Issuu

county line Upper East Side of Texas

M A G A Z I N E

Red Brick

Renaissance Sulphur Springs for the Holidays

Hometown Hearts

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

Whatâ€™s Brewing Artisans Marketplace Andy Warhol Chanuka-Klezmer Kids Gift Ideas Marshall Wonderland Pipe Organ Fest

CONTENTS 8

26 The Agora Borealis in Shreveport features young artists and pleasant surprises in its artisans marketplace.

STAGE 26 W innsboro Center for the Arts presents One Toe in the Grave.

LITERARY

30 Poetry by Judy Parsons, Darrell Lindsey, and Loretta Duckworth.

MUSIC

32 Live acoustic shows at The Old Firehouse in Edom, new albums for Lee Ann Womack and Mike Ryan, Chanuka-Klezmer and WindSync concerts, and Party Like It’s 1970 with the Doobie Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, and America, plus music listings.

FOOD & DRINK

36 Jim Willis lets us know what’s brewing in coffee houses around the Upper East Side of Texas.

LIVING ROOM 38 Explore some ideas for enjoying a cozy, relaxing, roaring outdoor fire.

FEEL GOOD 40 Help is on the way for those that stress out around the holidays.

COUNTY LINE KIDS

46 Fun and thoughtful gift ideas from area attractions.

county line Upper East Side of Texas

FEATURES

8 Red Brick Renaissance The oldest city in Texas embraces a new direction while paying homage to its history By Jerry Permenter

12 Visit Celebration City

Sulphur Springs offers a playful weekend getaway for the holidays. By Linda Ayers

42 Going Back and Moving Forward in My Hometown

Home is where the heart is for these four East Texans. By Tracy Torma

DEPARTMENTS 5 Editor’s Note & Letters

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

18 T he T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store in Jonesville celebrates 170 years, East Texas Pipe Organ Fest, and Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights, plus listings of fun things to do.

THE ARTS 24 Andy Warhol at Tyler Museum of Art, Jerry Goodale in Winnsboro, and numerous other arts events.

SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

M A G A Z I N E

Red Brick

Renaissance Sulphur Springs for the Holidays

Hometown Hearts What’s Brewing Artisans Marketplace Andy Warhol

NOVEMBEER/DECEMBER 2017 COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

Chanuka-Klezmer Kids’ Gift Ideas Marshall Wonderland Pipe Organ Fest

COVER: Downtown Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas. Photo by Jerry Permenter.

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county line Since 2000

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie COPY EDITOR Steve Freeman

CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Torma Jerry Permenter Linda Ayers Bill Ayers Scott Martin Gaile Robinson

DESIGN & PRODUCTION P.A. Geddie

ADMINISTRATION Annette O’Brien Krista Leard

ADVERTISING

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Welcome to the November/December issue full of fun and inspirational ways to spend this special time of year. Our features include Jerry Permenter’s views on the positive changes his beloved hometown of Nacogdoches is making to honor their heritage, while embracing new directions that help visitors and residents alike enjoy Texas’ oldest city. Jerry is also one of four East Texans featured in Tracy Torma’s piece on people who were born in the region, went out and made careers for themselves in all corners of the country, and are back in their hometowns now making a difference. Also featured is another jewel of a town in the Upper East Side of Texas. With a tagline of “The Celebration City,” Sulphur Springs is living up to that with more than 300 events taking place throughout the year. This article focuses on events and activities going on during

pa.geddie@countylinemagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@countylinemagazine.com County Line Magazine is published every other month, 6 times a year. Subscription costs: $15 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Contents COPYRIGHT 2017 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles or advertising appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.963.8306. E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.963.8306. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem incompatible with our mission.

Serving the Upper East Side of Texas

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the holiday season but much of it can be enjoyed any time throughout the year. Our world is expanding as we welcome art by Andy Warhol to the Tyler Museum of Art and discover a young artists’ haven in Shreveport. Live music keeps the warm and fuzzy vibe going in our neck of the woods, as do relaxing backyard fire pits, Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights, a 170th Anniversary at the T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store, and a cup of hot coffee from one of our impressive shops around the region. I got a little flashback to the 1970s when checking out the music coming up in the area: America, Marshall Tucker Band, and the Doobie Brothers all make appearances soon. If the stress of the season ever gets you down, take a phrase from the Doobie Brothers and just “Listen to the Music.” P.A. Geddie

LETTERS Your magazine really seems to help get our word out, so we are more than happy to submit events. Brian Kremer Coordinator, Center for Earth and Space Science Education Tyler Junior College

(RE: Caldwell Family Builds Top Rate Zoo for East Texas, CL Archives: August 2012.)

