Halfway

The community took shape around its school, which the Handbook dates to 1909, and kept a post office only from 1910 to 1914. In 1945 Halfway had a school, two churches, a cotton gin and about twenty-five people. After the school closed in 1952 its building became a community center, and the High Plains Research Foundation built its research center on the old school land. By 1980 the settlement counted seventy people, a gin, an agricultural equipment plant and several businesses; it had fifty-eight residents in 1990 and 2000.

What the plaque says

Halfway Settlers came to this area seeking abundant grass, fertile soil, and water. This site, acquired by R. L. Hooper (1872-1952) and his wife Ada Mae (Hughley) (1880-1955) in the 1890s, received its name because it stood "halfway" between Olton and Plainview. It made a good rest stop for ranchers, with a windmill for water and overnight camping. Early pioneers raised enough grain for their stock. Arrival of the railroad in Plainview in 1906 and use of irrigation systems developed a vast agricultural region. In 1908 Hooper provided six acres and helped build a schoolhouse for his seven and the neighbors' children. Hooper donated land in 1910 for Edgar Howard to build the first store where he ran a post office and wagon yard. Methodist and Baptist congregations met in the school building until they erected sanctuaries. The post office closed in 1914 but the settlement boasted a blacksmith shop and a cotton gin. In 1917 Hooper gave one acre for a burial ground. Although population decline caused the Halfway School to consolidate with Plainview in 1952, the community is still prospering. Located here is the High Plains Research Foundation to aid farmers in the surrounding 19-county area. 1979

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Running Water Community — 7.2 mi
• Lamb County — 9.8 mi
• Center Plains Community — 9.8 mi
• Olton's Union Church Bell — 10 mi