By Carol Taylor
Herald-Banner Columnist
Jan 9, 2021
Jan 9, 2021
In the 1920s progressive Texans supported by the Federal Agricultural Department and Texas State Health Department began a campaign to eradicate rats from the state.
In December 1927, Hunt County joined other Texans in a four-week campaign to kill rats. Local merchants and chamber of commerce in the county offered useful goods to those killing the most. Â
In mid-December the Greenville Banner reported on the success of the campaign. Reports received from various parts over the County indicated âan appreciable decrease is made in the rat population of Hunt County as a result of the âno-quarterâ warfare started two weeks ago by local citizens cooperating with state, county and federal authorities. The campaign carried out in this county is expected to result in the deaths of thousands of rodents which have overrun many sections of the county.â