Grapevine History 1944 - 1975

Grapevine History 1944 - 1975

1944 B. R. Wall serves as Mayor; Aldermen include Boone Lipscomb, D. E. Austin, C. M. Millican, A. W. Willhoite and H. C. Yancey.

On January 14, Ordinance No. 44-23 passes authorizing taxi service to begin.

1945 B. R. Wall serves as Mayor; Aldermen include Boone Lipscomb, A. W. Willhoite, C. M. Millican, D. E. Austin and H. C. Yancey.

On March 3, the Rivers & Harbors Act becomes law authorizing the building of lakes and dams essential to the growth and welfare of people living in the area. This creates the way for the building of the Dam and Lake Grapevine.

On August 2, Mayor Wall submits a letter to “American Magazine” regarding Ordinance No. 12, “prohibiting the hitching or exhibiting of any stallion or jackass on Main Street.”

On August 5, the United States drops the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and an even larger one on Nagasaki on August 9. The Japanese accept the terms of the Potsdam Ultimatum on August 10. In August, Mayor B. R. Wall writes in The Grapevine Sun, “Let’s try to forget as much of the war as possible, and knuckle down to home affairs, and by so doing we can get back to the normal way of life.”

Graham Cash Grocery Store opens at North Main and Hwy. 114. Later the Grahams open Quick Way Drive-In Grocery just west of their first store.

J. E. Foust II and Lillie Foust move into the old Yates house at College and Main and operate their funeral home business there.

Doil Dalton opens a Sinclair Station on Main Street.

1946 B. R. Wall serves as Mayor; Aldermen include Boone Lipscomb, A. W. Willhoite, C. M. Millican, H. C. Yancey and D. E. Austin (he passes away in May). John P. Starr, Jr., is appointed to replace Mr. Austin. Oril L. Williams serves as City Secretary through 1949.

L. W. and Luther Parker open Parker Furniture at 316 South Main Street.

1947 W. Floyd Deacon serves as Mayor; Aldermen include J. J. Daniel, S. M. Payne, J. P. Starr, Jr., A. W. Willhoite and Gordon Tate.

Buckner Hardware is a busy enterprise.

W. O. Cooper begins his service as Grapevine Cotton Belt Railroad Station Agent, serving until 1955. J. E. Foust III remembers Mr. Cooper teaching him and other Boy Scouts the Morse Code.

Planning begins for the construction of Lake Grapevine.

Bob and Zeta Wall Crews sell their dairy farm for the creation of Lake Grapevine. The Crews move to the south part of town and begin to raise palomino quarter horses. In 1968 they must sell this farm for the creation of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Other dairy farmers including Wade and Nell Howard, Willis Pirkle, and Hugh Simmons must give up their farms for the creation of Lake Grapevine.

On March 14, Ordinance No. 47-01 passes providing for the election of a City Secretary.

Grapevine hosts a donkey basketball game.

Dr. William Wilkerson becomes Grapevine’s second dentist.

1948 W. Floyd Deacon serves as Mayor; Aldermen include J. J. Daniel. S. M. Payne, J. P. Starr, Jr., A. W. Willhoite and Gordon Tate.

On January 9, The Grapevine Sun reports, “Dirt moving set to start at Grapevine. Bulldozers, motor scrapers, draglines, tractors and giant earthmoving equipment were being assembled Tuesday for the first construction phase of the $12 million Grapevine Reservoir Dam. The lake will cover more than 7,000 acres.”

On April 16, Ordinance 48-27 passes providing for the vaccination and registration of dogs.

On October 13, the City purchases a 1 ½ ton, Class 500, 1943 International K-5 Pumper Fire Truck for $3,500 from Executive Transport Corporation. In 2007, the City of Grapevine still has this fire truck and it runs!

Chambers Pharmacy is a busy enterprise.

The Afro-American elementary school is built.

1949 Gordon Tate serves as Mayor; Aldermen include S. M. Payne, J. J. Daniel, J. P. Starr, Jr., James K. Buckner and W. H. (Bill) Yancey.

