Collegeport Ships Carload of Figs to Manila

Collegeport, Nov. 19.—Collegeport has established commercial relations with Manila.

Saturday, a full carload of fig preserves, the finest in this district, was shipped to the Philippine Islands by S. B. Sims, manager of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company. A full carload of the produce also was shipped to Springfield, Illinois.

Palacios Beacon, November 24, 1921
 

Collegeport

A further development of industries in this section was announced today by E. A. Allen, operator of a boat line between Collegeport and Palacios, in the rebuilding of the pier for freight and passengers at Collegeport.

Co-operating with the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, Mr. S. B. Sims, company representative, said the new project would be completed as soon as material was secured. Labor and material for most of the building will be furnished by the company.

Matagorda County Tribune, January 9, 1925

COLLEGEPORT.

Collegeport, Texas, Feb. 5.--Thirty-four thousand fig trees will be set out at this place within the next few days, according to a statement made today by S. B. Sims, manager of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company. More than 16, 000 trees will be pruned this month, he stated.

Very little damage was done to figs by the cold, Mr. Sims said, in spite of the fact that the hardest cold spell in years has swept the country. The pruning we will do will remove the "pinched" ends, but it would have had to be done any way.

Matagorda County Tribune, February 6, 1925

To Whom It May Concern

We expect to have considerable acreage planted to fig trees, on the Collegeport Townsite, and will begin setting trees this week.

Any damage done to the orchards by stock at large, contrary to the State laws, will be recovered from the owners.

This notice is to give those who have stock at large ample time to put and keep same in bounds, or abide by the consequences, in case of damage done.

The Collegeport Fig Orchards Co.

Per S. B. Sims, Local Manager.

Matagorda County Tribune, February 13, 1925
 

News From Collegeport
Large Acreage of Figs Being Planted.

Collegeport, Texas, Feb. 16.—Already figs are going into the ground at this place as fast as men can be secured to plant them. “We will use all the men we can put in the field,” S. B. Sims, manager of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, said today. Several thousand trees are on the ground and are being planted now.

Already more than one-third of the townsite has been sold, officials state. That another third of the site would be sold by spring, was announced.

Company Shares.

The company is arranging to share the profits with the buyers as well as take a chance on losing if there should be loss. “That there will be no loss to investors, the company officials feel sure,” Mr. Sims said, ”else we would not take a chance. There is no reason why we should contract with those who buy this land to allow half of the paying on the land to come in figs except that we want to show those who buy our faith in the industry.”

Sells $500 Per Acre.

The land is being sold at $500 per acre. One-half in cash and notes and the other half in figs produced.

There are 160 trees to the acre. Each time a leaf forms, a fig forms so that the crop is continuous through the summer.

Figure Fig Production.

Officials figure that the trees will bear as follows: First year, 2 pounds per tree; second year, 10 pounds per tree; third year, 25 pounds per tree; fourth year, 40 pounds per tree. These except for the first year are minimum estimates, officials state.

A 45-acre community orchard has been situated near the railroad station to be farmed by a trustee for the community owners. The plot will be farmed as a unit and the profits divided among the holders.

Matagorda County Tribune, February 20, 1925
 

BAY VIEW SCHOOL AND COLLEGEPORT VICINITY

H. G. Hobbs, vice-President of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company arrived Tuesday for a visit of several days conferring with S. B. Sims, manager. Trees are being planted and plans for intensive cultivation of the ground as soon as possible are under way.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 13, 1925
 

H. G. Hobbs

Mr. H. G. Hobbs, a member of the Collegeport Fig Orchard Co., arrived in the city today from Springfield, Ill. on his way to Collegeport for a brief business visit. He called on the Tribune and informed us that his company is now engaged in setting out 30,000 fig trees. “Our Company,” said, Mr. Hobbs, “is not a great big concern with an idea of setting the world afire. There are only five of us and our only intention or hope is to do something worth while for ourselves, Collegeport and the county. We expect to make ourselves a part of your citizenship and to do all we possibly can to build an attractive little seaside town of Collegeport. I know of no place that has greater possibilities than right where we have our modest holdings.” Mr. Hobbs and his company will receive a cordial welcome to this section and will receive all the encouragement possible.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 13, 1925
 

BAY VIEW HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGEPORT VICINITY

Collegeport will have a new fig cannery and cotton gin next year--1926--if the plans of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company can be worked out. R. G. Hobbs, vice-president of the company said during his visit here this week.

Mr. Hobbs would not say that there would be a cannery here next year definitely but said that there would be a cotton gin. He said that if the figs produce as they should there would have to be a cannery established here. "It is in the plan of the company to establish both next year," he said.

