DISCOVER Jackson County t ty
2022
A Product of the Jackson County Herald-Tribune
Two Parks, One Destination!
Come explore at the.. Brackenridge Recreation Complex
Located on beautiful Lake Texana in Edna, TX
Brackenridge and Texana P Parks k &C Campgrounds d
TTexana P Parkk & C Campground (361) 782-5718 8 Brackenridge Park & Campground (361) 782-5456
TexanaCommunityEducationCenter • Educational Programs • Off-Site Programs • Live animal encounters
Texana Community Education Center (361) 782-2070
brackenridgepark.com
• 2 Gated Campgrounds • RV & Tent Camping • Cabins • Facility Rentals • Picnic Areas • Hike & Bike Trails • Equestrian Trail • Miniature Golf • Disc Golf • Fishing Piers • AND SO MUCH MORE!
BrackenridgeMainEventCenter
• Home to the Jackson County Youth Fair • Over 168,000 sq. ft. of covered arena/vendor space • Daytime & evening training/practice rental available • Horse stall rentals & RV Hookups available • Seating for over 2500 fans
Brackenridge Main Event Center (361) 782-7272
@Brackenridge Recreation Complex
’ Home H ome o off P Popular opular R Res esttau aura ran nt/Store t/S t/ /Store re & G Gro row ro wing ing R Recre ecre rea ational/Residential tional/Residential Co ommunit mmunity
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THE TH HE JA J CK CKS KSON O CO C UN UNT NTY TY HE HER ERA RALD L -TR TRI TR RIB IBUN UNE NE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chamber of Commerce changes locations........ 5-6 Welcome to Jackson County............................. 8
17
City of Edna.................................................... 10
Solve the 1905 Conditt murders....................... 12
City of Ganado................................................. 14
Brackenridge & Texana Parks....................... 16-17 A fight for equal rights.................................... 18
The Little School of the 400............................ 20
22
LaWard Commmunications............................. 21
Jackson County Youth Fair............................. 22 Rear Window Listening Room........................ 24
Texana Chili Spill........................................... 25
Learn how Lafitte brothers became spies......... 27
Jackson County churches................................. 28 Jackson County Map........................................ 30 Animal Resources............................................ 32
Clubs to join.................................................... 33
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Parks................................................................ 34 Newcomer Information.................................... 35
Boat ramps....................................................... 36 Hotels and Campgrounds................................. 38 4
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THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Chamber of Commerce welcomes visitors to their new address B y M i ll ie D i az Editor/Publisher Beyond what appears to be a simple white door at 130 West Main Street in Edna, are 23 steps. Those steps lead one into the new Jackson County Chamber of Commerce digs, a move in the making since March of 2021. As you leave those steps, Casey Kemp’s office awaits. Beyond her desk, Carolina Jalufka’s, and a large mirror framed in rustic white sits over her area. Both ladies work hard all year to bring events and gatherings for large and small businesses in the county and beyond. If one looks to the other side of the area, a small and sweet sitting area awaits a curious person, complete with cushions to sit on and pillows to lean against. Windows adorn
the edge, and overlook Main Street and the courthouse lawn. Maps and brochures line one wall, with the theme being Jackson County and the various services offered. On Dec. 17 the ladies began packing up their offices, all the while finding interesting pieces of history, and much about the county’s beginnings. The majority of their discoveries they relinquished to the Jackson County Historical Commission. Jalufka spoke on the one detriment to their new move. “The stairs are definitely a challenge, and we took it into consideration when we decided to move. We’re looking to put in a grant and eventually put in a chair lift,” she said.
see page 6
This is the seating area overlooking Main Street, perfect for the adult who needs to make a call, or a child needing a quiet spot for studying or homework. THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
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A hop-skip-jump down Main Street from page 5
The rental side overlooking Main Street.
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“Let us know if it’s a problem, and we will come downstairs, we will accommodate,” she continued. “We will still find a way to provide service.” A large venue waits besides their offices, beyond gorgeous slide-open doors from floor to ceiling. The room is able to hold the same capacity as before, and overlooks the lawn at the JC Courthouse, plus down Main Street on both ways. One can imagine what the view might be like at night or at the break of day. “We’re glad to be on Main Street at 130, and excited for the year and new things to come,” Jalufka said. The ladies stressed that they welcomed anyone and everyone to stop in and say hello, whether it be to use
their sitting area or simply to say hi. You surely won’t be disappointed. The JC Chamber is closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. One can contact the Chamber of Commerce by calling 361-782-7146 or visiting www.jacksoncountytexas.com for more information on becoming a new member, or steps that need to be taken to rent out the annex. Contact Millie with questions at mdiaz@jacksonconews.com
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Established 1836 County Judge
JILL SKLAR
Tax Assessor-Collector
MONICA HYEK FOSTER
District Clerk
SHARON MATHIS
County Clerk
KATE RESPONDEK BROOKS
County Treasurer
MARY HORTON
Commissioner, Precinct #3
GLENN MARTIN
Commissioner, Precinct #2
WAYNE BUBELA
Justice of Peace, Precinct #1
DARREN STANCIK
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Justice of Peace, Precinct #2
CYNDI POULTON
Constable, Precinct #1
JOEL PRICE
PAM GUENTHER District Attorney
MICHELLE DARILEK County Auditor
Commissioner, Precinct #1
WAYNE HUNT
Commissioner, Precinct #4
DENNIS KARL
Constable, Precinct #2
CURT GABRYSCH
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Welcome to Jackson County, Tex as You should stay awhile
Let me be th t e fi f rst to say Jackson Coun unt un nty ty welcomes you! As a fo f ur urt rth th-generation Te T xan a with an t Indian th a blood in my an m veins, you will not be disap a point ap n ed visnt iting here, or deciding to stay with t us th f r th fo t e long hau a l. au Like all teenagers who believe th t ey’ll never retu tur tu urn rn to th t eir hometown w , I fe wn f lt th t e sam a e when I gradu am d du ated fr f om high school. Millie Rose Diaz Now, w as head of Editor/ w, r Pub r/ u lisher ub t e Ja th J cks k on Co ks C unty t ty H ra He r ld ldd-Tr T ibune newspap a er in th ap t e sam a e am town, I’m beyond glad I retu tur tu urn rned to th t e place th t at has always been my home. This has been a dr d eam a of mine. am The contagious commu mun mu unity t spirit we ty all car arr ar rry ry can a be easily fo an f un u d in an any nyone you talk to. I can a guar an a an ar ant ntee you will fi f nd
people who say hello with t a smile, th which is of cour u se, th ur t e sout uth ut thern r way rn ay. ay y. Jackson Coun unt un nty ty has so mu m ch to off ffe ff fer f r a fi fo f rst-timer, r or someone who’s lived r, here all th t eir life f . Our fe u ar ur a ea cont n ains fa nt fam amilies with t agricultu th tur tu ural an a d fa far arm rming backgroun u ds th un t at a span a over 150 year an a s, if not ar more. Our u Te ur T xan a a Museum an u is a highlight on um t e La Salle Ody th d ssey. dy y According to texy. astimetr t av tr a el.com, LaSalle’s fi f nal adv d endv tur tu ure reads like a th thr hri riller. r “Mu r. Mut Mu utiny ny, ny y, pirat a es, at a d hap an a less orient ap n eering plagued th nt t e expedition fr f om th t e get-go, landing La Salle’s men an a d his char arg ar rge at a Mat a agorda at Bay ay, ay y, where th t ey at att ttemp m ted to sur mp urv ur rvive in misery ry. ry y.” This is a mu m st-see. The Jackson Coun unt un nty ty old jail has been in th t e process of renovat a ion, so dependat ing on what time of year you’re here, you might be ab a le to see a piece of history r restored back to life ry f . fe One can a exp an x erience history xp r in a glass, ry
a d visit th an t e Lav a aca Blu av l ff lu ffs fs Vi V neyar a d an ar a d W nery Wi r in Lolita. The somm ry m eliers th mm t ere can fi f ll you in on th t e story r behind th ry t e title of each wine th t ey cur u at ur a e. Ganado’s Rear Wi W ndow Listening Room gives one a taste of dr d ama, and doub u le th ub t e lau a ghs. The memories fr au f om t eir produ th d ctions last, I promise. du Or visit in October, r come check us out r, u ut a th at t e local JC Yo Y ut uth th Fair. r The exh r. x ibitors xh a d sponsors an an a d like no oth t er. th r r. Brackenridge Recreation Center and T xan Te a a Par an ark ar rk is perfe f ct fo fe f r th t e out u doorsut man a , wheth an t er it be fi th f shing, cam amp am mping or bird wat a ching. A new fe at f at atu tur ure, th t e Te T xa a Edu an d cat du a ion Cent at n er, nt r should be exp r, x erixp enced by all, and has more th t an just programs fo f r th t e most inqu q isitive of qu childr d en an dr a d adu d lts alike. du Come fi f nd out u ab ut a out u Jackson Coun ut unt un nty ty, y, a d why an h so man hy any an ny of us ar a e proud to call it home. Hopefu f lly, fu y it’ll cau y, a se you to au visit us again in th t e near a fu ar fut utu tur ure.
W make We shop pping g llocal easy ya and d inexpensive e. The Jackson County Office Supply carries the most popular brands and sizes of printer ink cartridges, memory cards, and zip drives, along with all your office supply needs. We are open M-F from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jackson County
Office Supply
306 N. Wells, Edna, Texas • (361) 782-2131 8
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THE TH HE JA J CK CKS KSON O CO C UN UNT NTY TY HE HER ERA RALD L -TR TRI TR RIB IBUN UNE NE
Meet the staff Jessica Coleman has been a contributing writer at the paper for several years, and whose photography skills are endless. She hams it up acting in plays at the Rear Window, and is an animal rescuer at heart.
119 years going strong
Maria Rodriguez has been the paper’s advertising rep and office supply manager since September and has quickly become a vital part of the staff. She sold all the ads you’re about to see in this product. Katie Shook has been the paper’s graphic designer since November. She is also a huge fan of sports, and writing about it. Katie has designed the majority of ads you will see in the upcoming pages. Michael Brooks is the sports editor and staff writer for the newspaper. Aside from his dogs Peeve and Ranger, he loves all things sports, video games and karoake. Joni Boston is the JCHT office manager, and she makes sure everyone is correctly billed, in addition to running the office smoothly and greets all with a smile. She lives and loves for her family.
Prior to Nov. 22, 1906, the newspaper serving the needs of Jackson County and Edna was called The Progress. Around 1896 a Mr. Dickson served as the editor, a position he held until he lost his building and equipment to a fire in 1906. After the fire in 1906, H.K. “Cap” Staples, an Edna native, was approached by several close friends to start a new paper. Staples had been employed as a printer at the Cuero Star. Staples gathered an old Washington hand press and a “shirttail” full of type, and on Nov. 22, 1906 put out the first edition of The Edna Herald. The first location of the newspaper was reportedly on Wells St. behind what was Faires Drug in the early 1900s. Sometime before 1938 the paper was relocated to 206 Ed Linn Street. On Jan. 1, 1951 Staples ended his newspaper career by selling the Edna Weekly Herald (as it was then known) to Chester Evans, also a longtime journalist at the Victoria Daily Advocate. The current owner and publisher of the Jackson County Herald-Tribune took over the reins on May 1, 2005. Jim Moser purchased the paper, and he and his wife, Suzette, made their home in Edna for many years. Jim and his family now live in Brenham, where he is the head of Moser Community Media, LLC. MCM now manages 32 community newspapers across Texas, and acquires more as time passes. THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
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EDNA
TEXAS
Situated at the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 111, 25
minutes away from the Victoria Metropolitan Area and two hours from Houston, Edna is steeped in history and offers an appealing small-town lifestyle with good schools, sound business opportunities, and an array of local and regional events, recreation activities, and historical sites. Edna traces its history to the settlement of the Texana town site in 1824. Texana served as the focal point of county activities until the railroad bypassed Texana in favor of the current Edna town site. Around 1880, local businessmen in Texana were approached by railroad promoters to route the soon to be built, New York, Texas and Mexican Railway through Texana, the county seat of Jackson County. Even a bonus of $30,000 offered by the promoters to the town, did not convince Texana citizens. They refused the offer. The railroad bypassed Texana, seven miles to the north and the Town of Edna was born.
Meet our Officials
Lance Smiga - Edna Mayor
Dustin Muncrief - Dist. 1
Wayne Callis - Dist. 2
Michael Dodds - Dist. 3
Chris Jackson - Dist. 4
Johnny Vasquez - Dist. 5 10
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THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
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Jackson County History
Solve the 1905 Conditt murders
B y Mi lli e D iaz Edito t r/ to r Publisher F Co F. C nIn September of 1905, J.F. ditt’s wife f Lora, and fo fe f ur of their fiv fi ive children –M –Mi Mildred, Herschell, Jesse and Joseph– were stab a bed ab to deat a h tw at t o miles outside of E na. Ed According to a local a publicat al a ion, at M ldred’s throat Mi a had been cut an at a d “her parts showed that a she had at been rav avi av vished...” A ten-month old Ll L oy o d Co C nditt t tt was the only l surv ly rvi rv viv ivor. r r. T this day To ay, ay y, the murders hav a e av never been off ffi ff ficial a ly al l solv l ed. lv Suspicion centered around Henry r “Monk” Gibson, a young ry black teenager, r and one of J.F. r, F F. Conditt’s plowing workers. Conditt had been working in a rice f eld several fi a miles aw al a ay ay. y. A bert C. Eg Al E g, Jackson County t ty Sheriff f at ff a the time, took Gibson into custody dy, dy y, but he escap a ed while ap being transfe f rred to a near fe a by ar b jai al ai in Hal a lett al t svi tt v lle. vi
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Gibson stay a ed at ay a -large fo f r tw t o weeks an a d ignit i ed a huge man it a hunt an that a receiv at i ed nat iv a ional at a at al att ttention at a the time. C tizens fo Ci f und him in ear a ly ar l Oc-
aft fter, r an r, a other by b the nam a e am Soon af of Felix Powell, Gibson’s fr f iend, was tried, convicted and hung in connection with the Conditt t murtt ders.
The men above were involved in the hanging of Felix Powell and Henry ‘Monk’ Gibson and lived in Cuero in the year 1908. The unsolved murder can be an interesting topic to anyone visiting near Jackson or DeWitt County.
tober hiding in a barn, and aft f er ft being indicted by b the local a grand al jury ry, ry y, a judge switched the case to Bexar a County ar ty. ty y. Unab a le to reach a ab verdict, the jury r believed Gibson ry didn’t act al a one.
Gibson was tried in DeWi W tt Wi C unty Co t an ty a d convi v cted by vi b a jury r of ry white men due to witnesses who saw a him near aw a the murder scene at ar a the time of the killings. His clothes a so contai al a ned spots of blood. ai
a peal a ed the convi al v ction vi G bson ap Gi a d rai an a sed the issues of racial ai a prej al eej udice in jury r selection. ry The request fo f r an ap a peal a was al denied, and Gibson was hung in C ero on June 27, 1908. Cu The trial a is perhap al a s one of the ap most notab a le simply ab l becau ly a se it au i was held in the fi f rst place. Ly L nchings weren’t uncommon during that a at era, especial a ly al l when a black man was al a leged of commit itt it tting vi v olence against a white woman and children. Becau a se of that au a , the trial at a al nodded to legal a issues relat al a ing to at race and age that a still trouble at T xas and its criminal Te a courts al today ay. ay y. M st notab Mo a ly ab ly, y, Cu C ero-rai a sed Jan ai a an Bar a ber has written ab ar a out the unsolv l ed my lv m stery ry, ry y, a book tit itl it tled Ou O t of o t e Da th D rk r nes ess es ss, s, In I to t th t e Li Lig ightn t in tn ing ng. Another book is written ab a out the subj b ect, fr bj f om Al A bert Pai a ne, tiai tled Ca Cap apta t in i Bil ill il ll Mc McD cDo Donald ld, ld d, Te Tex exas a R ng Ra nge ger, and at a tempts to unrav a el av the Conditt t murders my tt m stery ry. ry y.
THE TH HE JA J CK CKS KSON O CO C UN UNT NTY TY HE HER ERA RALD L -TR TRI TR RIB IBUN UNE NE
Find deep Texas roots in every glass
A vineyard beside the tasting room.
This is the tasting room where one can drink at their leisure or learn about the story behind the wine names from a sommelier while experiencing the tasting menu.
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
By Millie Diaz Editor/Publisher Years ago, in 2015, I wrote a feature article in first-person about the first time I visited the Lavaca Bluffs Vineyard & Winery with a boyfriend. Needless to say, as most things go, our relationship didn’t last, but the opportunity came full circle for me now that I’ve rejoined the newspaper staff. I sit here again, writing about a reunion with the Winery. This time Michael Brooks, staff writer, joined me. Why not, right? One shouldn’t drink alone. Driving into the area, I saw that the Reed’s dream of expanding had become fully realized. Off to the left a vineyard catches the eye, complete with the stakes deep in the ground and the vines wrapped around poles.
A beige structure with the Lavaca Bluffs logo lets you know you’re in the right place. The familiar Lavaca River calls beyond, along with the highway back to reality. Enough of reality for now. The menu of wines for a tasting experience ranges from sweet to dry. Brooks admitted wine had never been his cup of…well…wine. I gave him a beginner course on what might appeal to his bloody-mary senses. Long story short, since we’re not big red wine drinkers, some of the favorite sips from the day were the La Belle peach chardonnay, Aransas Pass watermelon white merlot, the Strawbery Roan, both blush varieties, and all the sangrias, which is a must-taste in and of itself. Visit this gem in Lolita for a different taste of the county.
There are no lack of views at Lavaca Bluffs.
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GANADO TEXAS
The City of Ganado was a ranching community when it was first settled. Most settlers lived near Mustang Creek and traveled to Texana, Victoria and Indianola for supplies. Jackson County’s “second city,” Cattle ranching was the primary economic engine and herds were driven to Louisiana for sale and later to Kansas City. That came to an abrupt end with the coming of the railroad in 1882. As the story goes, a railroad official looked out the window of a train car and saw a large herd of cattle. He decided the area should be called Ganado, which means “herd” in Spanish. Thus Ganado was named in 1882. While today Ganado is still an agricultural community, the community has a bustling Farmers Market and is also host to a wide variety of music. Devers Park and the Rear Window Listening Room are great venues to enjoy nationally known music groups.
Meet our Officials
Clinton Tegeler - Mayor
Blake Petrash Mayor Pro Tem
Calvin Callies - Councilman
Mike Konarik - Councilman
James Sudik - Councilman
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Sergio Lara - Councilman THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Devers Park in Ganado Located at the end of Sutherland Street, Devers Creek Park provides a beautiful setting for a day of family fun and music concerts. The park features picnic tables, bar-be-que grills, two playground areas, two fishing piers, and an exercise station. Two nature trails follow the banks of Devers Creek, and a covered pavilion complete with restrooms and a kitchen is available to rent for special events. Also located within the park is a large, covered, basketball pavilion, and softball and baseball fields. Devers Park is located adjacent to Indian Stadium and Indian Field, owned by the Ganado Independent School District. For pavilion rental information, call City Hall at 361-771-2232.
Home of the Crawfish Festival
Every spring, the Ganado Volunteer Fire Department welcomes everyone to attend the annual Crawfish Festival at Devers Creek Park. A parade kicks off the event and Mr. and Miss Mud Bug are named. There is live music, inflatables for the kids and fun for all. However, the festival is about much more than just eating crawfish. It’s an oppor-
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
tunity for the community to support the GVFD so the firefighters can continue to protect and serve the community. Don’t miss this fun and tasty community event. The GVFD was established as a volunteer fire department in 1937 and has continued to serve the community of Ganado and Jackson County as a volunteer service ever since.
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Brackenridge and Texana...
Brackenridge Recreation Complex is 575 acres of campgrounds and trails. Two campgrounds and many facilities within the complex ensure that almost everyone can find something. Campers can choose from over 200 campsites with water and electricity as well as sewer for those who need it. Seven impressive-looking cabins are also available for those who prefer a lake experience with more comfort. Playgrounds for the children are located on both sides of the highway as well, as well as the Texana Education Center. Day use areas are available for those who prefer to go home at the end of the day instead of camp overnight. The hiking trails at both parks are complete with historic spots and wildlife viewing areas. Make sure to stop and read about the historic Texana Church and Brackenridge homesite. Kayak rentals and boat ramps are also available for the water-lovers. Three boat ramps are located inside the parks, and seven more are scattered throughout central Jackson County, for ease of access to Lake Texana. With a quick phone call, you can plan a ride on the 12.5 mile equestrian trail. The wide, improved trail offers horseback riders a leisurely ride with picnic and hitching areas throughout. The complex offers facilities for events large and small. Whether you’re holding a barrel racing event, or a small, intimate wedding, there is a facility to meet your needs. The main event center welcomes guests from all over for things like Jackson County Youth Fair and Livestock Show, and the Texana Chili Spill. The historic Texana Church hosts dozens of weddings every year, as does the beautiful lakeside gazebo. The Harry Hafernick Center serves as home base for fishing tournaments, banquets and more, and the smaller Marina building has held many wedding receptions throughout its lifetime.
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THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Discover the Texana Education Center
The facility staff consists of two people: Public Outreach Coordinator Michael Price and Assistant Shelby Scarborough. They offer interactive educational programs to audiences of all ages, both on site and off site. Their educational programs often include crafts and other activities. The building is basically two buildings under one roof with a large wrap-around porch. The front half of the building houses the new ‘Nature Center,’ with a multitude of live exhibits includ-
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority hosted the Grand Opening of the new Texana Community Education Center at the end of November 2021. The center is designed to function as a public facility to accommodate natural resource education needs, as well as providing a common-use space for the community. It has over 4,600 square feet of exhibit and community space, with an overall square footage of 6,100, which includes the covered outdoor areas. The facility is located in the ‘Day Use Area’ of the Texana Park and Campground. The public is invited to come visit what the center has to offer, it is currently open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All programs offered at the Texana Community Education Center are free to all park guests. Anyone who is not camping at the BRC and are wanting to participate in the programs or visit the new facility can purchase a day pass for only $5.00 per vehicle at the Texana Park Office. That day pass allows access to both parks and the new education center. This new facility expands the accessibility to environmental education and training programs dealing with outdoor safety. It will also allow for the expansion of the summer programming offered to a larger group of students including additional age groups at the Brackenridge Recreation Complex, such as Nature Camps and Adventure Days. Go and see for yourself the variety of entertainment the Texana Education Center has to offer, and meet the people who teach there.
ing multiple species of fish, turtles, snakes, an alligator and other reptiles found in the Jackson County region. Other cultural and environmental exhibits are available: an educational art wall, a Discovery Cabinet, and an interactive educational kiosk, which was funded through a grant by The Young Family Foundation of Ganado. The back half of the building is the community room, which is aptly named the ‘Texana Room.’ It serves as a classroom and/or
meeting room with a catering kitchen. The Texana Room can be set up as a classroom or meeting room, but is also available to the public for rental for events, such as family reunions, birthday parties or small receptions. Expansive accordion glass doors can be found on the north wall, and offers a beautiful view of the Texana Cove, where an abundance of wildlife can be observed. LNRA is excited to bring this new facility to the citizens of Jackson County and visitors who
come from the surrounding area. Future plans for the facility include the construction of an outdoor amphitheater, which will provide an additional venue for educational presentations, outdoor events, small concerts, and weddings. One can find a schedule of planned programs and activities on the Texana Community Education Center Facebook Page, as well as on the BRC website. The Facebook page is updated monthly. 2022 VISITORS GUIDE
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Jackson County History
A fight for equal rights at a national level began right here
By Millie Rose Diaz Editor/Publisher A huge piece of history began in 1950s Jackson County: the overturning of a case at the Supreme Court level, Hernandez vs Texas, because a Mexican American man killed another of his own kind due to bullying and jests. Pete Hernandez shot Joe Espinosa in front of Chinco’s Grocery in Edna. Espinosa’s body was unfortunately placed in front of a tree, one that still lives today. A smooth-talking yet incredibly charming defense lawyer named Gus C. Garcia hailed from San Antonio and took on lead counsel for the case. Two charismatic lawyers joined forces with Garcia, Carlos Cadena and John J. Herrera, and strengthened the journey. Together the trio fought for equal rights citing the Fourteenth Amendment, because at the Jackson County level, 25 years had passed since a minority had yet to sit on a jury. The lawyers and Pete lost at the local level, but appealed…yet still being denied. After some difficulty, the men filed for the Supreme Court, something that had been a dream for all three Mexican Americans. They
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showed up on the great steps and presented a case in front of the judges, all who showed themselves to be quite mighty. When Gus C. Garcia spoke, it was as if the crowd and the stage grew still to listen to him speak, and therefore, move mountains. He proved to the judges that Mexican Americans are people a class apart from the white race, and thus deserve equal rights in the system. Garcia spoke so long that the alarm for him to stop sounded off, but no one was listening to the nagging alarm, now drowned out by his eloquent words. The Supreme Court overturned the decision and allowed for a retrial. Although the retrial contained two minorities, and Hernandez was still found guilty, the memory of Garcia, Cadena and Herrera have lived on to this day. Notably, a historical fiction novel has been published by Texas Christian University Press, titled Feet of Clay: Gus C. Garcia, Tragic Hero of the Civil Rights Movement, written by the author of this article. Copies of the book can be found at the Jackson County Herald-Tribune office or can be checked out at the local library.
Meet San Antonio lawyer Gus C. Garcia.
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Market daze
Whether it be Edna, Ganado or Inez Market Days, anyone and everyone is sure to find at least one thing to buy when it comes to browsing what our locals can offer others. The Ganado Market, at Patman Square, is usually held on the fourth Saturday of the month, and provides fresh produce, cottage food, handmade, homemade, woodwork, plants, art and food trucks. The Edna Market is usually one Saturday a month beginning in June and lasting until December. Contact them for ednacraftmarket@gmail.com. for more details. The Inez Market is the newest to join...well, the market. Held inside the Inez Community Center off of Highway 59, they provide arts, crafts, food vendors, live music, and local farmers.
Spring Projects?
We have what you need! d!
M-F: 7:30 AM-7:00 PM Sat: 7:30 AM-6:00 PM Sun: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
1504 North Mechanic El Campo, p Texas ((979)) 5543-1801 www.sutherlands.com THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
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Jackson County History
Little School of the 400 started in Ganado
B y Mi lli e D iaz Edito t r/ to r Publisher V sit this historical Vi a marker if al ry, ry y, a you are interested in history new e er one that ew a pay at a s homag ay a e to the ag L tt Li t le School of the 400. It can a be an f und in fr fo f ont of the Gan a ado El an E ementar ary ar ry School, next x to a mar xt a oon ar bench. The pilot program began in Ganado during the summer of 1957. Initiat a ed by at b Felix Ti Tij ijerina, the nat a ional at a president of the al League of United Lat a in Ci at C tizens (LULA L C) LA C at a the time, the program a was mean am a t to teach 400 basic an E glish words to Spanish-speak En a ak ing preschool children so they e ey could enter fi f rst grade with some understanding of the language. Thus, the Li L tt t le School of the 400. Cat Ca ategories that a inspired the 400 at words were: environmental a, al heal a th, verbs, an al a d general a vocab al a ab ulary ry. ry y. General a vocab al a included ab ideas like colors, numbers, an a imal as al a d circus an an a imal a s. En al E vironmental a included concepts like schools, al
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play ayg ay yground, outdoors, home, fa fam amily l an ly a d clothes. The idea was, if prepar a ed with ar these words, Hispanic children wouldn’t fa fal all behind, thereby b disby courag a ing a student to drop out, a ag T xas-Mexhuge issue within the Te ican a community an t at ty a the time. Tij Ti ijerina’s passion fo f r the school was ap a parent through his upbringing, becau a se he was al au a so a boy o who struggled to speak oy a En ak E glish. A local a resident, Isab al a el Ve ab V rv r er, r r, lear a ned of Ti ar Tij ijerina an a d the eff ffo ff forts of LULA L C, and ended up being LA one of the fi f rst teachers he paid (fr f om his own pocket), to recruit fr students fo f r the school. B the time the fi By f rst class was held, Ti Tij ijerina obtained a list of words fr f om El E izab a eth Burrus, a ab Bay ayt ay ytown teacher who had exp x erixp ence with Spanish-speak a ing ak youths. Ve V rv r er’s classes were a hit, an a d LULA L C, LA C with the help of Tij Ti ijerina, a began a, a a nonprofi an f t group fi cal a led the LULA al L C Educat LA a ional at a al
Fund, so Ve V rv r er’s methods could be used elsewhere in T xas. Te B the fi By f rst week of June in 1958, eight Te T xas cities began classes: Sugarland, Al Adine, Edna, Brookshire, Rosenburg, Va V nderbilt, Wh W arton and Fort Stockton. Those classes were off ffi ff ficial a ly al l cal a led the Li al L ttle School of the 400; they e were tau ey a ght au b by Mexican A erican women Am and Ti Tij ijerina continued to pay a ay them out of his pocket. Over 1,000 children
See Little School on page 26
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LaWard Communications: a history
Through years of economic upheaval, including the depression and a major hurricane, four generations of the Green family have kept LaWard Telephone Exchange a viable and community oriented enterprise. First generation pioneer phone man, Frank Green, owned the Louise Telephone Company as early as 1924. He was beloved by the area and had a strong interest in helping young people and running greyhounds. He spent much of his spare time with both, while hunting rabbits and passing along some of his philosophy. Frank sold the Louise office and in the fall of 1926 he bought the Ganado Telephone Exchange from Oliver Dunlap and Rector Washington for a price tag of $3,000. Originally LaWard Telephone was part of Ganado Telephone. In July of 1940 Green put an exchange in LaWard. The first generation Green intended for his son Kenneth to operate the exchange in LaWard. Kenneth Green and Vicena Knopp were married on July 23, 1940, with Vicena returning to work operating the switchboard immediately following the wedding, Kenneth received a salary of $75 a month and between he and Vicena the switchboard was operated 24 hours a day. After three months Julia Pryor was hired followed by a Mrs. Duffy. Local banks and individuals loaned Frank the money he needed to keep the company going. It was not unusual for Frank to mortgage the exchanges, equipment, links and even livestock as collateral. Frank sold one-half interest of the Ganado Telephone Company in 1944 to Roy and Gertrude Young. Two years later he sold his remaining one-half interest to Kenneth and Vicena. By 1948 a decision was made to dissolve the partnership. The value of the company was $50,000. The Young's became the owners of Ganado Telephone valued at $34,000 and the Greens, (Kenneth and Vicena became the owners of LaWard Telephone Company valued at $16,000. In May of that year the LaWard Telephone Company became an independent company. LaWard, Lolita, and Olivia-Port Alto were THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
all served throughout the LaWard Exchange with a total of 172 customers. In 1953 an exchange was established in Lolita. Over the years loans were made through General Dynamics (StrombergCarlsen) so equipment could be added and updated. Kenneth Green died from leukemia in July of 1958, which left his widow Vicena running the company. Vicena's brother-in-law, J.T. Maxwell, assisted her. Vicena was left with three young children to raise including Connie, Phillip and Larry. Larry, the oldest, born in 1942, worked after school and during the summers to help out his mom. The company faced almost total destruction when Hurricane Carla hit Texas in 1961. Very few poles were left standing and there was no service in the area. Larry came home from A&I Kingsville to help rebuild the company. With the help from other telephone companies, loans and a lot of faith, the company was saved. A new face joined the LaWard Telephone family when Larry married Sandra R. Schultz in 1962. Sandra immediately began working as an operator and helped with office operations as the company continued to grow. During the restoration period following Hurricane Carla, the dial office was moved to Port Alto and a new dial office was built in Lolita with XY Stromberg equipment installed. in LaWard the old ring down switchboard was replaced by a new limed oak common battery switchboard. Improvements and updated switchboards continued through the next several years including the first brick office in 1967. By 1977 the company had outgrown existing lines and renovations were being planned. Around this same time, one of Larry and Sandra's two daughters, Terri, showed an interest in the company. The Green family secured a loan from REA and construction of buried cable lines began in 1978. By the end of 1979 customers had direct distance dialing and switchboards and operators were no longer necessary. Today the LaWard Telephone Exchange, Inc. consists of the same three exchanges with 1,262 access lines
and nine employees. For 17 years following their 1962 marriage, Larry and Sandra Green, helped Larry's widowed mother, Vicena, operate the LaWard Telephone Exchange. After several years working outside the family venture following her high school graduation, our daughter Terri joined the company permanently in 1995. Larry officially took over management of LaWard Telephone in 1979. His mother retired in 1986 to her home located
in Ganado. She passed away in 2002. *(Partial information for this story was gathered from Hello Texas, A History of Telephony In The Lone Star State. There was a discrepancy in the histories about the date Ganado Telephone, of which LaWard Telephone was a part of, was purchased by Rector Washington and Oliver Dunlap. For information purposes we used the date listed in the LaWard Telephone history.)
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Jackson Co Youth Fair
Children and teens spend months getting ready for competition by raising animals, creating art, and preparing to be in pageants for this four-day event in early October. The Jackson County Youth Fair Association has been enabling youth to reach their full potential since 1949. The Family Department of the Fair allows Jackson County Residents to enter their artistic projects such as photography, crafts, drawings and paintings, baked goods, poetry, and more for judging and a chance at the coveted Best in Show. The livestock show allows students to raise poultry, swine, cattle, goats, and lambs, and compete with their peers for a place in the final sale, as well as receive feedback from expert judges. Raising a fair animal is lots more than buying a calf and keeping it alive. Hundreds of hours go into the project, from knowing how to select the right animal to finding the perfect mix of proper feeding, exercise, and grooming to make sure the animal shines at competition. So, take a ride on the ferris wheel, stroll through the animal holding area, browse some art, grab a burger or a sausage on a stick, and sit down for a show or a sale. There’s something for everyone at the local fair.
