February 2023 County Line Magazine

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

P.A. Geddie

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lisa Tang

CONTRIBUTORS

Lauren Wacaser

Katie Rose Watson

Rachel Gross

Julie Parker

Dave Nelms

Tom Geddie

Margaret Ruff

Ernest C. Withers

ADVERTISING

pa.geddie@countylinemagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

www.countylinemagazine.com/subscribe

County Line Magazine eEdition is published every other month, 6 times a year in digital format. 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) 312-9556. 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) 312-9556. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem incompatible with our mission.

Dear Readers,

Whether it’s historic architecture, art, live music, or a great recipe, we think everyone will find a story to love in this issue.

For February we feature two hidden gems in the region. Oaklea Mansion in Winnsboro beckons visitors to fall in love with history inside its stately rooms appointed with authentic antique furniture and beautiful views. Writing about Hampton Jewelry in Sulphur Springs, Julie Parker tells the story of a family business that both styles fine jewelry and encourages rock hounds to find new treasures.

Our Lifestyle & Entertainment section features a variety of events — from a lecture by a noted historian and performances by two leading comedians — to a live comedy in Mineola and Mardi Gras in Jefferson. We also feature 20th anniversary events related to the Columbia Space Shuttle explosion and recovery efforts by Hemphill residents two decades ago.

Many art exhibits around the region are worthy of admiration. The Star Harbor

Watercolor Society holds an exhibit titled For the Love of Art Show. Longview Museum of Fine Arts features the art of Bob Snead in Buffalo Soldiers Revisited: History on Canvas.

Texarkana’s Regional Arts & Humanities Council features the photography of Ernest C. Withers in an exhibit titled Good Night, My Love, which features historic and everyday moments among the Black Americans during the Civil Rights era.

P.A. Geddie discusses books, social media sites, and recent films that arouse interest in history and connect us with the past.

Our Food + Drink section features a Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe from the Rose Table, a Greek Salad recipe from Lauren Wacaser, and an article about free recipe demonstrations.

If we do help you find something in the region you love — or at least really like — send an email to info@countylinemagazine.com and let us know what you think.

Tang

SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

• Get notified via email each time a new issue is released (6 times per year).

• Allows for flipping the pages

• PDF downloads available for entire issue or individual articles.

• Share the entire issue or individual articles on social media or via email.

• Includes live links to explore more on topics of interest.

• Watch video right on the pages.

• Read from desktop, tablet, or mobile phone.

• Unlimited access to issue archives.

• Some audio articles available.

www.countylinemagazine.com

Lisa

Oklea Mansion

Fall in Love With History in Winnsboro

By Lisa Tang

Oklea Mansion Bed and Breakfast offers a unique historic experience near downtown Winnsboro that is both elegant and luxurious. The grand historic home was built by Marcus Dewitt Carlock Sr. in 1903 for the purpose of entertaining guests. Serving as the Carlock family home for almost a century, it became known as the Carlock House.

Former history teacher Norma Wilkinson bought the house from the Carlock family and ran it as a bed and breakfast from 1996 to 2013. She also wrote a book on its history. The name Oklea is a combination of Wilkinson’s middle name Leah and the oak trees in front.

The current owner is Casie Buck. At 31, Buck infuses youthful energy into the stately former home, while ensuring its continuity and posterity.

Buck grew up in Longview where she participated in the Junior League and later started a therapy dog business known as Silver Paws. After her grandfather’s death, Buck and her brother started a hay farm on their grandfather’s former property just outside Winnsboro. From that adventure Buck had more opportunities to explore Winnsboro and was particularly fascinated with Oaklea Mansion.

Having heard about the house from her great grandmother, Buck jumped at an

opportunity to tour the grand house and meet Wilkinson in 2019. She was pleasantly surprised to learn she was distantly related to Wilkinson when they met.

“I had always wanted to see inside and finally got to go inside and just fell in love with the house, the story, the pieces, how it connects to the town; how it connects to history; and everything,” Buck says. “It was just like one of those ‘wow’ moments.”

Above: Gourmet breakfasts made from local produce are served in Oaklea Mansion’s dining room. Right: A koi pond is one of many attractions on Oaklea’s twoacre property. Photos by Dave Nelms

During the visit Wilkinson mentioned she was looking for “the next purchaser of the house.”

At first Buck thought little of it but soon she was running numbers and thinking about becoming the mansion’s next proprietor.

“The next visit I came back and I said, ‘Norma, what about me?’ And it kind of just went from there.”

Buck purchased the property in 2021 and reopened the bed and breakfast in January 2022. After a year of steady bookings, Buck is expanding revenue streams for Oklea Mansion by opening the venue space to event rentals such as weddings, birthday parties, tea parties, and corporate events.

Guests are fascinated with the mansion’s features and fall in love with its manicured gardens. The building’s exterior bears a neoclassical design with late Victorian massing while the interior features exquisite workmanship and antique furnishings. Visitors also enjoy views of the koi pond and scenic grounds through panoramic windows and balconies.

Due to the mansion’s excellent condition and architectural and historical significance it earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places and bears a plaque from the Texas Historical Commission. Guests also appreciate the mansion’s location within walking distance of downtown Winnsboro. Many enjoy activities like shopping, dining, art exhibits, a history museum, and live performances.

