Identifying Rio Grande Valley Texas MP Depot

[anonymous]

I’m researching MP depots in Texas, and came across this postcard on eBay. It’s says it’s in the “Lower Rio Grande Valley,” but there is no name of the town. Does anyone by chance recognize this structure? All clues are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Fred

[anonymous]

Might be Harlingen Texas or San Benito

Bill Basden

[Charles Duckworth]

Fred
It’s McAllen, Texas.

I have a brochure titled ‘The Beautiful Valley of the Lower Rio Grande of Texas’ published by the MPL in 1928 and there’s a two page spread showing photos of the depots the Mopac built sine they purchased the GCL in the valley. Your photo clearly matched the view in the book.

Charlie

[anonymous]

Hi, Charlie-

I appreciate the info. With your tip, I was able to find what must have been a later version of that postcard stating it was “McAllen, Texas” rather than “Southern Texas.”

Thanks,
Fred

[Charles Duckworth]

Fred
I found these two images on the web. One was marked Frisco depot which would indicate it was built when the SLSF controlled the Gulf Coast Lines. Note the Frisco marked reefer in the lower photo.

[attachment=1:1ltd0699]IMG_4408.JPG[/attachment:1ltd0699][attachment=0:1ltd0699]IMG_4409.JPG[/attachment:1ltd0699]

[anonymous]

Thanks for sharing those, Charlie. Based upon the architecture, I thought that perhaps it was built by Frisco, as it looks similar to Frisco depots from that era.

[Charles Duckworth]

There’s a number of mission style depots on the line going out to Rio Grande City. I always thought the MP built them after they bought the GCLs but obviously not.

[Author]

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