HC Magazine Summer 2014

Customer Service Uncle Fletch Davis may have made the first hamburger more than a century ago, but folks in the Shady Oaks area will tell you the Burger Barn perfected it.100 years • Deep Feelings • Athens Karate ... much more

From the editor Publisher Lange Svehlak Ad Director [email protected] School is right around the corner but there is still time to Editorenjoy some of the best of Henderson County with a little Circulation Director Jake Mienkmini vacation. Writing/photography [email protected] Mom and Dad, if you need a quick weekend break or just Advertising Sales Chad Wilsonan overnight stay you do not want to miss the new bed and Production [email protected] in Athens inside a home from 1900. (P12). Charlotte Whitaker For families looking for a quality lunch, drive on out to [email protected] Oaks and check out the Burger Barn. The wait maybe a little longer than a fast-food restaurant but the smiles Rich Flowerson the faces of your children will be well worth it. (P4) [email protected] Joe Elerson If your children are looking for a way to prevent being bul- [email protected] this upcoming school year, you might want to check out Kathi NaillingAthens Karate School. (P8). Students will learn how to be- [email protected] in themselves no matter what is going on in the world Jeff Riggsaround them. [email protected] Cover-to-cover we are covering your county - Henderson Kim WalkerCounty. If there is a story you would like to read in your quar- Nita Sawickiterly magazine - Let us hear from you! Vicky Cole New this month, we have added a parting shot featurethat includes photos from our readers. Pages 38-39 of thisissue include photos submitted for publication. Both arebeautiful shots that warranted magazine coverage. Sendyour photos to [email protected] for next issue. Happy reading, Chad Wilson

From the cover18 22 304 BOB’S BURGERS 22 100 YEARS 4Like hamburgers? Take a drive out to T&M Farms in Murchison was recently Athens might be home toShady Oaks and try Burger Barn. honored for 100 years of farm and ranch- the original hamburger, but ing in the same location with same family. drive just outside the city8 ABETTER PERSON limits and take a step back 30 YOUR HEALTH in time with the burgersAthens Karate School has been helping grilled up by Bobstudents for 20 years. A health fair will be held in Athens this Throckmorton at the Burger September. Vendors are needed. Barn in Shady Oaks.12 TIME TRAVELER TAKE A LOOKA bed and breakfast has opened inAthens in a home from 1900. 29 ATHENS STATE CHAMPS 38 PARTING SHOT - SUNSET18 DEEP FEELINGS 39 PARTING SHOT - RAINBOWAthens author pens several books,including one about her husband.

BBoUbR’sGER BARN“This is a dying breed. You go around the country and you'll find a few places like this.”Uncle Fletch Davis may have made the first hamburger more than a century ago, but folks in the Shady Oaks area will tellyou the Burger Barn perfected it.The Burger Barn sits on the corner of Farm-to-MarketRoad 59 and FM 753. That's where owner BobThrockmorton grills up treats he believes will conjureup memories of the way an old fashioned burger usedto taste.There's no secret to it, just take the best ingredients,a lot of experience and know-how and take the time tomake each serving something special. After all, everycustomer is special and deserves the best.“I enjoy giving them a good product,” Throckmortonsaid of his loyal cus-tomers. “I never knew Story and Photos bywhat direction I want- Rich Flowersed to get into but thisseems to haveworked out. I've developed a good reputation, I guess.”The Burger Barn passed another milestone this year,marking 20 years Throckmorton has been firing up theBurger Barn grill. It's a one-man show.If you step inside, you'll find it's not so much asbarn, but more like the size of a closet. But Bob's goteverything he needs to make all of the tasty creationson his menu.Before Throckmorton set up shop at the Shady Oakslocation, he was taking a trailer to First Monday TradesDays in Canton with his wife a couple of friends. Whenwinter blew in the customers stayed home.“It was so bad there and you still had to pay yourrent,” Throckmorton said.Norman Black asked if he would like to set up histrailer next to the Shady Oaks store. Bob decided togive it a try.“There was sparse business at first,” Throckmorton Continued on Page 6 Athens is home to the original hamburger and Bob Throckmorton knows4 Summer 2014

just the right way to fire up a burger in Shady Oaks to draw in customers from around the county. Summer 2014 5