Each suite offers unique character. The Grand Suite features a king-sized antique brass bed with a spacious private jacuzzi and vanity and a connected balcony.

The English Oak Suite features an antique oak bedroom set, a connected bathroom with a claw-foot tub, and a beautiful dove stained glass window that overlooks the north grounds of the property.

The Eastlake Suite features a Victorianstyle Eastlake bed with beautiful carving and a matching bedroom set, a sitting

area with an Eastlake settee and chairs, and a connected bathroom with a clawfoot tub and shower.

The Victorian Suite features a Victorian bed, a Victorian Eastlake settee, and antique Victorian chair. It also has a connected en-suite with a 1914 clawfoot tub and a stand-alone shower and a private back stairway entrance.

The Little Cathedral Suite is the smallest room but also contains an adjoining bathroom with a clawfoot tub. It also offers a circle window that overlooks the front drive and is perfect for a couples’ weekend.

The French Suite features a stained glass window, two antique Louis XV twin-

sized beds, and antique table and chairs. This suite is perfect for a friends’ getaway.

Modern amenities include free wifi and televisions. Guests can also enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the elegant dining room.

Buck frequently purchases from the local farmers market for fresh produce and prepares farm-to-table fare.

The mansion stays connected with its surrounding community by hosting a Free Little Art Gallery — part of the Winnsboro Exchange Program. People exchange artwork and supplies that are housed in an outdoor bureau in front of the mansion. Other parts of the program include a little free library book exchange and a plant exchange.

Oklea Mansion also hosts a pop-up art gallery with works by local artists from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 18.

When guests are not attending shows at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts or enjoying one of the many eateries in town, there’s plenty of room to explore around the property.

Oklea’s two-acre grounds offer ample room to stretch one’s legs and include a beautiful koi pond with a fountain, manicured gardens, and a dove coup featuring live birds.

For more information about Oklea Mansion call (903) 342-6051 or visit www. oakleamansion.org.

Facing page: Oaklea’s owner Casie Buck. Courtesy Photo Above left and clockwise: the Grand Suite, Eastlake Suite, English Oak Suite, and French Suite. Photos by Dave Nelms

Hampton House

Jewelry Business Creates Lasting Success

By Julie Parker

With five children, a husband, and a family insulation business, Angela Hampton registered for jewelry classes during a busy time of her life.

“Wesley (her husband) told me to chase my dream,” Angela says.

Having taken numerous art courses at the University of Arkansas when she was younger, Angela’s sister suggested she try jewelry classes. Once she began she became passionate in her new artistic pursuit.

Hampton started school at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology (TIJT)

at Paris Junior College. The only jewelry school in Texas, TIJT began in the 1940s as horology (watch making and watch repair) vocational training for the disabled and then for disabled veterans after World War II. Certifications related to jewelry and horology are available today, and the institute has become world renowned, attracting international students.

“I believe it’s the best jewelry school in the world,” Angela says. “We were taught precept upon precept.”

She explained that fundamentals in jewelry design and repair were not only emphasized but that each concept had to be

mastered before moving to the next level. Grading required at least a 70 percent.

“But who wants a 70?” Angela says. “That’s like eating lukewarm French fries.”

Being in business since 2005, Angela now boasts numerous certifications in gemology and jewelry, setting lofty standards for her performance.

“I’m so exact [about my work because] I need to give my customers the very best I can,” Hampton says. “If I don’t do it right, shame on me.”

Because of her discipline and expertise, Hampton’s custom design work has

Above: In addition to fine jewelry design, Hampton House Jewelry and Rock Shop offers an appealing collection of unpolished stones, including orange calcite, rose quartz, sodalite, aventurine, chrysocolla, blue calcite, labradorite, and granite. Photo by haleigh hill

tripled in the last year. Over the past 15 years, she has produced $200,000 worth of adornment for one client alone.

Hampton admits that her skills have been tested and believes it is important to have a team of colleagues for consultation whenever she has a question. Her associates include jewelers across Texas who assist one another occasionally.

Before finishing jewelry school, Hampton’s plans for opening a jewelry store became fortuitous. She was assisting Odie Clark on Saturdays, volunteering her time to keep his resale shop open on Main Street in Sulphur Springs.

During that time she was able to bring in her own effects to sell as well. After a time, Clark decided to sell Hampton the building at a minimal price, financing it himself. Hampton explained to Clark that she could not afford the building, so he told her to pay him monies from whatever inventory was sold at the resale shop. She paid him monthly, with no interest, until she took ownership.

More serendipity occurred. When Hampton found jewelry equipment listed on CraigsList.org, she and another TIJT student, along with one of her instructors, went to examine the materials. There were two complete sets of equipment located in a retired jeweler’s garage — enough for two jewelry stores.

According to Hampton, if the equipment had been brand new, its value would appraise at $42,000 dollars. This equipment was used, but Hampton still could not afford even a discounted price — or so she thought.

With less than $2,000 to purchase equipment, Hampton told the retired jeweler that she only had a small amount of money. He expressed to her that the equipment had been good to him and that he wanted the same for her; Hampton went home with the equipment.

