A Journey Through Time: Exploring the History of Bryan/College Station
The Bryan/College Station area boasts a rich and vibrant history, evolving from a remote agricultural and military college town to a bustling hub of education, commerce, and culture. This article delves into the collective memory of residents, piecing together anecdotes and recollections to paint a picture of the area's transformation over the decades.
From Humble Beginnings to College Town
In 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College, Texas's first land-grant college, was established in what was then a remote area of Central Texas. The college, primarily a military school, spurred the development of a railroad station named "College," which in turn attracted newcomers and led to the incorporation of College Station in 1938. By this time, College Station's size rivaled that of Bryan, the Brazos County seat.
Before the construction of the bypass, Highway 6 was known as Texas Avenue. Traveling from the north required driving through Bryan to reach the campus. Parking was readily available next to many buildings, and campus police patrolled in small, three-wheeled trucks.
Remembering Downtown Bryan
Downtown Bryan was once the heart of the community. One resident recalls working downtown in 2004 and closing early in the fall to ensure workers weren't alone after dark. The area has undergone significant changes, with memories of Woolworths, complete with a diner and a basement toy section, and a police station where the children's museum now stands.
The Rise and Fall of Malls and Shopping Centers
Manor East Mall was a popular shopping destination. J.C. Penney, Montgomery Wards, Bells, The Fair, a movie theater, an arcade, a pet store, and other mall-type shops were all located there. Eventually, the town's first Wal-Mart opened there.
Read also: Academic Life at Rutgers
Other notable shopping centers included the Townshire Shopping Center, where a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is now located, and the Chimney Hill Shopping Center, which was once FedMart.
Restaurants of Yesteryear
The Bryan/College Station area has been home to many memorable restaurants over the years. El Chico was once located where Carter's Burger is now, while The Texan was a restaurant on South College just before Villa Maria. Martin's BBQ has been a fixture for decades. Tom's BBQ had two locations, one where J Cody's is and the other near the E-Z Travel Inn in College Station.
Other restaurants that have faded into memory include the Egg Roll House, which one resident remembers as being particularly bad, and Archie's 39-cent hamburgers, which were located where Let's Roll is on Harvey Rd in the 80's. Fajita Rita's was a popular Mexican food restaurant for a while.
Entertainment and Recreation
Pooh's Park was a popular entertainment destination, offering roller skating and indoor putt-putt. Triangle Bowling provided another option for family entertainment. For movies, the Palace Theater in downtown Bryan offered double-feature Disney matinees on Saturdays.
Other forms of entertainment included arcades, such as the one in Manor East Mall and the Time Out arcade in the mall food court. Games Galore was considered the best arcade by some.
Read also: An Inside Look at Barnes & Noble
Changes in Infrastructure and Development
Significant changes have occurred in the infrastructure and development of Bryan/College Station. The intersection of 2818 and Wellborn was once a 4-way stop. Fort Shiloh was considered the end of College Station, with Scott & White being one of the first major additions beyond it. There was little development on the east side of Highway 6.
University Drive was a gravel road a few blocks east of Texas Avenue. When one resident first moved to town, College Station ended at George Bush Drive.
The Evolution of Texas Avenue
Texas Avenue has undergone a dramatic transformation. All of the car dealerships were once located on Texas Avenue, starting just before Townshire and ending near the courthouse. Over time, many of these dealerships moved to the bypass.
The Story of Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Education (BNED) has played a significant role in the educational landscape. Starting with a single store in New York City in 1965, BNED has evolved into a strategic partner for colleges and universities, providing customized services and solutions.
The Barnes & Noble / Best Buy location was once home to a bicycle shop and Computer Access.
Read also: Educator Discount Guide
Remembering Lost Landmarks
Many landmarks have disappeared over the years, leaving behind only memories. These include:
- The Drive-In movie theater off E 29th Street.
- Gibsons department store on the corner of Texas and George Bush.
- Sunset Gardens nursery near where Texas Ave. joins Highway 6 in CS.
- A large water tank where CSFD Station #6 is now.
- The Highway 21 Brazos River Bridge, which was imploded to make way for the current one.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Retail
Retail businesses have come and gone, leaving their mark on the community. Kmart and FedMart opened in the 1970s in undeveloped areas. The Asian grocery store was originally Lewis & Coker. The CVS location at Texas & Villa Maria used to be an Exxon service station.
Other retail memories include Kellys Toy Lane, Keysers Hobbies, and Sears, all in the same shopping center.
The Growth of Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University has experienced tremendous growth, evolving from a small agricultural and military college into a major university with over 49,000 students. This growth has had a profound impact on the surrounding community.
The Memorial Student Center (MSC) has been a central gathering place for students since its completion in 1951. The MSC has undergone many transformations to meet the needs of a growing and changing student population.
tags: #barnes #and #noble #college #station #history