Mr. Hobbs, in speaking of Collegeport said, "I think this country has as great possibilities as any I have seen. Like very great country we have some difficulties to overcome but unlike many that have been made great the difficulties are comparatively small."

The vice-president was very optimistic over the future of the fig business. "Our market for the fig is accessible to us now. In our company are experienced men who know how to market the fig. We will hope no difficulty in that," he thought. "There can be no doubt that this country will grow fig," he added, "nor that sensible men can sell the most luscious preserve ever manufactured."

Matagorda County Tribune, March 20, 1925
 

Large quantities of fig trees are still being received here for transplanting, the bulk of them going to the Collegeport section. Reports from the various orchards are to the effect that everything with the fig industry, so far, is very satisfactory.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 20, 1925
 

BAY VIEW HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGEPORT VICINITY

With 100 acres of the town site tract already planted in the famous Magnolia Figs, Collegeport promises to be an ideal community for those who desire to live in an uncrowded but well settled locality, according to S. B. Sims, who stated today that as soon as the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company is assured that the stock laws are in full respected, the beautification of the city will begin.

Mr. Sims was of the opinion that this could begin at once as stock owners are co-operating to make these things possible. The planting of 1000 Southern Palms will begin as soon as arrangements can be made. Other plans of beautification will be worked out.

All lands sold with a contract to plant this season will be completely stocked in a few days, he said. Contracts for planting next season call for preparation of ground and this will be accomplished.

A message from Dr. W. W. Van Wormer, president of the company, gave assurance that he will be in Collegeport some time before the fifteenth. Plans are being made to give him a community reception.

Forty-five acres of Community orchards are in the process of being planted. 9250 trees are now going into the ground. All trees planted are putting on leaves and some figs, Mr. Sims stated.

Matagorda County Tribune, April 10, 1925
 

Collegeport Fig Orchards Company

Dr. W. W. Van Wormer, president of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, spent last week in Collegeport studying the new plans laid out for the development of the growing fig orchards of this section, with his manager, S. B. Sims, of this place.

Dr. Van Wormer found the orchards of the company to be in excellent condition. “One would hardly guess that those growing little fig trees had lived through an extreme drouth such as this country seldom sees,” he remarked when asked his impression of the condition of the orchards.

“There are two things Collegeport fig farms will have to have soon,” he said, “irrigation and a canning plant. These will arrange to install as soon as practical. It will be barely possible to handle our fig crop this year off of the North orchards and when the nearly 400 acres come to fruit next year I do not see how we can dispose of them without our own cannery.”

When asked when these improvements would be installed the president replied that what had to be done would be done and when questioned about the planting of palms, shrubs, etc., he said that would be accomplished the next planting season.

S. B. Sims, manager of the company, is finishing his home on the Bay Shore and has moved in.

Manager Sims announced that a fuller clearing of ditches and draining of farms would be accomplished at once. Tractors are busy keeping the orchards immaculate. Spray is being used regularly on the large North orchard of bearing trees. These are loaded with young and half developed figs that will begin to ripen in a few weeks. In spite of the drouth, which was broken recently, the spring planted trees may bear a good first crop.

Matagorda County Tribune, July 24, 1925
 

Fig Orchard - Collegeport, Tex.
 

Fig trees planted by the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company during the dry season of the early spring and hardly expected to grow are blooming out now and are full of young figs and ripening fruit. According to S. B. Sims, manager, the company is more than elated over the success, so far, of the gigantic enterprise they are attempting to establish here.

If conditions continue to aid in the establishing of the fig industry the lowly fig introduced into the coast section nearly 75 years ago may become one of its best producers of livelihood, Mr. Sims said.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 14, 1925
 

[Rice, Cotton and Figs]

Mr. A. H. Leimbrook, secretary-treasurer Collegeport Fig Orchards Co., and Mrs.? S. B. Sims, resident manager, were visitors to the city yesterday. Mr. Leimbrook resided in Chicago and for 20 years was on the executive staff of the International Harvester Company. He is very much impressed with this part of Texas and is very favorably impressed with the possibilities of cotton. He had occasion to study cotton on the fields of Georgia for five years and became very familiar with the plant. He told us that he knows cotton and that the best crop he has ever seen belongs to F. L. Jenkins, at Collegeport, who has already gathered a bale to the acre with a prospect for as many more. "It is the most perfect cotton crop I have ever seen," said Mr. Leimbrook, "and I offered to buy the remainder of Mr. Jenkins' crop for one-half bale to the acre, but he refused, and I think his refusal was wise." Mr. Leimbrook is also very pleased with the fig crop the company is bringing off and has much faith in the final success of the industry. Rice, cotton and figs are all doing fine and every member of the Collegeport Fig Orchards co. is more than pleased.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 14, 1925
 

Fig trees planted by the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company during the dry season of the early spring and hardly expected to grow are blooming out now and are full of young figs and ripening fruit. According to S. B. Sims, manager, the company is more than elated over the success, so far, the gigantic enterprise they are attempting to establish here.

