General-

Founded 1888 by Texas & Pacific Coal Company (now owned by Sun Oil Company), flourished as coal mining town, reached a population of I 0,000.

Town was totally owned by company, believed to have been the first city with totally unionized industries. Electricity provided in 1895, one of first towns in the world with complete electric service. Miners recruited from throughout world; 18 nationalities represented. With discovery of high grade clay, brick manufacturing added in 1897. Thurber brick paved roadways throughout the state, including Austin's Congress Ave. and Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth. The mines closed in 1926; brick plant in 1931. City was abandoned in 1933 and almost entirely razed.

Atop New York Hill, large brass plaque shows location of significant structures when Thurber thrived. The restored 100-year-old St. Barbara's Church, Thurber Cemetery, a furnished miner's house, and an authentic Italian bocci ball court give a glimpse into the past. Restaurants display photos of Thurber in its heyday.

An annual Thurber reunion is held on the second Sat. in June. The site is some 70 miles west of Fort Worth on 1-20 at Texas 108.