Continued from Page 4 “A lot of times they're too tired to cook Throckmorton said. “This is a dyingsaid. “People didn't know about us. It supper and will call in an order,” breed. You go around the country andtook a while to build the business.” Throckmorton said. you'll find a few places like this. Someday it'll be all processed and high When winter wound down, Black During the lunch shift, calls come in speed.”asked if Throckmorton would be interest- from Athens, Cross Roads and Malakoff,ed in staying at the Shady Oaks location. as well as the nearby Shady Oaks neigh- Bob is his own planning department,Throckmorton told him he was working bors.”I figure if they drive out here to get chef, customer service department andnights at the Spanish Trace Inn, but it, I must be giving them a good product.” clean-up crew.agreed to try a lunch business. You never know who'll be around need- He lives down the highway from the Black knew someone who could cre- ing a hot meal. Burger Barn. If he runs out of something,ate a building out of scrap materials he he's close enough to rush home and gethad on hand. After the explosion of the Space it from the freezer. Shuttle in 2003, cleanup crews in the “He put in a few utensils,” area would stop by the Barn. The Throckmortons came to the areaThrockmorton said. “I had a grill, so we from Chicago. Throckmorton's wife, Patti,started it that way.” Oil workers drilling nearby also made works at Walmart. good customers as well as the highway He'd serve lunch then go to the workers on a project on FM 59 or FM “Now we could never go back to theSpanish Trace. As business grew, 753. big city,” Throckmorton said,” not after liv-Throckmorton hired someone to keep ing here and living 32 years in the samethe Burger Barn open at night. “Different things over the years have old house.” helped keep it going.” Throckmorton said “In 2001, I thought I was too old to be “Little places like this don't make it any- So if you’re hungry and don’t mind driv-a 60-year old bartender, so I left the more,” Throckmorton said. “The big guys ing a few miles, Burger Barn is open forSpanish Trace,” Throckmorton said. will run you out.” lunch Tuesday through Friday 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., and dinner from 4 p.m. to 6 The busiest time for the Burger Barn is The chains can crank out one in a cou- p.m. Bob closes on Sunday and opensfrom 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. He closes in ple of minutes. Throckmorton said it only for lunch on Saturday and Monday.the mid-afternoon, then reopens in time takes about six or seven minutes to Call in orders can be made at 903-675-to get those folks who want to pick make his burgers. 9220.something for the supper table. “Most folks think it's worth the wait,”



A better person“The ultimate goal is to Grandmaster Hansei Fusei Kise once help your students to said, “We each have to help each other build a strong body, value civility and live life better as a forge minds that are strong and unswaying.” person. If something That quote came from the man who helped bring thehappens, they are able Okinawan style of karate and kobudo to Athens into take a little less harsh Sensei John Shipes.of a stance because they Shipes is the owner and chief instructor of the are comfortable with Athens Karate School located at 8650 State Highway 19 South in Athens. The Athens Karate School is locat- themselves.” ed approximately three miles south of the East Texas Medical Center. – Sensei John Shipes The studio, which has been in the same location for the past 20 years, was 8 Summer 2014 founded in 1994 after Shipes decided to move back to Athens from Tucson, Arizona. “I was looking at getting a school started and I found this building here and bought it,” Shipes said. “I like the area and I like Athens so I bought the building and have been here ever since.” The kids class starts at 5:30 p.m. for those six years old to 11 years old. The adult class starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. “A good solid foundation in karate is big for the stu- dents,” Shipes said. “The ultimate goal is to help your students to live life better as a person. If something happens, they are able to take a little less harsh of a stance because they are comfortable with them- selves.” The students in Sensei Shipes’ class are learning

