Nora Lee Mayhew Wendland
Historical marker location:Born in Levita (Coryell Co.), Nora Lee Mayhew attended Meridian College and the College of Industrial Arts in Denton (now Texas Woman’s University). A classically trained violinist, she also studied as a postgraduate at Cornell University (New York). She taught at several colleges before marrying Robert Ernest “Bob” Wendland in 1924. With his siblings, he operated the family’s grain company in Killeen before moving it to Temple in 1928. Nora Lee and Robert raised two children.
Nora Lee became involved in Temple clubs, joining the music club and becoming its president in 1931. She was elected president of the State Federation of Music Clubs in 1940. During her tenure, the federation donated musical items for the World War II effort. Wendland volunteered at McCloskey Army General Hospital in Temple and the music club organized programs for hospitalized soldiers. Wendland emphasized music therapy in the hospital, paralleling a similar national focus. In 1944, she coordinated and launched a symposium on music therapy. After World War II, her music in hospitals program expanded throughout Texas. From 1946 to 1960, Wendland served as director-at-large to the National Federation of Music clubs, during which time she also chaired the Young Artists auditions in New York City.
By the late 1950s, Wendland turned her focus to the arts in Temple, co-founding the cultural activities center, a model for multi-disciplinary arts organizations. Wendland left public life near the time of her husband’s death in 1981, and she died in 1988. Nora Lee Wendland’s efforts and vision have left an enduring legacy of music and the arts in Temple and throughout the state and nation
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen