Skip to main content

John H. Shary Collection

The John H. Shary Collection contains the papers from John H. Shary (1872-1945), the founder of Sharyland and Father of the Texas Citrus Industry. Shary was a prominent land developer and was president of the United Irrigation Company in the Mission / Sharyland area. The digital images from the Shary Collection include letters, speeches, and photographs. For more materials of the John H. Shary Collection, view the Finding Aid on ArchivesSpace.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Photograph of side of the Sharylake clubhouse

Eskildsen (Photographer);

Black and white photograph. "Photograph of Sharylake Clubhouse, Take June 8th 19th. By Eskildsen, McAllen, Tex."
Photograph of the Big Melch Canal, panoramic view

Black and white photograph. Shary's largest canal. Image shows canal with rip-rap, used to prevent erosion. Horses and farmer are visible the in background.
Photograph of the McAllen Ranch

Black and white photograph. Camp grounds used for hunting and game at McAllen Ranch.
Photograph of the Shary home, aerial view

Black and white photograph. Aerial photo of the Shary home, right center. Surrounding the home are the various citrus orchards owned by Mr. John H. Shary.
Photograph of the Sharyland High School

Black and white photograph. Rear caption: "Modern high school at Sharyland. One of the most completely equipped schools in the Southwest."
Photographs of Shary Chapel stained glass windows

Color Photographs. 01: Two stained glass panels of St. Francis of Assisi, 02: St. Francis of Assisi blessing the field. 03: St. Francis of Assisi in the field, 04: Farm workers.
Points of interest in and around Brownsville

Brownsville Chamber of Commerce

Black and white pamphlet that highlights the touristic places of Brownsville, Texas. It includes a map, and a description of detailed activities, as well as facts about the lower Rio Grande Valley.
Port Isabel Pilot vol.1 no.41

Port Isabel Pilot (Point Isabel, Tex.) and J.G. Perkins

First page of the Port Isabel Pilot.
Portrait of John H. Shary

Black and white photograph. Portrait of John H. Shary
Portrait of John H. Shary

Black and white photograph. Portrait of young John Shary without glasses.
Portrait of Margaret Mary O'Brien Shary

Black and white photograph. Portrait of Margaret Mary O'Brien Shary.
Portrait of Marialice Shary Shivers

Color photograph. Portrait of Marialice Shary Shivers, wife of Governor Robert Allan Shivers.
Properties and agricultural activities watered by the Wilson Canal

John H. Shary

Properties and agricultural activities watered by the Wilson Canal east of Morse Canal from January 1, 1927 to January 1, 1934.
RE 1231A John Helm

John H. Shary, John Helm, and The International Land And Investment Co.

Series 4.2, Box 30, Folder 261

Sale No. 271, File No. 1231a, John Helm, Rockdale, Texas
RE 1238B John Helm

John H. Shary, John Helm, and International Land and Investment Co.

Series 4.2, Box 30, Folder 276

Sale No. 286, File No. 12383, John Helm, Rockdale, Texas
RE 1265A C.J. Torno

John H. Shary, C J. Torno, Robert T. McCall, and The International Land and Investment Co.

Series 4.2, Box 30, Folder 329

Sale No. 339, File No. 1265a, C.J. Torno, Lexington, Texas
RE 2341 W. H. Symons

W H. Symons, John H. Shary, Emmanuel H. Shary, and The International Land and Investment Co.

Real estate documents relating to WH Symons and purchase of 20 acres, Lot 274, John H. Shary Subdivision.
Recipes – Appetizers – Pickle Garden Relish

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for pickle garden relish.
Recipes – Beverages – Wedding Punch

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for wedding punch.
Recipes – Desserts – Ambassador Black Bottom Pie

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for Ambassador Black Bottom Pie, including ingredients and instructions to prepare the crust, custard filling, chocolate custard, and rum-flavored custard.
Recipes – Desserts – Caramel Pie

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for a "Western" style Caramel Pie.
Recipes – Desserts – Cinnamon Crisp

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for cinnamon crisp.
Recipes – Desserts – Fruit Cake

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for a fruit cake:

[6 eggs

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

3 cups flour

1 glass jelly

1 teaspoon mace, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon all spice

Dissolve spices in wine

Pecans, raisins, citron, currants, candied pineapple]
Recipes – Desserts – Ice Box Cake

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for an ice box cake.
Recipes – Desserts – Rice Crispies

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for rice crispies.
Recipes – Desserts – Sea Foam

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A type recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for sea foam with fresh fruit filling.
Recipes – Desserts – Strawberry Preserves

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for strawberry preserves.
Recipes – Desserts – Walnut Dreams

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for walnut dreams.
Recipes – Desserts – Waxey Pecan Cookies

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for waxey pecan cookies.
Recipes – Desserts – Whiskey Cake