If conditions continue to aid in the establishing of the fig industry the lowly fig introduced into the coast section nearly 75 years ago may become one of its best producers of livelihood, Mr. Sims said.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 21, 1925
 

Mr. A. H. Leimbrook, secretary-treasurer Collegeport Fig Orchards Co., and Mr. S. B. Sims, resident manager, were visitors to the city yesterday. Mr. Leimbrook resided in Chicago and for 20 years was on the executive staff of the International Harvester Company. He is very much impressed with this part of Texas and is very favorably impressed with the possibilities of cotton. He had occasion to study cotton in the fields of Georgia for five years and became very familiar with the plant. He told us that he knows cotton and that the best crop he has ever seen belongs to F. L. Jenkins, at Collegeport, who has already gathered a bale to the acre with a prospect for as many more. “It is the most perfect cotton crop I have ever seen,” said Mr. Leimbrook, “and I offered to buy the remainder of Mr. Jenkins’ crop for one-half bale to the acre, but he refused, and I think his refusal was wise.” Mr. Leimbrook is also very pleased with the fig crop the company is bringing off and has much faith in the final success of the industry. Rice, cotton and figs all are doing fine and every member of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Co. is more than pleased.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 21, 1925
 

Collegeport Cannery - Later Post Office
 

COLLEGEPORT

Collegeport , Texas . Sept. 3.--Something over 300 pounds of figs had been delivered to the cannery from fig orchards at Collegeport according to reports from the cannery the first of the week. The first figs of the season came off last week.

A new tractor, two new plows and a spring tooth harrow have been added to the equipment of the Fig Orchards Company. Their men are busy putting the orchards in shape.

Mr. Fred Goff, for the fig company, is mowing the streets of the townsite removing the weed sand grass from the ditches.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 4, 1925
 

COLLEGEPORT ACTIVITIES

More than two tons of figs have been shipped from the orchards of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company orchards here, according to statements made by officials of the company.

The fig crop is just beginning to come in and the cultivation of orchards is being retarded in the bearing orchards to harvest the crop. All orchards not heavy with fruit are being put in perfect condition with the new machinery and equipment the company has just purchased, through their agent and manager here, Mr. S. B. Sims.

None of the orchards here are over 18 months old.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 25, 1925
 

Collegeport Brand Texas Magnolia Fig Label
 

Collegeport Activities

Hubert Boeker, brother of C. Boeker, and Mr. Homer F. Goff with his family settled last week. Mr. Boeker brought two engines, four plows, two cultivators and other equipment to add to the tools already at hand on the fig orchards. He is to head the field work of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company according to S. B. Sims manager. Mr. Boeker's family a wife and child, are here with him.

Matagorda County Tribune, November 6, 1925
 

BIG TIME AHEAD

Beautification of the townsite of Collegeport by the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company has been begun. Palms are to grace the length of Central Avenue, according to officials of the company. This is the first move toward a larger program and several hundred palms are being installed.

The work of clearing and plowing the land that will be planted to orchards in the spring is progressing under Mr. Hubert Boeker.

The Matagorda County Tribune, November 13, 1925

 

Dr. W. W. Van Wormer is expected to arrive any day now. He is planning to settle a number of business matters and start new plans to operating. The work of beautification of the townsite is well under way under the able direction of Mr. North Cable, a former landscape gardener, employed by the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company. Manager Sims and Orchard Superintendent Boeker are pushing all equipment to put the orchards in the best condition for the winter season. Plans to erect a large machine shed are under way. The Chamber of Commerce instructed a special committee to have cards printed, asking citizens to co-operate in every way to preserve the palm trees that are being planted.

Matagorda County Tribune, November 20, 1925
 

ROXANNA OIL AT COLLEGEPORT

50,000 Acres Leased for Geodetic Surveying; Other Activities

COLLEGEPORT, Texas , Feb. 26.--Two announcements of major importance to this place were made here this week. One was that the Roxanna Petroleum Corporation has leased 50,000 acres of land in this section and are making geodetic survey. The second that the plans, for this section, of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company include a new hotel, a new cannery and an additional planting of 100 acres of orchards which will bring the actual bearing orchards of the company to 500 acres.

Announcements made this week through Dr. W. W. Van Wormer, president of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, unfold plans for extensive activities for the next year. Dr. Van Wormer addressed a community banquet on Washington's birthday here. He announced that it was the plan of the company to can Collegeport figs in Collegeport this year. That a new, modern up-to-date hotel with all modern conveniences would be built and that the acreage of fig trees is to be increased by 100 acres. Palm trees are being installed on all principal streets and a program of beautification under the direction of North Cable is being executed.