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THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Jackson County History
Local names sent out as scouts in 1840 raid
B y M il l ie D i az Editor/Publisher The following is printed in the Cavalcade of Jackson County, a book about early Jackson County history, about the Great Raid of 1840, by Comanche into white cities, such as Linnville. “The Indians made a raid on several villages from Gonzales to Linnville (now Port Lavaca). Many homes in Jackson County were sacked and burned. Livestock by the hundreds was driven off by the Indians. “After the sacking of Linnville, they moved east on the Texana road and camped on the Casa Blanca Creek, a small tributary of the Garcitas from the west. George Kerr was dispatched for recruits to Texana, but at a place called Kitchen’s Ranch on the west side of the Arenosa near the junction with
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
the Garcitas, he came upon Capt. Clark L. Owen of Texana with the forty men from Jackson county. “The Indians were between them and the other Texans. Captain Owen sent out three scouts who were as follows: Dr. Bell, who was chased and killed; nail, who escaped by the fleetness of his horse towards the Lavaca River, and the third man, John S. Menefee, who escaped under a “rootwad” of a tree with seven arrows piercing his body after a bloody combat with an Indian brave. He extracted and preserved the arrows until his death [in] 1884. Under the cover of darkness, he crawled to a ranch house where the Arenosa community is no located. “On August 7th, the citizens See Texas defenders on pg 26
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Rear Window dazzles and delights all year long
By Jessica Coleman Staff Writer Since 2010, The Rear Window Listening Room in Ganado has delighted music lovers who prefer a quieter, more intimate experience. Owner Clinton Tegeler opened the
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venue with his friend Alan Vajdos and the pair ran it together until Vajdos' death in 2017. Photos of all the artists who have taken the stage line the walls of the place, and black tablecloths cover tables and contribute to a classy
dinner and a show feel of the place. The Rear Window Listening Room isn't your typical honky tonk bar. Crowds are less rowdy at listening rooms, and the Rear Window requires artists to sing their own songs- No cover bands allowed. In addition to being a well-loved music venue, The Rear Window also serves as home to the Ganado Townhall Players, Jackson County's only community theatre organiza-
tion. Tegeler has helped build a diner, an entire Clue set, an old farmhouse, a wedding venue, and more, all in between concerts. 2022 is shaping up to be a busier year than 2021 and artists are already calling and emailing to book. Information about the Rear Window's schedule, both musical acts and stage productions can be found at their website rearwindowlisteningroom.com.
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Taste the Texana Chili Spill at BRC Sponsored by the Lavaca-Navidad River Auth t ority and th th t e Jackson County t Go-Te ty T xan Committ Te t ee, tt t e event includes a Ve th V terans Ceremony, Appreciation Dinner sponsored by HEB, and fi f rework r s rk display sponsored by What a ab at a urg r er. rg The cook-off ffs ff fs begin with the ever-popular Salsa and Margarita Comp m eti mp t ti ti t ons. Additi t onal events inti clude Chef’s Choice competition, Sausage competition, and the GoT xan Dutch Oven Dessert CookTe off f. ff Cookoff f comp ff m etitions mp usually start at 9:00 a.m. with the Bloody Mary competition fo f llowed by Beans, GoT xan Jackp Te k ot kp Chicken, Gumbo, GoT xan Jackp Te k ot kp Ribs, Chili, and Go-Texan
Brisket competitions, along with our KidsQue comp m etition. mp Also join th t em in th t e Wi W ne/Beer Garden as they spotlight local art rtists. One can grab a some ab acoustic ar f od and a dr fo d ink while listening to artists perfo f rm the classics along fo with their own music. Lavaca Bluff ffs ff fs Wi W nery r usually on-site sellry ing a wide variety of their tasty wines by th t e glass and bott t le. tt For registr t ation fo tr f rms and more info f rmation, visit the website fo www.texanachilispill.com. Also, join them at the Te T xana Mar ark ar rket fo f r a fu f ll-fu f n day of shopfu ping fr f om local vendors. Helicopter Rides, and a FREE Kids Zone is available with fu f n infl f atables, a fl craft f zone, fa ft f ce painting, nat atu at ture exhibits, and mu m ch more. If you would like to par art ar rticipat a e in at t e 21th th t Annual Te th T xana Chili Spill, please contact th t e LNRA Main Off ff ce at fi a 361-782-5229. For all th t ings Chili Spill, visit www.texanachilispill.com or fo f llow us on Facebook “Te T xana Chili Spill”. Te
Texana Raceway
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Whether it’s the roar and intensity t of Monster tr ty tru ruck rallies or the fa f st exhileration of dirt track racing, the Texana Raceway brings racing excitement to Jackson County. Located at 258 County Road 412, just south of Edna, the Te T xana Raceway is kn k own as “Yo Y ur Yo f vorite small town dirt fa r tr rt t ack’ but
it always puts on a big show. Many of the events include IMCA Modifi f eds, USRA Limfi ited Modifi f eds, USRA Factory fi Stocks, Street Stocks, Mod Lites and E-Mods. The Monster X To T ur also holds events at Te T xana Raceway much to the delight of thrilled audiences. 2022 VISITORS GUIDE
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Jackson County History
Texans fight to defend their ground in Linnville
From page 23
Governor Price Daniel visited Sugarland to dedicate a Little School of the 400. From left, W.H. Louviere, Imperial president, Gov. Daniel, Felix Tijerina, his son Felix Jr., and R.E. Bob Smith.
Little School of the 400
From page 20
were served as a result. Unfo f rtunately fo ly, ly y, there weren’t enough fu f nds to support the program, but Tij i erina became a ij member of the Hal a e-Aiken Comal mittee, a group refo f rming public fo school sy s stem. House Bill 51 passed in the spring of 1959 and resulted in a program called the Preschool Instructional Classes f r Non-English Speaking Chilfo dren that embodied the idea of
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the original a Little School. al Proj o ect Headstart was modeled oj aft f er the classes under the adft ministrat a ion of Ly at L ndon B. Johnson. “Felix Tij i erina's approach ij made Houston a fo f cal point of state and national attention on Mexican-American issues. Such periodicals as the Saturday a ay E ening Post and Ti Ev T me magazine f at fe a ured articles on Tij i erina and ij the plight of Lat a in American eduat cat a ion.” at
in the northern part of the county t were notifi ty f ed by fi b a courier of the great Indian raid. There were twenty t -two volunty teers fr f om Jackson County t who ty left f the house of Maj ft a or James aj Kerr on the Lavaca River. Lafa fay fa ayette Wa W rd was called to the command. “These men with those of Capt. Clark L. Owen and his men united with many n other ny T xans, surrounded the Indians Te at Plum Creek and here a desperate battle was fo f ught. The Indians lost every r thing. The dery f at was a surprise, complete fe and crushing. This battle broke the resistance of the Indians fo f r all time to come. The citizens of Jackson County t fo ty f ught brav a ely av l ly and did their part in helping to end the Indian raids which were instigated by b Mexicans fr f om
Mexico.” f rtunately fo ly, ly y, what may a ay Unfo have been a biased account in the Cavalcade is left f to the ft reader to decipher and decide on their own. Linnville soon became a ghost town aft f erwards. Later, ft r what r, was Linnville became Port Lav a aca. av The Great Raid of 1840 is the largest ever raid mounted by b Native Americans, and happened less than fi f ve months aft f er the breakdown of negotiaft tions with the Comanches and off ffi ff ficials at the Council House Fight on March 19 of that same year. Over 1,000 Comanches, with Mexican assistance, started fi f rst in Vi V ctoria. But the town was too well-defe f nded, so the Native fe Americans moved south, camping outside Linnville.