As a child in the 1940s I attended the kindergarten/playschool that D.K. Caldwell had in his home. He had turned the back yard into a playground with swing sets, a small merry-go-round and a large sewer pipe that was fun to crawl through. The back yard also had the beginnings of the zoo with birds and monkeys. I also seem to recall an alligator or two. Mr. Caldwell was not a pretentious man. The only sign of his wealth was a chauffeur he employed to drive his older model Oldsmobile around town. There was a large holly tree in his

front yard that was always decorated with dark blue lights for Christmas. In later years I would occasionally see him in the barbershop just across Front Street from his home. He was always a pleasant, friendly fellow. Some may not know that H.L. Hunt once lived in the 300 block of Bonner Street just north of Mr. Caldwell. What a contrast in character. (Hunt was the model for J.R. Ewing of Dallas fame.) D.K. Caldwell used his wealth for the enrichment of all. David Lively Tyler

Please feel free to send us your comments. County Line Magazine P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 email: info@countylinemagazine.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter. Go to LETTERS on www.countylinemagazine.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 5

Red Brick Renaissance Oldest City in Texas Embraces a New Direction While Paying Homage to Its History

Article and photos by Jerry Permenter There’s a new world emerging into its rightful place of ownership in Nacogdoches, a city familiar in East Texas for Stephen F. Austin University (SFA), red brick streets, and a unique place in Texas history as the state’s oldest town. With the recent renovation and re-opening of The Fredonia Hotel this summer, an anchor is firmly placed to enhance an already growing and thriving downtown of locally owned shops filled with a striking array of items crafted by East Texas artisans. The Fredonia originally opened in the spring of 1955 with its architect describing its mid-century modern design as “Creole modern” to reflect the French influence on the city’s early history. The hotel has enhanced its mid-century polish with advanced technology, including scan cards for door entry, flat screen televisions and Wi-Fi throughout the property. The historic landmark is once again a gemstone on the city skyline with a changing kaleidoscope of colors illuminating the exterior of the Fredonia’s tower rooms at night, elevating the art form of laid back luxury for what is being hailed as an exquisite boutique hotel.

New restaurants include the hotel’s Nine Flags Bar and Grill, 1st City Cafe and opening soon is Republic of Fredonia Steakhouse, an addition to rival any in East Texas. The hotel has already become a hub of renewed night life for the city with a constant stream of visitors from throughout the region. A variety of local business owners have found their niche in Nacogdoches as well and now play key roles in the current “red brick renaissance” of its downtown. The Bosslight Bookstore, a local favorite since it opened in the fall of 2016, plays a significant role in bringing new energy and music downtown, along with its books, including works by owner and author, Tim Bryant. “I created the Bosslight space because I knew there was a niche that wasn’t being filled,” Bryant says. “When I first opened it, I had no idea about its outcome. But The Bosslight Bookstore slowly revealed itself to me as a needed space and I just kept going. There was this spirit of community opening up downtown and I simply followed it. It wasn’t something I planned; it was truly organic. A need was identified

8 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

and the right people came forth in a perfect synchronicity. If we could close our eyes and see what this place will look like in a year, we wouldn’t recognize it. This is the start of something, but it’s not the something it will become. And the momentum only builds each and every day. I see The Bosslight as being a conduit for much of that creative energy emerging so quickly downtown right now.” Gerry Larabee, the owner of Heart of Texas, which sells everything from hot sauce to everything Texas related, said “I had always been in office work, or a secretary, and I was bored with it. One year, I found myself between jobs, taking a vacation and I noticed while traveling there was a push towards all things Texas. So I decided to open Heart of Texas as a commitment to Nacogdoches. My mother had once owned her own little store, a classic old country store with gas pumps where she also did handicrafts, including ABOVE. Downtown Nacogdoches lights up at night. RIGHT TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: The new 1st City Cafe in The Fredonia Hotel serves fresh farm-to-table Southern cuisine. Whitney Ronzello shows off one of the popular cakes at the Blue Horse Bakery. The Coca-Cola mural is on prominent view. The newly renovated Fredonia Hotel provides downtown lodging to visitors.