The Grapevine Fire Department becomes a charter member of the Tarrant County Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, enabling neighboring cities to combine resources and to provide a county-wide radio system. There are 26 volunteers in the department. The City begins paying $3 per fireman per year into the Fireman’s Relief and Retirement Fund.

In May, the Tuesday Study Club is formed with Betty Yancey serving as the first president.

1950 Gordon Tate serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are S. M. Payne, J. J. Daniel. J. P. Starr, Jr., James K. Buckner and W. H. (Bill) Yancey.

Mayor Gordon Tate gives a bonus to members of the Grapevine Fire Department – a $3 credit each month on their water and sewer bills. The City Council also approves the purchase of a box of candy for each fireman at Christmas.

There is a big fire in Grapevine, and the volunteers fight it all night long. Brother Carroll Jackson, pastor of the First Baptist Church, is one of the fire fighters.

In August, City Secretary O. L. Williams inquires about a fire prevention ordinance which would prohibit the development of motion picture films within the city limits and regulating the handling of nitrocellulous motion picture film.

The City purchases a building on the east side of the 400 block of South Main Street and creates the first City Hall housing the city offices, police station, fire department and library.

The population of Grapevine is 1,824.

1951 Gordon Tate serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are J. J. Daniel, John Hemley, S. M. Payne, R. F. Shelton and W. H. (Bill) Yancey. On March 27, O. L. Williams resigns as City Secretary. Hugh Donald Millican replaces him and serves through June 1959.

On April 27, Ordinance No. 51-01 passes authorizing the issuance of water works and sewer system revenue bonds, series 1950.

In October, the Tuesday Study Club begins sponsoring a Story Telling Hour for pre-schoolers at the Library each month with stories, songs, games and refreshments. Average attendance is 15 children.

On December 14, Ordinance No. 51-02 passes authorizing the City to enter into all necessary agreement with the State Department of Public Welfare for Old-Age and Survivors Insurance.

Grapevine’s population is 1,850.

1952 Gordon Tate serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are J. J. Daniel, John Hemley, S. M. Payne. R. F. Shelton and W. H. (Bill) Yancey.

Lake Grapevine is completed and opened; Gordon Tate’s son, Bill, releases the first fish into the lake. By the mid-1960s, the Lake will become a popular recreational area.

In September, Chief Thomas suffers a heart attack and dies while attending the Abbots Place fire in Smithfield (now North Richland Hills). Jake C. Greener succeeds Chief Thomas.

On November 14, Ordinance No. 52-03 passes determining rates and charges for natural gas.

1953 H. M. Cosnahan serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are Joe Box, J. J. Daniel, Bill Guest, E. M. Pair and R. F. Shelton.

A. B. Allen serves as Nightwatchman, serving until 1956 when the Nightwatchman or Office of City Marshal becomes the new Office of Chief of Police position.

The first patrol car is purchased for the City Marshal or Nightwatchman. On May 5, the Council instructs the City Marshal to begin wearing a uniform while on duty consisting of Khaki pants and shirt, black tie, a police type cap and badge. The City pays for the cap and badge.

In June, Marshal Allen is authorized to begin issuing traffic tickets to violators effective June 10. Court is held each Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. beginning June 19. The Grapevine Mayors serve as judges.

Harold Lowe is appointed Fire Chief.

In December Bill and Inez Crow receive a shipment of five Christmas trees at the Cotton Belt Depot from their friend Lee Ann Napier in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The freight cost is $2.57 each via Railway Express.

1954 H. M. Cosnahan serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are Joe Box, J. J. Daniel, Bill Guest, E. M. Pair and R. F. Shelton.

Jake C. Greener is appointed Fire Chief and holds this position for the next 30 years.

Dude’s Drive In opens.

The Barton Street water tower is built. It holds 250,000 gallons of water.

On January 19, Ordinance No. 54-03 passes providing for a traffic control signal at the intersection of Hwy. 121 with Hwy. 114.

On March 16, Ordinance No. 54-09 passes regulating peddlers and itinerant merchants.

