BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Over 17 thousand historical markers across Texas help tell the story of the state’s rich history.
However, as the years pass, what was meant to preserve history can be lost to time.
“Oh man, there’s been from bullet holes to, so grayed out and faded out that you can hardly tell what it says,” said Chris Talley, who started The Talley Way restoration project.
Living in Bryan, the Talley’s have begun a mission to travel across the state, bringing back the lost details of early churches, schools, and cemeteries.
The mission began in Brazos County and now spreads out as far as Llano and Mason counties. Totaling just under 100 signs restored, all documented on their YouTube channel “The Talley Way.”
Using a brush and some water to clean the signs, black spray paint and a sander to bring the color back, and a clear coat to finish the product. Reviving the signs to their original finish.
“We rounded up the supplies and went to work and found it inspirational, and we learned history as we read through it while we’re restoring it, you know?” said Daryl Talley, the father of Chris, who joined in the journey.
“We have people that drive by and say, I’ve never even noticed I was there, and it sticks out like crazy now, this bright, fresh paint on it,” said Chris.
What started nearly a year ago as a way to highlight these different stories has turned into a way for him to help teach the next generation about the history that is all around them
“I thought it would be a great idea to teach my kiddos about community service, giving back to the community. I learned that from a young age from both my parents, and so I thought that would be a really cool way to spread that to my kiddos,” said Chris.
“And teach them a little history,” Daryl continued.
Roughly 300 markers are listed as missing according to the Texas Historical Commission website.
While some of those may never be restored, Talley hopes that others will keep an eye out for an opportunity to keep history alive.
“With us posting it on YouTube, the whole purpose of that is just to spread it with the whole world, to teach the whole world about Texas history, as well as the volunteering community service aspect of it, and if it inspires you or one or two other people to do this, that’s awesome,” said Chris.
The link to The Talley Way YouTube channel can be found here: www.youtube.com/@thetalleyway/shorts
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