Dr. Van Wormer predicted a period of unusual prosperity for this section due to the strong foundation laid by those who pioneered this country. He has been here for two weeks in conference with is local manager, S. B. Sims, and to visit his mother who is staying with them.

He was accompanied by his wife and Mrs. Louis Miner and her daughter, Miss Alice. Mrs. Miner is the wife of a well known newspaper man of Springfield , recently deceased.

Grave but gaily the citizens celebrated Washington's birthday with song, word and banquet. Under able direction the feeding of more than 150 people attending was done with grace and aptness.

There were two features of the program: an address by Dr. W. W. Van Wormer and a pantomime presented by Mrs. Oscar Chapin, assisted by Miss Dorothy Crane and Homer Goff, who provided the music of the Star-Spangled Banner. The Collegeport male quartet, appearing for the first time in any but church hymns, was well received.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 5, 1926
 

Planting Now Going On

Palms, oleanders and crepe myrtles are being planted along the streets of Collegeport now. The Collegeport Fig Orchards Company is putting all of its orchards in fresh, clean shape for the new season.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 12, 1926
 

Collegeport Fig Facts

By Harry Austin Clapp

COLLEGEPORT, Texas , April 13.--The citizens of Collegeport are to be congratulated on the fact that those who compose the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company are men who have ambitions to accomplish something besides success in their business of selling fig orchards. From the very start of their work they have shown a disposition to not only co-operate in all that is of community benefit but to lead in many cases. This is evidenced by the time and money spent in dragging roads, building culverts, cutting weeds and grass and many other improvements Asking no man's aid in such work, they have expended hundreds of dollars in public work from which they individually receive the least benefit. In order to more effectually carry on public improvement work they have recently equipped themselves with mowing machinery with which they plan to keep all grass and weed growth cut from along the mile and half of cement walk and the various streets and boulevards. During the past few months they have set out 80 crepe myrtle, 60 oleander and more than 360 palms of the Washingtonian and date variety. This means that the community will have in a few years more than one and half miles on Central Street lined with beautiful palms. How unselfish the company is in its efforts to beautify the town is proven by the fact that in planting these trees they have not skipped private property but have planted in one continuous row on both sides of the streets regardless of ownership.

It is to the credit of our citizenship that every person is co-operating in protecting these trees from damage. The people are taking pride in the work. That the planting of figs has assumed considerable importance in the minds of others is evidenced by the prominent part Collegeport took in the recent meeting held in Houston for the purpose of interesting the Best-Clymer Company in the building and operating of a modern fig preserving plant and the sale of the product under that well known brand. At this meeting the Collegeport industry was recognized as an important factor in placing the growing figs on a practical and permanent basis.

Those present know very well that the growing of figs to be permanent must return a profit to the grower and plans have been made for prices that will satisfy the man who produces. The following figures will perhaps interest all who are interested in the industry and may be a surprise to even some of our local people:

The old orchard contains.............120 acres

Planted in 1925............................265 acres

Planted last three weeks...............80 acres

To be planted this month...............40 acres

Total plantings.............................505 acres

The old orchard last year gave a good yield but this season the present prospects are for an abundant crop and with a normal season it is expected that the crop will run into many tons of this beautiful and delicious fruit. With a very small production per tree and at the lowest market price the income this year will run into many thousands of dollars. The company has recently built a machine shop for storing tools and repair work and has now in use four tractors, one truck and a large number of discs, cultivators, plows and harrows and employs from 10 to 30 men. This means no empty houses or idle men in this community. The company is composed of well known men who are capable of carrying out any plans they may make and with unquestioned financial ability. Those who delight in knocking should lay aside from knockers; those who desire to push should get out their pushers and all join in giving this company strong moral support in their effort to make Collegeport the Midcoast Beauty Spot.

Matagorda County Tribune, April 16, 1926 - from the Scrapbook of Harry Austin Clapp
 

COLLEGEPORT ACTIVITIES

Work on the fig orchards has been considerably retarded the past few months due to damp weather but Manager Sims and his co-workers are taking advantage of every dry spell to prepare orchards for the summer. Trees are full of small figs.

.

Matagorda County Tribune, April 23, 1926
 

THE FIRST EXCURSION

Official Announcements Are Encouraging as to Coming of First Homeseekers

COLLEGEPORT, Texas , April 30.--Official announcements from the offices of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, both here and in Springfield , are to the effect that Dr. Van Wormer will bring as guests a train of homeseekers from the North, leaving May 15 and arriving here about May 17.

Dr. Wm. W. Van Wormer, president of the Fig Orchards Company, said that the trip had been advertised in approximately 100 or more dailies and weeklies in the Northern states and that response indicated that the trip would be made as scheduled.

