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As the Guadalupe River weaves its way through Center Point, nature calls to the citizens of the small rural town with the approximate population of 1,000 residents. Center Point grows famous with saying, “everyone knows everything about everyone.” Center Point proceeds with one post office and a bed ‘n’breakfast, two gas stations, and three resident-owned restaurants. The peaceful town holds approximately a 30% percent Latino population. Without the interference of city activities, many Latinos identify the town with their “pueblos.” The resemblance is due to the abundant wildlife, open space, and of course, the pecan trees. A Center Point native, University of Texas at Austin student, Lourdes Ibarra, cracks open and shares her views of Center Point.
How long have you lived in Center Point?
My whole life. It has always been my home.
What distinguishes Center Point?
All of my family lives there. Yes, it is a small town, but all my cousins, tios and tias live in the same neighborhood. I just love the way of life in Center Point. It’s all about family. Center Point is kind of a mix between Point Place in "That 70's Show" and a Latin Pleasantville. In the mess of reality, there is an illusion of an ideal "Little Mexico" within the town.
What is the weather like?
The weather is perfect. It’s hot during the summer and cold during the winter.
What can visitors do?
They can go to the river, pass through the main street and visit a few shops, or go to the Lions’ Park.
What landmarks or attractions are located in Center Point?
The Center Point Cemetery is the burial site of 30 Texas Rangers. The only school in Center Point has been standing for 70 years. Many Latinos like to participate in the Mexican-style rodeo events held every two weeks at Los Corrales. Los Corrales also hosts other events like fashion shows put on by a Latina Bridal store and family festivities which of course invites the entire community.
How have Latinos affected the community?
The community has noticed the family values that we, as Latinos, practice and continue to live by [unchanged] by the modern way of life. We still get together and celebrate as a family. One of my neighbors, who is non-Hispanic, once said we were like a little army with all the little kids running around, having fun.
Why do Latinos move into the community?
Center Point doesn’t really have the job opportunities like a city would, but many Latinos are just looking for a place to call home. They move to raise their kids in an environment similar to theirs, so that they can grow up with the same core values. There is even one neighborhood referred to as “Little Mexico.”
October 2009
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