The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 68, July 1964 - April, 1965 Page: 393

Book Reviews

the number of farms, it was forty-fifth in the number (not per-
centage) of farms with electricity. Finally, some would deem
unfortunate the author's (or publisher's) decision to omit foot-
note references.
In spite of deficiencies, the book tells rather well and sympa-
thetically "the story of how a small group of farmers organized
G.V.E.C. and in just a short quarter-century helped bring about
a peaceful revolution in the rural areas of south central Texas."
JOE K. MENN
Augustana College
Coryell County Scrapbook. By Mildred Watkins Mears. Waco
(Texian Press), 1963. Pp. xii+253. Index, illustrations.
$5.95-
This book is just what the name implies-a scrapbook partially
compiled, partially edited, and partially written by a native
daughter of Coryell County. Mildred Watkins Mears graduated
from Gatesville High School and the University of Texas and
has for much of her life been a teacher in the public schools of
Gatesville. Mathematics is her specialty, but she also has per-
formed some rather unusual tasks for a woman. During World
War I and for a period of five years, Mrs. Mears served as coach
of the high school boys' basketball team which lost only two
games. In 1936, she served as a Coryell County representative to
the Texas Centennial Board. The years 1941-1945 brought boom-
ing North Fort Hood to Coryell County and much activity to
Gatesville. In the midst of that activity, Mrs. Mears served as
manager of the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce, was active in
draft board affairs (for which she received a Selective Service
Medal), was a director of the American Red Cross chapter at
Gatesville, and was a member of the United Service Organization
Council. She also has long been active in the Methodist Church.
Much of her life has been devoted to public service in Gatesville
and Coryell County; so it was a natural act for her to compile a
history of her native area. That she understood her subject, no
reader of the book can doubt.
Situated near the geographical center of Texas in what is called
the "Limestone Hill Country," Coryell County was created in
1854 and named for James Coryell, an early Texas pioneer. The

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