a little Texas ornament, and I wondered if I could sell those. And so it was on a whim I decided to start the business, as I’d never done anything like it before. But I found my way of life in this store and it suits me. I just love my life right here.” Blue Horse Bakery is a premier bakery serving a variety of lunch and dessert specialties in downtown Nacogdoches. Blue Horse owner Whitney Ronzello noted, “When looking for a location downtown, our current site worked out well as we always wanted to be near the real center of town. A true variety of businesses was sorely needed downtown and we wanted to offer the community something different. Now, every day when I ride to work I see people painting new building sites and continuing to revitalize the downtown area. Though I graduated

from SFA as an animal science major, our bakery has been in business since early 2015 when it outgrew my home-based business. It became a true passion of mine.” Blue Horse Bakery is expanding its savory side, now offering cake and cookie decorating classes. Blue Horse is also adding additional gluten free, soy free and a vegan line of products soon. The City of Nacogdoches also continues to invest in updating and enhancing its downtown area, with more grand seasonal displays each year. Ongoing community efforts continue annually as well to highlight the natural beauty of downtown and its historic red brick streets. For the holiday season, Nacogdoches celebrates their Nine Flags Festival with a variety of events from November 4 to De-

cember 20. The festival pays homage to the rich and spirited history of the town that includes three attempts to establish a Republic of Texas, thus nine flags have flown over Nacogdoches as opposed to the six that have represented Texas. The festival theme this year is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and events include a holiday parade, Christmas markets, Wassail Fest, Jingle Bell Run 5K, home tours, theatre presentations, and numerous other events held on the historic square, truly one of the oldest avenues to ever to grace the state of Texas. The community bringing about the “Red Brick Renaissance” invites visitors and residents alike to experience one of the most beautiful and historic downtown areas in the state. Everything old is truly new again.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 9

Visit Celebration City for the Holidays Sulphur Springs Offers a Delicious Playful Weekend Getaway By Linda Ayers Located just off Interstate 30 between Dallas and Texarkana, Sulphur Springs is a great weekend destination year-round and a magical setting during the holidays. Thanks to a major downtown renovation, the town has something going on every Saturday in its Celebration District, from shopping and dining to family-friendly events. The showpiece of Celebration Plaza is the beautiful courthouse, built in 1895. Set near the back of the plaza, it anchors the space visually, inviting people to stay and enjoy themselves. Celebrations worth noting this time of year in Sulphur Springs include the Annual Car Show, November 4; Veterans Day Parade and Salute the Veterans BBQ Cook-off and Family Fun Fest, November 11; United Professional Rodeo Association Finals, November 17-19; Turkey Trot, November 23; Christmas in the Park, starts at sunset November 25 and December 2; Christmas on the Square/Lighted

Christmas Parade, December 1; Northeast Texas Choral Society Christmas Concert, December 2; and the 2nd Annual Christmas Market on Main, December 9. Throughout the holiday season, the downtown area is festively decorated and the plaza invites visitors to rest and take in the ambience in between shopping and dining. Music is often playing at the plaza and downtown venue Muddy Jake’s offers live music Saturdays with performers like Kid Icarus Project, Nevermind, and Droo D’Anna. Most of the downtown shops and restaurants are closed on Sunday, so visitors need to gear Celebration District activities to Friday night and Saturday. Those looking for overnight lodging have many choices from a variety of hotel/motels along Interstate 30 to the warm-andfuzzy bed and breakfasts closer to town. One of those to consider is The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. This 1930s house has three guest rooms, each furnished by a local

12 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

continued page 15

PHOTOS (above): The 1895 Romanesque Revival architectural styled courthouse is the foundation of the downtown scene in Sulphur Springs; (below) Apfelstrudel with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream is a favorite at Joe’s German Restaurant; big windows in Phinesse Farms Winery provide a front-row seat of downtown while enjoying a nice glass of wine. Photos by Bill Ayers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13



CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Check out the eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for extended event listings.

Early General Store Marks 170th Birthday

By Steve Freeman With the snap of a rusty spring closing a screen door, visitors to the T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store are transported back in time. The store sits at 2293 FM 134 in the community of Jonesville located 17 miles east of Marshall and six miles west of the Louisiana border. Somewhere along about a decade after the Republic of Texas formed, a businessman named William Harrison Jones started the unsettled area’s first trading post and post office. The year was 1847. Although the location was remote, settlers needed his business with its growing variety of merchandise like farm tools, clothing, and shoes for all ages, food, linens, medicines, toys and more, so they went out of their way to get there. This hidden gem marks its 170th birthday this year with a celebration at the store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 4. The 3,000-square-foot store keeps the ambience of days gone by and mixes in new products to serve today’s market. The manager, Jonathan Miller, whose mother’s maiden name is Vaughan, says his great great grandfather, Dr. Samuel Vaughan, bought into the store in about 1870. In time, the Lindsey General Store was a Vaughan/Miller family business entirely, he says.

