Melissa Historical Society

04/13/2026

Today marks the anniversary of the devastating tornado that struck Melissa, Texas on April 13, 1921, forever changing the course of our community’s history.

We remember the lives lost that day and the resilience of those who endured the storm and rebuilt in its aftermath. Moments like these remind us not only of tragedy, but of the strength and determination that define Melissa to this day.

Pictured here is the vault of the former Melissa State Bank, where many residents sought shelter as the tornado passed. This structure saved lives during one of the darkest days in our town’s history. Though the building was lost in 2023, its story, and the lives it helped protect, remain an important part of our shared heritage.

Thank you to Charlotte Bell for sharing this amazing photo!

04/07/2026

As we gear up for cemetery decoration season, it’s important to keep in mind the latest guidance from professionals in cemetery restoration. If you’re undergoing a DIY cemetery restoration project, the Texas Historical Commission offers excellent resources in best practices: cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/harmful-methods/dont-use-concrete/

Don’t Use Concrete – why concrete is a bad thing. I’ve often said that concrete in a cemetery should only have two purposes. One...to form pads for grave markers and monuments that have some type of base. And two...for recasting new slotted bases to replace originals that can’t be repaired. ...

04/07/2026

Caring for Historic Gravestones

As we prepare for upcoming cemetery decoration and clean-up days across our communities, it’s inspiring to see so many people coming together to care for these important historic spaces.

When working with historic gravestones, there are a few common practices to avoid to protect these markers for the long term:

Using modern concrete or cement to reset stones, which can trap moisture and damage the stone.

Power washing or harsh scrubbing, which can erode inscriptions and stone surfaces.

Using metal tools or harsh chemicals to clean moss or lichen, which can chip or stain the stone.

Tipping or leaning stones to straighten them without proper support, which can lead to cracking or breakage.

Instead, current best practices focus on gentle, reversible methods, such as using soft brushes, gentle water rinses, and compatible materials for resetting or stabilizing stones.

Preserving history is something we’re all learning together, and we’re grateful for everyone in our community who helps protect these meaningful places.

For more information and guidance on cemetery preservation, see:

https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/harmful-methods/dont-use-concrete/

Texas Historical Commission – Cemetery Preservation: https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/preservation-programs/cemetery-preservation
Texas Historical Commission – Maintenance, Conservation & Repair: https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/preservation-programs/cemetery-preservation/maintenance-conservation-and-repair
National Park Service – Cemetery Preservation Guidance: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalcemeteries/cemetery-preservation-guidance.htm
NPS – Resetting Upright Headstones: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/preservation-matters-resetting-veteran-s-headstone.htm

04/01/2026

Thank you to Melissa Magazine for the opportunity to share the rich history of Melissa with the community!

03/08/2026

Long before artificial flowers, Texans decorated graves with living plants—many of which still bloom in historic cemeteries today. From iris and crinum to spider lilies and narcissus, these hardy bulbs were chosen for their beauty, resilience, and ties to home.

Some may even descend from bulbs brought by early settlers, passed down and replanted through generations. As spring growth begins, now’s the perfect time to spot, document, and protect these living memorials that tell the stories of those who came before us.

Learn more about preserving cemetery landscapes on our blog: https://thc.texas.gov/blog/memorial-plants-spotlight-bulbs

📸: San Isidro Cemetery, Caldwell County, adorned with both living and artificial bulbs

02/28/2026

Thank you to Fred and Elaine Blair for organizing a fun and informative presentation on carnival glass earlier this week! They brought beautiful and unique pieces, and discussed the history of the art form. They also identified and offered appraisal info on pieces brought in by guests. If you missed it, they will be presenting again in April at the Allen Public Library.

As always, thank you to Piper and the rest of the Melissa Public Library team for partnering with us to bring fun and educational history related programming to our community.

02/24/2026

Reminder! Our Discover Carnival Glass presentation with Fred and Elaine Blair is this Thursday at 6pm at Melissa Public Library! See you there!

The Melissa Historical Society invites you to an engaging presentation with historians Fred and Elaine Blair to discuss Carnival Glass!

They will display several pieces of glass, give information on how to identify pieces, and try to answer questions individuals may have.

📅 Thursday, Feb. 26
⏰ 6:00 pm
📍 Melissa Public Library

If you have an iridized piece of that that you think may be Carnival Glass, bring it to the meeting. They will try to identify your piece’s pattern and attempt to give you a price range on value. Prices range from $1 to $250K.

01/28/2026

T.A. Parris moved to the Highland community in 1866, where his family were among the earliest settlers. The Parris farm was located near today’s Highland Elementary (Melissa ISD).

Parris descendants, along with descendants of other early Highland settlers, still call Highland home today, maintaining a strong connection to the area’s agricultural and community roots.

Photo of T.A. Parris: courtesy of Diane Miller, great-grand niece of T.A. Parris
Collin County History Museum
Collin County Government
Anna Area Historical Preservation Society
Melissa ISD
Highland Cemetery - Melissa TX

📜💰 Tax Season in Collin County History 💰📜

A Look Back at Collin County’s County Treasurer 100 Years Ago: T.A. Parris

Meet Theodore Augustus “T.A.” Parris (1856–1930), a Collin County public servant whose career spanned teaching, farming, and county government.

Born in Grayson County in 1856, T.A. moved with his family to Highland in Collin County in 1866. He began his career as a teacher, working at schools in Verona and Highland between 1879 and 1885. After leaving the classroom, he turned to farming and served as tax assessor in his precinct.

In 1908, T.A. and his family moved to McKinney, where he served for 4 years as deputy in the Collin County Tax Assessor’s office under I. E. Reeves. He then served as Deputy District Clerk and Deputy County Treasurer. In the 1920s, he was elected to two terms as Collin County Treasurer, overseeing county funds in an era when every dollar was tracked by hand.

📸 This photo shows T.A. Parris in his office. It is a glimpse into early 20th-century county government. Photo courtesy of Diane Miller, great-grand niece of T.A. Parris

T.A. retired in the late 1920s and passed away in 1930. His family remained an enduring part of McKinney history. His daughter, Lena Parris Kendall, lived in the family home at the corner of Oak and Lamar Streets until 1992. That home, known as the U. P. Clardy House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 for its architectural significance.

Discover more of Collin County’s history! Visit us at the museum!

01/28/2026

Tonight’s program is cancelled due to weather. Check back with us soon for a new date for Dennis Hogan’s presentation on the H&TC Railway “Along the Central”

**Program canceled due to weather**

🚂✨ The Railroad Comes to Melissa ✨🚂

The Melissa Historical Society welcomes Dennis Hogan for Along the Central, a fascinating presentation on the history of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad.

Enjoy rare photographs, special topics, Melissa-specific stories, and a detailed look at how the railroad shaped our town’s past. Don’t miss this chance to connect with our history and neighbors.

📅 Wednesday, January 28
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Melissa Public Library

Free & open to the public.

12/02/2025

Just a quick reminder that Melissa Historical Society will NOT be meeting tomorrow – We will see you at the next meeting: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:30pm! Happy Holidays!!

11/19/2025

Photo: The Melissa School Group of 1915, 1st & 2nd Grade
The photo was submitted by Annah Lou (Miller) Lacy to Helen Hall for her Historical Vignettes column.
Printed in the Courier-Gazette, McKinney, Texas
Sunday, May 25, 1986, Page 27

11/18/2025

Over 75 years later, traces of the Interurban track crossties and path are still visible at this site, just south of Melissa.