EXPERIENCING RUSK COUNTY
HENDERSON
The city of Henderson is one of Texas's best small towns to visit, live and play. This Go Texan-certified retirement community is located in the heart of the Pineywoods of Northeast Texas, just about 35 miles from Tyler and Longview and less than an hour from Nacogdoches. It offers a true taste of southern hospitality from its historic sites, friendly atmosphere, and rich traditions. Henderson is home to more than 13,000 residents and is the county seat of Rusk County. Formed in the 1800s the downtown business district was laid out around the courthouse square and is now a vibrant downtown historic district. Since 1988, it has been a Texas Main Street city and a National Main Street city. Today, the unique character of the downtown area has been preserved and has new life. Henderson is a hub for business activity, serves as a major crossroads in Northeast Texas, and offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities, shopping, and dining. Come and see why people are rushing to make this true Texas community their home.
THE HENDERSON NEWS
The Henderson News has proudly served as the Rusk County newspaper of record since 1931, and with its devoted staff works diligently to deliver relevant, important and entertaining news to its readers.
The Henderson News is a semi-weekly newspaper, published in Henderson, Texas, with both Wednesday and Weekend distribution. Owned by M. Roberts Media, the hometown offices have recently relocated to 1211 Kilgore Drive, Suite 101, still conveniently located moments away from the heart of Henderson and Rusk County.
The newspaper was formed on October 6, 1930, the day after the discovery of the East Texas Oil Field.
The Henderson News strives to evolve within these ever-changing times. While still delivering thousands of paper issues to subscribers across town, across the state, and beyond, today's modern readers can find the same interesting information, and more, on the company's recently improved website at www.thehendersonnews.com.
For those with a penchant for the historic, hundreds of issues of the Henderson Daily News, dating as far back as 1933, can be found in the University of North Texas Portal to Texas History. Currently there are hundreds of issues of The Henderson News dating from 2019 to 2015, with more added weekly. To view the archived newspapers, visit texashistory.unt.edu.
The Henderson News recently donated decades of
EXPO CENTER
The Tommy McDaniels Rusk County Youth Expo Center, located at 3303 FM 13 West, has a long history of hosting agricultural events for the youth in the community. The center is home to many large events, including the Rusk County Youth Project Show, the Rusk County PRCA Black Gold Stampede Rodeo, the East Texas Angels Crawfish Boil, and the East Texas Antique Tractor and Engine Show. The 100,000-squarefoot facility, renovated in 2016-17, can accommodate
bound issues to the Rusk County Historical Commission who will use the wealth of information to solidify its genealogical research.
weddings, reunions, jackpot shows, rodeos, and a variety of other events. For more information, contact Expo Manager Jennifer Sprayberry at 903-722-0101.
RUSK COUNTY AIRPORT
Conveniently located at 3500 County Road 416A, three miles from downtown Henderson, the Rusk County Airport is home to some of the lowest-priced 100LL AVGAS in the country and fuel is available 24/7 at the selfserve credit card terminal at the pump. The airport's terminal boasts covered parking, a spacious lobby with cozy seating for travel-weary pilots seeking a bit of TV time, and wi-fi access to stay current on weather and news traveling. A courtesy vehicle is also available for those wishing to travel into Henderson to have a taste of our simple small-town life. The airport is home to the exciting annual Air Show held the first Saturday in June. For more information, call Airport Manager, Alexa McAnally at 903-657-7081 or visit www.ruskcountyairport.com
CORPORATE SPONSORS
AEP / Southwestern Electric Power Company
Arnold Abstract Company / East Texas
Title Companies
Biggs & Greenslade, PC
Bane Investment Holdings
CAPCO Contractors, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy
Christus Good Shepherd
Coldwell Banker Home Place Realty
Conterra Networks
Cook & Son Roofing
DW Maddox Electrical
East Texas Professional Credit Union
Eastex Telephone Cooperative
Fairway Ford Henderson
Gabriel / Jordan Chevrolet
Henderson Animal Care Hospital
Henderson Federal Savings Bank
Henderson Health & Rehab
Howell Recycling, LLC
Hushpuppies
Hwy 64 Self-Storage
Law Office of James Holmes, PC
Luminant
Martin Marietta
MTC Bradshaw State Jail
MTC East Texas Treatment Facility
Old School Services, LLC
Randall Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Republic Services
RES Air Conditioning
Rusk County Electric Cooperative
Saulsbury Industries, Inc.
