TXBELL-L Archives

Archiver > TXBELL > 2002-11 > 1037583997


From: "Ramona Fuller" <>
Subject: Re: [TXBELL] Belton Fire Dept.
Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 19:46:43 -0600


Here's an excellent resource that most people don't realize exists. The
papers and collect of Alexander Dienst, D.D.S., is in the Center for
American History on the University of Texas at Austin campus. The Center
(formerly known as the Barker Collection) is located next to the LBJ Library
off Red River. A Missouri native, Dr. Dienst moved to Temple in 1889 to
establish his dental practice. But he was smitten by Texas history. Over the
course of the next 50 years, he collected a phenomenal amount of papers and
records -- many relating to Bell County history. Thanks to his diligence and
foresight, he saved many priceless Bell County historical documents, maps
and books, which would have been lost forever. Much of his great collection
of rare Texana documents became a part of the Center's collection. Serious
Bell County researchers peruse his archives as a key source for early
primary documents. Some of his other work papers are also stored in Temples
Railroad and Heritage Museum.

It's worth a trip to Austin to go through this exhaustive collection. And
the parking is very good. You can also look at a brief biography of Dr.
Dienst in the new Handbook of Texas:
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/DD/fdi11.html

hope this helps.

rf






Does anyone know if the Belton Fire Department has photos or list of members
from the early 1900's? I have several MAYES relatives that were members.
>
>Thanks for any help.
>
>Penny Russell Boyer
>
>
>==== TXBELL Mailing List ====
>Our census project is growing in Bell County!
>http://www.rootsweb.com/~txbell/census.htm


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