(THA) purpose is "preserving the history of Thurber, which existed in Erath County from about 1887 through 1937." At its peak, Thurber was the largest town between Fort Worth and El Paso, producing coal for train transportation, bricks for roads and construction, and oil (Thurber's owners brought in the first oil well in the Ranger Oil Boom). completely owned the town, every building, house, and a
ll real estate. When oil made coal obsolete and paving bricks gave way to asphalt and concrete, T&P closed down the town of Thurber and moved its offices to Fort Worth. In 1936, the town was razed, except for a few brick buildings and the ice plant smokestack, and the people of Thurber found other work and places to live. However, the town may have been destroyed, but not the memories and friendships of the people of Thurber. Annual reunions of Thurberites have been held each year since 1937. Eight state historical markers, oral and photographic histories, a 48-minute video “Thurber Boom Town to Ghost Town, and books written on the area’s history are some of the results of THA's efforts to preserve this important period of Texas history. In recent years, THA has created Thurber Historic Park with the restored St. Barbara's Church, "Black Diamond" a railroad car used to transport miners to and from the coal mines, a typical Thurber house, and the restored original bandstand which stood in the center of the plaza in downtown Thurber. Bocci ball, a game brought to Texas by the Italian immigrants, is played on two courts at the park. Two annual tournaments are hosted by THA; a benefit for Saint Barbara’s Church held in March or April, and the State Bocci Ball Tournament held in October. The courts are available for use year-round by Bocci enthusiasts from surrounding communities.