Story and Photos by Joe ElersonMike Garner the style from students and former students world- When he is not teach- an eighth degree black belt from wide, Sensei Shipes has affiliated ing this style, he also instructsMaster Kise and a sixth degree black schools throughout the United States the non-traditional martial arts ofbelt in Tuitejitsu. and in Trinidad, West Indies, where he Kali including stick and knife fighting, He is also a grandmaster and holds a passes on the teachings of Master Kise Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee's method, andLevel 3 Apprentice Instructor certificate as well as Master Kise's son, Isao Kise, other arts under the tutelage of Guro Rayfrom Guro Parra. He is also an instructor the heir-apparent to Master Kise's lega- Parra of the Parra Academy of Martialfor the National Rifle Association's cy. Arts in Austin.Refuse to be a Victim Program. Shipes said the student learn more “The program deals with safer living Shipes teaches around 30 to 35 self defense maneuvers than otherand it is more like considerations for your students the art of Okinawan Shrin-ry styles where students participate in com-car or your house,” Shipes said. “It talks Matsumura Seito Karate and Kobudo. petitions.about how to live safer and having better The school has welcomed students forways to live.” The style of karate is generally charac- 20 years and Shipes said having a Known as Sensei (teacher) to many terized by natural breathing, natural (nar- Continued on Page 10 row, high) stances, and circular, rather than direct movements. Summer 2014 9

Sensei John Shipes with members of his Athens Karate School. Continued from Page 9 To qualify for the next belt in karate, stu- dents must pass a kata or form, which dealsschool for that long is based on his students. with detailed choreographed patterns of “Success in a karate school is a relative movements practiced either solo or in pairs.term,” Shipes said. “My success in this “We go through traditional weapons whichschool is in the caliber of students that I have. is the staff and bow, then the sais and kamasI have maintained an enrollment between 30 and tonfas and then nunchakus,” Shipesand 35 students for probably 10 years.” said. “Those are the five traditional kobudo weapons and then we do some other During the summer months, the number of weapons too.”students who take part in the school dropsdue to vacations and other events that are go- With his students, he knows their hard working on. and dedication to the program is something that makes him proud to have the studio in With violence and tough situations happen- Athens.ing every day, Shipes said one of his goals isto help as many people as possible learn how He said by having the students learn theto defend themselves should an adverse situ- proper way to protect themselves they will beation come their way. ready when the time comes. “You always want more students,” Shipes “Hopefully, the quality of martial arts in gen-said. “Part of my motivation is that I will be 62 eral is one of those things that you train for ain September and at whatever point I decide lifetime to do something you hope you neverto retire, I want my school to take care of me. I have to use,” Shipes said. “That is my hopewill need more students to make that hap- for all of my students is that they never are inpen.” a position where they have to use what they learn here.” Once the students pass the first seventests leading up to the black belt, the stu- He said of all the things he could teach hisdents will begin to learn the kobudo style, students, he wants them to take away onewhich deals with weapons and the proper use particular aspect of the martial arts.for each one. “If they are in a situation, they will have a10 Summer 2014

good toolbox to draw from and that is important to me,”Shipes said. “They can be more worry free that if somethingdoes happen they are better equipped to handle it.” When Shipes is not at the karate studio conducting class-es on Monday-Thursdays, he is a pathologist with Dr. JamesOgburn at Eastern Texas Pathology Laboratories in Athens. For more information on the Athens Karate School, you canvisit their website at www.athenskarate.com or call Shipes at903-675-3229.Sensei John Shipes instructs Elijah Scruggs and ZaneHudman. His goal is to teach his students how to live abetter life by being comfortable with themselves.

