Magnolia
Story and Photographs by Bonnie McKenna
On the southernmost corner of the lush, green Piney Woods is one of the small towns that reflect the friendliness of Texas and welcomes visitors throughout the year, Magnolia. The town was established in 1840 when Montgomery County extended its southern boundary to Spring Creek. Initially, the area was known as Mink. In 1908 the city was officially renamed, Magnolia. The commerce of the town revolved around several large sawmills, cotton, and farms. The city grew along the route of the Northern Huntsville Railroad, and Magnolia became a shipping center for lumber, cattle, and farm products. Things to Do: Unity Park is a 30-acre combination of a wildlife preserve and a municipal park. The Williams Pavilion hosts several annual events throughout the year and is available for private use. The Park also maintains a skateboard park, splash pad, tennis courts, and a playground for children. For birding enthusiasts, the Park has well-maintained pathways and lookout points for optimal viewing.
The Stroll is a popular half-mile, tree-shaded walking path in the heart of Magnolia’s Town Center. At the north end of the trail is the newly refurbished Sullivan Park and the Farmers Market. Every Saturday, 3050 vendors meet to sell local products and crafts. The Park hosts many community events throughout the year The Depot is Magnolia’s iconic link to its railroad history. The Depot is a beautiful example of depot architecture in the glory days of train travel. The interior of the main room displays exposed wooden trusses, plank flooring, and sliding freight doors. In 2005, due to Highway expansion, The Depot was moved to a new location directly across from the railroad tracks without compromising its historic integrity. Members of the Magnolia Historical Society maintain and operate The Depot and sponsor the annual Halloween and Christmas events. The Depot is also available for numerous civic and private parties. Depot Day happens every year in April. Vendors, craft booths, food, auctions, and entertainment make for a great time for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the friendliness of Magnolia. The Annual Christmas Parade, the Hometown Christmas event, will be held this year, on December 4, at 5:30 p.m., there will be vendors, visits from Santa, and activities for children. 8 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com