In the 1970s brothers Sam and Tom Vaughan saw the value in turning the store into a living museum of commerce. They placed new and interesting items for sale next to items quickly becoming antiques. Some merchandise had price tags and some (antiques) didn’t. “My grandfather’s brother had a cast iron stove in the store and he told everybody ‘It’s not for sale.’ Then in the ‘80s, someone offered a ridiculous amount of $1,000 and he sold it — but he always regretted it and never sold anything else,” Miller says of the museum-type items they don’t want to leave the building. Miller figures it’s a 50-50 percentage division of the new and the old merchandise in the store today that attracts visitors from near and far. Visitors still find a collection of children’s shoes in original boxes, as well as brandnew blue jean overalls and replicas of women’s bonnets in the clothing section. Games that a grandfather can remember playing as a child sit next to new games that today’s youth enjoy. Popular sections in the store include the front facade of an old post office window, old candy machines, the slice-your-own cheese wheel, and the fireplace with an inviting rocking chair nearby. Nostalgic purchases popular with shoppers include pocket knives, working kero-

18 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

sene lamps, and mayhaw jelly. The authenticity of the store draws in more than lost travelers with its interior sometimes used in movie and television productions. Also, Miller says, because the store has occasionally appeared in popular travel guides, he regularly meets tourists from faraway places like Sweden, Germany, and Japan. Otherwise, Lindsey’s retains its best-keptsecret status. And that’s okay. “We prefer a slower pace to life,” he says. “Something to be said for slowing down and getting away from the main road.” Perhaps one of the most noteworthy dignitaries to occasionally veer off the main road and visit was a young girl who bought Cracker Jacks® there many moons ago. She went by the nickname of Lady Bird and lived just 15 miles north at Karnack and she became the First Lady as the wife of President Lyndon Johnson. Imagine the stories this old treasure could tell from the years gone by as it keeps making new memories every day. T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They are holding their annual Christmas Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 9. Call 903.687.3382 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

EVENTS Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.

November 3

Taste of the Holidays. Center. Windham Civic Center, 936.598.3682, shelbycountychamber.com

November 3-4

Pinecone and Mistletoe Christmas Market. Center. Windham Civic Center, 936.598.3682, shelbycountychamber.com

November 4

History, Haunts & Legends. Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903-665-3733 Scarbrough Haven Fall Tour. Emory. Scarbrough Haven, facebook.com/ScarbroughHaven

November 7

Pooches on the Patio. Tyler. Rotolo’s Pizzeria, 8970 S Broadway Avenue, spcaeasttx.com Metalsmithing. Texarkana. LeGrand & Sons Welding & Ironworks, 903.792.8681, trahc.org

November 10

Deck the Halls. Mount Pleasant. mtpleasanttx.com

November 10-11

Winnsboro Art and Wine Festival. Winnsboro. Downtown Winnsboro, Market St, 903.426.8207

November 11 - December 27

Polar Express at The Texas State Railroad. Palestine. Texas State Railroad Palestine, Depot Park Road 70, 903.723.3014, visitpalestine.com Heritage Syrup Festival. Henderson. Various locations throughout Henderson, 866.650.5529 ext. 268, visithendersontx.com Edgewood Heritage Festival. Edgewood. Heritage Park Museum, 903.896.1940, edgewoodheritagefestival.com Toys for Tots Casino Night. Jefferson. Jefferson Tourism Center, 903.665.3733 Pro Wrestling at the Palestine Civic Center. Palestine. Palestine Civic Center, 903.723.3014, visitpalestine.com

Pull Out All the Stops for East Texas Pipe Organ Fest Nothing rocks a building like a magnificent pipe organ sounding out the power and emotions of an expert player. This year’s East Texas Pipe Organ Festival offers the chance to hear 13 recitals by an esteemed group of 13 musicians. The series runs November 5 through 9 at venues in Kilgore, Longview, and Shreveport. Highlights include an organ duo on Tuesday and the organ’s accompaniment for the silent film Girl Shy, starring Harold Lloyd, on Wednesday. Among the artists are Alan Morrison, esteemed for his work on stage and in education as well as his appearance on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and Paul Halley, fivetime Grammy Award winner. The 2017 festival schedule at a glance: • November 5. 8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore • November 6. 10 a.m. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Kilgore; 3 and 8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore • November 7. 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Shreveport; 3 p.m. First Baptist Church, Shreveport

Pawpa’s House in the country

1601 VZ County Road 1512 Van Texas

903.571.3620 • fb.com/PawpasHouse

• November 8. 10 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore; 2 p.m. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Kilgore; 8 p.m. music accompanying silent movie Girl Shy, First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore • November 9. 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, Longview; 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore, followed by reception with hors d’oeuvres Concerts are free. For more information visit easttexaspipeorganfestival.com.

