired by a historical pattern in Historic Mesquite’s collection.

Your $45 ticket includes all supplies, the modern project pattern, a copy of the original historical pattern, a project bag and extra materials to make more at home!

Participants should be comfortable with foundational crochet stitches. Space is limited to just 10 participants, so reserve your spot early!

📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ 12:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 Opal Lawrence Historical Park
🎟️ Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-from-the-collection-crochet-workshop-tickets-1995972258756

All proceeds support Historic Mesquite’s educational programs, community experiences and preservation efforts.

Turn history into something handmade! Crochet a collection-inspired project with supplies included. Foundational skills required.

08/21/2026

📽️ Time Capsule Friday?

On a hot August night, a trip to the movies sounds pretty good—and Mesquite residents have been doing just that downtown for generations!

The Texan Theater opened on August 30, 1945, on the south side of Mesquite’s public square. Today, the historic building continues its story as the Corner Theatre, with Bear Cave Coffee in the lobby.

Whether it’s 1945 or 2026, downtown is still a pretty good place to spend an evening. 🎞️☕️

Image: Illustration of the Texan Theatre as it appeared in the 1960s, digitally enhanced for clarity. Historic research compiled by D. Lyon.