Hampton did not have time to set up her recent purchases until finals were finished. When she began installation, she found more than $3,000 worth of gold in a Ziploc bag inside one of the drawers. When Hampton tried to contact the retired jeweler, she spoke with his broth-

Top: This D color diamond center stone is surrounded by a diamond halo and bands of diamonds. D color diamonds are exceptionally rare in nature and look exquisite in any cut and setting. Middle: This stunning piece showcases a Swiss blue topaz, enhanced with diamonds. Bottom: This ring features platinum and antiqued 14-karat yellow gold with a cushion cut center stone. Outer bands of white diamonds trim each edge. Photos by haleigh hill

er-in-law because the jeweler had passed away. The brother-in-law conveyed that his relative wanted her to have the gold.

During her last semester, John and Thalia Freeman were closing their jewelry store in Sulphur Springs so Hampton was able to purchase showcases from them. She also acquired jewelry components as well as gemstones and diamonds. Her new jewelry store was beginning to materialize.

After Wesley retired from the insulation business, he took lapidary, faceting, and casting classes. He had pursued a rockhound hobby for many years by exploring the North Sulphur River for fossils, so he found the course work quite interesting. Just like his wife, he’s very meticulous with his work, and Angela readily admits that Wesley casts better than she does.

During their work together in the shop sometimes new customers asked Angela to see the jeweler, thinking the jeweler was her husband. Wesley would appear and reply that they were already speaking with the jeweler — he was just the rockhound.

Three of Angela’s five children assist with the family business. Chelsea manages the store while Haleigh manages digital media. Wesley Jordan monitors the inventory, keeping the display cases stocked. Like his mother, he is also artistically inclined, creating gifts from rocks, leather, and wood and using laser engraving in some of his pieces.

The couple have traveled to gem and rock shows across the country to gather information and materials for the business and the petrology hobby.

Hampton House Jewelry & Rock Shop is located at 305 Main Street in Sulphur Springs and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to jewelry design and repair, the firm is certified to manage luxury watches as well as jewelry appraisal for estate sales. For more information call (903) 439-0294 or visit www.hamptonhousejewelry.com.

Above: Wesley and Angela Hampton celebrate Hampton House’s 30th anniversary in November, 2022. Below: Assorted slabs of stones as well as amethyst and quartz crystals are available at Hampton House Jewelry and Rock Shop. Photos by haleigh hill

State of the Art Paris Junior College Forges State’s First Jewelry Program

Paris Junior College (PJC) is one of the few community colleges in the state to offer jewelry making and repair programs. PJC began offering watchmaking (horology) and jewelry classes in 1942, and they became the first workforce program at PJC. The program is now known as the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at PJC.

Established originally as a vocational rehabilitation center for the handicapped, qualified students were assisted by the Civilian Rehabilitation Department with tuition and room and board expenses. By 1946, the chief function of the department was training World War II veterans under the GI Bill of Rights.

In the 1970s, the department received a large grant from the Texas Education Agency, enabling expansion of lapidary courses and development of a state-ofthe-art gemology program. In the 1980s a precious metals program was begun, offering students an opportunity to work in gold and platinum.

In 2005, under the leadership of current PJC President, Dr. Pam Anglin, the department created a new computer-aided jewelry design program, with instructor training, new software, and precursors to

3D printing machines. In 2015-2016, the fourth semester jewelry classroom was transformed into a clean room with the latest bench technology tools, including Leica microscopes. The watchmaking program subsequently received all new benches as well.

Watchmaking instructor Stan McMahan joined the program a few years ago with his skills in the latest watchmaking technology. His connections with the industry are invaluable.

“PJC watchmaking students are experiencing opportunities at an unprecedented pace,” McMahan says. “The college has multi-brand involvement and that, along with increasing demand for qualified watchmakers, has driven enrollment numbers up and presents ever-increasing probability of employment either before or immediately upon graduation.”

Since early 2018, one company has donated encasing equipment and a large variety of hand tools common to the modern factory service center workshop. In 2019, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) and the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) joined together to donate $20,000 to PJC for horological education.

In addition to the cash contributions, AWCI and Eckcells (a material supply house supporting independent watchmakers) presented the school with a Wellner cleaning machine valued at $14,000.

New in 2020, HSNY established the Howard Robbins Award as a grant for watchmaking schools in the United States. One of two recipients of the inaugural award, PJC’s Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology received $10,000.

In January 2020, AWCI sent their Archie Perkins Mobile Horology Classroom to PJC, allowing students to gain expertise in pressure and vacuum testing methods

In addition, several major watch brands have recently ventured to Paris and toured the program, including Rolex and Tag Heuer. More exciting upgrades are expected for the program in the next couple of years.

Currently the college offers degrees and classes covering horology and jewelry technology, watch repair, computer aided designing, and gemology.

For information contact the admissions office at (903) 782-0425 or visit www. parisjc.edu.

Left: Watchmaking Instructor Stan McMahan observes a student at their workbench. Right: Jewelry Instructor Serina Omori helping a student in the final semester classroom. Photos Courtesy of Paris JuNior College (PJC))

ADVERTISE WITH US. IT WORKS!