THE TH HE JA J CK CKS KSON O CO C UN UNT NTY TY HE HER ERA RALD L -TR TRI TR RIB IBUN UNE NE
Jackson County History
Learn how Lafitte brothers became spies
By Millie Diaz Editor/Publisher If you’ve had a sip or two at Lavaca Bluffs and taken a look outside, you might know this mystery. Some of Jackson County’s fun is separating legend from fact, and pirate Jean Lafitte is one of those stories. His ship, The Pride, peeks out of the Lavaca River on Highway 616 when the water is low enough. Legend says treasure is still buried inside. One can see the ship poking out while drinking at the local winery. Lafitte’s brother, Pierre, smuggled goods into Louisiana after the Embargo Act of 1807, and Lafitte decided to operate a warehouse to disperse the goods. By 1810 most considered the operation quite successful, causing the brothers to begin engaging in piracy. The duo soon
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
became spies for the Spanish during the Mexican War. Jean moved to Galveston and reported to New Orleans by ship, The Pride. The brothers developed a pirate colony called Campeche, and the two were known as a unit: Number thirteen. In less than a year their colony grew to nearly 200 men and some women, and Jean began to conduct the majority of his business from The Pride. Legend has it that Jean created letters from an imaginary nation to “authorize” the ships sailing from Galveston as armed government ships, known as privateers. Legend also has it that Jean hid numerous treasures (such as silver bars and jewels) in multiple places, and one of the spots may be sunk into The Pride at the bottom of the Lavaca River. Other possible spots for treasure: $20,000,000 on Caillou Is-
land; The Isle of Pines, where already two cannons have been found with jewels and gold hidden inside; Honey Island; Kelso's Island; Barataria Bay; Pecan Island; Grande-Terre; Avoyelles Parish; Last Island; and Ruston, Louisiana, an island in Lake Bourne. According to tejastejano.com The Lavaca River rises in the
northeastern corner of Gonales County and flows for 115 miles, crossing Lavaca and Jackson counties, to its mouth on Lavaca Bay in northern Calhoun County. René Robert Cavelier named the river Rivière de Les Veches, or Cow River, because of the buffalo in the area. The Spanish translated the name to Lavaca.
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ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC 108 S. Sixth St., Ganado 361-771-3425
Jackson County Churches
BAPTIST TEMPLE 1001 N. Wells, Edna 361-782-2990
SCRUGGS CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST 313 N. Carver, Edna 361-782-2135
CARANCAHUA CHAPEL Carancahua, Texas 979-532-8478 CHURCH OF CHRIST 77 CR 449 Francitas, TX 77961
CHURCH OF CHRIST Garcitas Street, Vanderbilt 361-284-3546
FIRST PENTECOSTAL Apollo Drive (FM 1822), Edna 361-782-2052
CROSSROADS COUNTRY COWBOY CHURCH 3343 Old Highway Rd., Inez 210-827-4513
FIRST UNITED METHODIST Twin Oaks Drive, Ganado 361-771-3750
CHRISTIAN LIVING CHURCH 123 S. Third, Ganado
EDNA PRESBYTERIAN 502 Apollo Drive, Edna 361-782-3108
EMMANUEL LUTHERAN Church & Kolle Streets, Inez 361-782-3646
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD Cypress & Ed Linn, Edna 361-782-3394 FIRST BAPTIST 309 S. Cottonwood, Edna 361-782-2470
FIRST BAPTIST 400 Buechman Road, Ganado 361-771-2403 FIRST BAPTIST 230 FM 444 South, Inez 361-782-6093
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Lolita 361-874-4151
FIRST BAPTIST MISSION 411 N. Pumphrey, Edna 361-782-3040
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ROBISON ST CHURCH OF CHRIST 301 Robison St., Edna 361-782-2844; 361-782-5506
FIRST UNITED METHODIST 216 W. Main, Edna 361-782-3561
FRANCITAS BAPTIST Francitas, Texas 361-872-2127
GANADO CHURCH OF CHRIST Corner Gayle & Sutherland, Ganado 361-771-2984
LA WARD UNITED PENTECOSTAL 52 La Ward Street, La Ward 361-872-2254
LIFE WAY BAPTIST CHURCH 107 Brazos, Edna 361-781-0598
LIVING WATER BAPTIST CHURCH 501 N. Third, Ganado 361-771-2263
LOLITA UNITED METHODIST College Street, Lolita 361-987-2812 MORALES BAPTIST Hwy. 111 North, Edna 361-979-481-3203
GRACE FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST 128 CR 119, Edna 361-236-2727 placeofgracetx@gmail.com
MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST 7 mi. Hwy. 111 N. on CR 287, Edna 361-781-0855
IGLESIA DEL ALTISIMO UPCI 111 S. Bryan, Edna 361-782-5315
NEW LIFE CATHEDRAL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD 301 W. Church, Edna
GRACE TABERNACLE 102 Brown St., Edna 361-782-9041
IGLESIA NUEVA JERUSALEM 1201 Chase St., Edna 832-877-4195 JACKSON COUNTY MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE 361-782-3561
LA WARD BAPTIST West Hwy. 172 South, La Ward
SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST 604 Martin Luther King St., Edna 361-782-3137 SOUL’S HARBOR BAPTIST Hwy. 172 South, Ganado 361-771-2271
ST. AGNES CATHOLIC 506 N. Allen, Edna 361-782-3588
ST. JAMES LUTHERAN 900 S. Third (Hwy. 172) Ganado 361-771-2461
ST. JOHN BOSCO CATHOLIC Vanderbilt 361-284-3361; 361-284-3737
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN 108 E. Gayle, Edna 361-782-3037
ST. THERESA MISSION LaSalle, Texas 361-284-3361; 361-284-3737
NEW HARVEST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1016 S. East Street, Edna
THE RANCH COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH (Red Brick Building behind KC Hall) 822 Navidad Rd Edna, TX 77957 682-465-8658
PROSPERITY BAPTIST Oberg Street, Ganado 361-771-3620
TRINITY FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF EDNA 514 Dugger St., Edna 210-287-4335
PURE LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6342 FM 616 Vanderbilt 361-235-1529
REDEEMER LUTHERAN 504 Dugger Street, Edna 361-782-3793
TRINITY EPISCOPAL 102 W. Church, Edna
VANDERBILT BAPTIST 304 S. Victoria, Vanderbilt 361-284-3659
WORLD OUTREACH BIBLE CHURCH 1014 S. Wells (Hwy 111 S), Edna THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Jackson County is home to three public school districts and one private school. Edna Independent School District, Ganado ISD, Industrial ISD and the Edna Christian Academy provide a quality eduction to the county’s students.
EDNA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Established in August 2000, Edna Christian Academy is led by the pastor of the First Pentecostal Church, Rev. Darrell Clark. Each student is taught oneon-one and works at their own pace. Students are diagnostically taught at their learning level and have to maintain an academic balance to be eligible for privileges or honor roll. Edna Christian Academy teaches K- 12. The curriculum and office arrangement permits a consistent one-on-one student/teacher ratio in a comfortable Christian atmosphere. Admin 807 Apollo Drive Edna, TX 77957 361-782-2052 www.ednachristianacademy.org.
Schools in Jackson County County. EISD is comprised of four campuses serving approximately 1,600 students. The male/female ratio is about 5 0 / 5 0 with 63 percent economically disadvantage, 14 percent African American, 37 percent white, and 46 percent Hispanic. Approximately 10 percent of the Edna student population are English Language Learners. The Cowboys and Cowgirls are a source of pride for the community and their success continues to build as the expectation level increases. It is a great phenomenon to watch the Cowboy Family come together to support our kids as they compete in their chosen field of endeavor. The Edna ISD board of trustees are Patrick Brzozowski, president; Brandon Peters, vice president; Brandon Curlee, secretary; Terry Miller, assistant secretary; William Alex, Toby Ressman and Donnie Mac Long. Superintendent Robert O’Connor
High School Principal Scott Kana
Junior High Principal Melissa Koop EDNA ISD Home of the ‘Cowboys,’ Edna ISD is a rural 3A dis- Elementary trict in the heart of Jackson Principal Katie Bowen THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Alternative School Principal Sonya Proper Admin Office 601 N. Wells Edna, TX 77957 361-782-3573 www.ednaisd.org
INDUSTRIAL ISD The Industrial school district is located in the heart of Region III along the Gulf Coast of Texas in the southern part of J a c k s o n C o u n t y Texas. A 3A school who won the State Championship in volleyball in 2019, the ‘Cobras’ football team also advanced four rounds deep in 2021. The district’s enrollment at all four campuses is approximately 1,204 as of December 2020. School board trustees are Dale Allen, president; Clay Van Pelt, vice president; Jason Hayden, secretary; Charlie Grymes, Sara Perry and Evan Anders.