Time traveler Taking a step back in time Geranium House Bed & Breakfast welcomes guests to 1900’s home Are you looking for farm. The original barn re- the quaint hide- mains standing quietly behind away, not far from the guest cottage today. the big city lights? Take \"a step back in time\" In 1982 the proprietor, at the Geranium House Bed & Nancy Andrée, purchased this Breakfast in Athens. historic 2,240 square feet The Geranium House is a home sitting on three acres. restored historic 1900 home with a quiet country setting The house has experienced that is within a mile and a half many restorations, remodels drive from restaurants, shop- & updates as Nancy's vision ping and cinema. Sit outside has grown. This warm and on the lovely porch and enjoy inviting home has retained its a cup of tea. original woodwork and ship The Geranium House lap, which is exposed in vari- strives to maintain the an- ous rooms throughout the tiquing ambience and display house, giving character and period antiques in their tradi- charm to the home. tional settings. Memories from the past Nancy has added to the are stirred for all those who home some of her own histo- visit The Geranium House ry with heirlooms brought Bed & Breakfast. back from England by her ma- The property is rich in histo- ternal grandmother during the ry – The Geranium House his- latter 19th century, coupled tory can be traced back to with beautiful antiques given 1900, when the grandfather by her mother, Ann Wagner of of the original owners, the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Perry family, built this home on 100+ acres that he trans- Andrée attributes her good formed into a working dairy fortune to her friend Helen Carbone and God. Andrée said she knew there were great things in store for her. Continued on Page 1412 Summer 2014

Story and Photos byKathi Nailling Summer 2014 13

Continued from Page 12The woman whose husband was killed Nancy Andree has opened the Geranium House Bed & Breakfast in Athens forby lightning when he was 43 and her son guests looking for a memorable break. There is also a tea room and bistro.killed by a drunk driver when he was 21had faith in the Lord. gift shop before dining for lunch. Lunch is and just sit or browse the property.” served on 19th and 20th century china Relax under the shade trees. Nancy was a former fourth-grade in the Bistro/Tea Room.Special Education teacher. She resigned The Guest House is 640 square feether position to go into the mission field “I just want people to be able to get uniquely furnished with “Cities Aroundafter the tragic death of her son. She away from the stress of everyday life,” the World” theme.served as an AG Missionary Associate said Andrée. “Come to the Tea Roomteaching at a Christian School for the The house has a porch with a ceilingDeaf in Managua, Nicaragua for severalyears. After returning to the U.S., Nancy caredfor her friend, Helen Carbone. Andrée, who has dedicated a majorityof life to helping those in need, wasCarbone's caregiver for over two years.Carbone had been sent to a nursinghome unable to walk. Andrée brought herto live with her in her home, where shecontinued to take care of her from June11, 2012 until her passing. Andrée opened the bed and breakfastin August 2013. Guests can browse the

fan to sit under and relax. Breakfast will You will find items dispersed, throughout wiches, salads, and scrumptiousbe brought to your door, or served in the the house for sale. desserts.main house at 8 a.m. Many of the items are merely for your Andrée says there are over 40 special- The main house includes 950 square enjoyment and are part of Andrée’s per- ty teas.feet decorated in 19th and 20th century sonal collection, which are not availableantiques. Relax on covered porches with for sale. Nancy said she has the items The Geranium House is located on theceiling fans and other seating areas. A that are for sale clearly marked. Corner of Tyler and Wood Streets incountry breakfast with coffee or tea Athens. Call ahead for carry-out menuserved in the dining room downstairs. Included for sale are hundreds of items, 903-675-6895. books belonging to Helen Carbone. Don't forget to stop by the “Annie's Take a stroll down memory lane. VisitHidden Treasures” filled with antiques The Tea Room and Bistro serves The Geranium House – a charming Eastand collectibles. New items arrive weekly. Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 5 Texas retreat. Create your own experi- pm. Try the homemade soups, sand- ence.