Near Canton, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Tyler, Mineola. One hour to Dallas.

A Great Satellite • Wireless Internet Jacuzzi Tub • Hot Tub Getaway! Fully Equipped Kitchen Handicap Accessible

Hit the Bricks. Tyler. Dowtown, visittyler.com Medieval Wine Faire & Harvest Moon Dance. Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903.665.3733, tourism@cityhallofjefferson.com Red, White and Blue Festival. Bullard. Downtown Bullard, 903-894-4238, bullardchamber.com Classic Car Show. Sulphur Springs. Downtown Sulphur Springs, 903-885-7541, sulphurspringstx.org

November 17

Festival of Trees. Canton. Museum/Chamber, continued on page 17 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19

The Oldest Christmas in

November 4th

Polar Express Holiday Showing | 7pm Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

November 16-18

Holiday in the Pines Nacogdoches Civic Center

November 16-17

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker | 7:30pm W.M. Turner Auditorium, SFA Campus

November 25th

Wassail Fest | 11am-3pm Downtown Nacogdoches Model Train Exhibit Opening Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

December 1st

Old Fashioned Christmas at Millard’s Crossing 5pm-9pm Opening of Christmas Ornament / Toy Exhibit 12:30pm-5pm | Cole Art Center

December 2nd

Holiday Events

November 4th - December 20th

December 4th

Percussion in the Pines | 7:30pm Cole Concert Hall, SFA Campus

December 8th

Wine, Whiskey & Brew Tour | 1pm Jingle & Mingle | 5:30pm Downtown

December 9th

Downtown Progressive Dinner | 5:30pm Downtown Pancakes with Santa | 8am Fredonia Hotel Pints on the Patio | 2pm-10pm Fredonia Brewery

888-564-7351 VisitNacogdoches.org/nine-flags-christmas-festival 20 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

December 10th

Unsilent Night | 7:30pm SFA School of Music

EVENTS continued from page 19 903.567.1849, visitcantontx.com

November 18-December 16

Downtown Marshall Turns on Holiday Magic with Wonderland of Lights

Holiday Market Days at Palestine Farmers Market. Palestine. Farmers Market Pavilion, 903.731.8437, visitpalestine.com

November 18

35th Annual Christmas in Crockett. Crockett. On the Square, 936.544.2359, crockettareachamber.org Reel East Texas Film Festival. Kilgore. Texan Theater, reeleasttexas.com Colfax Community Bazaar. United Methodist Church 903.707.3505

November 20

Monday Night Live. Winnsboro.

November 23-December 31

Wonderland of Lights. Marshall. Various locations throughout Marshall, 903-702-7777, wonderlandoflights.com

November 25-December 23

Santa’s Workshop. Palestine. 903.723.3014, visitpalestine.com

November 25

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903.665.3733

November 2-3, November 30-December 3

First Monday Trade Days. Canton. 903.567.6556, firstmondaycanton.com

November 30 - December 3

35th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes. Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903.665.3733, visitjeffersontexas.com

December 2

Christmas on the Square. Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant, mtpleasanttx.com

December 1-3

Frost Fest. Palestine. Historic Downtown Palestine, 903.729. 6066, palestinefrostfest.com

December 6

Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Lufkin. Temple Theater at Angelina College campus, 936.633.3220, angelinaarts.org

December 7-December 9

Pegasus Project Horse Rescue Open House. Murchison. The Pegasus Project, 903.707.5866, pegasusrescue.org

December 16

Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show. Palestine. Farmers Market Pavilion, 903.731.8437, visitpalestine.com Derrick Lighting. Kilgore. World’s Richest Acre, kilgorechamber.com

