Wrapping up our Historic Walking Tour near the intersection of Green St and Cameron Ave is the current location of the Rockdale Reporter & Messenger — one of our town’s oldest and most enduring businesses. Earliest archived editions of the Rockdale Reporter are dated January 1899.  The Rockdale Reporter & Messenger merged as early as 1904. The Messenger was cited in a March 1877 article in the Galveston News as having burned in a “sweeping conflagration” which burned an entire block of Rockdale.  

The Rockdale Reporter & Messenger newspaper has chronicled the events and stories of our community for over a century, providing a vital record of Rockdale’s history and development.  The Reporter has been owned and operated by the Cooke Family for FOUR generations since 1912.

The paper moved several times before settling at its current location. In 1906, R.W. McKennon moved the Reporter into the SE downstairs section of The 1895 City Hall.  After his death, his widow sold the paper to John Esten Cooke in 1911.  According to the 1925 Sanborn Fire Map, the Reporter relocated to a wooden building across the street where Rockdale Signs is now located. Some years later, the Reporter relocated again further east to the downstairs of the Masonic Building which is now A Place of Hope.  Family lore has it that W.H. Cooke remembered the presses and equipment being pulled by mules on wooden sleds to the new location.  Bill Cooke joined the Reporter as news editor Jan. 1, 1959 and in 1979 purchased and relocated the Reporter to the current location.  

One significant event in the paper’s history is its role in preserving the memory of key community events and milestones. For instance, in 1974, to commemorate Rockdale's hundredth anniversary, a time capsule was buried, which is set to be opened during the Sesquicentennial anniversary in 2024. This time capsule contains artifacts and records that capture the essence of Rockdale’s history and will offer a fascinating glimpse into the past when it is unveiled next year.

Prior to becoming the Reporter, as early as the 1920s the Reporter building was the Stricker’s Variety Store, a popular spot for all sorts of goods and a vital part of Rockdale's commercial history. This store served the community’s needs for many years, reflecting the changing consumer habits and the evolution of local businesses. Later it became Winn’s in the years before the Reporter purchased it.  

Stricker’s Variety Store was owned and operated by M. N. Stricker from 1923 until 1957. M. N. Stricker and his wife, Martha, moved to Rockdale from Bartlett and quickly became integral members of the community. Over the 34 years they ran the store, it became a beloved fixture in Rockdale, known for its wide range of products that catered to the everyday needs of local residents.

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To the east at the Corner of Green, as early as 1891 was labeled as “Boarding” and in 1906 was labeled Cottage Hotel on the Sanborn Maps thru 1912. The 1925 map indicates a “Filling Station” being under construction.  

At some point this was the site of the Pounders Service Station, a key location that represents the rise of automobile culture and the importance of service stations in small-town America. Established during a time when cars were becoming increasingly common, service stations like Pounders were essential in providing fuel, maintenance, and repairs for the growing number of automobiles on the roads.

Pounders Service Station was more than just a place to fill up on gas. It was a community gathering spot where locals could meet, share stories, and get advice on vehicle care. The station played a crucial role in supporting the mobility and independence of Rockdale’s residents, reflecting the broader societal shift towards car ownership and the development of automotive infrastructure.

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As mentioned earlier, A Place of Hope was previously the Masonic Lodge and the Reporter’s 3rd home under the Cooke Family.  Prior to being the Masonic Lodge, this was the Perry Building one of the Rockdale Post Office Locations, as labeled on the 1925 Sanborn map.  This building burned to the ground and later became the Masonic Lodge. 

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To the west of the Reporter is what is known today as the Mehaffey building. As early as 1891 the Sanborn Map reflects this building being the WH Poole Livery.  1896 the map reflects P.O. (assumably Post Office) and Drugs, as well as in 1901 a Confectionary and Millinery (hat shop) thru the 1912 Sanborn maps. It is believed this is the location of the Poole Millinery .. owned by Dora Orr Poole, the grandmother of Rockdale’s esteemed historian Lucile Estell. 

