Page 61 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2021- Online Magazine

LOCAL HISTORY

purchasing farms and moving to
Littlefield. These promotional trips
included train tickets, overnight
stays, and meals in various
hotels along the way. Those who
purchased farms moved their
families and possessions to Littlefield
on the train. One freight car was
provided for each family, and the
man of the family was welcome to
stay in that freight car with the farm
implements and family possessions
during the move. The rest of the
family had to buy regular tickets on
one of the passenger cars of the train.
courthouse should be moved from Detention Center, construction of the
There were 30 residents of the new Olton to Littlefield. The population Lamb County Hospital in 1979, and
town of Littlefield on opening day in had grown to 6,558 in 1950; 7,236 the opening of Select Milk Producers
1913. By 1915, the town had grown in 1960, and the town peaked out Inc. which renovated the denim plant
to a population of 250. Agriculture at 7,409 in 1980. The town size has building and started operations in
has always been the main source remained fairly level at around 6000 2019.
of the community income over residents for several years.
the years. Early on, there was a Unlike many of the town names
bank, several businesses, a library, During the 1930-1970 period, most around the South Plains like
churches, and a schoolhouse. The businesses were located on or near Shallowater and Levelland, Littlefield
city was incorporated in 1924. The Phelps Avenue downtown. Since has nothing to do with topography.
first theater in town, the Lee, was that time, business strength has And George Littlefield’s namesake
replaced in 1925 with a larger brick increased along Highway 84 and has become so much more than
theater, the Palace Theater. Littlefield Highway 385 in the south part of his legacy. The community has
College operated from 1927 to 1930, town. Significant business events continued to thrive through thick
when Gunter Christian College in Littlefield history include the and thin. The real legacy of our
wanted to relocate to a growing West construction of the American Cotton town is its good people. Their pride
Texas town. The population reached Growers’ Denim Textile Plant in in their home, their commitment to
3,500 in 1930; 3,817 in 1940; and 1975, construction of Littlefield each other, and their hard work have
6,558 in 1950. In 1946, Lamb County Plaza Shopping Center in 1976, led to a good economy which points
voters decided that the county construction of the Bill Clayton to a good future.

Carrie Hanlin
REALTOR /Office Manager
®

M.Edwards Realty and Land
(806-891-5119)
(806-686-6371)
carrie@medwardsrealty.com
www.CarrieHanlin.com
212 Main Street
Sudan, TX 79371
Independently owned & operated

Lubbock Senior Link 61