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Historic Waco Neighborhoods

Following World War II, social, economic, and political forces, accelerated by a major natural disaster, permanently changed the map of Waco. As events displaced people, scattering them in all directions, familiar landmarks disappeared. Block by block, historic Waco neighborhoods receded into the past and now live on only in the memories of the city's older citizens.

One of the major goals of the Waco History Project is to provide resources for teaching local history in Waco and surrounding communities. The project is particularly interested in bringing to light the often invisible stories of people and communities whose pasts have been undocumented. Toward that purpose, the Baylor University Institute for Oral History will present here some historical essays and personal glimpses of a few historic Waco neighborhoods in the years before time, nature, or federal programs changed them forever.

Available now:

BRIDGE STREET: 1849-1968:
Imagine life along old Bridge Street from the viewpoint of Waco's African American citizens.

Coming soon:

THE WACO SQUARE: Walk around the old Waco square with rural families who crowded the streets on Saturdays.

IMMIGRANT TALES: Read the stories of Greek, Italian, Syrian, and Jewish businesses which added special flavor to downtown Waco.

THE MILL DISTRICT & EDGEFIELD: Come back in time and read about growing up in the Mill District and Edgefield neighborhoods.

These stories do not tell the whole story. They do not touch on all the neighborhoods or ethnic groups that have given Waco its character over the years. In fact, they will leave the reader with many unanswered questions.

All Waco area citizens are invited to participate in locating the missing pieces of our heritage. By telling your own story or by helping with the search for stories and photographs, you can contribute to a better understanding of our shared past. To learn how you can become a part of the Waco History Project, contact John Young, Waco Tribune-Herald. E-mail: jyoung@wacotrib.com.