On July 20, Ordinance No. 54-13 passes requiring that weeds and grass be cut.

The Fousts build an addition onto the funeral home on Main Street.

On December 7, Ordinance No. 54-17 passes creating a Planning & Zoning Commission.

1955 Joe Clark serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are M. B. Austin, Joe Box, R. T. Eidson, E. M. Pair and R. F. Shelton.

I. C. Lyon begins his service as Grapevine Cotton Belt Station Agent, serving through 1964.

On February 17, the Grapevine Fire Department Auxiliary is organized. Mrs. Ed Langley is the first president. Their mission is to help in time of disaster.

The City expands the Peach Street Wastewater Treatment Plant to treat a total of 1,000,000 gallons of wastewater per day. During the expansion, the plant replaces the anaerobic process with an aerobic process which utilizes a trickling filter system.

Discussion begins regarding building a new fire station on Main Street.

In August the first zoning ordinance is adopted.

1956 Joe Clark serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are M. B. Austin, Joe Box, R. T. Eidson, E. M. Pair and R. F. Shelton.

In July, the office of Nightwatchman/City Marshal is abolished. Ordinance No. 56-03 passes, establishing the office of Chief of Police, and John F. Baze becomes the first Grapevine Chief of Police at a salary of $300 per month. Ordinance No. 56-04 passes dispensing with the office of City Marshal.

Burrus Super Market opens at 108 S. Main Street. (In 1967, it moves to Jenkins & Wall Streets.)

1957 Joe D. Clark serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are Ralph T. Eidson, R. F. Shelton, Wm. H. Kaker, Norris L. Graham and Doyle E. Dalton.

In February, Library hours are changed to Monday and Wednesday 1 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Library moves to its seventh home, this time to 430 S. Main. The Volunteer Fire Department helps with the move.

The Cotton Belt Railroad Section Foreman’s House is sold and moved to a location on Hall-Johnson Road.

On May 4, Lake Grapevine reaches normal lake level at 535.0 feet of elevation. On June 5, Lake Grapevine goes over the Spillway for the first time.

On December 3, Ordinance No. 57-19 passes requiring that premises be kept free of trash, limbs and debris and establishing rules on burning trash within the city limits.

The population of Grapevine is 2,600.

1958 Joe D. Clark serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are Wm. H. Kaker, Norris L. Graham, D. E. Dalton, R. F. Shelton and Ralph Eidson.

The Midway Camp, owned by the Hall family, opens at Lake Grapevine.

On August 19, Ordinance No. 58-06 passes authorizing the impound, custody and disposition of automobiles.

In September, the Tuesday Study Club donates a wooden table and four chairs for the children’s area of the Library in memory of Mrs. Gertie Hurst. She was the Librarian for 18 years.

On December 2, Ordinance No. 58-11 passes prohibiting the passing of a school bus while loading or unloading.

The population of Grapevine is 2,700.

1959 Tip Johnson serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are R. F. Shelton, Al Harwell, Doil Dalton, W. H. Kaker and Norris Graham. In June, Hugh Millican resigns as City Secretary; James L. Hancock serves through August; then R. J. Rogers is appointed to serve.

On January 20, Ordinance No. 59-02 passes citing fireworks as a nuisance.

Charlie M. Millican closes his blacksmith shop on Main Street and the property is sold.

The Depot is moved a few feet to the east so that South Main Street can be straightened. The front waiting room is removed and 42 feet from the center of the building is removed. The remaining freight area is connected to the remaining waiting room, thereby making the building much shorter.

Construction begins on the Water Treatment Plant at 2600 Fairway Drive. The plant’s original capacity is designed to produce 1,000,000 gallons of drinking water per day. Chemical such as chlorine, alum and lime are added to ensure that the water is safe to drink.

On April 21, H. D. “Cotton” Thompson receives a franchise to haul garbage for hire and to use city streets, alleys, etc.

In June, 1,549 books and magazines are loaned to Grapevine Library users. Mrs. Joe F. Cason becomes Librarian and enlists teenage volunteers to conduct story hours for the Summer Reading Club. The Fort Worth Public Library continues to provide quarterly rotating collections of 100 to 200 books.