Deep FeelingsAthens author pens several books, Story and Photos byincluding one about her husband Kathi Nailling “The things we hold so dear, some- Carlie was married at the young age out his legs. He went on to marry, raise atimes slowly fade away. So while these of 16, gave birth to a daughter at 18, family, and establish a successful busi-memories are fresh on my mind, I want- and as time passed she also had two ness.ed to write them down. I can only reflect more children, sons. E.J. McGee, heron my Sweetheart with love and affec- husband and father to her children, died Carlie said, “I told him he should writetion; for the person God gave me to be in 2001. a book about your life.” Cecil started themy husband, was truly an amazing man book, but sadly he died before he couldin every way” - Carlie Thrasher Downey In 2005 Carlie reunited with her friend finish. and her hero Cecil Downey. Carlie calls Local author Carlie Thrasher Downey Cecil a “true servant of God.” The World Carlie completed “Don't You Let Mewas born and raised in Athens. Downey War II veteran was a survivor of Iwo Jima. Die Dirty” for Cecil after his death. Carlieis an author and Contemporary Christian and Cecil, 83, were only married for asinger/songwriter who makes her home Cecil who lost his legs during the war, short two and half years.in East Texas. spent 63 years in a wheelchair. His faith never faltered. Cecil Downey's obituary read: Corporal Downey was born and country-bred in Downey was one of 12 children and at-East Texas. She grew up with meager Downey was in the third wave of tended school in Dallas and Lindale.means, but her parents made sure she Marines to storm the beaches of Iwohad everything she needed. Jima in February of 1945. I was to be He joined the United States Marine one of the most horrific battles of World Corps in October 1941, after turning 17. Carlie's mother taught her domestic War II. Over 7,000 Americans lost their From January 1942 until March 11skills such as sewing, cooking, garden- lives there. The average age was 19 with 1945, Company H, 3rd Battalion, anding, and ironing, and keeping a very clean some as young as 14, having lied about 27th Regiment of the Marines, Cecil washouse. It was her dad who taught her their age. part of the third wave at Iwo Jima wherefishing, camping, hunting, and such. he was injured on March 11, 1945. Downey made it home alive but with- After his discharge in January 1947,18 Summer 2014

from the Marines, he returned to Dallas From a book about her husband to four with poetry, Carlie Thrasher Downey enjoysand learned the leather craft business. the experience of sharing her thoughts with others. In June 1954, he was awarded the those in need until his death. ems. “Sometimes a scripture sets a“Texas Handicapped Man of the Year” by “Don't Let Me Die Dirty” is a love sto- poem in motion, other times, as I'm writ-Gov. Allen Shrivers. Later, he taught many ing a poem, a scripture comes alive andhandicapped veterans to work with ry and proof that anyone can find their fits the poem. People, places, animals,leather. soulmates at any age, just as Cecil at or everyday happenings trigger my imagi- 80 years old, found his, Carlie Thrasher nation. I feel so blessed that it was in Cecil and his wife of 54 years, Frances Downey. Carlie and Cecil first became ac- God's plan to allow me such an enjoy-Knight Downey, were Christians and quainted when Cecil was married to able way of expressing my inner feel-saved in 1954. He later surrendered to Frances. Years went by, when the two ings.”the call as a bi-vocational preacher. found love, if only for a short time. Carlie has dedicated her four books of Bro. Cecil pastored many small church- After publishing “Don't Let Me Die poems to the same people, E.J. McGee,es in Texas that could not afford a Dirty”, Carlie published books of poems her children's dad; Carl C. and Minnie B.full-time pastor. she had spent her life writing. Carlie said Thrasher, her parents; Billie Thrasher she started writing poetry in her teen Wood, her sister and Cecil Downey, her Although he suffered severe war in- years. Some of the poems she complet- husband, sweetheart and as Carliejuries resulting in him becoming a ed in her early 20s. states it her true soulmate.double-leg amputee. This never kept himfrom “walking tall” and sharing the Carlie wrote four books, poignant and All of Carlie Thrasher Downey's booksgospel with anyone that he met. He heartfelt collections of spiritual songs can be found at amazon.com or any on-served his country proudly, never com- and poems. Carlie tries to explain where line bookstore.plained of the constant pain he endured, she gets inspiration for writing her po-and will be remembered by his familyand friends as an inspiration and instru-ment that was truly used by God. In 2005, he married Carlie McGee andthey had two and a half wonderful yearstogether. Cecil was not a man who lin-gered over things, and after 83 years oftruly living life, he left us quickly in typical“Papa” fashion. Carlie, now 76 years old, knew shehad to tell Cecil's story. The book Cecil started writing andCarlie finished “Don't Let Me Die Dirty”is the story of Cecil who, after joiningthe Marines at age 17 to escape thehardship of growing up as one of twelvechildren in Depression-era poverty, lostboth legs, but not his indomitable spirit,in the battle of Iwo Jima. Downey, not expected to live, was given last rites but refused to give up, asking only, \"Give me a chance, that's all I ask–just give me a chance!\" Downey, who was covered with blood,told the minister “Please clean me up, Idon't want to die dirty.” Cecil made the most of that chance byrecovering against all odds and eventual-ly dedicating his life to God and the min-istry, continuing to preach and witness to Summer 2014 19





100T&M Farms designated Family Land Heritage Property Story and Photos by Rich Flowers Maybe it’s not a sight exactly change from 2013. like in the past. Tommy “Last year my melons froze, twice,” Morse of Murchison scans a patch of green, ripe watermelons — Morse said. from atop his Mule. He’s watching pick- For Morse, farming and ranching is ers pile up a trailer full of the juicy summer favorite. familiar territory. After spending years work- “It’s hard work,” Morse said of the mel- ing in the construction business in the on picking. “Nobody wants to work hard Houston area he and his wife Marita moved anymore. The trouble is getting people to back to her family’s home place on County pull them.” Road 3800 near Murchison back in 1980. Today, raising melons is a big part of the activity on Dodson Estates/T&M Farms, T&M Farms received special recognition just north of Murchison. a few months ago as one of the properties “I just had this as kind of a sideline,” dispersed throughout Henderson County Morse said. “It got to where everybody that are farms and ranches that have been knew me and wanted the watermelons. producing cattle and crops for more than a They’d call me.” century. Ample rain this spring has helped spring up a large melon crop. It’s a welcome Each year, the Texas Department of Agriculture recognizes Texas families who have kept their farms and ranches in contin- uous production for 100 years or more. Last year T&M Farms was one of those.22 Summer 2014

It’s actually been in the same family T&M Ranch, 7J Ranch, Chris and They inherited the 700 acres whensince Hubert J. Dodson purchased Angie Hester and Easy J Ranch as their father passed away. Tommythe land in 1904. Dodson Estates 100 year recipients. Morse bought about 50 acres of hishas been in the family’s hands since own, as well.that date, just one year after the Back in his day Dodson was in-Wright Brothers flew the first plane volved in beef cattle production, as Morse is now 79 and says he’sand the Spindletop Gusher gave birth well as farming corn, cotton and hay. ready to slow down, but his nephewto the Texas oil boom. Mark Tillison, Nelda’s son, has the ex- Hubert Dodson was in his 80’s perience to keep things rolling. Henderson County has seen rapid when he died in 1971, 10 years afterchanges in the last 100 years, much his wife Minnie passed away. The T&M Farms was featured on theof it would look foreign to someone farm was handed down to Roy Henderson County Farm and Ranchfrom Dodson’s era, but you’re never Dodson and his wife, Oleta Mayfield Tour a few years ago and Morse wasmore than a bend in the road away Dodson who continued to work the honored in 2010 as Agriculturist offrom a place that recalls times past. land. the Year. Through the years, Henderson Roy passed away in 2000 after the “My wife’s dad got sick and he hadCounty has been well represented in couple had been married 67 years. all this land here. I just quit what Ithe Family Land Heritage Program. was doing and came up here andThe 2013 ceremony, conducted in the Roy and Oleta had two daughters. started,” Morse said after winning theHouse Chamber at the Texas State One, Marita Morse, currently works for award. “We started hay baling andCapitol last November, designated the Athens Review, the other, Nelda that’s really grown into a big deal for Tillison, works for the Rainbow Room, an organization for abused children. Continued on Page 24 Summer 2014 23

Continued from Page 23 100 years and countingus now. We ship hay all over.” Family Land Heritage farms and ranches in Henderson County, the Morse is pleased with the hay crop this year, year they were obtained and the year they were honored.a phenomenon dependent on the weather. 4-F Ranch, 1870 (1984) OSO Ranch, 1887 (1988) “We’ve been getting rain this year,” Morse 7J Ranch, 1907 (2013) Pace Ranch, 1895 (1995)said. “Everybody’s been making hay because ofthe rain.” Anding Hill, 1855 (1975) Red Hill Ranch, 1880 (1999) There are other crops on the farm besides Davis Farms, 1856 (1986) Robertson Ranch, 1870 (1982)the melons that sprout at various times of theyear. Easy J, 1907 (2013) Scott Ranch, 1843 (1975) “We’ve got four families out there so we raise Fancherland, 1858 (1976) Sparks Ranch, 1854 (1974)enough for our families and we sell some locallyalso,” he said. Five T Ranch, 1877 (1997) T&M Farms, 1904 (2013) The old saying in the farm and ranch busi- Franks Farm, 1870 (1984)ness is it’ll be around as long as people arefond of eating. That doesn’t mean it is an easy Fulton Ranch, 1849 (1994)way to make a living. It was probably a lottougher back in 1904. Agriculture Secretary Gauntt Farm, 1861,1975Todd Staples said at the Heritage awards cere-mony, farming and ranching is difficult, but has Graham Ranch, 1869 (2000)its rewards. Graham-Schroeder Ranch, 1869 (2000) “Life in agriculture is never easy or simple, yetit’s truly a rewarding way of life,” Agriculture H-S Ranch, 1850 ( 1974)Secretary Todd Staples said. “We facedroughts, fires, floods and pests, but here in Hayden Boles Farm, 1872 (2002)Texas, we persevere.” Arnold Hills Ranch, 1854 (1986) Jackson-Cook Ranch, 1872 (1976) JB Ranch, 1856 (1986) Meredith Family Farm, 1882 (2005) N/A - One was not listed, 1907 (2013) Jesse M. Forester Homestead, 1857 (1975)



Old FiddleAtrhsensReunion The Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion is held annually on the Henderson County courthouse square in Athens and serves as a homecoming for many. Winner of the 83rd annual event held May 31 was Dale Morris Jr.26 Summer 2014





StateChampsThe state champion Athens 12U baseball team celebrates after winning the title over Hemphill. Members of the team are KobeKale, Chris Garcia, Karson Godwin, Grant Echols, Stran Hines, Zack Cornelius, David Cornelius, Garrett Hayes, Kobe Grimes,Tristan Fisher, Spencer Williams and Presten Smith. Coaches are David Cornelius, Chris Kale and Dusty Godwin.

