Contact Tracie Witt at (254)312-8428, or via email at 

The Development Corporation Act of 1979 gives cities the ability to finance new and expanded business enterprises in their local communities through economic development corporations (EDCs). There are two types of EDC's in Texas, Type A and Type B, which authorize cities to adopt a sales tax to fund the corporations and define projects EDCs are allowed to undertake. Learn more about EDCs.

The Development Corporation of Strawn (DCOS), a Type B EDC, was incorporated in 1995 to proactively recruit new businesses to the Strawn area, work with existing companies, and serve as an information clearinghouse for the Strawn business community. The DCOS is a 501©3 tax-exempt non-profit corporation and relies on private donations and public general fund budgets that are funded by a local half cent sales tax to carry out its projects.

The DCOS is governed by a 7-member board which is appointed by the Strawn City Council for two year terms. The board consists of representatives of the City of Strawn, Palo Pinto County, and the private sector.

The DCOS Board selects an Executive Director who is responsible for strategic planning and directing projects. Recently, the DCOS has added an Admin role which is tasked with office duties and keeps the records for the Corporation. The City of Strawn is in no way liable for any debts created by the DCOS, but benefits from its programs.

DCOS Board Members

• Aron Johnson, President
• Chuck Sowders, Vice President
• Jeff Hinkson, Treasurer
• Susan Hurley, Secretary
• David Hawes, Executive Director
• Tracie Witt, Administrator
• Thomas Lackey
• Melisa Freitas
• Martha McCoy

Palo Pinto County is located in the Western Cross Timbers Ecoregion of Texas and comprises a total area of 986 square miles. As of 2010, its population was 28,111 and the population of Strawn was 693.

Palo Pinto County comprises the Mineral Wells Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as part of the Dallas–Fort Worth Combined Statistical Area. Strawn is located equidistance (75 miles) and an easy drive to both Fort Worth, TX and Abilene, TX via Interstate 20. Notable geographic features include the Palo Pinto Mountains, Possum Kingdom Lake, Palo Pinto Lake, and the Brazos River (John Graves Scenic Riverway).

Adjacent counties include: Jack County (north); Parker County (east); Hood County (southeast); Erath County (south); Eastland County (southwest); Stephens County (west); Young County (northwest)

Palo Pinto County and Strawn are strategically located on or near several major highways. Interstate 20, which runs through the southwest portion of the county, is located 3 miles south of Strawn. State Highway 16 and Highway 108 run through the City. US Hwy 180 and 281 are located within a 20 minute drive of Strawn. Union Pacific's main east/west line runs through Strawn as well.

Strawn maintains a fulltime USPS Post Office (Zip – 76475).

History of the Development Corporation of Strawn (DCOS)

On May 7, 1994, the voters of Strawn passed a one-half cent economic development sales tax. This tax became effective October 1, 1994. The Development Corporation was chartered on March 3, 1995 to administer this on-half cent sales tax for the benefit of the citizens of Strawn and the area.

The founding DCOS Board was comprised of:

•  Paul L. Stephen, President
•  Corrinne Hopkins, Vice President
•  Vickie Williams, Secretary
•  David Day, Treasurer
•  Mattie Lou Copeland
•  Ray Ratliff
•  David Windham
•  Finis Butler, Executive Director

The DCOS is a separate entity from the City of Strawn and is goverened by a seven-person board appointed by the City Council. The DCOS Board selects an executive director who is responsible for directing projects, office duties and keeps the records for the Corporation. The City of Strawn is in no way liable for any debts created by the DCOS, but benefits from its programs.

Although economic development and providing and retaining jobs are primary functions of DCOS, tourism and historical projects are also a large part of economic development.

The Strawn Booster Club is a parent supported, nonprofit 501(c)(3) volunteer group that benefits our Greyhound students and athletes.   It is a vital part of the Strawn ISD program supporting the Greyhounds through volunteering and fundraising activities.