Grapevine’s population is 2,800.

1960 Tip Johnson serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are W. Floyd Deacon, Al Harwell, Harold Kaker, Travis Matthews and Ed Hayward. R. F. Rogers serves as City Secretary; James L. Hancock becomes Acting City Secretary in April; Floy T. Ezell is appointed City Secretary in August and serves until 1966.

The Grapevine Music Study Club is organized with Mrs. W. O. Echols as its first president.

On October 4, Ordinance No. 60-12 passes authorizing a franchise to Texas Power & Light Company.

Liberty Park, containing .25 acres on Main Street, is purchased by the City. (In 1991, construction begins there of the replica of the Wallis Hotel. It will become the home of the Convention & Visitors Bureau.)

On November 14, Ordinance No. 60-15 passes prohibiting the throwing, depositing of trash, dirt, sand, gravel, etc., upon any public street, alley in the city.

The population of Grapevine is 2,823.

1961 Tip Johnson serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are W. Floyd Deacon, Albert Harwell, Harold Kaker, Travis Matthews and Ed C. Hayward.

The Federal Aviation Administration revisits plans for a Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport.

On March 21, Ordinance No. 61-06 passes prohibiting the operation of a vehicle with lugs, studs, cleats, ridges, etc., on public streets.

A new water treatment plant is constructed.

Mrs. Elizabeth Morris becomes Librarian. The Library moves from the Tax Office at 430 S. Main back to City Hall at 413 S. Main, its eighth home.

Dr. Ed Lancaster, Earl Thomas, Bill Hurst and Earl Deacon fund the construction of a tennis court at Heritage Park with the approval of City Council.

On August 15, Ordinance No. 61-21 passes providing for street, curb and gutter improvements by assessment. Ordinance No. 61-22 passes authorizing the issuance of 1961 Street Improvement Bonds ($100,000).

The population of Grapevine is 2,900.

1962 Tip Johnson serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are Ira E. Woods, L. W. Parker, Willis Pirkle, Al Harwell and W. Floyd Deacon.

On May 15, Ordinance No. 62-01 passes prohibiting dancing in cafes and restaurants.

On December 4, Ordinance No. 62-05 passes creating the Office of Community Relations & Planning.

1963 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are C. W. VanDeventer, Herbert Huber, Guy S. Benedict, L. W. Parker and Willis Pirkle.

A new Fire Station is dedicated in February at the corner of Main and Texas Streets.

The 36 Club sponsors its 4th Annual Library Benefit Book Review and Tea. Mrs. Elizabeth Morris reports on the Library improvements made from the proceeds of former benefits.

On June 18, Ordinance No. 63-05 passes requiring a permit for moving houses, buildings or other structures.

The Fousts add brick and a colonial façade with columns to their funeral home on Main Street.

On October 1, Ordinance No. 63-12 passes prohibiting the operation of billiard halls.

The population of Grapevine is 3,000.

1964 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are L. W. Parker, Guy S. Benedict, Willis Pirkle, C. W. VanDeventer and Herbert Huber.

In January, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court does not renew the contract with the Fort Worth Public Library to provide library services for Grapevine. As part of the change, the Grapevine Library remains open, but the rotation of new books from the Fort Worth Public Library is discontinued.

In 1964 and 1965 the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce becomes very active. Chamber meetings which were held quarterly are now scheduled monthly.

In April, the Grapevine City Council resolves that the Grapevine Public Library be designated as the official archives for the preservation of materials pertaining to the community’s history. A new fund is established enabling citizens to purchase books in memory of friends or loved ones.

On April 21, Ordinance No. 64-05 passes regulating trailer coach parking. Ordinance No. 66-20, passed on May 17, 1966, provides for a trailer coach inspection fee.

On May 19, Ordinance No. 64-09 passes regulating parades.

In July, new steel library shelving arrives. The shelves are purchased with funds from the 36 Club teas.