Reach those Living & Playing in the Upper East Side of Texas

We at Winnsboro Center for the Arts in Winnsboro established a relationship with P.A. Geddie and County Line Magazine over five years ago. They worked with us then in developing an advertising plan and continue to work with us now on ad content and direction. CLM has always been responsive with the changes and edits that are a part of the changing needs of advertising and promotion. The staff at CLM has a passion for promoting the Upper East Side of Texas and all of the many events, concerts and activities in it. They have created a truly excellent magazine and it's not unusual for folks to tell us that they saw us in County Line Magazine.

Jim Willis, Director of The Bowery Stage Winnsboro Center for the Arts

County Line Magazine is our “go to” publication for marketing Mineola, Texas, to our target audience in the North by Northeast Texas area. We know that County Line Magazine will present our entertainment and leisure information in the best light possible with attractive ads and interesting articles that its readers will notice and enjoy. Visitors to our city often comment that they saw our information in the County Line Magazine. Fast response on ad proofs and changes make working with staff a pleasure. We love County Line Magazine.

Lynn Kitchens, Director of Marketing Asst. Director Economic Development City of Mineola

County Line has always been and continues to be a significant partner to our community. The magazine is beautifully laid out, filled with relevant information, and reaches our most important target market — the Northeast Texas drive market. The County Line Team is always very professional and the magazine is a great asset to the entire area.

Kevin Banks, Manager, Greenville CVB

P.A. Geddie and the County Line are a tremendous asset for us at Four Winds Steakhouse. We have worked together for about 14 years. Through the years I have seen the publication grow and consistently get better. It has been a great local tool for our business and its reach continues to grow. They do a great job putting our ads together and I enjoy working with P.A.

Frank Rumore, Four Winds Steakhouse

Hear History and Comedy at the Cowan Center in Tyler

The University of Texas’ Cowan Performing Arts Center features a variety of acts each year — from special musical performances to Broadway musicals to scholarly lectures. Two February events feature performances by a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and a nationally televised comedian.

Renowned presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin speaks at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, as part of the center’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Goodwin is the author of several presidential biographies over five decades. Her long career began as a White House Fellow during the Lyndon B. Johnson presidency when she assisted in writing his memoirs.

She won a Pulitzer Prize in History in 1995 for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and

Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Her repertoire includes New York Times Bestsellers and several miniseries and documentaries.

Comedian Joel McHale performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, as part of Cowan Center’s Big Series. He is billed as “one of the most sought-after comedians and actors in the industry” with a starring role in “The Community” and as host of E’s “The Soup.” McHale also plays Chevy Chase in “A Futile & Stupid Gesture” with Will Forte and hosts a new Netflix show titled “The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale.” McHale’s performance contains adult language and content.

For information and tickets call (903) 566-7424 or visit www.cowancenter.org.

Surrender to Live Comedy in Mineola

The Lake Country players present Michael McKeever’s Suite Surrender at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, February 10, 11, 17, and 18, at the Historic Select Theatre in Mineola. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m., February 12 and 19.

In 1942 two Hollywood divas arrive at the Palm Beach Royale Hotel for a wartime performance but they are accidentally assigned the same room. The comedy is a tribute to the classic farces of the 1930s and 1940s.

Suite is billed as a must-see “hilarious farcical romp” that entertains with mistaken identities and overblown egos. The play is directed by Roy Shockey and Jeff D. Hurley with Makayla Mitchell as assistant director and a cast of nine players. The Select Theatre serves as home for the Lake Country Playhouse, which offers live performances to residents of Mineola and the surrounding communities.

Tickets are $7 to $50. For information call (903) 569-2300 or visit www.lakecountryplayhouse.com.

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin speaks at the Cowan Center Tuesday, February 7. Courtesy Photo

Up River Mardi Gras Lets the Good Times Roll

The Krewe of Hebe organizes Jefferson’s Up River Mardi Gras celebration the third weekend in February ahead of Fat Tuesday on February 21. The celebration is now in its 33rd year and features the theme Mythology Madness. The threeday festival occurs from Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19.

While some Mardi Gras celebrations are noted for their wild vibes, partygoers at

the Up River fete are relatively calm. The festival boasts of several family friendly activities: a grand parade featuring the 2023 king and queen, a carnival, a motorcycle parade, a children’s parade, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks. Live music begins at 7 p.m., Friday and continues all day Saturday.

Other attractions available during the festival and all year long include a His-

torical Tour, the Jefferson Historic Museum, Jay Gould’s Private Railroad Car, the Jefferson Historic Railway, and Turning Basin Riverboat Tours.

Jefferson is home to more than 20 bed and breakfasts and the historic Excelsior Hotel in the Main Street district. A variety of dining options are available.

For information visit www.mardigrasupriver.com.

Laugh With Jim Breuer in Longview

Former Saturday Night Live (SNL) comedian Jim Breuer performs “Freedom of Laughter” at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 10, at LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center in Longview. Breuer’s latest shows include the comedy specials “And Laughter For All” (2013) on EPIX and “Comic Frenzy” (2015) on Amazon Prime.

The young comedian performed alongside SNL greats Will Ferrell, David Spade, and Norm McDonald from 1995 to 1998 before branching out on his own. During the early 2000s.

Breuer developed an appealing brand of clean comedy that focuses on the fun of family life. He starred in Kevin Can Wait and Zookeeper with Kevin James and has appeared on many late night comedy shows.