The Booster Club is only as successful as we, the parents, teachers, residents and alumni make it. We invite you to join us and help support our Strawn Greyhounds. Membership in the Booster Club gives YOU a say in the support of our kids.
        
We invite you to come and share your ideas, enthusiasm, talents, and resources, and we would appreciate your assistance with one of our many scheduled activities throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events, please check out the school calendar at www.strawnschool.net or like us on Facebook at Strawn Booster Club.

Booster Club Membership gives the opportunity to positively impact the educational experience of our Greyhound student body, stay updated on all Booster Club Activities and support a great cause and some great kids. With opportunities to volunteer, time, talents, skills, resources and cooperative efforts, the Booster Club will offer everyone a way to contribute.

Strawn Booster Club Membership Application

Strawn Booster Club Board of Directors

• Alan Alison, President
• Tina Spakes, Vice President
• Mindy Hodgkins, Treasurer
• Lou Jones, Secretary
• Tamara Alison, Academic Chair
• Trey Hodgkins, Athletics Chair
• Omer Mallory, FFA Chair
• Carol Pollock, Cheerleading Chair
• Mrs. Colclosure, Fine Arts Chair Person    
• Regina Baker, Concessions Chair Person

Location: 119 E. North Front Street, Strawn, TX 76475

Hours of Operation: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm (free admission)
*Restored Texas & Pacific Depot located next door.  Ask Museum Host for a tour when Museum is open.  

Museum Host: Bob Stogsdill 

Contact Information

E-mail:    
Phone:  254-672-5311   512-557-4399 (weekends)
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 294, Strawn, TX 76475  

Board of Directors

The Museum is governed by a Board of Directors. 

• Shirley Lindsay, President
• Lydia Popham, Vice President
• Diana Hinkson, Secretary/Treasurer  

Membership

Membership is open to all who are interested in preserving the history of Strawn. Term of membership is one year and is renewable annually, with the exception of those who join as lifetime members. To join, please fill out a membership form and send, along with payment, to the Museum's mailing address.

History of Museum

The Strawn Historical Museum has a history of charitable action to benefit its citizens. This one-room tile structure was built in 1953 to provide housing for Boy Scouts in the community and first carried the name "Boy Scout Hut."

On May 8, 1953, the City of Strawn, acting through Mayor Paul L. Stephen and City Aldermen, granted use of a parcel of land to be used for Boy Scouts. The stipulation was that if the Boy Scouts ceased to use the property, it would revert back to the city. City Aldermen Perry R. Horton, Pat Hinkson, and Dr. Paul Pedigo served as Trustees and promoted construction of the Boy Scout Hut. Paul L. Cox, a local citizen, did the tile masonry work. As time passed, the Boy Scout organization discontinued meeting in Strawn.

Through a vision and desire of the Development Corporation of Strawn to continue use of the building to benefit its citizens and surrounding communities, they restored the structure and designated it for a museum. In February 2001, a group of interested citizens met in the building and officially renamed it as the Strawn Historical Museum. A Memorial Park, which surrounds the Museum, has since been added as a further tribute to Strawn's pioneers, founders, and past and present citizens.

Strawn has a rich heritage dating back to the 1870s. The purpose of the Strawn Historical Museum is to protect, preserve, record, and share the history of its early pioneer settlers and continue through future generations. The Museum houses a varied collection of photos, newspapers, furnishings and artifacts from homes and businesses, and other memorabilia that has been donated.

Preserving Our History Brick by Brick

The Strawn Historical Museum offers engraved bricks to individuals, groups, clubs, and businesses as a fundraiser and a way to remember Strawn's founders, pioneers, and past and present citizens. Memorial bricks have been placed in a circular pattern in front of the museum, and additional bricks can be added at any time.

A brick may be purchased either "in honor of" or "in memory of" a designated person(s) or group. Please help us preserve our history and support the future of our Museum by ordering a memorial brick.