The Grapevine Independent School District deeds its interest in the 2.8 acres at Heritage Park to the City of Grapevine.

On October 6, Ordinance No. 64-19 passes designating the primary and secondary fire limits, types of construction, permits and inspections.

The population of Grapevine is 4,500.

1965 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are C. W. VanDeventer, H. E. Huber, L. W. Parker, Guy S. Benedict and Willis Pirkle.

Bill Carroll begins his service as Grapevine Cotton Belt Station Agent, serving until 1966.

Hamp Scruggs serves as Chief of Police until 1969.

A police facility is added to the existing fire station on Main Street.

In June, plans are discussed regarding having a study prepared concerning becoming a Home Rule city.

In July, Ed Davis and Jack Hodges become the first paid firemen at a salary of $325 per month.

In August, Mrs. Laura Allen begins dispatching from the fire station for a salary of $250 per month.

The Peach Street Wastewater Treatment Plant is expanded to treat 1,500,000 gallons of wastewater per day. A new treatment process is used, and the aerobic treatment process is changed to a contact stabilization process with the option to step-feed the system. Several new treatment components are constructed at this time.

Plans move forward for the construction of the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport. Two-thirds of the airport will be located within the Grapevine city limits. An interim Airport Board is established.

In September, Grapevine’s population exceeds 5,000. The following persons are appointed to the Charter Commission and prepare a Home Rule Charter: Harold Kaker, Chairman; W. Floyd Deacon, Vice Chairman; J. E. Foust, Jr., Secretary; and Members Joe N. Box, W. D. Willhoite, W. H. Yancey, Angus McNutt, Dr. C. D. Pittard, Roy Chambers, Thomas French, Jr., S. J. Burrus, J. N. Wood, Gordon Tate, Doil Dalton and Bill Reed. On October 5, Ordinance No. 65-19 calls for an election to adopt a Charter framed by the Charter Commission.

On November 6, the Grapevine Public Library becomes an official department of the City, and a Library Board is established. The Tuesday Study Club donates a set of the World Book Encyclopedia.

On November 16, an election is held and the Home Rule Charter is adopted by a vote of 144 votes for and 27 votes against. A resolution was adopted on that same date which placed the Home Rule Charter into immediate effect. The office of City Manager is thus established. On December 20, Floy Ezell becomes the first City Manager and serves until 1977.

There are approximately 1,200 buildings in the city limits.

1966 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are J. E. Foust, Jr., Guy S. Benedict, Willis Pirkle, H. E. Huber, C. W. VanDeventer (he serves until September 20; Doil E. Dalton is appointed to replace him). In August, James L. Hancock is appointed City Secretary and serves until 1970.

The first 176 acres are purchased for the new airport.

On June 7, Ordinance No. 66-11 passes authorizing the City to participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System.

On October 4, Ordinances No. 66-29 and No. 66-30 pass
authorizing wrecker and towing service, and regulating the operation of billiard halls.

On November 6, Edna Hemphill begins her service as Grapevine Cotton Belt Station Agent, serving until January 31, 1972. She is Grapevine’s last Station Agent.

On November 21, a meeting is held to plan for a Grapevine Rotary Club.

On December 6, Ordinance No. 66-38 passes creating the Fire Department, establishing duties and appointing the Fire Chief.

1967 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are D. E. Dalton, H. E. Huber, J. E. Foust, Jr., Guy S. Benedict and Willis Pirkle.

The Grapevine Fire Department takes a group photo.

Mrs. E. A. Florence becomes Librarian, and the first card catalog is started using shoe boxes to house the cards. The County Commissioner’s Court subsidizes the Library for $2,000 per year.

In March the first building code is adopted.

On June 22, the Grapevine Rotary Club is established and admitted into Rotary International.

On July 4, Ordinance No. 67-20 passes regulating the commercial vehicle route.

The population of Grapevine is 5,300.

1968 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; serving as Aldermen are D. E. Dalton, H. E. Huber, Lee Thompson, Guy S. Benedict and Willis Pirkle.

The Police Department consists of a Chief of Police, a crew of five policemen, and three dispatchers.

