The original Texas State Railroad, founded in 1883, was narrow gauge and built with inmate labor, its original purpose was to transport raw materials for an iron smelter located at the Rusk Penitentiary. Between 1907 and 1911, a gentleman by the name of Thomas Campbell served as Governor of the State of Texas. During his first term he came up with the idea creating some additional revenues for the state by turning the penitentiary railroad from an industrial railroad, serving the penitentiary into a "common carrier" to transport passengers and regular freight. The tracks were extended another 22 1/2 miles, from Maydelle to Palestine. The name, Maydelle, was given in honor of the Texas State Governor’s daughter. Regular service began on the "Texas State Railroad, in June, 1907 but poor profits saw the cessation of operations by 1921. The original depot, long gone, was built in 1909. The depot seen here was built for the 1985 Roy Clark-Mel Tillis movie, Uphill All the Way. Taking the above information into account, I'm inclined to believe the photo above was likely taken closer to 2019, than the mid 1950's. Part of a Lerro Productions charter. A cellular antenna has been removed from this scene.