In the early 20th century, millinery shops like Poole’s were essential for fashion-conscious residents. They provided stylish hats and accessories that were vital components of everyday attire. Poole Millinery played a crucial role in Rockdale’s social and fashion scenes, offering the latest trends and high-quality craftsmanship that helped residents express their personal style and stay fashionable.

Millinery shops were not just places of commerce; they were social hubs where people gathered to discuss fashion, share news, and connect with each other. Poole Millinery exemplified this, contributing to the cultural fabric of Rockdale and serving as a landmark business in the community.

In the early 1920s, this building can be seen in photos with “The Modern” painted on the brick.  It is unknown what this business was. 

At some point, photographs reveal “The Modern” was subdivided and it housed the McCloud Timmerman Grocery Market in the 1950s, and another section was Bankston Drug Store and a Confectionary. 

Later this building was purchased by Linwood Mehaffey, who significantly influenced Rockdale's development through his leadership and civic engagement.  

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Linwood and Pauline Mehaffey came to Rockdale on March 1, 1947, with their two children, Peggy, aged two and one half, and Nancy,aged six months. The Mehaffey’s had just purchased one half interest in “Rockdale Dry Goods Company” located at 204 N. Main. The business had been bought in September 1946 from Mrs. Lena Loewenstein, widow of pioneer merchant Ben Loewenstein. One of the buyers sold his interest to Mehaffey and John Hensley, the other buyer became Mehaffey’s partner in business. In 1951 John Hensley was killed in an airplane crash. Mrs. Hensley sold their interest to Mehaffey, at which time the store was moved to this location and the name was changed toMehaffey’s Department Store and operated until February 1977 at which time Mehaffey retired from the department store business.

The Mehaffeys were deeply involved in the community. Linwood served on the Rockdale School Board and was a member of the St. John's United Methodist Church. His dedication to public service and community development led him to become the mayor of Rockdale, where his leadership helped shape the town's growth and progress.

Under Linwood Mehaffey’s tenure, Rockdale saw improvements in infrastructure and community services. His work extended beyond his business, influencing various aspects of civic life, including the establishment of the Rockdale Country Club in 1962. Along with other community leaders, Mehaffey helped outline the club’s objectives, which included the development of a golf course and clubhouse, further contributing to the town’s recreational and social infrastructure.

Linwood Mehaffey's legacy is one of dedication to both business and public service. As you stand here, consider the profound influence that one individual can have on a community through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to public service. The legacy of Linwood Mehaffey is a testament to the power of civic engagement and the importance of supporting local businesses.

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Taking a look across the street, at the SE corner of Green & Cameron where the new Police Station is located once stood one of the most beautiful homes in Rockdale .. the old Wallis House built approximately 1870.  While built by a wealthy Houston Cotton Merchant he never occupied the home.  The first resident in the home was Dr Rob Wallis shortly there afterward.  Unfortunately this home was completely lost to a fire in 2016, but some architectural pieces were rescued and repurposed.  A few of the beautiful stained glass windows from the Wallis House are on display at the Library.

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On the SW sector of Green & Cameron (currently Martial Arts and L&L Food Store) is the former site of Gaither Motors – a Ford Dealership in the early 1920s. The automobile industry had a significant impact on Rockdale, and Gaither Motors was at the forefront of that change, playing a crucial role in the community's economic development and daily life.

The 1925 Sanborn Map reflects “Garages” in this section, indicating the presence of Gaither Motors.  Interestingly enough, the eastern portion of this structure is labeled “Fire Department”.  While we know that the Fire Department’s operations were still housed in the rear portion of The 1895 City Hall, this indicates that the transition to motorized fire trucks and a growing community likely impacted the ability to store all of the Rockdale VFD’s equipment at The 1895. 

The establishment of Gaither Motors marked a significant shift in Rockdale’s commercial landscape, reflecting the broader changes occurring across the country as the automobile industry expanded. Located in the bustling business district of Rockdale, Gaither Motors quickly became a trusted name for quality vehicles and reliable service. The business offered a range of services, from selling new and used cars to providing maintenance and repairs, ensuring that residents had access to the latest automotive technology and support.