1914 FAIR

The annual melon slicing on Texas Avenue is believed to have started in 1922.  This photograph belonged to Judge Nance and has been said to be the first melon slicing.  The De Leon Centennial book indicated that this slicing occurred earlier than 1922, however when the photo is enlarged Steakley Service Station can be read on the building that is on the southeast corner of Texas and Reynosa.  That building had been the First National (then First State) Bank.  It closed in 1921 and Steakley’s took over the building that year.  So the photo has to be either 1921 or 1922.  The legs of the old water tank are visible in the middle of the street.  That tank was removed in 1924.

Notice the sheds that were erected on the east side of the street for the slicing.