1911 Fire

On June 12, 1911, a fire destroyed most of the downtown business district and some twenty dwellings. A trash fire spread to a drygoods store, and accounts say that as a result of the pump station breaking down, a bucket brigade was formed. Water was drawn from a nearby well, but there was not enough to fight the fire. Every business downtown burned except for the First National Bank building, which still stands at 100 West Grand Street.

Sources:

“Early History of Whitewright,” Whitewright Plow and Hammer, Sept. 29, 1894; reprinted in Grayson College Journal, vol. 2, no. 1 (Oct. 1894)

“A History of Whitewright, Texas,” compiled by Mrs. James C. Bryant, 1946