Palestine

"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.

Bill with Greg Laudadio

An invitation to address the Rotary Club of Palestine resulted in a lively day of local history for the State Historian. The  invitation came from Greg Laudadio, who heads a firm called Palestine Economic Development. Greg enthusiastically offered to arrange a tour of Palestine's historic sites, following the noon Rotary meeting. Since the 1970s I've driven through Palestine countless times. As often as possible I've driven through the Victorian neighborhood known as "Silk Stocking Row," and I've walked through the commercial district with its ornate old buildings. There are beautiful vintage churches, a 1914 Carnegie Library, an 1896 depot which continues to serve Palestine as a Visitor Information Center, and a magnificent courthouse which opened in 1914. A 1916 high school today houses the Museum for East Texas Culture; I've stopped there many times, not only to enjoy the exhibits but to tour an impressive school structure erected for an earlier age in education. 

Palestine Rotarians

So I came to Palestine armed with camera and notebook, eager for a tour with men and women who were willing to show me more about their fascinating town. At lunch the Rotarians were most cordial, and we enjoyed the hour together. After the meeting, Greg led the way to the Chamber of Commerce building. I met several community leaders, and with Greg behind the wheel, we drove through the streets of Palestine. I learned all manner of details about buildings I was familiar with, and I was shown historic structures I had never before seen. We drove through the lovely cemetery in the east part of town, and along the way I was regaled with background stories and anecdotes. I'll always be grateful to these Palestine historians for spending time with me.

Courthouse interior

Palestine was founded in 1846, as the seat of newly-formed Anderson County. A log courthouse was erected atop a hill, and a business square took shape. But in 1872 a railroad reached Palestine, building its tracks and shops on level ground a mile west of the hilltop courthouse square. New stores and hotels were built beside the tracks, and this district became known as "New Town," while the courthouse area was (and is) called "Old Town." Palestine experienced a heyday during the late 19th century, and the community boasts a wealth of Victorian structures. Indeed, Palestine can claim more buildings in the National Historic Registry than any other Texas city except Galveston. Palestine also is the western terminus of the Texas State Railroad. History buffs will enjoy themselves enormously in Palestine. 
For more information: www.palestinechamber.org

"New Town" commercial buildings faced the RR tracks.

The 1916 high school now house an excellent museum.

Exploring Texas Workshop Series

"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.

On Thursday and Friday, January 23 and 24, the Texas State Historical Association, working in concert with Austin's Region XIII Education Center and the Bob Bullock State History Museum,conducted another in the "Exploring Texas Workshop Series" for fourth- and seventh-grade Texas history teachers. Steven Cure and JoNeita Kelly of the TSHA have organized several of these events around the state, and during my tenure as State Historian it has been my privilege to participate in these conferences. Steve and JoNeita always assemble an impressive lineup of experts to present programs of substance - not of methodology - on a wide variety of Texas history subjects. This workshop was entitled "Discovering  Texas History Conference, 1900 to Present." 

Steve Cure and JoNeita Kelly

The state-of-the-art Bob Bullock Museum is a superb location for a two-day conference on Texas history, and participants would have the opportunity to tour the exhibits, as well as displays at the Texas General Land Office and the Blanton Museum of Art. More than 130 teachers gathered on Thursday morning. Dr. Gregg Cantrell, professor of history at Texas Christian University and author of an acclaimed biography of Stephen F. Austin, opened the meeting with a lecture on Texas farmers during the 20th century. Afterward there were breakout sessions, followed by lunch. 

There was a large and impressive assembly of vendors.

At one o'clock the group reassembled, and I delivered a program on "Texas in World War II." For more than 30 years I lectured on this topic in my Texas history classes at Panola College. Through the years I was provided with hundreds of interviews by my students with World War II veterans of combat or of the home front, and in 2010 Arcadia Publishing released my book on Texas in World War II. To the teachers at the Bob Bullock Museum I recounted the extraordinary contributions of Texas and Texans to the war effort. And, with Black History Month just around the corner, I spoke in some detail about Doris Miller of Waco. I wrote a short biography, Doris Miller, Hero of Pearl Harbor (Eakin Press, 2007). A farm boy and high school football star, Miller enlisted in the U.S. Navy prior to U.S.entry into World War II. At Pearl Harbor he performed with valor as his ship, the U.S.S. West Virginia, sank beneath him. Doris Miller became the first African-American to be awarded the Navy Cross. Later in the war he died in combat. 

On the way to the Bob Bullock Museum, I stopped in Round Rock to visit a treasured friend and mentor, Dr. Joe Parks. As a grade-school pupil in Corsicana, I was a charter student at James Bowie Elementary School, where the young, enthusiastic principal was Joe Parks. Later his career brought him to Austin, where he long served as director of the Region XIII Educational Center. Throughout the years he advised and encouraged me, and it meant a great deal to me that he attended my investiture at the State Capitol in 2012. Dr. Parks arranged a reception for me, and I met a number of his friends. He and I explained our relationship to them, as well as our deep affection for each other. 

