Parrie Haynes
The colorful and sometimes turbulent lives of Parrie and Allen Haynes add to the saga of this section and contributes to the romantic interest of this historical background of an area rich in Texas Lore. They were married in 1895 and started working as tenant farmers. She was the former Parrie McBryde, daughter of a pioneer family that came to Texas over a century ago. Parrie Haynes was born in 1874 at Maxdale, the community being named after the McBryde Family. Mr. Haynes was born near Youngsport in 1872, the son of early settlers of that region.
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Throughout their nearly 58 years together, they worked as a team. They built a modest cattle empire by saving and living a frugal life, denying themselves luxuries and sometimes what other might have called necessities. The result was a land and cattle empire of proportions that made it the largest single ranching operation in this section of the State. After Mr. Haynes' death in 1953, Parrie Haynes took over responsibility of managing the Ranch and their other business interests.
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The Haynes' were very fond of children, but were childless, so at her death in 1957, Mrs. Haynes bequeathed thousands of dollars to the Killeen School District for scholarships, and almost all the remainder of the large estate was given to the State Orphan Home of Texas to help Orphan children. (copied from http://friendsofphr.com/images/phr_history.jpg you can also find a copy of the original will at this site).
Friends of Parrie Haynes Ranch
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The Friends of Parrie Haynes Ranch have spent countless hours volunteering to help the ranch remain in place for youth and to reap the benefits of the priceless gift Parrie Haynes left for them.
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Friends of Parrie Haynes started as the Maxdale Community Association consisting of 50 local residents and relatives of Parrie Haynes. Over the years they contributed to the advocacy and operations of the Ranch. Here are some of their many accomplishments: They promoted Texas Parks Wildlife and Game Warden Association summer camps and youth hunts.
Parrie Haynes Ranch was the location of the first ever Texas Youth Hunt Association. After Camp Coca Cola foundation built cabins while C5 ran the leadership camps. Friends of Parrie Haynes Ranch built a memorial to the Haynes Family at the hilltop and cleared cedar brush to provide a clear view of the river. They then hosted the 50th anniversary memorial celebration attended by over 300 people. Activities at the event included mountain biking, hay rides, pony rides, and rope course challenges (many of which are still ongoing). They have a history of partnering with Texas Equestrian Trail riders (TETRA), TAPS bereavement camp and good grief camp for Gold Star Families.
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They have held reenactments at the 1860 Priddy Cabin. Infrastructure improvements made by the all volunteer non-profit include a butterfly garden/Nature Center through partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Boys and Girls Club of America. They assisted the eagle scouts who built the fence around the oak tree, 2 fire pits, and a stage at the nature center. The rocky mountain elks built the fence along the cliff by the pavillion
There are hunt dressing stations placed on the West Side, habitat work, and trail maintenance were all possible due to the groups dedication to the Ranch and Youth of Texas.
Timeline
Events Related to Ranch Use
August 19, 1954
1960
Codicil to Parrie Haynes Will
Final judgement passed vested in full fee simple title in and to the Texas Youth Council for the use and benefit of the Corsicana State Home.
1962
1977
Grant convey and deliver to the State Texas for the use and benefit of orphan children as provided in Parrie Hayne's will.
Judgement passed giving Texas Youth Council (TYC) the power to lease Parrie Haynes Ranch to themselves for any legal purpose. One court appointed lawyer represented orphans. Construction started on a new facility for juvenile delinquents.
1978-1980
Maxdale citizens petitioned TYC to stop project for juvenile delinquents that was using $100,000 trust funds. Stan Schlueter sponsored an appropriations bill. TYC adopted resolution that PHR shall be operated as a youth ranch for dependent/neglected non-delinquent wards of the Corsicana State Home. A Community Advisory Council was then formed.
1982-1983
Community Advisory Council wrote letters making recommendations. Stan Schlueter worked on bill to create a youth camp at PHR.
1990-1991
TYC brought juvenile delinquents on various R&R trips. There was a serious adverse event that resulted inthe Maxdale Community Association providing proposals for the youth camp to Texas Game Wardens Association. TYC was was then directed to create an advisory committee comprised of adjoining land owners and community leaders.
1992
TYC authorized the sale of Parrie Haynes Ranch.
1993-1996
1997
2002-2012
2003 - 2014
2006
2016
Lease of Parrie Haynes Ranch to Texas Parks and Wildlife for Texas Game Wardens Association to conduct youth programs.
PHR Steering Committee Meeting with Karl Cloninger
Maxdale Community Association promote TPWD to TYC for lease renewal successfully until 2012. TYC approves short term plan after TPWD lease ends.
Coca Cola builds cabins for camp. Various events are hosted during this time to include: Science Adventure Day with Nolanville Elementary School, PHR Memorial Celebration, TETRA first outreach ride, TAPS Bereavement and Good Grief camp, Jack Reed Earth Science Classes, and Cowboy Music and Art Festival supporting equine therapy.
Non-profit Friends of Parrie Haynes Ranch is formed and received 501(c)(3) in 2008.
Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas takes over lease from C5 and subleases equestrian center portion to Ona Trubee. Ona Trubee has worked tirelessly to preserve the history and restore the ranch's former beauty. She and Charlie Trubee have created miles and miles of trails that are enjoyed by horseback, biking and hiking.
2022-2024
Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas sub-leases the West Side to Garden of Hope which services children coming into Foster Care. They left suddenly and BGCA requested to get out of their lease with TYC in early 2024. The Sunset Committee determined TJJD duties did not align with managing the property
August 28, 2024
Transfer of trustee duties were appointed to Cadence Bank. Shortly after the appointment, Cadence Bank announced that they were selling the Ranch
2025
Representative Brad Buckley help a key stakeholder meeting consisting of property owners, developers, and government officials.