Texas Small Town History Project
Palo Alto College
Robin Brooks
History 1302
Robert Hines
November 30, 2006

La Pryor, Texas

Robin Brooks

History 1302
Tues-Thurs 8:25-9:40
November 15, 2006

INTERVIEW

Interviewee: Diana White

Q: What is your full name?

A: Diana White

Q: How old are you?

A: Late 50's

Q: What do you do in La Pryor?

A: I run the ice cream shop, which used to be the old drug store.

Q: How long have you lived in La Pryor?

A: All of my life.

Q: Did you attend school in La Pryor? If so what was it like?

A: Yes I did go to school in La Pryor, and school was kind of like it is now with separate class rooms.

Q: Why do you choose to stay living in La Pryor?

A: I choose to stay here because it is a very peaceful little town and everyone knows everyone.

Q: Why do you think people move to La Pryor?

A: I think people move here because up north it is cold and noisy. The people that do move here are mostly older retired people. The town is very quiet, and there is hardly any traffic at night. The other reason people desired to live here is because it is a lot cheaper, the houses and anything like that.

Q: How is the crime rate in La Pryor?

A: The crime is very little to none at all, if there is any it is mostly just the kids that live here. Neighbors watch out for each other also. The only really bad thing that has happened here (from what I can remember) is that a couple of guys got drunk one night and killed a local girl. They are in prison now.

Q: What is the current population in La Pryor? What was the population when the town first started out?

A: The current population is about 1,500. When the town first started there was not too many people, but when the railroad came La Pryor was booming and the population was a little over 1,000.

Q: What was and is the major crop in La Pryor?

A: The major crop has always been cattle and any type of agriculture. Then the oil came about.

Q: How would you describe life in La Pryor?

A: Very quiet, tranquil, and the best thing is you don't really have to lock your house when your gone, because the neighbors watch out for each other. If they see something not normal we let others know.

Q: Can you tell me about some historical landmarks that are still there?

A: The old rock building is now a casino, the drug store is now mine and it an ice cream shop, the old jail from the 1920s-30s is still there, but not in use. A lot of the houses are still there, but people have fixed them just a little, My house is from the 1920's and the only thing I have done was put new siding on.

Q: What is your favorite thing about La Pryor?

A: Greeting new people always, going to church to see friends, and making the new residents feel welcomed.

Q: Any special memories you can share?

A: I remember my teenage years because a lot of the kids were involved with the community and school, the kids also has a lot more respect for the elders and teacher. No to many people cursed either.

Q: Does La Pryor have any events that take place yearly?

A: The fire department does have a B-B-Que once a year to raise money for equipment. The school has fund-raisers for the sports, La Pryor has one of the best track teams in Zavala County, so other school go there to compete. The church also have some yearly fundraisers to help with church funds.

Q: When did La Pryor get the first blinking light?

A: The first blinking light was put in about the 1980s and the second one was put in about 5 years ago, because of the accidents.

Q: How do you see La Pryor in the next few years?

A: I see it growing, they are making Highway 57, which runs right though La Pryor's main area, to a four lane highway instead of just two. They are also putting in sidewalks.

Links: La Pryor, Texas