Bill with Dr. Joe Parks

Ladies' Week

"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.

During the past week - Friday, January 10, through Thursday, January 16 - I've had the pleasure of addressing three out-of-town women's groups. Last Friday I drove to the Longview Community Center to participate in a lunch meeting of the Longview Women's Forum. My invitation came from Becky Reid Supercinsky, a retired teacher of Gifted and Talented Students. Becky and I went through school together in Corsicana ISD, where her mother was a teacher. Becky and I were close friends and after lunch she introduced me to the audience. 

Introduced by Becky Supercinski

The Women's Forum is a prominent Longview organization which lends strong support to the arts. As State Historian I've persistently pointed out that Texas has the richest and most colorful history and culture of any state in the Union. I chose to talk about "Musical Traditions of Texas," a program that mixes culture with history. Audience members were knowledgeable about the subject, and they responded especially to the humor I try to inject into this program. My trip to Longview was a great treat for me, especially since I had the pleasure of visiting with Becky and several other longtime friends. 

The following day, Saturday, my wife Karon was able to travel with me to Center, where I had been asked to present a program to the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. My invitation came from Judy Lee, a former student and current colleague at Panola College. Karon, also a Panola College faculty member, sat with Judy and other former students of mine. There are 106 DRT chapters, and as State Historian I always feel privileged to meet with DRT members. 

With Judy Lee

Judy Lee has invited me to meet with the Center DRT chapter in previous years. In casting about for a program, I thought of something I put together years ago. Each spring semester since the 1970s I asked my students to interview someone, usually a relative, about the Great Depression or World War II or some other aspect of recent history. In the spring of 1980 and 1981 I urged my students to interview old bootleggers and/or moonshiners, who were especially active in East Texas.  Illegal stills and the telltale smoke (from cooking sour mash) could be concealed in the forests, and distilling corn or rye whiskey was an age-old industry for rural American farmers. In 1980 and 1981 my students collected 44 interviews from former bootleggers and `shiners, and another three from law officers who had  close dealings with the illicit liquor trade. From these interviews I prepared an article for the East Texas Historical Journal, as well as a program that I presented on various occasions. This program included a number of characters and incidents from Shelby County. Shelby County audiences have always identified with this program, and it was fitting that at the close of the meeting Judy Lee presented me with a delicious rum cake. 

Signing books

Henderson UDC members

Early on Thursday afternoon, January 16, I arrived in Henderson for a meeting of the Centennial Chapter #2721 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The UDC was organized in 1894, and there are almost 70 chapters in Texas alone. The president of the Texas Division of the UDC is Betty Bailey Petruska, while Shelley Rardin is president of the Henderson chapter. Our meeting was held just two days before "Heroes' Day," which is designated as the Saturday closest to the birthdates of Robert E. Lee (January 19, 1807) and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (January 21, 1824). I was pleased to talk about these two Confederate heroes, and as State Historian I emphasized the services of Colonel Lee of the U.S. Army on the Texas frontier during the 1850s. The UDC members were interested in the topic, and afterward shared refreshments with me. It was a pleasant close to a week shared with committed women's organizations. 

With Shelley Rardin (left) and Elaine Ross of Carthage

Mount Vernon

"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.

I'm often asked just what does the State Historian do? I answer that I'm an ambassador for Texas History, and that I travel throughout the Lone Star State to participate in historical events and meetings. And at some point during my reply, I grin and point out, "I get to play Texas History every day!"

The 1912 jail stands beside the courthouse.

During my tenure of a year and a half, one of my most delightful and rewarding "Texas History Play Days" took place in Mount Vernon on Monday, January 6. Several months ago I was contacted by Cynthia Loftis, who arranged a date for me to present a Texas history program to the Franklin County Historical Association in Mount Vernon. More than a decade ago I provided a program at the handsome 1912 court house, which is currently undergoing renovation through a Texas Historical Commission grant. 

The Mount Vernon Library originally
was a bank building dating
from 1912.

I was pleased at the opportunity to return to Mount Vernon, 

and a few days before the event I learned that there would be a wonderful bonus for the State Historian. Cynthia Loftis invited me to arrive a few hours before the evening event. The president of the Franklin County Historical Association, B.F. Hicks, and board member/education director Donna McFarland had volunteered to tour me through the local historical sites. I arrived at the law offices of B.F. Hicks, located across the street from the court house. Donna and B.F. were waiting. They offered a preliminary description and provided me with a stack of publications. The Franklin County Historical Association has published a number of softcover and hardcover books and pamphlets, including: Mount Vernon During the 1940s and 1950s; driving tour booklets; A History of Mt. Vernon by B.F. Hicks; "Design Guidelines for Historical Residential Districts of Mount Vernon, Texas"; and a cookbook, `Sweet' Heritage. These publications are richly illustrated with vintage photos and line drawings, and together they offer a detailed history of the town.