GANADO ISD Ganado ISD is located in the northern part of Jackson County 37 miles northeast of Victoria and approximately 90 miles southwest of Houston. The ‘Indians’ campuses serve a total enrollment of 741 students (349 in Elementary, 172 Junior High; and 220 High School). School board trustees are Clay Green, president; Chris Hajovsky, vice president; Billy Benavides, sec- Superintendent retary; Jaime Bures, Brian Clark Motley Peters, Nick Strauss and High School Susanne Pape. Principal Heather Nairn Superintendent Junior High Erin Fasel Principal Kim Schaefer Secondary School Elementary East Principal Katherine EdPrincipal Lisa Baughman wards Elementary Principal Jennifer Stephenson Admin Office 210 South 6th Street Ganado, TX 77962 361-771-4200 www.ganadoisd.org
Elementary West Principal Stacey Bain
Admin Office 167 Fifth Street P.O. Box 369 Vanderbilt, TX 77991 361-284-3226 www.industrialisd.org
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Jackson County Texas
Jackson County at a glance
Data from the Texas Almanac Population 14,739 Area (sq. mi.) 856.9 Altitude sea level 155 Rainfall (in.) 43.25 Jan. mean min. 42.0 July mean max. 94.0 Civilian labor 7,439 Unemployed % 4.6 Wages $54,536,655 Per Capita income $37,136 Prop. Value $2,459,407,498 Retail Sales $200,346,091
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THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
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Animal resources in Jackson County
*Wildlife* Please note than many wildlife rescue volunteers are species/family specific and must have a permit/sub-permit for the animal in question in order to legally obtain the animal. Birds are both federally and state protected and therefore require permitting/sub-permitting from both TPWD and USFW. Rehabbers may ask/require that you transport the animal to them if legally allowed (Transport of rabies vector species like skunks and raccoons is only permitted by permitted/subpermitted volunteers). JACKSON COUNTY Jessica Coleman, Edna, 361-
235-0486: Birds, including raptors/aquatic birds), mammals (no deer), reptiles. Katie Kidney, Edna/Ganado area 361-554-3004: Small mammals (no deer), exotics, cats, birds (incl. raptors/aquatic birds), reptiles.
MATAGORDA COUNTY Susan Dancer, Blessing, 979479-0627: mammals (including deer), no birds. Cherie Allen, Bay City, 979244-6710: Birds (including raptors/aquatic birds), small mammals (no deer)
2231, mammals (including deer), no birds. Laura Janak, Hillje, 979-8490184, (Specify Wharton or Jackson Co). Mammals (no birds)
LAVACA COUNTY Nay Fojtik, Yoakum/Hope area, 361-781-2577. Mammals (including deer) (no birds).
VICTORIA COUNTY Toya Stone, Victoria,( Facebook Message preferred); Birds (including raptors/aquatic birds), small mammals (no deer). *Pet Animals* JACKSON COUNTY Edna Animal Control, 361-782-
5271; dogs, other animal questions/complaints. Happy Tails Animal Shelter, 361-782-8417; dogs, cats Lumpy Lizard Rescue, Edna 361-235-0486; reptiles, exotic and small animals, poultry no roosters) Katie Kidney, Edna/Ganado area, 361-554-3004; cats, small animals, exotics.
VICTORIA COUNTY Adopt a Pet, Victoria, 361-5757387; dogs and cats; Dorothy H. O'Connor, 361-5758573; dogs and cats Acres of Animals, Mission Valley, 361-573-4002 Shelter Pets of Victoria, Victoria, 361-571-6298; dogs
Jackson County
WHARTON COUNTY Kacie McKelvey, 979-332-
There’s No Place Like Home
Jackson County Retired School Personnel 361-782-1005
Eleanor Brackenridge Literary Club 303 W. Elm, Edna 361-782-6487 Edna Education Foundation 601 N. Wells, Edna 361-782-3573 Rotary Club of Edna P.O. Box 583, Edna
Rotary Club of Ganado P.O. Box 19, Ganado 361-771-5308 Jackson County Historical Commission 361-782-1805
Jackson County Law Enforcement Association P.O. Box 671, Edna 361-782-3541
Jackson County Master Gardeners 411 N. Wells, Edna 361-782-3312 Edna Lions Club P.O. Box 19, Edna
Texana Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic, Edna 979-241-8722 Friends of the Library 361-235-2259
Volunteer Organization Active in Disaster P.O. Box 206, Edna, jackson.co.voad@gmail.com THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
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Children’s Park Children's Park has a variety of playground equipment, handicapped swings, walking trail, and picnic area. If you are utilizing the walking trail, here is a helpful tip: Walking six times around the track equals one mile. Features: • ADA Accessible • Parking • Picnic Areas • Playground • Walking Track
Martin Luther King Park One of the city’s newest park, Martin Luther King Park includes playground equipment, a walking trail, and covered picnic area. The walking trail is a great source of exercise! Here's some important information: Walking one time around the park on the trail equals 1/2 mile. Features: •ADA Accessible • Grill • Parking • Pavilion • Picnic Areas • Picnic Tables • Playground • Walking Track
Shelby Park Shelby Park is the home to the Edna Cowboys Baseball Team, the Edna Cowgirls Softball Team, the Edna Little League Baseball and Softball Teams, and the Edna Youth Football Association. Shelby Park includes a walking trail and city pool. The distance around the walking trail is 440 yards which is a quarter of a mile. Also at Shelby Park is Shelby Hall which is utilized by non-profit organizations and individuals for a nominal fee. Shelby Hall seats 125 people includes a refrigerator, microwave and stove. To reserve the Shelby Hall contact City Hall 361-782-3122.
Features: • ADA Accessible • Baseball / Softball Diamond • Parking • Pool • Swimming Pool
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• Baseball / Softball • Football Field • Playground • Restrooms • Trails
You can pick up a Jackson County Herald-Tribune at the following locations: Edna: Stripes, 7-11, HEB, Texana Food Mart, Handi-Quick, Hwy 111 Shell, Conner’s, Whataburger, JCHT office. Ganado: Brookshire Bros., B & B, Cast Iron, Estella’s, Pump & Munch, J & J Lolita: Circle R, James Station Louise: Shortstop Inez: Smitty’s Shell station Vanderbilt: Cobra Corner You can also call 361-782-3547 or stop in the office at 306 N. Wells St. in Edna, to purchase a subscription. 2022 VISITORS GUIDE
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Newcomer Contact Information Electricity: AEP: 877-373-4858 Jackson Electric Cooperative: 361-771-4100 Telephone ATT: 1-800-222-0900 YK Communications: 361-771-3331 or 1-888-3951499 La Ward Telephone: 361-872-2211 Natural Gas: Centerpoint Energy: 1-800-427-7142 Propane Gas: Jackson Electric Cooperative, Inc.: 361-771-4400 Water: City of Edna: 361-782-3401 City of Ganado: 361-771-2997 City of La Ward: 361-872-2351 Jackson County Water District #1, Lolita: 361-874-4369 Jackson County Water District #2, Vanderbilt: 361-284-3572
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Important Numbers Edna City Administration 361-782-3122 Code Enforcement 361-782-3122 Municipal Court 361-782-8880 Parks & Recreation 361-782-6512 Police Department 361-782-5271 Public Works Dept. 361-782-3122 Streets 361-782-6512 Water & Wastewater 361-782-2800 Utility Billing 361-782-3122
Ganado City Administration 361-771-2232 #1 Water & Wastewater #2 City Secretary #3 Municipal Court #4 Police Department #5 Public Works Dept. Code Enforcement 361-771-2232 Parks & Recreation 361-771-2232 Streets 361-771-2232 Utility Billing 361-771-2232
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boating and fishing at Lake Texana
Whether it’s for fishing, watersports or just a leisurely day on the lake, Jackson Count offers 11 points of access to boaters, maintained by the Lavaca Navidad River Authority year-round. These public boat ramps can be found throughout the county, all offering possibilities for sportsman and recreational enthusiasts alike. For visitors’ convenience, two boat ramps are located in Brackenridge Recreation Complex. Lake Texana is the largest body of water in the county, covers 10,000 acres, and is surrounded by 125 miles of shoreline. A reservoir formed as a result of the creation of the Palmetto Bend Dam, the lake has become a thriving habitat for species of fish, waterfowl, alligators and other wildlife. From Ganado and stretching south to State Highway 3131, the lake is the standout geographical feature of the region.
List of boat ramps
Boat Ramp 1: Located off Simons Road (CR 417) Boat Ramp 2: Located off FM 1593 and Hwy 111 S. Boat Ramp 3: Located off of Hwy 59 S (Ganado side) Boat Ramp 4: Located off of Hwy 59 N (Edna side) Boat Ramp 5: Located off of Hwy 172 outside of Ganado Boat Ramp 6: Located off of FM 2982 inside the Mustang Creek Wilderness area Boat Ramp 7: Located inside Brackenridge Park and Campground, by the gazebo Boat Ramp 8: Located off CR 237 off of Hwy 172 S Boat Ramp 9: Closed Boat Ramp 10: Located off Hwy 1157 outside of Ganado Boat Ramp11: Located inside Texana Park and Campground, in the day-use area
* Boat ramps may be closed from time to time for maintenance or inaccessibility. It is recommended that boaters visit http://www.lnra.org/recreation/boat-rampinformation for up-to-date information on any ramp closures before your visit.
Enjoy your day on the lake! 36
2022 VISITORS GUIDE
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
BRC 2022 Main Event Center calendar
Please be advised, this schedule is subject to change at any time.