Photo courtesy of Wonderland of Lights

Now in its 31st year, historic downtown Marshall transforms into a winter wonderland for the Wonderland of Lights kicking off November 22 and running through December 31. Lights and activities are open Tuesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 4-10 p.m. They are closed every Monday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Harrison County Courthouse is the shining star of the festival with thousands of white lights illuminating the night air. Attendees can enjoy horse drawn carriage and waggonette, train, and carousel rides as well as outdoor ice skating and live music nightly. Santa’s Village makes its debut this year featuring three themed tiny houses; a bakery, a train depot, and a cozy place to take a picture with the big man himself. Frosty’s Big Bounce is another new addition to Wonderland of Lights this season. This area features an inflatable snowman bounce house, face painting, and photo opportunities. Each week features a different special event. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Third Annual Wassail Walk where guests peruse downtown businesses

while sampling Wassail, a traditional apple cider. Merchants vie for the highly coveted title of Wassail Fest champion voted on by the general public. The Lighted Christmas Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 2. The East Texas Baptist University Hockey Team takes the rink for “Tigers on Ice” at 5 p.m. Sunday, December 3. The team is introduced followed by short scrimmage, then autograph signing and an evening of skating with attendees. The Jingle Bell Run returns to a nighttime lit event and is slated for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5. Returning for its second year is the Outdoor Christmas Market, a vendor fair featuring homemade Christmas and holiday crafts, decor and plenty of great “stocking stuffers” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 9. Wonderland of Sights, a self-guided art, history, and steeple tour, takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 16. For up-to-date schedule changes, entertainment, and more information, call 903.702.7777 and visit wonderlandoflights.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21

FOOD & DRINK

What’s Brewing

Article and photos by Jim Willis Really good coffee houses offer a wide selection of great coffee in a place that encourages relaxation and conversation. They have attentive wait staff and baristas that are excited to please guests with their creations. They can be a refuge, a meeting place for friends or a place to meet for business or study or work or just a place to sit and enjoy a book and a cup. The ones included here do all those things.

The Foundry

Tyler. (Photos 1 & 6) The Foundry is a block south of the downtown square and has a different energy than many other coffee houses. It is well designed and decorated, making good use of the building’s industrial interior. In addition to the main space there is a sitting area to the left of the front door, a “study room” towards the back and even an entertainment space separated by a roll up warehouse door. Each latte is an artful creation lovingly poured into white ceramic cups. The Foundry is a part of Bethel Church which meets on the upper floor. Everything about the space and the operation says “class.” 202 South Broadway, 903.944.7805, foundrycoffee.com.

Coffee Off the Square

Sulphur Springs. (Photo 2) Located just a short half block north of the courthouse, the downtown location makes this a popular place for lunch. The ceramic fountain just inside the front door is reminiscent of a Mexican patio and is an appealing place to gather around and enjoy the wide selection of coffees. 204 Church Street, 903.335.8896.

Jo’s Downtown

Mount Pleasant. (Photo 3) This lovely old two story 1894 building was purchased by Ark Ministries who founded Center 36 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Church on its upper floor and Jo’s Coffee House as a non-profit on the first floor. The name Jo’s is from the building’s previous tenant, Jo’s Antiques. It’s on the corner of the square in Mount Pleasant and it’s spacious. The very tall ceiling room stretches from the front of the building to the back where it opens onto a shady deck. There’s upstairs seating as well. The main room is a collection of smaller eclectic spaces with a long table in front, a couch and chairs by the fireplace, and several other sitting areas. 102 N. Jefferson Avenue, 903.577.0567, josdowntown.com.

Speakeasy Coffeehouse

Quitman. (Photo 4) Speakeasy is in an (almost) 100-year-old building that really was once a speakeasy, located across the street from the courthouse. The theme is readily seen in the menu items, like the Greta Garbo or The Babe specialty lattes, and heard in the house music. It’s a large comfortable space that offers several areas for gathering and visiting. It’s the first pearl in a downtown Quitman renovation plan. 103 North Main Street, 903.760.2739. speakeasycoffee.net.

Watermelon Mills

Mount Vernon. (Photo 5) Located on the southeast corner of the downtown square, Watermelon Mills is the winner of the 2016 County Line Magazine Best Coffee award. This is a relatively new business that is an integral part of the downtown renovation taking place in Mount Vernon. There’s seating around a cozy fireplace or enjoy the outdoors on their sidewalk tables or deck. The furniture is a thoughtful selection reflecting period styling. 100 Houston Street, 903.270.2551, watermelonmills.com.

An East Texas Tradition Burgers, Premium Hand-Dipped Ice Cream, Breakfast Anytime, and more

Open 24/7 at

I-20 & Hwy 19 in Canton, TX 903-567-6551 • dairypalace.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 37

LIVING ROOM

Cozy Up to a Relaxing, Roaring Outdoor Fire By P.A. Geddie One of the joys of living in the Upper East Side of Texas this time of year is the magic of a backyard campfire in full view of a glorious night sky filled with sparkling stars. Whether these special evenings are enjoyed by invited guests or are a regular occurrence for a household, it’s a favorite pastime for many. Here are a few tips for creating lasting good memories.