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for a whiskey cake.
Recipes – Dressings – French Dressing

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A typed recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for french dressing.
Recipes – Main Dish – Cheese Souffle

Mary O'Brien Shary and Patsy Holland

ca. 1940

A recipe typed by Mary O'Brien Shary for cheese souffle. This recipe seems to be from Patsy Holland.
Recipes – Main Dish – Oyster Loaf

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for an oyster loaf.
Recipes – Main Dish – Taco Salad

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

A handwritten recipe attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary for a taco salad:

[1 lb ham burger fried in grease

Mix lettuce, onions, tomato, celery, cucumbers

Cut up in bowl

Add 1 pkg. (small) fritos

Add cubed ham burger

Take grease left from cooking ham burger, add 2 tablespoons vinegar, heat and pour over all and serve.]
Recipes – Main Dish – Tomato Rarebit

Mary O'Brien Shary

ca. 1940

Typed recipe page attributed to Mary O'Brien Shary, includes recipes for several dishes, such as tomato rarebit, baked sliced ham, elegant chicken, Italian spaghetti, and deep sea delight.
Recording - John H. Shary Plan for Social Stabilization - Part 01

John H. Shary

Audio recording in four (4) parts of John H. Shary speaking about his "Shary Plan for Social Stabilization" relating to economic recovery through reinvestment in agriculture.
Recording - John H. Shary Plan for Social Stabilization - Part 02

John H. Shary

Audio recording in four (4) parts of John H. Shary speaking about his "Shary Plan for Social Stabilization" relating to economic recovery through reinvestment in agriculture.
Recording - John H. Shary Plan for Social Stabilization - Part 03

John H. Shary

Audio recording in four (4) parts of John H. Shary speaking about his "Shary Plan for Social Stabilization" relating to economic recovery through reinvestment in agriculture.
Recording - John H. Shary Plan for Social Stabilization - Part 04

John H. Shary

Audio recording in four (4) parts of John H. Shary speaking about his "Shary Plan for Social Stabilization" relating to economic recovery through reinvestment in agriculture.
Registered pharmacist certificate issued by Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy

Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy

John Shary's certification as a registered pharmacist issued by the Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy. The certification was issued February 8, 1908.
Rio Rey Texas Grapefruit Juice advertisement

Tracy-Locke-Dawson Advertising and John H. Shary

The advertisement of a new beverage. A new grapefruit juice called "Rio Rey". 1930-06ca
Sharyland High School's enrollment from 1926-1939

A. D. Smith

Memo from A.D. Smith to Mr. John H. Shary regarding school enrollments, showing growth within the Sharyland Independent School.
Sharyland Independent School District cash flow report

John H. Shary

Cash report written by John Shary in response to "propaganda started by certain people unfriendly to me, such caused strictly through personal business dealings in which we evidently disagreed."
Sharyland (view book)

John H. Shary

From the inside cover "The following views are faithful reproductions of genuine photographs of some of the many objects of interest to be seen on the John H. Shary Subdivision and other points of in the Lower Rio Grande Valley."

View book contains 40 pages printed in black and white with brief captions (left) and photographs (right).
[Shary] Map of United States indicating trade winds and major rail lines

Map indicates trade winds affecting Texas, and rail road lines linking Texas with midwestern and eastern United States
[Shary] Panoramic photograph of Shary Lake, Sharyland Texas

J. C. Murff

Panoramic photograph of excursion party posing in front of Shary Lake.
[Shary] Photograph of 13th Cavalry Swimming drill in Madero, Texas

Eskildsen (Photographer)

13th Cavalry posing in swim gear in river channel along the Rio Grande River. John Shary is standing with the officers.
[Shary] Photograph of 240 Acre citrus orchard on Sharyland tract, Shary

J. W. Gardner

Citrus orchard showing healthy and prosperous trees.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of 40 acres block Lot 426 on Taylor Rd. pavement connecting to Mission and McAllen, Shary

J. W. Gardner

Panoramic photograph of a field ready for farming in Mission, Texas. There are surveyors standing on the left, farm house and cars shown on the right.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of a Homestead from the Shary Collection

Spanish style stucco building.
[Shary] Photograph of a Lilac Bush

Photograph of a lilac bush in full bloom.
[Shary] Photograph of Arrival of the Standard Land Co. party - San Juan, Tex., Shary

Novelty Studio

Excursion party and drivers posing in front of automobiles and railroad cars at Sharyland, Texas.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Bench and trees

Photograph of a yard or park including a bench under a tree in the foreground, a number of trees, and an unidentified building that is partially visible in the background on the right side of the image. A person is standing near the building in the center of the image.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Big Melch Canal, Shary

Panoramic photograph of a large dirt canal with two men in a car on the right, a man with horse and plow in the center, and fields and farm buildings in the background.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Broom corn crop, Shary

Copy negative of a field full of growing broom corn. The original print is pinned to a background with push-pins.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Cabbage field

Copy negative of an unidentified man standing in a row of cabbage, in a large field of plants. The man is wearing a light-colored shirt with a tie, dark-colored pants, and a hat, and he is looking at a head of cabbage that he is holding. Several buildings are visible in the background on the left side of the image. The original print is pinned to a background with push-pins.

Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Cornfield in the Rio Grande Valley, Sharyland party

Eskildsen (Photographer)

Excursion party posing in front of corn field.
[Shary] Photograph of Dinner honoring the Vice-President of the United States by his fellow citizens of Texas on the occasion of the visit to Washington of the Goodwill Special Train, National Press Club

Tenschert Photographers

John N. Garner and John H. Shary labeled in this group photograph of a banquet dinner. Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Earthen Canal with Crops and House

Photograph of dirt canal with crops along both sides, and a farm house on the right.
[Shary] Photograph of Earthen Canal with Gate

Photograph of earthen canal with gate and handle to turn. A man and dog are standing on the left bank.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion crowd, Lower Rio Grande Valley near Mission, Texas

Excursion party posing in field with 2 farm workers. John Shary standing on far right.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion of International Land and Investment Co.

Excursion party posing in front of field next to a home.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion of Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Excursion party posing in front of field, white wooden house to the left.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion of the Southwestern Land Co. in the Rio Grande Valley

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion of the Southwestern Land Co. in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz home.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the John H. Shary Land Co. at the Shary Lake Country Club

Eskildsen (Photographer)

Excursion party posing in front of Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the John H. Shary Land Co. at the Sharylake country club

Eskildsen (Photographer)

Excursion party posing in front of the Shary house and the club house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the John H. Shary Land Company

Eskildsen (Photographer)

Panoramic photograph of a large group of people posing in front of the Sharyland train station on the Missouri Pacific Railroad; the train station later burned down. John Shary is labeled (third from the right). Also shows a dog with 10 legs - a product of the panoramic photo processing. Text at the bottom of the image says, "Excursion Party of the John H. Shary Land Co., Feb. 10, 1920." A label on the back of the photo says "Sharyland Mo Pac RR Station (later burned)"
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Sharyland Co. in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Eskildsen (Photographer)

Panoramic photograph of an excursion party in front of the William Jennings Bryan house in Mission, Texas. John Shary and Peter Bentsen are labeled in the image. The same man is at both ends.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of the Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of the Charles Volz home.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of the Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Panoramic photograph of an excursion party posing in front of the Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of Shary house. Peter Bentsen labeled.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz's home.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. in Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of the Charles Volz's home.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. in the Rio Grande Valley

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in a citrus field in Sharyland, Texas.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. in the Rio Grande Valley at Sharyland

Ziebel Studio

Panoramic photograph of an excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz's brick home.
[Shary] Photograph of Excursion party of the Southwestern Land Co. in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Ziebel Studio

Excursion party posing in front of Shary house.
[Shary] Photograph of First Prize - Creamery Butter - Southern Zone at the National Corn Exposition, Dallas Texas

Photograph of a certificate from the National Corn Exposition held in Dallas, Texas, February 10-24, 1914. The text reads "This is to Certify that McAllen Creamery Company, McAllen, Texas entered Creamery Butter in class --- lot --- and was awarded First prize, Southern Zone classification." It is signed by the President of the National Corn Association and Secretary of the National Corn Exposition. Part of Shary Collection.
[Shary] Photograph of Ford Model T automobile on dirt road

Car driving down dirt road possibly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. An old growth Mesquite Tree and dense vegetation can be seen. ca.1920s.
[Shary] Photograph of Girls at South Padre Island Beach

Photograph of two girls walking on the beach, probably near South Padre Island.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

Excursion party posing in front of trees. Flowers on trees, and some clothing of the excursionists have been colorized.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

Excursion party posing in front of old office building to the right.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz's brick home. John Shary is labeled.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in cleared wheat field.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of Sharylake and the frame of the Shary house which was under construction.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in field.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz's home.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of a house.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing next to the Rio Grande. Texas, Mexico, and the Rio Grande River labeled on the photo. Judge D. W. Glasscock is standing on the far right.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz's home.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of white wooden frame house and barn.
[Shary] Photograph of J. H. Shary excursion, Sharyland bath house

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing next to the wooden bath house.
[Shary] Photograph of John H. Shary excursion

Excursion party posing in front of a house.
[Shary] Photograph of John H. Shary excursion

Excursion party posing on dirt road in front of palm and citrus trees. Some colorization.
[Shary] Photograph of John H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing in front of Charles Volz's brick home.
[Shary] Photograph of John H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing by dirt road near a field.
[Shary] Photograph of John H. Shary excursion

J. C. Murff

Excursion party posing across dirt road in front of palm and citrus trees.