S. B. Sims, local manager for the Fig Orchards Company, has been using every effort to get orchards in shape to take full advantage of the plentiful rainfall this spring.  In quickly conditioning the soil he plans to conserve the moisture and thus produce a bumper yield.

North Cable, in charge of the landscaping, is putting the streets and sidewalks in shape to give the visitors the best possible view of the townsite. Mr. Cable has successfully planted several hundred palms and oleanders with a loss of but three trees.

A move was initiated last week to provide a special day of welcome for the visitors. Full details will not be worked out, Homer Goff, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, said, until the wishes of Dr. Van Wormer have been made known in the matter.

Matagorda County Tribune, April 30, 1926
 

COLLEGEPORT ACTIVE

Due to economic interests brought about by the late season, the expected visit of tourists from Springfield , Ill. , will not be carried out as scheduled. The visit will be made in July.

Col. E. Mann, secretary-treasury of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, is on an inspection tour of the holdings of the company here. He will remain for a week. Colonel Mann is giving all his time to the company's interests and has opened an office in Springfield . He expressed himself as well satisfied with the condition of the orchards and complimented S. B. Sims, local manager, highly on his splendid work despite the hindrances of the late, wet spring.

Matagorda County Tribune, Friday, May 21, 1926
 

Mrs. Lucy Van Wormer

COLLEGEPORT, Texas , June 1.--Mrs. Lucy Van Wormer died here Sunday at the age of 72. Mrs. Van Wormer was born in Illinois and lived in that state all her life. She has been living here with her daughter, Mrs. S. B. Sims, for the past several months and has endeared herself to all who knew her. A sweet, lovable character; to meet her was to love her.

Mrs. Van Wormer is survived by five sons, among them being Dr. Van Wormer, president of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, and Mrs. S. B. Sims. All of her sons live in Illinois . Mrs. Sims accompanied the body to Springfield where interment services will be held.

Matagorda County Tribune, June 4, 1926 - from the Scrapbook of Harry Austin Clapp
 

COLLEGEPORT ACTIVITIES

Fig orchards are clean and large crops of figs are beginning to swell. Manager S. B. Sims was called to Houston on business relative to a fig plant for this place though there was nothing definite to say at press time. Mr. Sims simply said that he had been instructed by his company to get immediate information regarding plant costs and that a meeting of the directors of the company is in session at Springfield .

Collegeport was shocked Sunday morning with the first death that has occurred here in more than two years. The deceased, Mrs. Van Wormer, mother of Mrs. S. B. Sims and Dr. W. W. Van Wormer, president of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, was visiting with her daughter here and came here for her health. She was bothered with a weak heart. She had been very ill for nearly two weeks and her death was anticipated.

Mrs. Van Wormer became suddenly much worse last Sunday morning early. She continued worse until she passed quietly to her anticipated reward at 11 o'clock . Her last words were full of faith and confidence born of a long life of experience. She told her friends and children about her boy, Charlie, who preceded her. She calmly kissed her daughter, Mrs. S. B. Sims good-by and then went to sleep. Everyone who witnessed the death remarked at its peacefulness, confidence and complete assurance.

The deceased is the mother of eight boys and one girl. One boy preceded her to the other world. Her husband passed away several years ago. All of her children are well educated and accomplished. There are four doctors and three business men of the boys. Mrs. Sims is an accomplished artist, making china painting her specialty.

Nearly everyone in Collegeport knew "Grandma Van," as she was affectionately called, who came to the city last fall. She was quiet and did not go out often because of her malady but she was known and loved and any time she went out was greeted by hosts of friends who knew and loved her mother-like personality.

"Grandma Van" was buried in Springfield , her home and the home of her seven living sons. Mrs. Sims accompanied the corpse, leaving here Monday morning at 1:30 .

Matagorda County Tribune, June 11, 1926
 

We have the Magnolia fig, the fruit of the kings and the king of fruits, God has seen to it that only in a certain territory will it mature to its greatest perfection and the Texas Midcoast is in the very heart of this favored section. Here it is that the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company has planted something like 505 acres much of which is at this writing loaded with fruit. With such a crop in sight it became necessary to arrange for its preservation and failing to make favorable contracts with existing preserving plants, they resolved to build and equip one of their own. A copy of the prospectus is before the writer and from it he gleans the following data:

The name will be the Collegeport Packing Company, organized under the laws of Texas. The capital will consist of 300 shares of a par value of $50 each. These will be sold on generous terms. The charter provides for the canning and preserving of figs, vegetables, and food products and handling the same. No commissions will be paid and every penny received from stock sales will be used for equipment, supplies, labor and marketing.