Health and Safety First • Whether you dig a hole in the ground or have a nice, rock-lined pit, make sure the area is away from buildings, wooded areas, or overhanging electrical wires. • Save the lint from the clothes dryer -- it comes in handy for starting a fire. • Make sure there’s some light on any dark paths getting to and from the fire so people don’t trip over straying logs or an uneven terrain. • Stringing white lights around the area can help with safety and also can contrib-

ute to a party atmosphere. Candles or lanterns on tables are also a nice touch. • Make sure there’s plenty of safe seating for everyone and keep plastic away from the fire. • Make sure your county is not under a burn ban. • Be sure to put the fire out completely before calling it a night — the wind can send sparks flying or blow chairs or other objects into hot coals, creating a fire hazard. Keep a water hose handy for stray sparks and to help put out the fire when done. • Smoke is a harmful irritant to people with asthma and allergies. People with these conditions need to sit further away and out of the smoke. Make sure the wind is blowing it away not towards you so it does not irritate the lungs. Some may find it helpful to wear masks. Be sure to wash your clothes and shower after sitting near the fire.

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Activity Ideas

• Try traditional activities for fun around the fire like roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, telling ghost stories, and playing games like Truth or Dare. • Invite some musical friends and savor the group singing, rhythm, and sounds joining in harmony with nature. • Bring out the sparklers for a New Year’s Eve gathering around the fire. • Add bubbles. Whether blowing them one at a time, or using a bubble shooter, or a large wand, the effects of the bubbles floating above the fire is fun. Try sending up a large one and quickly blow a few small bubbles to get the feel of a sea creature under the ocean. First, and foremost for a memorable time, is just enjoying the outdoors, relaxing, and “fire talk.” As the stresses of the day begin to melt away around the mesmerizing flickers and flames of an outdoor fire, it seems to bring out the most delightful conversations.

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Going Back and Moving Forward

In My Hometown By Tracy Torma Some say you can never go home again. But for these Upper East Side Texans, home is where the heart is. They left to pursue careers and passions, but have returned home to make a positive impact on their communities. It’s a trend County Line has noticed as we report on happenings across the region – East Texas natives returning to their roots and becoming involved in civic activities and organizations to help their hometowns thrive. Here are four of their stories.

Marketing Historic Palestine Mary Raum

Mary Raum was a newborn in Ohio when her father traveled to Palestine to help his sister-in-law restore an old home. He loved the city so much, he packed up the family, including fivemonth-old Raum, and moved to Palestine in 1981.

Today, as Palestine’s tourism marketing manager, Raum is encouraging people to visit her historic hometown, which is only second to Galveston in the number of historic properties in the state. Raum would pack up and move herself after graduating from high school to pursue her love of fashion. She moved to Los Angeles, working her way through the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating with highest honors in 2001, she worked for the Gap and May Co, Inc. L.A. She then moved to Dallas as a buyer for a jewelry store and later J.C. Penney Co., where, with a reputation as a problem solver, Raum was placed in a variety of lagging departments to help boost sales. In 2012 after she and her husband, Shane, had twins, they decided to ditch the two-hour-a-day big-city commute and move back to her hometown of 18,000. Raum first got involved in the community as executive director of the United Way of East/Central Texas. In her first

Home is Where the Heart Is for These East Texans

year, the organization exceeded its yearly fundraising goal, going from $87,000 to $115,000. While at the United Way, she started the Dogwood Children’s Literacy and Art Festival, an event where children from the community enjoy an afternoon with authors and illustrators to encourage reading and spark the imagination. She became volunteer operations director of the Curious Museum, a hands-on exhibit based on the world-famous Exploratorium in San Francisco that promotes creativity and innovation skills. In February 2016, she began her current role as Palestine’s tourism marketing manager, combining her love of history, her marketing expertise and problem-solving skills together to “sell” the city of Palestine to visitors. On a typical day, she is working to enhance the overall marketing strategy and customize it to special events, such as Christmas activities in Palestine, including the Polar Express Train RideTM. Or, she might be designing content for the annual Dogwood Trails festival in the spring or getting the word out about the beautiful Fall foliage in the area as people plan to get out of the big city. All of this is in addition to maintaining a standard of excellence through her staff at the Palestine Visitor Center who support efforts to create welcome bags and tours for groups visiting the city. Raum likes personalizing each visit, whether providing a bus tour for a group interested in seeing architectural details or customizing a list of activities for guests attending a wedding ceremony at the Museum of East Texas Culture. “We try to customize any special requests. It’s those little memories that make people want to come back,” she says.

