20 years ago…
January 19, 2006
HISTORY CLUB MEETS AT SULLIVAN HOUSE
The historical Younger-Sullivan House was the setting for the Genealogy program of the January 9 Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs History Club meeting. Fifteen members were present to welcome new member, Beth Smith.
Carol Milburn led the group in the pledges to the United States and Texas flags, which was followed by singing “God Bless America,” The club Litany was led by Jo Dennis.
Arts Department chairman, Carolyn Jo Snow, introduced the program for the evening: “Telling Her-story,” presented by member Mary Nan Story. Using the book, “The Girls with Grandmother Faces” by Frances Weaver, Story related the author’s experiences upon becoming a widow and grandmother in her 50s. The author encouraged women to celebrate life’s potential even when life throws losses or sorrow into one’s path.
She urged women to form strong bonds with other women and to look for friends with a common interest.
30 years ago…
January 18, 1996
SATELLITE SYSTEM TO EXPAND EDUCATION AVAILABLE TO COLLINSVILLE STUDENTS
An interactive satellite system, recently received by Collinsville I.S.D., is designed to provide supplemental educational aids for both students and staff. Collinsville I.S.D., who was the sole recipient among 70 applicants who claimed the Region X Service Education Center STAR Schools award, coupled the corresponding grant money with bond funding to provide the innovative system.
Televisions, available in every classroom and in the cafeteria/commons area, are linked to a central command center in the library. Using a pair of VCRs, a satellite on the school roof and a laser disk player, a variety of programming becomes available to the district.
High School Principal Cindy Henry said, “We see this as an extension of resources and new ideas that can reach our kids and our personnel. This will make a specific course available for just one student, allowing them to gain knowledge in a certain subject area.”
Approximately 25 secondary courses were available on the 1995-1996 menu, including Spanish I, II and III; French I and II; German I and II; Japanese I and II; Latin I and II; Anatomy and Physiology; Physics; Calculus; Environmental Science; Astronomy; Ecology; Marine Science; Sociology; Psychology; Intro to a Business and Careers; Intro to Business Communications, Creative Writing and Research Writing.
Officials expect the offerings for next year to be similar.
A delay in completion of the new 7-12 facility at Collinsville did not allow the district to immediately take advantage of the full-year courses, yet the system is now being utilized for staff development and a student enrichment series.
40 years ago…
January 16, 1986
CHAIN WHITTLING IS LOCAL MAN’S HOBBY
James Welch, of Route 2, Whitesboro, is happiest when he’s whittling away time.
“Linked” to a very unusual hobby, Welch is a champion whittler who has hand-carved numerous chains which feature interlocking links in various shapes, sizes and forms.
Welch began the creative hobby around 1978. “I just saw an elderly guy whittling out a chain and it fascinated me,” Welch said. “And I said, ‘Man, I got to do this!’”
At Welch’s first try, “I had no success at all. I think I broke five or six chains before I really got one to stay together...and it didn’t look too good,” admitted Welch.
Since 1978, James said he has probably created 50 or more chains. Each chain has links that are not detachable. Some chains have balls in cages or swivel hooks, while some feature a swivel arrow with hearts in it. He’s also made an oversize “toothpick” with a swivel chain on the end of it. And yet another chain has a carved initial in a thick round wooden disc.
How is such a unique talent captured?
“I start with a board...any size...but the longer the board, the longer the chain is,” said Welch.
He uses basswood and sugar pine because these woods are firm without heavy grains and won’t split when directly cut on.
He uses a pocketknife, an Exacto knife and a keen eye to accomplish his work.
James said if he is in the process of creating a chain...no matter what stage it is in...if he breaks a link, “the chain is worthless. It gets thrown away.
“The chain actually comes out longer than the board,” continued Welch who seems to whittle with such expertise that it makes the impossible look simple.
“Every time you do one, something is different about it. They never come out the same,” he said.
Welch’s talent, however, is not limited. He has also made figurines and carved snakes wrapped around poles. These are about eight to 10 inches in height. Added to his collection are an eight-inch carved knife and a miniature guitar. The guitar even has strings and tuning apparatus.
Welch and his wife, Linda, reside east of Whitesboro along Texas Highway 56, where they hope to build a shop in the near future, with plans to open an arts and crafts business.