In May, an organizational meeting is held for the Friends of the Library. The new group plans programs for the Summer Reading Club using volunteers. Mrs. Karen Tate Fewell is Librarian. The interlibrary loan service is very active.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport Board is formally created. Ground breaking takes place for the new airport at a site bounded by the cities of Grapevine, Euless and Irving.

The population of Grapevine is approximately 6,000.

1969 Ira E. Woods serves as Mayor; he passes away in June and Willis Pirkle is appointed as Mayor. Al Harwell is appointed to fill the unexpired term of Willis Pirkle as Alderman. Also serving as Aldermen are Doil Dalton, Ralph T. Eidson, Lee Thompson and Guy S. Benedict. William D. Tate becomes City Attorney and serves until 1972.

On January 7, Ordinance No. 69-01 passes authorizing joint meetings of City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission.

James E. Lily serves as Chief of Police until 1976.

Drainage pipe for construction of the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport is shipped on the Cotton Belt Railroad and passes through Grapevine.

On August 19, Ordinance 69-30 passes requiring persons to use City water if available and stating that persons shall not supply other persons with water without permission.

Work begins on Oak Grove Park; 12 acres are leased at Lake Grapevine from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1971, 52 acres are added and in 1979, 55 acres are added. A 25-year lease agreement with the Corps of Engineers includes an additional 684 acres of parkland for a total of 803 acres.

Work begins on the sanitary sewer improvements on the Southwest Sewer Treatment Plant.

On September 16, Ordinance No. 69-33 passes concerning privately owned gas and electric lines.

1970 Willis Pirkle serves as Mayor; serving as City Council members are Phil Parker, Tommy Eidson, Doil Dalton, Lee Thompson and Al Harwell.

The Grapevine Public Library receives additional support from the City and an annual contribution from Tarrant County. Mrs. Maxine Eidson is named Librarian replacing Mrs. Caroline Cason Rudolph who moves to Fort Worth after serving as Librarian since 1969.

In the early 1970s an activated sludge sewer treatment plant is built on Morehead Branch, and the southwest outfall plant is constructed on Bear Creek.

James L. Hancock is appointed Assistant City Manager.

On April 17, the Grapevine Area Kiwanis Club is chartered with Bill Crabbe as its first president.

In July, Don R. Wilson is appointed City Secretary.

Dove Park is established at 1509 Hood Lane on 10 acres. This park contains Casey’s Clubhouse.

On September 15, Ordinance No. 70-34 passes adopting the budget, levying taxes, providing penalties and interest for delinquent taxes, authorizing fund transfers and investment of idle funds.

In October C. W. (Bill) VanDeventer is appointed City Secretary. He serves until April 1973. The Grapevine Public Library announces new service hours: Mondays 1 to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The population of Grapevine is 7,049.

1971 Willis Pirkle serves as Mayor; serving as City Council members are Phil Parker, Al Harwell, Tommy Eidson, Doil Dalton and Lee Thompson.

The City Council appoints the first five members of the Library Board. The library collections climbs to 9,488, and 15,616 pieces are circulated for the year.

On February 2, Ordinance No. 71-03 passes creating a Joint Airport Zoning Board. Construction begins on Terminal 2W.

On December 23, Ordinance No. 71-38 passes providing for the numbering of all houses and setting requirements to be met.

Dr. Hranitzky, DVM, ceases to encourage out patient treatment of livestock in favor of small animals due to the construction of the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport and the reduction in the number of cattle and horses brought on by the removal of 17,000 acres of agricultural land from the community.

1972 Willis Pirkle serves as Mayor; serving as City Council members are Carlton Pittard, Phil Parker, Thelma Conine (Grapevine’s first City Councilwoman), Doil Dalton and Tommy Eidson.

On January 31 at 5 p.m., Grapevine Cotton Belt Station Agent Edna Hemphill locks the doors and officially closes the Depot for business. The Grapevine Sun reports that the Cotton Belt Railroad intends to remove the inactive railroad station in Grapevine. The Grapevine Garden Club goes before City Council with a proposition to accept the building, relocate it and designate it as a museum. The City Council approves the plan and moves the building to Heritage Park at 231 S. Ball Street.