Tickets for “Freedom of Laughter” are available for $25 to $55. For information call (903) 233-8080 or visit www.belchercenter.com.

VIDEO

Hemphill Community Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Space Shuttle Columbia Crash

The community of Hemphill in Sabine County commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Columbia Space Shuttle explosion over East Texas with three days of events from January 30 through February 1 at The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA “Remembering Columbia” Museum in Hemphill.

Anniversary events include an art show, a robotics competition, a display of the NASA Exhibit Trailer, a luncheon, and inspirational and instructional speeches by professors, local leaders, NASA representatives, and former astronauts.

The museum opened in 2011 is a celebration of the Hemphill community’s involvement in recovery efforts. Exhibits describe the Columbia’s historic last

flight, the recovery of the crew, and information about two individuals who lost their lives during the recovery mission.

The Columbia disintegrated over East Texas before re-entry on its landing descent to Kennedy Space Center on February 1, 2003. The Columbia was the first of NASA’s orbiter fleet and completed 28 missions since 1981 before the crash in 2003.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday and Monday by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. For information call (409) 787-4827 or visit www.nasacolumbiamuseum.com. Click HERE to read more in the County Line archives.

Of Good Courage is the documentary film that tells the story of the local recovery efforts in Hemphill and Sabine County, Texas after the disintegration of the Columbia space shuttle in February 2003.

The Of Good Courage DVD is available for purchase at the Patricia Huffman Smith Columbia museum in Hemphill, Texas.

Crew members of the fateful final flight of the Columbia were (left to right) David Brown, Commander Rick Husband, Laurel Blair Salton Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, William McCool, and Ilan Ramon.

VIDEO

Between County Line eEditions, read more about the people, places, and things that make the Upper East Side of Texas the best place to live, dream, and explore. Includes events, attractions, articles, food, drinks, arts, culture, lifestyle, entertainment, people profiles, and more.

Go to www.CountyLineMagazine.com and click on SUBSCRIBE to find the WEEKLY or email your address to info@countylinemagazine.com with WEEKLY in the subject line. For assistance, call (903) 312-9556.

“People would stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars if there were a pill that could do everything for a child that reading aloud does. It expands their interest in books, vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and attention span. Simply put, it’s a free ‘oral vaccine’ for literacy.”

Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook

‘Good Night, My Love’

Texarkana Features Photography by Ernest C. Withers

In 1961, 13 Black first-graders were the first to desegregate Memphis public schools. Michael Willis, Harry Williams, and Dwanie Kyle (l-r) were three of those students who made a historic ride to school that day. This photograph and others are part of the photojournalism work of Ernest C. Withers, now on exhibit in Texarkana through March 25.

The Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council’s 21st Annual Regional Celebration of African American Artists focuses on the historic photojournalism of Ernest C. Withers. Titled Good Night, My Love, the exhibit runs through March 25 and features entries by local enthusiasts and a cell phone photography competition among high school students.

Withers is best known for documenting the upheaval of America’s Civil Rights movement across the South from the 1940s to 1960s. His camera captured scenes that bear witness to the struggles and triumphs of this transformative time in American history — from the front row of the Emmett Till trial in Sumner, Mississippi, to the first day of classes for the Little Rock Nine, to Civil Rights

marches alongside James Meredith and Martin Luther King Jr.

Over six decades, Withers accumulated roughly 1.8 million photographs. Some appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The TriState Defender, the Pittsburgh Courier, Jet, Ebony, Newsweek, Life, People, and Time, and have been featured in exhibits around the world. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, currently displays more than 30 of his images.

The Regional Arts Center is located at 321 West 4th Street in Texarkana and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For information call (903) 7928681 or visit www.trahc.org.

Watercolorists

Host ‘For the Love of Art Show’

Star Harbor Watercolor Society is holding For the Love of Art Show from 1 to 4 p.m. February 12 at City Hall Building, 99 Sunset Boulevard, in the Star Harbor community on Cedar Creek Lake.

The exhibition features a variety of artistic styles, colors, techniques, and subject matters all in original watercolor work.

Artists are present to meet attendees. The event is free and open to the public with refreshments served and live music.

For more information, call (903) 4514016 and visit www.starharborws.org.

“Brushed in Style,” watercolor by Celene Terry

Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit Honors Artist Bob Snead

Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA) features the exhibit Buffalo Soldiers Revisited: History on Canvas through April 15. The LMFA exhibit is the first of Bob Snead’s works since his death in 2020 at age 84. With many of the first paintings now in private collections, the Texas Governor’s Mansion, and donated or loaned to art entities across the country, it has been three decades since a large collection of his art has been shown outside of El Paso.

Snead meticulously researched the subjects he painted to provide accurate historical renderings in acrylic paintings and pen and ink drawings. The LMFA exhibit includes Snead’s cornerstone piece titled “The Buffalo Soldier – painting No. 1” (1968) and many more.

Snead is widely known for his series of paintings on the Buffalo Soldiers — the all Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the US Army. His art was featured in an exhibit by the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall, Texas, in 2019

and he spoke about it with the Marshall News Messenger:

“The reason that they called them Buffalo Soldiers is because of their black faces and their short black curly hair and the way they fought every time they encountered them in any type of skirmish,” Snead said. “They fought just like the buffalo. So the Indians equated that as these people being descendants of the buffalo. So they referred to them as buffalo soldiers, and that name kind of stuck.”

