The association was formed in 1908 to honor the early Falls County pioneers and later included veterans. In 1912, the permanent reunion grounds were acquired from the James K. Tomlinson family in the area known as Tomlinson Hill between Lott and Marlin west of the Brazos in Falls County. The tabernacle was built in 1914 by the members. Historic wooden tabernacles were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century in Texas for a variety of purposes, including religious gatherings, veterans reunions, burials and other community events. These modest timber structures were usually open to the elements, with a gable or hipped roof covering rows of benches.
In 1936, in honor of the Texas centennial, a historic log cabin, that had been the home of Allen Morrell, was relocated from Stranger, Texas in eastern Falls County to the site. Allen was a veteran of the Dawson Massacre. In 1946, the association wrote a book “A History of Falls County Texas. For decades, the association was known for their annual reunions, barbeques, fiddlers contests, historic reenactments and community events.
A state historical marker was installed in 1976. It reads as follows:
Some 75 years after pioneers opened this region, the “Old Settlers Association of Falls County” was organized on July 4, 1908. In 1909, the Willis L. Lang Camp of Confederate veterans and the settlers held a joint reunion. Merging later, they chartered the “Old Settlers and Confederate Veterans Association of Falls County” in 1911. Goals were to memorialize deceased comrades, honor the pioneers, and preserve southern history. Signing the charter where John M. Jolly, Edmund Pierson, and J. H. Robertson of Marlin; R. B. Bratton of Kosse; N. R. Watkins and F. O. Porter of Lott. This 17.9-acre permanent reunion ground was acquired in 1912 from the family of J. K. Tomlinson, an 1858 settler from Georgia who, along with a son William, enlisted and died in the Civil War. In 1936, an historic log cabin was relocated here–to exhibit pioneer memorabilia. A new charter in 1946 renamed the organization the “Old Settlers and Veterans Association,” signifying its opening to the soldiers of later wars. Patriotism, education and historical preservation are still stressed. Falls Countians in state and national life reflect ideals which have been instilled by this association.
Restoration and protection of the tabernacle and the log cabin will ensure that two very unique historic structures in central Texas can continue to serve as a draw for those seeking to understand our past, and as an example to others working to preserve and restore historic tabernacles and log cabins.
