"Lone Star Historian 2" is a blog about the travels and activities of the State Historian of Texas during his second year. Bill O'Neal was appointed to a two-year term by Gov. Rick Perry on August 22, 2012, at an impressive ceremony in the State Capitol. Bill is headquartered at Panola College (www.panola.edu) in Carthage, where he has taught since 1970. For more than 20 years Bill conducted the state's first Traveling Texas History class, a three-hour credit course which featured a 2,100-mile itinerary. In 2000 he was awarded a Piper Professorship, and in 2012 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wild West Historical Association. Bill has published over 40 books, almost half about Texas history subjects, and in 2007 he was named Best Living Non-Fiction Writer by True West Magazine. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by his alma mater, Texas A&M University - Commerce.
Office of the State Historian at Panola College |
With Brenda Watson Giles |
Brenda now
is president of the local Retired Teachers chapter, while continuing to teach
as an adjunct instructor at Panola College. A few days ago she asked me to
visit with freshmen students in her “Panola College Success 101” class. Of
course, I told them what a superb student their
teacher had been when she was a Panola College freshman from a small high
school. I described a complex, difficult – and highly enjoyable – U.S. History
project she had put together, one that was so exceptional I had all of my
classes see it. I talked to her students about how I came to be State Historian
of Texas, and I eagerly met students who were residents of “my” dormitory, Bill
O’Neal Hall. And I was most pleased to see that these young college students
may benefit from such a capable and experienced teacher.
My daughter and son-in-law, Drew and Berri Gormley, generously provided this handsome bench for the Panola campus. Berri knows that my favorite president is Theodore Roosevelt. |
Demonstrating a German Mauser rifle |
Reporter Alex Byrd |
But a number
of members were determined to continue this organization that so many of us
enjoy. Ed Russ assumed the presidency, and energetically worked to encourage
attendance for the first meeting of the new year. It was my privilege to
provide the program, and I arrived at Jason’s Deli early last night to greet
old friends and visit with new ones. More than 50 club members attended the
meeting, a crowd that gratified and excited us. Alex Byrd, a reporter from the
Longview News-Record was on hand to
cover our meeting, and she interviewed a number of us. There were door prizes,
and my program addressed the 70th anniversary of D-Day, with due
attention to the Texas connections. This group of history buffs clearly enjoyed
the presentation, and we all enjoyed the company of kindred spirits. The
History Club of East Texas is off to a thriving start for 2014-15!
No comments:
Post a Comment