The Buffalo Soldiers were the only military in the New Mexico territory right after the Civil War, Snead said, and they protected and provided security for the settlers and pioneers moving west during that time. They also fought during the Indian Wars.

“So what I’ve done is I’ve put together this collection of paintings chronicling what they did, how they did it, and how they contributed to the settling of the American West,” Snead said.

He created 167 pieces on the Buffalo Soldiers which toured the world many times over, his daughter Karen Partee says.

Snead called El Paso home for 42 years before moving to Prosper to be with family during a long battle with advanced stage colon cancer.

An impassioned advocate for Texas arts and arts education across the state, Partee said, Snead was appointed by former Gov. George W. Bush to the Texas Commission on the Arts and as the designated artist on the committee to design the Texas State Quarter.

Aside from his artistic accomplishments, Snead had a 30-year career as a military aviator. He received three Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War, among other military honors. He starred in a touring one-man play called “Held in Trust: The Story of Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper,” about the life, mistreatment and ultimate redemption of the first Black man to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The show was broadcast by PBS in 1996, featuring an introduction by Gen. Colin Powell, and garnered a Bronze Apple Award for Educational Excellence.

LMFA is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For information call (903) 753-8103 or visit www.lmfa.org.

Left: “Buffalo Soldier No. 1” (1968). Above: Snead dressed as Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper the star of the one-man play he wrote and performed.

Check

Memorial City Hall Welcomes The Jersey Tenors

The Jersey Tenors perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 24, at Memorial City Hall Performance Center in Marshall. The quartet offers an “opera/rock mashup” of music with performances of classics alongside hits by Queen, Journey, Elton John, and Billy Joel.

The “Jersey Proud” tenors also deliver songs by the Garden State’s finest popular performers — Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Kool and The Gang, and Whitney Houston.

Memorial City Hall was first built as Marshall City Hall in 1907 and was renamed in 1927 to honor men and women who died during World War I. An extensive renovation converted it into a state-of-the-art performing arts and conference center and the home of the Harrison County Veterans Museum.

Tickets are $30 to $40 and are available online. For information call (903) 9347992 or visit www.memorialcityhall.com.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Takes Texan Theater Stage

Experience music by one of the greatest bands of all time at the Texan Theater in historic downtown Greenville with The Glenn Miller Orchestra from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, February 10.

The orchestra still performs original hits such as “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “A String of Pearls,” and others from the Big Band Era of the 1930s and 1940s. The present band was formed in 1956 and has been touring ever since.

Today the 18-piece ensemble continues to deliver in its unique jazz style — just as in Miller’s day. The band’s original arrangements are from civilian and military musical libraries with modern selections.

The Texan Theater offers an intimate experience and dinner is served during shows. Tickets are $199 per person. For information call (903) 2596360 or visit www.texantheatergreenville.com.

Townes Van Zandt Tribute Takes Place in Ben Wheeler

The fifth annual Tribute to Townes Van Zandt takes place from 2-4 p.m. March 5 at The Forge Bar & Grill in Ben Wheeler. Presented by the Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation, performers pay tribute to the most influential Texas songwriter of the 20th century.

This year’s show includes several local singer-songwriters who will sing some Townes Van Zandt songs and some of their own that he inspired. New this year on stage are poets reciting their Townes Van Zandt poems. Other poets and singer-songwriters are invited to bring instruments and continue the music in a campfire open jam session after the show.

Townes Van Zandt died January 1, 1997, at the age of 52 from cardiac arrhythmia while recovering from hip surgery. He is buried in the Van Zandt family plot in Dido Cemetery near Fort Worth.

He came from a long line of Texas nobility. His three times great grandfather, Isaac Van Zandt, was a prominent leader of the Republic of Texas and the namesake of Van Zandt County. His great, great uncle Khleber Miller Van Zandt was one of the founders of Fort Worth.

Although he was born into an affluent family, he endured poverty and often sang of folks living on the edge. He was a

poet and songwriter beloved by his many fans and peers. Don Williams and Emmylou Harris had hits with his song “If I Needed You.” Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard reached No. 1 with their versions of his song “Pancho and Lefty.”

His influence on Americana music is immense and continues today. Artists who cite Van Zandt as a source of inspiration include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Lyle Lovett, Norah Jones, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and Garth Brooks to name a few.

For more information on the Tribute to Townes Van Zandt go to www.theforgebenwheeler.com or call (903) 833-5970.

Mark Wills Performs Country Hits

Mark Wills brings his passionate country voice and lasting hits to the Greenville Municipal Auditorium at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 19. The Atlanta, Georgia, native released eight top-10 hits in the 1990s and early 2000s — including “Wish You Were Here” and “I Do (Cherish You).”

Wills’ baritone voice conveys deep emotion in slower ballads such as “Right Here” and “Don’t Laugh at Me” and offers sly humor in upbeat singles such as

“Jacob’s Ladder” and “19 Somethin’.” In 1998 Wills won Top New Male Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music.

He has made more than a dozen trips to entertain U.S. troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Korea, and Italy and continues his high-energy performances at home in the US.