The organizers offer the stock, first to those who have purchased fig orchards, at the rate of four shares for each block of fig orchard owned. After these have been satisfied the books will be opened for subscriptions from others who realizing that this is a first class investment, may desire to purchase.

The plan is a clean cut business proposition; it is an honest effort to provide an outlet for the fruit and vegetables of this section and will be officered by capable and trustworthy men. The building is about 80 feet by 40 feet and has been erected and canning machinery is being ordered. Installation will proceed rapidly as the crop will soon be ready for handling. The men in charge of the local work have earned and enjoy the respect of our citizens and it is the policy of those back of these enterprises to place none but trusty men on guard.

“The Sweetheart of Collegeport: would be a good name for these figs. They are sweet and this industry comes mighty close to the heart of Collegeport.

Matagorda County Tribune, June 11, 1926
 

COLLEGEPORT ACTIVITIES

COLLEGEPORT, Texas , June 16.--According to dependable rumors this place is likely to have at least a temporary fig canning plant this season. When questioned regarding the possibility of the installation of kettles here, Manager S. B. Sims admitted the possibility of the new cannery but said that he could not say for certain that it would be installed this season.

Nevertheless, Messrs. Sims and Sapp, both very much interested in the project, are busy bringing in sand and cement and are awaiting news from Springfield .

The establishing of a fig cannery here has other possibilities. First it will assure a local station for disposing of figs both from the orchards of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company and from the orchards of local growers. There are several small orchards which will supply figs and others in possibility. Second, Mr. Sims mentioned the possibility of canning beans, peas, corn, tomatoes and other vegetables that grow luxuriously here. If such arrangements can be made farmers will be informed in time to make a crop this fall or next spring.

Figs all over the Delta are swelling fast and recent rains are pushing a large crop along nicely. Almost all the Collegeport Fig Company's orchards are in nice shape and heavily loaded with figs.

Matagorda County Tribune, June 18, 1926
 

COLLEGEPORT ACTIVITIES

COLLEGEPORT, Texas , June 28.--An official statement, mailed to the public by the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, is to the effect that there will be a preserving plant at Collegeport to handle the 1926 fig crop "that the interests of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company and its orchard owners may be properly protected and the fig crop gathered and marketed."

Signed by E. Mann, secretary and treasurer of the company, the letter announced "To finance packing company at Collegeport, Texas, in caring for and marketing the 1926 crop should, and can be done," according to a plan of selling stock to the owners of orchards.

A prospectus of the "Collegeport Packing Company" states: The company "having approximately five hundred (500) acres in figs at Collegeport, Texas, the Collegeport Packing Company will be organized for the purpose of establishing a plant for the canning and preserving of figs, vegetables and other food products and handling same in the most advantageous manner as may be determined by the directors of such company."

In explaining the reason for determining to establish a canning plant this year the prospectus says, "Collegeport Fig Orchards Company being unable to negotiate an acceptable contract with any preserving company in a near locality to care for the 1926 and future fig crops of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company; it is agreed by the directors of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company that there should be and will be organized under the laws of the State of Texas the Collegeport Packing Company."

"All proceeds received from sale of stock shall be used for the purpose of construction, purchase of necessary machinery and installation thereof, and the procurement of supplies, materials, labor, etc., necessary in the gathering, preserving and marketing of the 1926 and future fig crops of Collegeport fig orchards."

The capital stock of the new company is announced to consist of three hundred shares having a par value of fifty dollars per share.

Only a mention of canning of other products than figs is made in the prospectus. Manager S. B. Sims, however, intimated that it is planned to can other products that grow well in this section after this season.

E. Mann, secretary and treasurer of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, is handling the funds of the new packing company until its officers shall be designated. Officers of the Fig Orchards Company other than Mr. Mann are: Dr. W. W. Van Wormer, president; E. L. Seward, vice president, and S. B. Sims, orchard superintendent. The main office of the company is in Springfield , Ill.

Matagorda County Tribune, July 2, 1926
 

Two Fig Preserving Plants Under Way

Two fig preserving plants are now under way in this county, one at Collegeport and the other one here.

Matagorda County Tribune, July 16, 1926
 

CANNERY TO OPEN AT COLLEGEPORT

Plant Now Under Construction; Will Start About September 10

(Palacios Beacon)

Officials of the Crawford Packing Company of Palacios announced this week the consolidation of the Fig Canning Industries in this section, when on September 1 they took over and are completing the cannery which was being installed at Collegeport by the Collegeport Packing Company, a tentative organization with headquarters at Springfield, Ill. This consolidation is considered to mean much to the packing industry in this section.

Sell in 38 States

Carlton Crawford, president of the Crawford Packing Company, stated that the products of the Crawford Packing Company are being distributed in 38 states of the United States , and that a major portion of this year's crop is already sold.

