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I own the Howe Mercantile in three of Howe’s historic downtown buildings I live in Denton AND in Howe l read with great interest a recent column that Monte Walker wrote for the Howe Enterprise defining the difference between small towns that experience Growth rather than Wealth I have been involved for the last 35 years in building and supporting downtowns, both as an observer of this phenomenon as the director of museums in Denton County and downtown Denton and as a property owner in downtown Denton and in Howe The movement is well established that downtowns should retain their original facades and be cautious of having the right balance of entertainment and businesses that draw customers Denton struggled with that for many years as old buildings were covered up with metal sheaths and modernized and bars and restaurants filled the majority of its buildings on its path to Growing into a large city Howe, on the other hand, is doing it right with the 9 historic buildings that remain in downtown to promote Wealth in the community
Four years ago, I came to Howe wanting to restore my buildings, have a viable business where I could enhance the old downtown area, and be a part of a small community again I grew up in a town of 2,000 population and am still a small-town girl at heart (even after having lived in Dallas and Denton) But I have big ideas, and an excitement that is hard to contain sometimes, about how wonderful Howe IS and can be if it "grows" correctly As Monte pointed out in his article, differentiating between Growth and Wealth is the key factor
I have the advantage, as does Monte in his job, of seeing folks come in the Howe Mercantile who have moved to Howe out of Frisco, Celina, Anna, Melissa, and even Van Alstyne because of the
Negative Growth Those Cities Are Experiencing
I am all for growth along US75, but I want to see "wealth" in our downtown The wealth of a happy shopping experience; great places to eat "home cookin'"; friendly, welcoming people; downtown events that harken back to the 1950s that I knew as a child; good, clean, healthy places for children to thrive in; a great educational system; small town sports activities; parks and other recreational playgrounds
Yes, we can enjoy the good things that the current century provides (the internet and technological advancements), but we can also maintain an atmosphere of "countrylife" that nurtures healthy, happy children
Howe was fortunate to have Jack Leavenworth who led the way in its downtown revitalization with space for two terrific restaurants Abby’s and Gabriela’s And how fortunate Howe is to have Monte Walker as Economic Development Director. Monte could go off to a bigger city and use his talents to increase his personal wealth But the quality of life for his boys, the "knowing everyone" factor, and working as ED director for a town that has potentially so much going for it, both politically and economically (not to mention owning an awardwinning newspaper) is what keeps him in Howe
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful community I look forward to being a part of the Howe of the future--a community of wealth - Gerogia Caraway
Editor's response
Thanks for sending this We love to publish Letters to the editor You're probably giving that ED and news guy too much credit though Thanks for being such a great new member of the Howeciety
Howe's Finest Christmas Recipe's MRS. CHISUM'S NO WEEP MERINGUE
Cook 3 tsps sugar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water, stirring constantly until clear Cool Beat 3 egg whites, 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/8 tsp salt until soft peaks form Add sugar-cornstarch mixture and beat until meringue stands in stiff peaks Add to top of any cream pie and bake until meringue is light brown
JEAN NORMAN'S ITALIAN CREAM CAKE
1 stick butter, 1/2 cup shortening, 2 cups sugar, 5 egg yolks, 5 beaten egg whites, 2 cups flour, 1 tsp soda, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup Angel Flake coconut
Cream well butter, shortening, and sugar Add 5 egg yolks, one at a time Sift together flour and soda Add flour mixture, alternately to creamed mixture with buttermilk Fold in coconut Fold in beaten egg whites Pour into 3-9 inch cake pans which have been greased and floured Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes
ICING: 1 stick butter, 1-8 oz pkg cream cheese, 1 box powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup chopped nuts Cream butter and cheese Add sugar, vanilla, and nuts and mix well.
This cake has raised $1,750 in two Howe auctions recently