For information call (903) 457-3179 or visit www.showtimeatthegma.com.

VIDEO

Local singer-songwriters pay tribute to Townes Van Zandt the first Sunday in March in Van Zandt County. Photo by tom geDDie

History: It’s the New Thing For Local Entertainment

By P.A. Geddie

Is it just me or have you too noticed a surge of interest in area history? Not just from the “old” folks, but from millennials and other generations.

Tourists have long looked to towns and regions for quirky historical markers and other signs of interesting history, but over the last couple of decades I haven’t heard about that same level of interest from those who live within the region.

People will come from all over the world, for instance, to check out the Salt Palace in Grand Saline — a museum of local history — while residents living right down the street have never set foot in the door or even tried to lick the building made of pure rock salt.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

ICE SKATING ANTIQUE CAROUSEL AND TRAIN RIDES

It looks like the level of interest is changing now, at least for some.

Many of the most popular pages on Facebook and other social media operated by people in the Upper East Side of Texas are about history. Some historians may be rolling their eyes at some of it as perhaps being a bit embellished, but telling history in more colorful exchanges is getting people’s attention, while educating them at the same time.

Hamilton, and other historically-based musicals and films surely were an inspiration to some.

A recently-released short film called Mystery at the Museum is a virtual visit to the Gregg County Historical Museum in Longview. Local actors depict characters within different exhibits at the museum and bring to life the stories in a way that is getting the attention of all ages to come see the collections in person and learn more.

Jennifer Bryant runs Van Zandt County, Texas History page on Facebook that has quickly gained 6,000 followers with heavy engagement from all ages on her

daily posts about people of the county and incidents that people are enthusiastically talking about. Bryant gets a lot of her material from old school annuals as well as from libraries. She also wrote and self-published a book recently from history she’s learned. Murder in Small Town Texas: A Collection of Van Zandt County Murders is available in paperback and on Kindle on Amazon.

Unlike Bryant’s book on scandals in Van Zandt County, author Julie Parker recently released a more celebratory book of the history of Sulphur Springs in Hopkins County. Sulphur Springs, Texas: A Pictorial History was written by Parker with assistance from the Hopkins County Genealogical and Historical Societies.

The book is filled with about 200 photos depicting the earliest days of the area, churches, schools, community gatherings, businesses, trains, military veter-

ans, and includes a few pages of Sulphur Springs today. Throughout the book are the faces of hundreds of people on whose shoulders the community was built. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Museums are often good places to deep dive into family and town history. I’m finding many of my ancestors at the Van Oil & Historical Museum. I recently discovered a meaningful photo of my father in one. My dad built his first piece of furniture in a shop class at Van High School around 1937. He built it so well that it’s still in use by my family and admired for its craftsmanship, almost 90 years later.

One Saturday morning while flipping through a Van High School annual at the oil museum, there was a photo of my dad in the shop class where he built that shelf. It is full-circle moments like this that keep us all looking to connect our present to the meaningful past.

May Forgiveness Still Be a Rose

Love letters you wrote me were taken in vain now I hear the echoes of your sweet name strange feelings surround me since you went away and empty hours fill up my days

I hear a church bell ringing down the road and my heart’s searching for a place to go I clutch your picture and count my regrets and hope that you’re not through loving me yet

May forgiveness still be a rose that you can hold close to your heart ‘cause this world of mine has withered in the days since we’ve been apart

A Rose Is Still a Rose

There was a rose I knew, I met her once or twice before (once or twice before) She was a pretty sweet thing, not the least bit insecure (insecure) Then you came with your slick game and played with her youth (her youth) unashamed of the way you lied, played with the truth, hey, hey

Mmm, she never knew what hit her (what hit her) Steal her honey, then forget her (forget her, forget her, forget her) And the rose (is gone) and she wears a flower she tryin’ to forget about you

‘Cause a rose is still a rose (still a rose) Baby, girl, you’re still a flower (still a flower)

He can’t lead you and then take you Make you and then break you Darlin’, you hold the power (you hold the power)

Now believe me when I tell you that I’ve been hurt myself (been hurt myself) When he tells you that he loves you and sees nobody else (nobody else)

I have a love letter written on my lips and I’d like you to read it with a kiss I’ll mean every word that you need to feel if you’ll just return and let our lives heal

May forgiveness still be a rose that you can hold close to your heart ‘cause this world of mine has withered in the days since we’ve been apart

— Darrell Lindsey, Nacogdoches

And now you’re so tough tryin’ to wear tight clothes and things Tossin’ and flossin’, tryin’ to fill the void heartbreak brings

Oh, oh, yeah When she faces the mirror, yeah She’s cryin’, and you can’t hear her Now the rose is gone (rose is gone) She wears a flower, tryin’ to forget about you

‘Cause a rose is still a rose (still a rose) Baby, girl, you’re still a flower (you’re still a flower)

He can’t lead you and then take you Make you and then break you (break you)

Baby, girl, you hold the power

See a rose is still a rose (still a rose) Baby, girl, you’re still a flower

He can’t lead you and then take you Make you and then break you (break you)

Darlin’ (oh darlin’), you hold the power

Let your life be in the sunshine Not the darkness of your sorrow You may see your all today When you know it’ll come tomorrow

Tough to be, but life ain’t over Just because your man is gone Girl, love yourself and love to love ‘Cause without him your life goes on Without him your life goes on Without him your life goes on

‘Cause a rose is still a rose Baby, girl, you’re still a flower

He can’t lead you and then take you Make you and then break you Baby, girl, you hold the power

See the rose is still a rose Baby, girl, you’re still a flower

— Songwriters: Alan Aly, Edie Brickell, John Bush, John Houser, Kenneth Withrow, Lauryn Hill

VIDEO

Warm Up With Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

By Katie-Rose Watson

My chicken and sausage gumbo is a silky smooth gumbo that can be made days in advance.

