KRESS TEXAS

Many changes took place in Swisher County when the railroad came through the county in 1906. A major change involved the town of Wright. The railroad station was located more than two miles from the small town. After some deliberation, the citizens decided to move their town to the railroad. The name of the town was changed from Wright to Kress by the railroad officials, or so it is said. The depot was located on Skipworth land and could have been named Skipworth, but the family objected. The first depot agent was Shorty Wooliford.

One of the first stores built in Kress was on the east side of the railroad by a Mr. Woods who called it Wood Mercantile Co. He kept the store only about two years and sold it to J.C. Bagley, Arch Jordan, and Mrs. Molly Gayler. Another store was a dry goods and grocery combined. It was run by Mr. Linn and Mr. Barton.

There were several livery stables during this time since everything had to be moved by horses or mules. J.C. Bagley and Frank Moore both operated livery stables.

Other businesses were established soon after the move including Fulton Lumber Co. on the east side of the tracks and Rockwell Bros. on the west side of the tracks where it remained throughout the years until it closed in 1974. It is presently the only original business building left in Kress.

In 1907, Main Street ran east and west on the east side of the track even with the depot. These businesses were located beside a board walk; Jim Skipworth Sr. 's BarberShop, Moore's General Store, the Post Office, J. P. Linn and Edward's (later Linn and Botts) General Store, Dave Woods Blacksmith Shop, Dr. Ford's Drug Store. Dr. Ford doctored both people and their horses.