The cannery at Collegeport was started under the supervision of S. B. Sims, orchard superintendent of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company. Mr. Crawford complimented Mr. Sims for his efficiency in constructing the new fig plant and the promptness with which he acted in order to get the cannery ready to take care of this year's crop on the 500 acres of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company.

The Crawford Packing Company is a packer of figs, shrimp, tamales and chili, and has been in business in Palacios for six years, during which time its growth has been constant and its business successful.

The consolidation was arranged by the Collegeport Packing Company transferring their stock to the Crawford Packing Company.

Opens September 10.

Mr. Crawford said his company's Collegeport cannery will begin to operate about September 10, which will be in plenty of time to take care of the Collegeport fig crop.

W. C. Tucker, formerly superintendent of the Palacios cannery, has been transferred to the Collegeport cannery. He announced that he will need 10 or 15 ladies to work in the cannery during the canning season.

The Collegeport Packing Company was established by Dr. W. W. VanWormer and his associates of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, and the cannery started in time to take care of the 1926 crop. Seeing the great advantage through consolidation of the canning industries of this section, to the growers and stockholders, and the value of selling their figs to an established organization of good repute and wide distributing facilities, the new arrangement was made and is now in operation.

Matagorda County Tribune, Friday, September 10, 1926
 

FIG CANNERY AT COLLEGEPORT TO OPEN ON FRIDAY

Collegeport , Texas , Sept. 9.--The Collegeport Fig Orchards Company fig cannery here, will open Friday, according to Carlton Crawford, president of the Crawford Packing Company of Palacios, who will operate the plant.

Equipment at the plant consists of a new 600-foot artesian well, steam boiler, three 175-gallon kettles, canner, vats and building with concrete floor.

W. C. Tucker, formerly of the Crawford Packing Company's plant, is in charge of operations.

The Collegeport Fig Orchards Company's 500-acre orchard will supply most of the fruit for the cannery. At present the figs are being taken to Palacios.

This year's crop will be packed under the Crawford Packing Company's label, S. B. Sims, superintendent, said.

Mr. Crawford stated that the greatest part of this year's products is already sold, the New York Central Lines and Pennsylvania Railroad System being the largest customers.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 10, 1926

 

THOUGHTS WHILE IN AROUND AND ABOUT  

The fig orchards are in fine condition. The trees produced excellent fruit and now if the company will send some excellent people down here to build homes on these fine orchards it will be a boon to the community. This year they overlooked one big bet. After the fruit suitable for canning had been picked the trees were full of second and third grade fruit. Picked about one bushel, cleaned the fruit, ground it in a food chopper, added water and sugar and the result was a batch of choice fig jam. Makes a real spread for bread.

Matagorda County Tribune, December 24, 1926
 

THOUGHTS WHILE THINKING

The fig orchards have been deserted since Sims went away but he will be back in a few days and then things will hum again. Sims is a working fool and never knows when to quit. No whistle blows for him.

The Daily Tribune, Thursday, January 6, 1927

Build New Office.

S. B. Sims and his men are tearing down the old brick building that was located between the post office and the depot and the brick will be used in building a new office for the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company and for foundation for other buildings Mr. Sims said.

Paint Up.

Dr. W. W. Van Wormer, president of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Co. sent a check last week to cover the expenses of painting the Community House. Superintended by Carl Boeker, the job was speedily and well accomplished but it is not quite finished.

Palacios Beacon, February 3, 1927
 

Workmen for the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company are replanting trees and making arrangements to trim their orchards. The work of wrecking the old brick building between the post office and the depot is being completed and the new office of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company will be put up soon. 2000 trees from Albert Law’s Nursery in Palacios are being set out.

Palacios Beacon, February 10, 1927
 

THOUGHTS

The Collegeport Fig Orchards Company has sent from Florida 106 hibiscus which have been set out around the library grounds and in front of the community and school houses. These shrubs cost about $30 delivered and is another example of the interest the company has in beautifying Collegeport.

Matagorda County Tribune, June 2, 1927
 

New Fig Orchard Manager Takes Over Collegeport Work

Collegeport, Jan. 18—Adna E. Phelps, a graduate of the American School of Landscape Gardening, has arrived to succeed S. B. Sims as manager of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company. He has a force of men at work pruning and replanting. Trees were only slightly damaged by the freeze and the outlook for a big crop this season is promising.

Daily Tribune, January 19, 1928
 

Thoughts

For the benefit of my Springfield readers will say that the five-gallon hat, worn by Adna E. Phelps, while he was in that city, is the exception and not the rule in these parts. Adna just wished to show them that he had been down in the wild and wooly South and mixed up with the gun-toting cow boys. Even with that Adna is all right, and I predict good success for him in the fig orchards the coming season. He is what I believe to be a dependable sort of cuss. Glad he has returned for I can once more read the Beacon and gain some new inspiration.