This is one of the best dishes on www. therosetable.com, hands down. I make this every month when it’s cold outside and it always turns out perfect. I like to keep bags of chopped sausage and chicken in my freezer specifically for gumbo (and yes, I write “GUMBO” on the bags) to expedite prep. It’s a good idea to chop all of your veggies before you get started.

A traditional gumbo starts with a labor of love: a roux that’s the key to traditional New Orleans style gumbo. That’s the hardest part of this recipe. If the roux burns, you’ll have to start over but don’t let that deter you.

It’s not as scary as it sounds. Turn on some jazz, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to stand over the stove for quite a while.

I did a lot of gumbo research prior to creating this recipe and was going to use butter for the roux but Chef Emeril of New Orleans uses canola oil and who am I to disagree with Emeril on Cajun cuisine?

Once you have the roux the correct color, you add veggies and cook until soft. Then you add seasonings and most of the other ingredients and let it do its thing! It’s time consuming on the front end but once you add all of your ingredients, it’s pretty hands-off for an hour.

A major bonus of this recipe for entertaining is that I think it’s better a day or two after you make it. For my Princess and the Frog dinner party, I actually made this on Wednesday evening to serve on Friday evening. I took the Dutch oven out of the fridge at about 5:30 p.m. on Friday and let it come to room temperature for about an hour so I wasn’t heating up a super chilled Dutch oven.

Then I turned the flame on low and let it heat back up while I cooked white rice.

This gumbo has a wonderful mouth feel thanks to the silky texture of okra. Don’t leave the okra out. It would change the texture of the gumbo entirely. Get good quality Andouille. It makes a huge difference since the bits from browning the sausage end up in your roux.

It’s quite spicy the first day that you make it but mellows out as it sits. Feel free to kick up the spice if you’re into that sort of thing. I’ll stick with my Andouille and cayenne. Now, who’s ready for a bowl?

Katie Rose-Watson is the author of the beautifully illustrated cookbook The Rose Table and the cooking and entertaining blog, www.therosetable.com. Her imaginative Disney Dinners have been featured on several national news media outlets.

P hoto by k atier ose W atso N

Ingredients

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup flour

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4” pieces

1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced into medallions

2 cups yellow onions, chopped

1 cup green pepper, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp fresh thyme

3 bay leaves

6 cups chicken stock (not broth)

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1 10 oz package sliced okra, thawed

1/2 cup fresh parsley

3-6 cups white rice for serving

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In Dutch oven or large heavy pot coated with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, cook chicken and sausage in batches on medium high heat until brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Whisk together vegetable oil and flour in Dutch oven over medium low heat. Cook until the color of peanut butter, reduce heat to low, and cook until the color of chocolate. This could take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Do not let it burn and don’t stop whisking it.

3. Add onions, green pepper, and celery and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender. The mixture will turn very dark.

Don’t panic. It’s not burning.

4. Add all other ingredients (including chicken and sausage) except for parsley, okra, and rice.

5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

6. Uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. While your gumbo is simmering, cook okra according to package directions (I tossed the okra in a saucepan, covered with water, brought to a boil, and boiled for three minutes). Drain.

8. Add parsley and okra to gumbo and simmer for another 15 minutes.

9. Remove bay leaves. Serve with 1/2-1 cup rice. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serves six to eight with rice.

Make a Great Greek Salad With Quinoa

By Lauren Wacaser

The best salads are composed of fresh ingredients, salty elements, crunchy textures, tangy dressings, and a little touch of sweetness. This Greek salad is the perfect bowl of fresh produce and herbs with contrasting toppings like roasted chickpeas, quinoa, and briny kalamata olives. The tangy vinaigrette and sharp feta brings the whole dish together with its bright flavors. This dish is a hit at any party and compliments almost any meal that may be served. Enjoy.

Ingredients

1 English cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1 package cherry tomatoes, halved

1 can chickpeas, drained, roasted, and seasoned with lemon pepper

1/2 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 jar kalamata olive slices

1 bunch fresh dill, chopped

1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup (more or less) of Greek Vinaigrette or Red Wine Vinaigrette

Salt and pepper to taste

Feta cheese as topping

Find more recipes and videos by Lauren Wacaser on the Facebook group “Let’s Eat Well.”

Photo by laureN WaCaser

county line

county line

We specialize in creating strategic communication plans that work through a multi-channel approach including eEditions, newsletters, websites, blogs, guides, email, and social sites. Let us help you choose the most costeffective, results-oriented promotion campaigns for the success of your business. CALL TODAY. (903) 312-9556. PA.Geddie@COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

Regional Magazine for the Upper East Side of Texas