“Rural Towns in Texas” by Joe Arbona


This photograph was taken by my dad in the 1950s.   Starting as a project for an advanced photography class at Rice University, these photographs are of small towns in Texas, primarily south of San Antonio and east of Del Rio. I travel extensively in my work and  drive through many rural communities. When possible, I take a few moments to look around for interesting subjects that communicate small town America.

The posts are sorted by date, meaning the most recent photographs are on top.

Near Beeville.

Abandoned gas station south of Goliad.

Near Edinburg, Tx.

(iPhone) Near Edinburg, Texas. This is a 1960s style motor lodge where you literally drive up to your room and park.  The rooms are spacious and the prices, by modern standards, are very reasonable — $72.00 a night. I love these old hotels because they have a “throw back” vibe that’s missing in the box hotels that have popped up everywhere.

Motel El Campo, Tx.

El Campo.Tx.  Another old style motel.

Near La Grange, Tx.

Near La Grange, Tx.

Bellville.

Bellville, Tx.

Near Bellville.

Near Bellville, Tx.

Photo of Sabinal, Tx.

Sabinal, Tx. I took this photo just after 12 noon. The only sign of inhabitants are the tire tracks.

Near Hondo, Tx.

Outside Hondo, Tx. Spring time in the hill country is colorful and bright.

Photo of farmland

Bishop, Tx. A large part of south Texas is agricultural. But like most farming states many  small family farms in Texas  have been bought out.  

Photo of road leaving town

Daisetta, Tx. Once you drive over the tracks you’re suddenly in the woods, no suburbs.

Photo of old section of Bellville, Tx.

Bellville, Tx.

House with plants on roof near Crystal Beach, Tx.

Crystal Beach, Tx.

Photo of old building being remodeled.

Daisetta, Tx. Nice to see old structures being rehabbed instead destroyed.

Photo of post office, Damon, Tx/

Damon, Tx.

Photo of Dalia's Cafe new Beeville, Tx.

Skidmore, Tx. It’s common in small towns to see several businesses operating out of one structure.

AbandonedPhoto of BBQ Rest, near Beeville, Tx.

Near Beeville, Tx. Signs of a failed business.

Abandoned structure. Labadieville, La. Labadieville, La.