Porter, Walter C., Farm
a.k.a. Porter Farm
2 mi. N of Terrell on FR 986, Terrell, TXDr. Seaman A. Knapp, concerned for the plight of poor farmers, organized the first agricultural cooperative on February 26, 1903. It was in Texas on the Walter C. Porter farm near Terrell that the first demonstration took place. From this one demonstration, the entire nationwide Agricultural Extension Service has developed--for 60 years influencing agriculture and better rural living in Texas, the nation, and throughout the world.
Farm demonstration work spread rapidly across the country, becoming one of the great educational institutions of America. As the idea spread geographically becoming nation-wide with the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the scope of the work also increased, extending beyond farming methods, to home economics and the betterment of rural life and culture. Boy's Corn Clubs, Ladies' Canning Societies, 4-H Clubs, and intensified country fair activities all stem from the extension work begun on the Porter Farm.
The son of Walter C. Porter still operates the original demonstration farm two miles north of the city of Terrell on Farm Road 986. The original demonstration fields sit adjacent to this newly constructed road. original farmhouse remains and is used by the Porter family.
In 1903, farmers and businessmen in Kaufman County, like others over the state, were searching for methods to stop the spread of the cotton boll weevil, which was threatening to ruin their one-crop farming economy. They heard about a man, Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, special agent of the United States Department of Agriculture and former President of Iowa Agricultural College, who had been successful in helping rice farmers in Southwest Louisiana to overcome problems in rice growing.
When the people of Terrell invited Dr. Knapp to visit their county early in 1903, he came and talked with them about farming methods that might stop the boll weevil. His idea was for one farmer to conduct a demonstration for the entire community, planting and growing the crop according to methods Knapp would recommend. Selected by his fellow citizens, Porter agreed to use his farm for this demonstration, and businessmen of the county placed $1,000 in the bank to cover losses that Porter might suffer. Not a dollar of this fund was needed. When final accounting took place, Porter found the new methods netted him more cotton per acre than ever before.
Because the boll weevil was rapidly becoming a national concern, the Department of Agriculture adopted the methods used on the Porter farm and the Secretary of Agriculture authorized Dr. Knapp immediately to establish other demonstrations on Texas farms. By 1904 Dr. Knapp found it necessary to open an office for the "Farmers' Cooperative Demonstration Work" in Houston and employed 35 agents.
Farm demonstration work spread rapidly across the country, becoming one of the great educational institutions in America. As the idea spread, becoming national in scope with the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, the program took on various alternate forms leading to the total improvement of farm life. Boy's Corn Clubs, Ladies' Canning Societies, 4-H Clubs, and intensified county fair activities all stem from the extension work begun on the Porter farm.
In the seventy years since the first farm demonstration work began, the Agricultural Extension Service has touched the lives of millions of farm families, helping them to make the best of their land and crops, animals and labor, capital and climate. It teams up with the farmer and scientist, meets the farmer and his family in their situation, and helps them to apply the findings of research within the pattern of their resources.
Bibliography
"Golden Anniversary of the Farm Demonstration," Texas A & M College, 1953.
Knapp, Seaman A., "The Work of the Community Demonstration Farm at Terrell, Texas," Bulletin No. 51, Bureau of Plant Industry, (Washington, D.C. 1905).
Martin, O. B. The Demonstration Work, Dr. Seaman A. Knapp's Contribution to Civilization, (San Antonio, 1941).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During its early years, Kaufman County experienced growth and development, with agriculture playing a prominent role in the local economy. Farming and ranching became essential industries for the county, with cotton and livestock production leading the way. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the county's growth, connecting it to major cities and facilitating trade.
In the early 20th century, Kaufman County began to modernize rapidly. The advent of the automobile allowed for better transportation and communication networks, linking the county's rural communities. The development of infrastructure, including roads and highways, further enhanced connectivity between towns. Schools, hospitals, and businesses also experienced significant advancements during this time, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
Today, Kaufman County continues to thrive as a suburban county with a growing population. It boasts a mix of agricultural, industrial, and residential areas, offering a blend of rural charm and urban amenities. The county's rich history is celebrated through local museums, historical sites, and community events, reminding residents and visitors alike of the importance of preserving and cherishing its past.
Kaufman County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kaufman County, Texas.
- 1848 - Kaufman County is established by the Texas legislature.
- 1852 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Kaufman.
- 1857 - The first newspaper, the Kaufman Herald, is established.
- 1861-1865 - Kaufman County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- 1873 - Terrell is founded and becomes a major railroad hub.
- 1886 - The Texas State Railroad extends its line into Kaufman County.
- 1895 - The Kaufman County Courthouse is destroyed by fire and later rebuilt.
- 1936 - Lake Ray Hubbard is created by the construction of the Rockwall-Forney Dam.
- 1965 - Kaufman County celebrates its centennial.
- 2013 - Tragically, Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia are assassinated.