By Jane Ray, Kyle Public Library
Interested in learning more about Kyle’s history? A great new book can help you do just that!
“Kyle,” written by Dr. Betty Harrison for Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series, is full of fascinating historic information. Organized chronologically, it begins with the foundation of Kyle in 1880 and covers the town’s history through the 20th century.
The book also includes copious photographs, such as an 1880 map for the new town and the tree, still standing on Sledge Street over 135 years later, where town lots were sold at auction the same year. Prominent buildings and businesses, such as the town’s first permanent structure, are incorporated, as is a wonderful picture of Center Street around 1900. A large copy of this photo is prominently featured in the Kyle Public Library.
Notable citizens of Kyle are also discussed. They include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Katherine Anne Porter, whose childhood home on Center Street now houses the Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center. Another prominent woman highlighted is Mary Kyle Hartson, who served as mayor of Kyle from 1937 to 1946 and led an all-female government. Her brother Edwin Kyle served as a Dean at Texas A&M and chair of the Athletic Council; a football field at the university later bore his name. Other noteworthy Kyle residents include Cecil C. “Tex” Hughson, who played professional baseball with the Boston Red Sox, and Fulbright scholar and newspaper publisher Terrell Sledge.
In an author talk at the Kyle Public Library on Jan. 29, Dr. Harrison said she “believes books like this one serve an important role in sharing the identity of the community with many new residents of Kyle.” Whether you are new to town or have lived here all your life, Kyle is sure to provide fascinating information about this place we call home.