On February 12, Ordinance No. 72-09 passes concerning placing a traffic light at Main and Worth Streets.

On April 11, Ordinance No. 72-18 passes calling for a Charter Amendment Election.

On May 27, over 2,000 persons attend the grand opening of the new “Catfish Hut,” restaurant owned by the Hall family at Lake Grapevine. Afterwards a catfish buffet is served!

In June, a special election is held to create the Place 6 position on the City Council. William D. Tate is elected to this position.

On August 23, the Library opens in its ninth location at 424 S. Main after moving from City Hall at 413 S. Main. Maxine Eidson is Librarian, and Jo Jackson presents story hours to four pre-school groups of children.

On October 1, Library hours are expanded from three days, 18 hours per week, to 40 hours, five days per week. Robbie Gibbs is hired as the first full-time Librarian. She has a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University.

On December 19, Ordinance No. 72-40 passes adopting the Code of Rules and Regulations of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Jerry Pittman, CPA, opens his office in Grapevine.

The population of Grapevine is 7,200.

1973 William D. Tate serves as Mayor, becoming the youngest person to serve as Mayor; serving as City Council members are Doil Dalton, Tommy Eidson, Millard Dilg, Phil Parker, Thelma Conine and Carton Pittard. In April 1973 Randel L. Vinson is appointed City Secretary and serves until April 1974.

On January 16, Ordinance No. 73-03 passes setting a mandatory retirement age of 65 for all City employees.

On February 20, Ordinance No. 73-08 passes allowing the public display of fireworks.

On April 17, Ordinance No. 73-13 passes requiring connection to the City water and sewer system.

On May 1, Ordinances No. 73-15 and No. 73-16 pass changing the water and sewer pro rata charges, and providing for instalment payments for water and/or sewer pro rata charges and tap fee.

Work begins on the sanitary sewer system northwest collection system improvements from the Shady Brook Sewer Treatment Plant. Work also begins on a 750,000 gallon elevated water storage tank off Dove Road.

At the Fall Festival, the depot building is dedicated in the park as the Grapevine Historical Museum. To commemorate the event, Mayor William D. Tate drives a gold railroad spike into a railroad tie, using a gold painted hammer. Martha Cluck gives the dedication speech.

In December, Fire Chief Greener becomes the first paid Fire Chief for the City. He began his service in 1940 and served for 44 years until his retirement in 1984.

The final movie, Serpico, plays at the Palace Theatre, closing the theatre as a movie house.

B&D Mills ceases operations.

Construction of a runway is complete at Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport. The first official landing brings U.S. Secretary of Transportation Claude Brinegar to inspect the facilities.

1974 William D. Tate serves as Mayor; serving as City Council members are C. D. Pittard, R. E. “Bob” Murphy, Thelma Conine, Doil Dalton, Tommy Eidson and Millard Dilg. In April, Kenneth R. Pritt, Jr., is appointed City Secretary. He serves through 1975.

On January 8, Ordinance No. 74-03 passes adding a chapter to the City Code entitled “Massage Establishments.”

On January 13, 1974, the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport opens for business, and the first commercial flight – American Airlines 241 arrives.

On May 2, the State of Texas grants a charter to the Grapevine Historical Society. Alberta Nettleton serves as the first President.

On August 20, Ordinance No. 74-28 passes amending the City Code to provide a new section on Hotel Occupancy Tax. The Grapevine Tourist & Convention Bureau is formed.

On September 3, Ordinance No. 74-30 passes revising the standard for employment, mandatory retirement age, longevity pay, incentive training program, sick leave, vacation benefits and salary adjustments for City employees.

On October 3, the Grapevine Public Library receives a $1,500 grant from the State Library to purchase non-fiction books. The library collection totals 10,264 materials, and the annual circulation is 16,205.

On November 14, the first board for the Tourist & Convention Bureau is established.

The population of Grapevine is 7,800.