Historical Marker

Collin Street Bakery

Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Opened two blocks north of this site in 1896, by August Weidmann, an immigrant baker from Wiesbaden, Germany, and W. T. McElwee, a local cotton buyer.

Combining the talents of a baker whose pride and joy was baking a better cake with the flare of a man whose business ability had a touch of the sensational was a move that resulted in a most unusual and successful business enterprise.

One of Weidmann's few assets was an unknown cake recipe. This was to become the famous original "deluxe fruitcake," today shipped to every state in the United States and to many foreign countries.

McElwee, a lover of sports and the theatre, built a rooming house over the bakery in 1906, and invited visiting baseball players, circus performers and vaudeville troupes to stay there. Soon guests were having fruitcakes shipped to friends in remote places.

Employees at the bakery during this era recall visits from Will Rogers, Enrico Caruso, John J. McGraw, "Gentlemen Jim" Corbett and many other celebrities. They also recall the day the great circus showman, John Ringling, and many of his famous performers stopped in an ordered Christmas cakes sent to their many friends in distant lands

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.

business restaurants markets, mercantiles
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Navarro County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche, who settled along the Trinity River. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 18th century, with Spanish explorers such as Domingo Terán de los Ríos making expeditions through the region.

During the 19th century, the area that is now Navarro County became part of the Republic of Texas and later the state of Texas. In 1848, the county was officially established and named after José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat, Corsicana, was established in 1848 and quickly grew due to its location along the railroad.

Corsicana became known as the "Oil City" in the early 20th century when significant oil discoveries were made in the county. The discovery of the Corsicana oilfield in 1894 brought an economic boom to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil companies and refineries. The county's economy flourished as a result, with Corsicana becoming a prosperous industrial and manufacturing center.

In addition to its oil industry, Navarro County has a strong agricultural heritage. Cotton farming was widespread in the county during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with large plantations and slave labor playing a significant role. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural region, with cattle ranching, corn, and wheat farming being key industries.

Overall, Navarro County's history is marked by its Native American roots, European settlement, oil discoveries, and agricultural prominence. Today, the county retains its historical significance while also embracing modern industries and attractions.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Navarro County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Navarro County established as one of the original counties of Texas
  • 1848 - Corsicana chosen as the county seat
  • 1850 - First courthouse built in Corsicana
  • 1861-1865 - Navarro County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1868 - Construction of the second courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1871 - Corsicana becomes an important trading center for cotton
  • 1881 - First discovery of natural gas in Corsicana leads to development of the oil industry
  • 1894 - Construction of the third and current courthouse in Corsicana
  • 1900 - Corsicana becomes the first Texas city to establish a municipal airport
  • 1930s - Navarro County affected by the Great Depression; agriculture and oil industries suffer
  • 1942-1945 - Corsicana Naval Air Station plays a significant role during World War II
  • 1956 - Corsicana becomes the birthplace of the Collin Street Bakery fruitcake
  • 1960s-1970s - Navarro College is established and begins to grow
  • 1980s-1990s - Corsicana becomes a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily housed in Navarro County
  • 2010 - Corsicana celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
  • 2017 - Corsicana locates one of the largest oil fields in Texas in Wolfberry Trend
  • 2020 - Navarro County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic