20 years ago…
July 14, 2005
WHS CLASS OF 1958 REUNION HELD SATURDAY
Saturday, July 9, 2005, eighteen ladies met - some had not seen each other in nearly 50 years.
The ladies that graduated in 1958 include Jacquita (Hughes) Lewter of Collinsville, Sara (Haralson) Davis of Denison, Linda (Sargent) Plemmons of Henrietta, TX, Sandra (Rogers) Burrows of Gainesville, Patricia (Ellis) Lender of Dallas, Martha (West) Welch, Loyce (Hazlewood) Palkow, and Elizabeth (Morrow) Gibson of Whitesboro.
The other ladies started to school with the above but married or moved before graduation.
The food and fellowship were enjoyed by all. The door prize was won by Nola Hale and given by Jacquita Lewter. Loyce Palkow and Elizabeth Gibson hosted the get-together. Everyone is looking forward to the next time.
WILD NIGHTS AT THE FRANK BUCK ZOO
The Frank Buck Zoo is partnering with the Gainesville Parks Department for “Movie Night in Leonard Park.” Movie Night is planned for the second Thursday each month through August.
Each Movie Night a special program will take place in the zoo amphitheater at 7:00 p.m., followed by a giraffe feeding at 7:45, zoo gates will be open till 8:00 p.m. Activities then move to the park pavilion until dark (around 9 p.m.) when the movie will begin.
30 years ago…
July 20, 1995
ELDREDGE RETIRES AFTER 21 YEARS
When Joyce Eldredge joined the Whitesboro City Hall staff in 1974, long-hand calculation of utility billing was the norm.
She’s seen the municipality advance rapidly into the age of technology, yet the perception of her duties remained basically the same.
If you’ve ever called for city services, her cheerful voice is likely on the other end of the telephone. She’s been responsible for activating water service for at least two generations of local residents. In the early years, Eldredge even dispatched police personnel to calls.
Co-worker Leslie Beste commended Eldredge for her attention to detail and long-term recollection. She said, “She is the walking dictionary of Whitesboro. Not only are we losing one of our most valuable assets, but we’re losing a great friend.”
Last Friday, when hundreds of well wishers brought cards, flowers and gifts to join the jubilant celebration of her retirement, she encountered mixed emotions.
A certificate of honorable service, issued by the city council, will become a cherished possession, she declared.
Eldredge’s plans for retirement are fairly simple. “I’ll be cleaning the house for a while...a really long while...at least that is the plan. Once I get started though, it probably won’t be all that intriguing.”
Fishing with Bill, her husband of 45 years, and and canning and cooking are also on the schedule.
“I’ve already been told I must make sausage balls for the people here at work,” Eldredge said. “That was my special thing to bring to spreads all these years, so I don’t want anyone to be going hungry.”
WHITESBORO PTO MAKES PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
The elementary school playground at Whitesboro is showcasing just-applied coats of shiny paint, brand new picnic tables and decorative landscape timbers.
In addition, the campus is sporting its first-ever marquee - installed early last week on the southeast corner of the school property - to convey important messages to the public.
The colorful five by six foot sign, purchased by PTO for approximately $3,000 was just the first step in the organization’s intended summer work program.
Twenty-one members of the local Parent Teacher Organization toiled eight hours on Saturday to complete a specific revitalization project.
40 years ago…
July 18, 1985
COUPLE CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF MARRIAGE
They came to Grayson County in a covered wagon, survived the Great Depression, two world wars and nine children.
They’ve seen America go through a lot of changes, but the one thing that has remained stable in the lives of Odie and Lora Teague is their lasting marriage of 70 years.
It was on a Saturday, July 13, 1915, during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson that the 18-year-old Odie took 15-year-old Lora for his bride during a small wedding ceremony held at a preacher’s house in Zephyr, Brown County, Texas.
Friends, family members and relatives paid tribute to the couple last weekend at their Otis Street residence, honoring them for their 70th wedding anniversary.
TO SETTLE LAWSUIT, DISMISSED POLICE OFFICER REINSTATED
After filing a lawsuit four months ago alleging the city’s neglect of rights, former police officer Larry Don Creech has been reinstated as sergeant and has been awarded $6,483.84 gross payment for back salary following his termination from the Whitesboro Police Department on March 6, 1985.
Creech was first demoted from police sergeant to patrolman following a special February 12 meeting of the Whitesboro City Council, with council’s findings stating that Creech did not meet the necessary job specifications for a sergeant’s position.
On March 6, councilmen voted to relieve Creech of his duties. Creech sued the city for damages incurred by his termination and sought further restitution from the mayor and three councilmen.
60 years ago…
July 15, 1965
NATIONAL RECORD SET BY CROCKER AT MEET
A national record was set and state honors were captured in the broad jump event for boys 15 and 16 years old by Jim Crocker. The meet was held last weekend at the State Junior Champ track meet at College Station and was sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Crocker jumped 22 feet 11 3/4 inches to win first place in both the intermediate and senior divisions of the broad jump and to set the new mark.
The 16-year-old youth will compete next in the National Jaycee Junior Champ track meet which will be held in Houston, August 12, 13 and 14 at Rice University track field. Houston Jaycees are raising $50,000 to sponsor the event.
PICNIC HELD BY SOCIETY
Whitesboro Historical Society held a picnic in the city park Monday. Approximately 50 persons attended the event.
Announcement was made by Charles Baum, president, that Frank Tolbert, author of “Tolbert of Texas” for the Dallas News, has been invited to speak to the society at the next meeting.
Mrs. L.M. Combs, program chairman, presented “History of the Churches in Whitesboro,” a program which told a brief history of the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the First Christian Church and the Baptist Church.
Arrangements were made by Mrs. Sears Anderson, Miss Mona Sullivan, Mrs. Franie Hall, Miss Jennie Lee Hambright and Mrs. Evelyn Thomas.