January
Wednesday, Jan. 12 Kick-NKiss barrel race Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 15 and 16 Region 7 High School Rodeo Association and Texas Junior High Rodeo Association Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 22 and 23 Gulf Coast Barrel Race Association Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Jan. 28 - 30 South Texas Longhorn Association - Winter Festival Show
February
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 5 and 6 Regional 7 - Texas Junior High and High School Rodeo Association Wednesday, Jan. 9 Kiss-NKick Barrel Race Saturday and Sunday, Feb.19 and 20 Region 7 - Texas Junior High and High School Rodeo Association Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25 and 26 Kiss-N-Kick Barrel Race
March
Saturday, Mar. 5 Lassoing Loving Care for Hospice of South Texas Friday and Saturday, Mar. 25 and 26 Red, White, and Bulls
April
Wednesday, Apr. 6 Kiss-NKick Barrel Race-Two Dumb Blonde Productions Thursday, Apr. 21 Ag-Day Saturday and Sunday, Apr.23 and 24 TYRA Region 6 Rodeo Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 29 - 31 Go Fast Races Barrel Race
May
THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8 TYRA Chute and Barrel Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 13 - 15 YRA Benefit Rodeo Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 27 - 29 Go Fast Races Barrel Race
Tuesday, May 31, to Thursday, June 2 District 11 4-H show
June
Saturday, June 4 Kiss N Kick Barrel Race Wednesday - Saturday, June 15 - 18 YRA Finals Wednesday, June 29 Kiss-NKick
July
Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24 Gulf Coast Barrel Race Association
August
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 5-7 Go Fast Barrel Races Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 26 - 28 Go Fast Barrel Races
September
Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11 Region 7 Rodeo THSRA/TJHSRA Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18 - YRA Benefit Rodeo Wednesday, Sept. 21 Kiss-NKick
October
Monday - Saturday, Oct. 3 - 8 Jackson County Youth Fair Saturday, Oct. 15 South Texas Classic Bustin' and Ladies Breakaway Saturday, Oct. 22 Gulf Coast Barrel Race Association-Finals Saturday, Oct. 29 Spooktacular
November
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6 Region 7 THSRA/TJHSRA Thursday, Nov. 10 Veteran's Day Appreciation Dinner Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 Annual Chili Spill Wednesday, Nov. 16 Kiss-NKick Barrel Race Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19 API Invitational Team Roping
December
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 Kiss-N-Kick NFR Classic Barrel Race 2022 VISITORS GUIDE
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Where to rest your laurels in Jackson County Campgrounds
Besos Ranch RV R Park, 539 FM 822, Edna, 361-781-0888
Brackenridge Park, 891 Brackenridge Parkway, y y, Edna, 361-782-5456 Cinch RV R Park, 304 W. W Yo Y rk St., Ganado, 361-771-3401
Cordele RV R Park, 107 E. Cordele St., Edna, 361-782-1637 Country r Living RV ry R Park, Lolita, 361-308-0868
Cozy Camp RV R Park, 546 CR 405, Edna, 361-676-3303 D&L’s RV R Park, 6840 FM 710, Ganado 361-771-8702 Fivecoats RV R Park, 87 FM 234, Edna, 361-782-5109
Flag City RV R & Mobile Home Vi V llage, 700 Elm St., Edna, 713-202-8069
T xana Park, 46 Park Rd., Edna, Te 361-782-5718
T easure Gardens RV Tr R Park, Cordele Rd., Edna, 361-782-8844
T in Lakes RV Tw R Park, 397 PR 3190, Edna, 361-782-1431
Hotels
America’s Best Va V lue, 1006 E. Houston Hwy., Edna, 361-782-5276
Best We W stern r , 310 E. Houston Hwy., Edna, rn 361-781-0500 Budget Inn and Suites, 203 W. W Yo Y rk St., Ganado, 361-771-3600
Edna Star Laundry r and Motel, 805 W. ry W Main St., Edna, 361-235-4211 Jackson Inn, 1131 Hwy 59 S., Edna, 361-782-0808 T xana Inn, 925 W. Te W Main St., Edna, 361-782-3502
FM 710 RV R Park, Ganado, 361-771-8702
Harv’s Paradise RV R Oasis on the River, 2165 CR 457, La Wa W rd, 979-422-7851 Highway 59 RV R Park, 211 Mauritz Av A e., Ganado, 361-221-2160 Mustang RV R Park, Ganado, 361-771-3106
Oak Tr T ee RV R Park, Ganado, 361-771-8794
Shady Oaks RV R Park, 4474 Hwy. 59, Ganado, 361-782-7450 38
2022 VISITORS GUIDE
Subscribe to the Jackson County Herald-Tribune, $40 in-county, $45 out-of-county, or $50 out-of-state for a year. THE TH HE JA J CK CKS KSON O CO C UN UNT NTY TY HE HER ERA RALD L -TR TRI TR RIB IBUN UNE NE
Jackson County History Jackson County, on U.S. Highway 59 in the Coastal Prairies region southwest of Houston, borders both Lavaca Bay and Carancahua Bay and is bounded by Calhoun, Victoria, Lavaca, Colorado, Wharton, and Matagorda counties. Edna, the county’s largest town, is the county seat. Jackson County is one of the original counties of Texas and was formed in 1836 from the old Mexican municipality of Jackson. Both the municipality and the county were named after President Andrew Jackson and were settled predominantly by American colonists. Jackson County comprises 844 square miles. Karankawa Indians were the earliest occupants of the future county. In 1528 Europeans made the first contact with Texas Indians when remnants of Pánfilo de Narváez's calamitous expedition washed ashore on an island they named Malhado. In 1684 René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, explored the area and established a settlement called Fort St. Louis, which some claim was in the future Jackson County. Six of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred families settled in the future county. The year 1835 brought turbulent changes to the Alabama Settlement. On July 17, 1835, area settlers met for the Lavaca-Navidad Meeting, where they adopted resolutions protesting the actions of the Mexican government. On December 5, 1835, as American colonists and their Federalist Tejano allies fought to capture San Antonio de Béxar, the provisional government of Texas established Jackson Municipality. With the surrender and departure of Centralist forces in Bexar, citizens of Jackson Municipality mistakenly anticipated that 1836 would herald the beginning of a new prosperity. Texana was the port of entry and training camp for many volunteers from the United States in the Texas Revolution. Antonio López de Santa Anna was on the march at the head of a large army and had soon defeated the rebel garrisons at the Alamo and Goliad. One Jackson County man, William Sutherland, fell at the Alamo. News of the dual debacles and the advance of the Mexican THE JACKSON COUNTY HERALD-TRIBUNE
army caused most citizens of Jackson Municipality to flee as part of the Runaway Scrape. During early statehood Texana emerged as the county's chief town. As early as 1840 a weekly steamboat ran from Texana to the pass of Matagorda Bay. The population of the county, however, remained relatively small. Although Jackson County was spared a great deal of the violence that much of Texas suffered during Reconstruction, the county nonetheless suffered an extended period of lawlessness. Violence and crime became widespread, and law-abiding travelers soon learned to avoid the lightly settled range country. The town of Morales served as a haven for fugitive criminals from surrounding counties and was the site of more killings than any other settlement in the county. The notorious Dalton Gang reportedly took refuge in a Morales hideout while eluding a posse. By the mid-1870s, however, order had been largely restored. During the 1870s the economy began to recover slowly. With the construction of the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway in the early 1880s the county became an important shipping point for cattle. In 1881 Count Joseph Telfener, representing the railroad, approached the businessmen of Texana for a $30,000 bonus to construct the line through their town. The citizens declined, thinking that a railroad would be detrimental to the existing shipping trade. Telfener therefore selected another route and named one of the main stations on it Edna, after his daughter. A settlement developed around the station, and soon Edna grew into a town. Meanwhile, large numbers of Texana residents moved to Edna; in January 1883 county voters chose by a margin of 272 to 17 to make Edna the county seat. Within two years Texana had become a virtual ghost town. The coming of the railroad brought new growth to Jackson County. Like Edna, Ganado, the county's second largest town, also grew up on the New York, Texas and Mexican. Railways also brought an influx of Scandinavians from northern states. The decade of the 1920s was a prosperous period in Jackson
County's history, as farmers enjoyed high commodity prices, easy credit, and relative financial stability. The period also witnessed civic improvements. Roads were paved and straightened, new bridges were built, utilities were introduced and expanded in the towns. The first schools in the county began operating before the Civil War. In the early 1980s J a c k s o n County had three school districts, with seven elementary, two middle, and three high schools. The first church in the county, the T e x a n a Methodist
Church, was organized in 1838. (Courtesy of the Texas State Historical Commission’s Handbook of Texas)
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