Thalia, Texas facts for kids
Thalia is a small, unincorporated community located in Foard County, in the northern part of Texas. An unincorporated community means it's a place with a shared identity but no official local government. In 1990, about 104 people lived there. Thalia is also famous because its name was used for a fictional town in several books by the author Larry McMurtry. Many people think McMurtry's fictional Thalia was inspired by his own hometown, Archer City, which is about 60 miles away.
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Where is Thalia?
Thalia is located in northern Texas. Its exact location is 33°59′05″N 99°32′16″W / 33.98472°N 99.53778°W. This helps people find it on a map.
The Story of Thalia
How Thalia Got Its Name
Thalia was first settled in Hardeman County. It was originally called "Paradise." However, the United States Postal Service did not approve this name. So, the community was renamed Thalia. The name "Thalia" comes from a Greek word meaning "blooming" or "luxuriant."
Early Days and Growth
William W. Pigg donated the land for the town. In 1890, a post office and a school were opened. This helped the community grow. When Foard County was created in 1891, Thalia became part of this new county. Thalia officially became an incorporated town in 1926. At that time, about 50 people lived there. A high school was built and opened in 1930.
Challenges and Changes
Thalia's economy got a boost from the Texas oil boom in the 1920s. This meant more jobs and money for the area. However, the town later faced tough times. A long period of drought made farming difficult. The Great Depression, a time of economic hardship across the country, also affected Thalia. Oil production also decreased, which hurt the local economy.
Because of these challenges, the high school closed in 1943. The post office also closed its doors by 1960. The population of Thalia changed over the years. In 1950, there were 180 residents. By 1980, the population had dropped to 104. In 1990, the population remained at 104 people.
Thalia in Books and Movies
Larry McMurtry's Fictional Thalia
The author Larry McMurtry used the name "Thalia" for a fictional town in many of his novels. These books include Horseman, Pass By (1961), Leaving Cheyenne (1963), and The Last Picture Show (1966). Other novels set in or around "Thalia" are Texasville (1987), Duane's Depressed (1999), and When the Light Goes (2007).
Thalia on the Big Screen
Some of McMurtry's books were made into movies. The film Hud was based on Horseman, Pass By. However, the movie's setting was moved from North Texas to the Texas Panhandle. The movies based on The Last Picture Show and Texasville take place in a fictional town called Anarene, Texas.