Mary Raum, Palestine

Since Raum took the role, city hotel occupancy tax rates are on the rise. In the spring, rates were up as much as 28 percent. This fall, the city attracted more than 800 dogs and 2,300 people to the Master Nationals Retriever Club Championship. Raum worked with the 42 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

city to loosen leash laws during the three weeks the AKC-registered dogs and their owners and handlers were in town for the competition, changing the tagline of the town’s Visit Palestine ad campaign – “Champagne Served, Boots Welcome” – to “Retrievers Welcome: We’re All About the Dogs.” “We ‘welcome all’ as a community, but with each special event, we try to tailor the tagline for the event or season,” she explains. “I’m most excited about educating people on what we have to offer. It’s highly gratifying when people leave our visitors center and say, ‘I had no idea there is so much going on in town.’”

Like many of his peers, Kevin Banks left his hometown of Greenville for greener pastures after graduating from high school in 1978. But after a career with The Walt Disney Company, today he’s bringing a touch of magic to Greenville as tourism manager for the city and director of the Greenville Municipal Auditorium After earning his business degree with a specialty in marketing from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce), Banks went to work for SangerHarris department store, joining its executive program while a student and moving from a part-time dock position to assistant store manager at one of the retail chain’s largest stores in Fort Worth. But his career changed in 1989 when he decided to pursue a childhood dream of working for Walt Disney World. As part of park operations at Disney World in Florida, he served as attractions host of the Great Movie Ride at Disney Hollywood Studios. As a VIP tour guide, Banks hosted people from around the world, including President Jimmy Carter and his family and Julie Andrews and her daughter. Banks later moved into the marketing arm of Disney, called Synergy, where he worked with all other divisions of the company on cross-promotional opportunities, including those with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. His last job was with Disney Theatrical Group in New York City.

Kevin Banks, Greenville

Promoting the Magic of Greenville Kevin Banks

After reaching his 25th anniversary with Disney, Banks decided to take early retirement. “I loved New York, but I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life there. I had to decide: Do I move back to Orlando or home to Greenville? I felt I could have a bigger impact here,” he says. For the past two years, he’s been adding Disney magic to his role with the city. As director of the Greenville Municipal Auditorium, Banks took the position during the middle of a fundraising campaign to help buy new seats for the auditorium, a 1,400-seat venue located in a beautiful art deco building built in 1939. With his help, the team has raised almost half a million dollars to get new seats installed. At the same time, he found an opportunity to restore some of the original art deco interior that had vanished over the years. Today, the team is only $2,000 away from reaching its fundraising goal. Besides hosting local dance recitals and high school band concerts, the auditorium features musical performances ranging from Broadway to big band to country. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs there three times a year.

When he’s not managing the auditorium, Banks is promoting Greenville. “We’ve got an award-winning winery, a growing public art program, great boutique shopping and down-home restaurants.” Banks has updated the town’s brochure, website and advertising, all with consistent messaging – something he learned at Disney. His work is paying off. Information requests from potential visitors are on the rise, going from 800 requests a year to more than 2,000 this year. He’s tapped photography students at Texas A&M Commerce to help build a photo library and communications students to assist with social media to promote the city. He’s helped generate interest in the Downtown Strolls in Greenville, where downtown businesses work together to present an open house. “I try to convey to our businesses some of the guest services’ success of Disney, where everything within their four walls speaks to people. It makes our downtown more inviting and people will remember us and come back.” continued page 44

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KIDS COUNTY LINE f

CountyLineKids

Shaping the Future of the Upper East Side of Texas

Fun and Thoughtful Gift Ideas from Area Attractions

➤ Astronaut Nutcracker $9 small $30 large

Orange Flight Suit 3 months to Size 14 $50

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Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center 5550 FM 2495, Athens 903.676.2277 tpwd.state.tx.us Plush Fish, 12-14 inches long, $14.95 each

Texas Forestry Museum 1905 Atkinson Drive, Lufkin 936.632.9535 treetexas.com Rustic Handmade Log Truck $45

Discovery Science Place 308 North Broadway Tyler 903.533.8011 discoveryscienceplace.org

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Dino DNA $14.99

Green Engineering Kits $19.99

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➤

Model Temperance Thomas

NASA Columbia Museum 375 Sabine Street Hemphill 409.787.4827 nasacolumbiamuseum.com

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