Welcome in Austin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John Reichle General Merchandise

(Welcome Store)

Photographed By James Hulse, July 19, 2022

1. John Reichle General Merchandise Marker

Inscription. Originally operated by the John Reichle family, this store opened about 1890. Damaged by a storm about 1900, the original 2-story building was changed to its current 1-story configuration with assymetrical front gables. A full-width porch, and exterior walls that are a combination of horizontal siding and vertical board-and-batten siding. The business was acquired by the Clemons S. Faist family in 1964, and renamed Welcome Store. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1992

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2805.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 30° 1.725′ N, 96° 29.27′ W. Marker is in Welcome, Texas, in Austin County. Marker is on Farm to Market Road 109, 0.7 miles south of Farm to Market Road 2502, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located on the right side of the front porch of the Welcome Store building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12528 FM 109, Industry TX 78944, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Welcome Lutheran Church (approx. one mile away); Wesley Brethren Church (approx.

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2.6 miles away); Wesley School (approx. 2.6 miles away); Site of Wesley School (approx. 3.1 miles away); Industry Post Office (approx. 3.6 miles away); Friedrich Ernst (approx. 3.6 miles away); John Friedrich Ernst, Jr. (approx. 3.6 miles away); Industry (approx. 3.6 miles away).

Also see . . . Welcome, Texas. Wikipedia

The land along Pecan Creek was settled by Anglo-Americans as early as the late 1820s. By 1852, German immigrants moved into the area. A leading member of the German community was schoolmaster J. F. Schmidt from Oldenburg, who later formed a singing club. Liking the pleasant countryside and friendly people, Schmidt named the town Welcome. In 1871 a post office opened in the settlement. By 1936 there were approximately 200 persons in the community with four commercial establishments. The population dwindled to about 60 souls with two businesses in 1950. The town recovered so that there were 175 inhabitants in 1965. From 1990 to 2000, the population was around 150 persons.

(Submitted on July 19, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The John Reichle General Merchandise store and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, July 19, 2022

2. The John Reichle General Merchandise store and Marker

The view of the John Reichle General Merchandise store from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, July 19, 2022

3. The view of the John Reichle General Merchandise store from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.