B.F. Hicks and Donna McFarland
at the old bank vault door
in the Library.

The historical society owns seven buildings around town, commercial and residential structures which now house a variety of museums, a library, a genealogical center, and headquarters for the historical society. One modest old house serves as a storage facility. The old city hall/fire house boasts large exhibits on Mount Vernon's most famous citizen, quarterback-actor-TV announcer Don Meredith. Upstairs there is a climate-controlled room which displays a valuable collection of rare bird's eggs. Perhaps most impressive, a block south of the square, is a sprawling 1894 railroad depot. 

Publications of the historical society

1894 depot

B.F. Hicks beside the 1894 Studebaker
wagon of his great-grandparents.

     In addition to the properties of the historical society, B.F. Hicks himself is a resourceful preservationist. For example, when the First Methodist Church moved to a modern plant, B.F. purchased the brick, two-story church that was erected in 1930. He was baptized in this church, and he has renovated it as a guest house, church museum, and kitchen - in which he regularly produces gourmet dishes. Behind the church is an abandoned 1941 high school. B.F. purchased the old band hall and turned it into his residence. Last year the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department honored B.F. as Outstanding Land Steward for his preservation of 925 acres of family land. Indeed, 120 acres always has been a hay meadow; this parcel has never been plowed, and more than 620 species of native plants have been identified. B.F. Hicks also is an energetic fundraiser, and the Franklin County Historical Society benefits from a trust fund totaling several hundred thousand dollars. 

One of several Don Meredith displays
in the old city hall 

Last Monday night was the coldest of the winter, 13 degrees in Mount Vernon, and there was concern that turnout would be light for the potluck supper/business meeting/program. But there had been extensive publicity, and extra chairs had to be brought to the tables. I had a grand time visiting with the historical society members. At the end of my program I received a standing ovation, a thrilling climax to the one of the most enjoyable days I've spent as State Historian. 

For more information: 

www.mtvernon.com~chamber/

www.mt-vernon.com/~chbrewer/welcome.htm

Mount Vernon's Rosenwald school for
African-American students. Julius Rosenwald.
president of Sears, Roebuck, funded a
number of these schools.

Early home of pioneer Henry Clay Thruston 

Col. Thruston stood more than
7 feet, 7 inches, the tallest
veteran of the Civil War

Bill with Cynthia Loftis

Potluck dinner crowd

Rusk

"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.

Cherokee County was organized in 1846. In accordance with state law, the townsite for the county seat was located near the center of the county, and named after U.S. Senator Thomas J. Rusk. Although only one family lived at the designated townsite, other settlers soon moved to Rusk. In 1851, on the family plantation just east of town, James Stephen Hogg was born, and 40 years later he would become the first native Texan to serve as governor. The second native Texan to become the state’s chief executive, Thomas M. Campbell, was born in 1856 on a farm near Rusk. Today the Hogg birthplace is maintained as Jim Hogg Historic Park. 

Another historic site is the Footbridge Garden Park. In 1861 a long footbridge was built two blocks east of the courthouse square to provide a crossing to a residential area across a valley that became impassable after heavy rain. Later rebuilt and expanded, the bridge today is 561 feet long- the world’s longest, according to Rusk authorities. 

In 1875, because of overcrowding at Huntsville’s State Penitentiary, the Texas Legislature authorized the creation of Rusk State Penitentiary. Construction began two years later, with convicts providing part of the labor, and the new facility began receiving prisoners in 1883. The seven-acre compound was enclosed by a 20-foot-tall brick wall. Three large structures inside were built of sandstone and brick: a three-story administration building; a domestic building which housed the kitchen, dining hall, hospital, library, and chapel; and a three-story cell house. With 528 double-bunked cells, the cell house could accommodate more prisoners than the facility at Huntsville.

The 1883 cell house now serves as Administration
Building of the Rusk State Hospital.

Inmates were expected to offset a portion of their incarceration costs through productive labor. Outside the walls were manufacturing shops, iron foundries, a blast furnace, a sawmill, a brick kiln, and an ice factory. Convicts produced iron products, bricks, ice, wagons, mattresses, brooms, lumber, and paint. Inmates also worked at nearby prison farms, raising vegetables, fruits, and livestock, and at timber camps, cutting trees for the sawmill. The Texas State Railroad was built in 1881 and today the line between Rusk and Palestine provides a delightful, nostalgic transit attraction. 

The Rusk Penitentiary closed in 1917, soon reopening as the Rusk State Hospital for mental patients. The prison walls were razed, but the massive old cell house is still utilized. Also still utilized around town are several excellent old Victorian homes, along with the footbridge, the Jim Hogg Historic Park, the Texas State Railroad, and - when open - a museum just off the square. A variety of historical delights make Rusk a worthy destination.