Don’t fall behindFree health fair planned in September at the Henderson County Senior Citizens BuildingDon’t Fall Behind On Your Story and Photos by Pathfinder Home Health; Mike Health is the theme of Gibson, owner/director, Griswold the upcoming Senior Jean Riggs Home Care; Miguel Angel Gaona,Citizen Health Fair. Training Coordinator, University of The Henderson County Senior Baker stated that the primary pur- Texas Health Northeast; and ArtCitizens Building, located at 3344 pose of the event is to be informa- Adkins, ADT Home Health.Highway 31 East in Athens, will be tional, educational and fun.hosting the Free Health Fair in Mary Waddell is working with theSeptember. There will be lots of door prizes team to assist in any way possible. Mary Waddell, secretary of the and refreshments for the attendees,Henderson Fair Park and rental coor- and of course there will be no entry “The possibility of getting newdinator of the Senior Center, recently fee. There will also be a variety of people into the Senior Center is ex-met with the team sponsoring the free medical testing offered at no citing,” said Waddell. “We want peo-health fair, and provided a tour of charge. Also be prepared to enjoy a ple to come in and get familiar withthe facility. variety of entertainment. our facility, the senior activities avail- There were several people in at- able every day, and to see the won-tendance that Wednesday in early Senior citizens and their caretak- derful building available for theirJune. ers are encouraged to plan to rental needs.” “The weekly Wednesday Band spend a good portion of the day par-was playing, and the floor was filled taking in all the activities being pro- Meals On Wheels has confirmedwith dancers, which is always a vided, as well as a great lunch. their participation, as their local of-sight to behold, even for those plan- fice is located inside the Seniorning the Health Fair,” laughed “We want it to just be as much Center.Waddell. “But it was successful.” fun as it is informational,” said DeAnn Baker, marketing director Baker. Prospective vendors are beingof Oak Wood Place, is heading up contacted, primarily those who offerthe team. Baker admits the plans are still a variety of services and/or activi- “Everyone is so excited about the being developed and the list of ven- ties for the senior citizen, be it as-upcoming Senior Health Fair,” Baker dors is far from complete. sisted living facilities, nursingsaid. “It is our first time to create an homes, medical providers, exerciseevent of this nature in Athens.” “Everyone is working hard to and recreational providers, meals, The team has selected Thursday, make this first event successful and attorneys who assist with wills orSept. 25 as the date, and the time pave the way for an annual event.” estate planning.has been set from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. The rest of the team members Basically anyone offering specific working on the event include: services, activities or even dis- Christina Littfack, Director of counts for senior citizens, should Marketing, Autumn Wood Hospice consider being a part of the Free Care; Carol Sessamon, aging staff, Senior Health Fair. Area Agency on Aging of East Texas; Jamie Fizer, patient advocate, Continued on Page 3230 Summer 2014

on your health Senior Health Fair planners Mary Waddell, Secretary of the Henderson County Farm Bureau and DeAnn Baker, Marketing Manager for Oak Wood Place, are discussing the most effective use of space. Thursday, September 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summer 2014 31

Continued from Page 30 There is nocharge for a ven-dor table.However, a com-pleted applica-tion must besubmitted andapproved prior tothe event. Each vendor isrequired to pro-vide a door prize for their booth (valued at least $25), and thematerials needed for the registration and drawing for the win-ner at their table. Vendors must provide their own table (maximum 8 feet) andchairs. The deadline for submission is Sept. 15, or until allspaces are filled. If you would like more information on the event, as either anattendee or vendor, please contact DeAnn Baker at 903-675-2002. Vendor applications will be available via e-mail at [email protected]. Applications may be picked up at Oak Wood Place, 603Wood St., Athens, TX 75751.







A Funny Thing Happens When People Put Down A Newspaper. They StartSpending Money. Come home to the Review 903-675-5626



Genesis 9:11 says, “I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.\" Following a storm in the Chandler area, Howard Wright snapped this photo of the sun breaking through the clouds as it sets in the western horizon.Parting Shot

Parting Shot That is not work done in Photoshop, that is a circumhorizontal arc. According to Wikipedia, a circumhorizon- tal arc is an optical phenomenon – an ice-halo formed by plate-shaped ice crystals in high level cirrus clouds. Angie Defoore took this picture on a sad day for many – the funeral of longtime Athens businessman Joel Cole. The rare sight was heartwarming to the attendees. “We were at the cemetery for Joel Cole’s funeral. And all I could think about it was Joel smiling down on us,” Traci McAteer said. Summer 2014 39