The Daily Tribune, January 21, 1928
 

Thoughts

The Fig Orchards Company should buy a new disc for cleaning up the orchards this spring. Old one non compus mentis, or something like that.

The Daily Tribune, February 28, 1928
 

Thoughts About the Trail Ahead

Well, anyway, the fig orchards which have recently been turned over to the purchasers are a disgrace to the owners and an eye sore to our residents. Growing up to weeds and grass, neglected, they will soon be ruined. Don't these guys have any pride in what they have paid good money for? Guess not.

The Daily Tribune, April 21, 1928
 

Thoughts

Rumor tells me that Carl Boeker is to succeed Adna E. Phelps as manager of the Fig Orchards Company. Sorry to lose Adna, for he was a good man for the community, but Carl Boeker will properly manage the company affairs.

The Daily Tribune, May 5, 1928
 

Thoughts

The fig orchards owned by the Orchard Company are rapidly becoming clean and will soon look like sweet dreams. Even now they promise an abundant crop. The fig appreciates loving care as few others do. I know no crop or fruit that responds so rapidly to individual attention as does the fig. A little inattention and it droops, a little care and it looks up and laughs.

The Daily Tribune, May 15, 1928
 

Thoughts

Under the management of Dean Moore, the fig orchards, owned by non-residents, are rapidly improving.

The Daily Tribune, Tuesday, May 22, 1928
 

THOUGHTS

Doc Van Wormer blew in today like a fresh clean breeze from the sea. He is looking over the fig orchards and as usual full of enthusiasm, optimism, faith, confidence in our soil, climate, people. His work is of incalculable value to each of us. He is a builder, not a destroyer, and deserves the hearty support of every sonuvagun who cares for Collegeport progress.

The Daily Tribune, July 12, 1928
 

The trees of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, at this writing, are putting on fruit heavily, and the outlook is for a bumper crop. The black lands seem very desirable for this fruit.

The Daily Tribune, May 8, 1929
 

Visited the school building and found it spick and span, all a shiny with glistening paint. Metal ceilings have been placed in all rooms and halls. Modern drinking founts installed and sanitary facilities in the toilets, the water being obtained through the kindness of the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company.

The Daily Tribune, Wednesday, September 10, 1930
 

At the end of three years the Collegeport Fig Orchards company under the terms of their contracts turned the various orchard blocks over to the tender mercies of non-resident owners. May of them, not realizing the value of their property, became careless. Cultivation, pruning, spraying ceased. Retroversion began. Neglect took its toll.

But this is another story which we will consider next week. No matter what has happened I still believe in the fig and my advice to the owners of these orchards is to hold fast, cultivate, prune, spray, pick the fruit, collect the cash and I believe the returns will be gratifying.

Monday night, Jan. 26, the Portsmouth Limited died on the track about one mile from Beadle. The next day the flag at the schoolhouse flew at half mast. Very proper.

The same day came Dr. W. W. Van Wormer with Harry Hall on a very welcome visit to the Homecrofters. When I was a boy Bill Hall, the father of Harry, was an engineer on what was then the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railroad.

Doctor Van came from Springfield to look over the properties of the Fig Orchards company and he only needed one eye to see all that was necessary and one eye was one too many. Any way Doctor Van enjoys the respect and friendship of 97 per cent of our people for he has honestly and generously tried to promote a business of much importance to us folk. He need not worry about the three per cent for they are always again anything and everything that means progress.

The Daily Tribune, Tuesday, February 3, 1931
 

For the benefit of some of our folk who do not seem to understand the situation, I will state that the tract of land known as "Van Wormer Field," consists of blocks 142-143-128 and the block designated "school" which latter never has borne a number. It is one solid block 660 feet square and contains ten acres of land. It was given as a free gift with title conveyed by a warranty deed from the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company, a corporation existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Texas. The deed is the usual warranty deed as to language except that oil and mineral rights are reserved, and in event that the school district at any time ceases to use the land for school purposes, or abandons it, the title reverts to the grantor.

There are no strings to this gift for such as it is. A free will offering from men who are interested in our consolidated rural high school.

The Daily Tribune, Wednesday, October 14, 1931
 

The state board of education asked for more ground for athletic field and agricultural work and the Collegeport Fig Orchards Company generously made a gift of ten acres joining the old campus which is known as Van Wormer Field. The Collegeport Industrial League gave the board permission to use such part of its block as is not occupied by the library so that the school now has outside the former campus about twelve acres of land for athletic and agricultural purposes.

The Daily Tribune, November 3, 1931