Service Insurance Group
Sparklight
Tenaska Gateway Partners, LTD
Texas Bank
T-Mobile
UT Health Henderson
Wallace and Sons Wrecker Service
Walmart
Waste Connections
West Fraser Wood Products
folk art sponsorS
Blazer Electric & Satellite, Inc.
Gearheart & Gearheart, PLLC
Henderson Quick Copy Printing
Kenneth Orr Construction
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Preston
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Wooster
Phenix & Crump, PLLC
Richard W. Ferguson CPA, PLLC
Strong - Hurt Pharmacy
COntributors
Blacklands Railroad
Charles Rader Funeral Home
DDM Surveying & Mapping Co.
Jason’s Plumbing & Specialty Services
State Farm Insurance - Diane Neilsen
Velvin Oil Company, Inc.
William Grant Tank & Vessel, Inc.
Sugar Cane Grown and supplied by:
Tracy Beard and Ray Phillips
Doc’s Noonday Cane Farm
Syrup TEAM Sponsor
Henderson Federal Savings Bank
Sugar Cane Sponsor
Crawford A. Crim Funeral Home
Special Thanks
4-H Club Members & Parents
Alford Investments
Belinda Greer
Calvary Baptist Church
City of Henderson Employees
City of Henderson Mayor and Elected Officials
Danny Deason
David Jimerson
Depot Museum Employees
Don Gage • Don Reynolds
ETAB
Full Armor Christian Academy
G-Mc Produce
Henderson Civic Theatre
Jo Bundrick
Kolton Wallace
Mark Howard
Mike Jimerson
Ramona White • Randy Duke
Republic Services • Robert Burks
Rusk County Commissioners and Elected Officials
Rusk County Extension Agents
Rusk County Judges
Rusk County Mounted Patrol
Rusk County Sheriff’s Office
Scott & Brenda Lee • Speed Needs
St. Mathews Episcopal Church
Texas Fresh Produce
Toby & Melanie Tipps • Vera Bank
Wallace and Sons Wreckers • Wes Beall
HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL
The 'Sweetest Festival in Texas' is centered around the mule-powered syrup mill producing the local favorite, ribbon cane syrup. This exciting festival is held on the second Saturday in November and features the syrup mill alongside folk artists demonstrating their old-fashioned skills, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts, entertainment, children's activities, a variety of delectable food vendors, a ride on the newly refinished carousel, and much more all on the Depot Museum grounds. Entry into the museum grounds is $3 for adults, $1 for children, and veterans and Depot members get in free. From the Depot Museum, the festivities spread to Heritage Square in downtown Henderson where visitors can browse among the hundreds of shopping booths, sample East Texas cuisine, and enjoy live music at stage one or catch a morning show at the Henderson Civic Theatre performance outside the former Opera House. A toe-tapping good time awaits you at stage two where cloggers and square dancers will do-si-do for your delight. Relive history while you visit the antique and classic car exhibit. The children's section provides activities that promise a fun-filled day for the entire family. Hayride shuttles, sponsored by Full Armor Christian Academy, provide rustic transportation between the Depot Museum and downtown Heritage Square. This event is free and open to all ages. For more information, call the Depot Museum at 903-657-4303.
HOWARD DICKINSON HOUSE
The Howard Dickinson House located at 501 South Main is one of the most historic buildings in Henderson. Posed serenely on a gentle hill overlooking South Main Street, the Howard Dickinson House stands as a testament to more than 160 years of Rusk County History. It was the first brick home built in the county by brothers James and David P. Howard, settlers from Virginia. The two were brick masons and carpenters and were involved in building many of the buildings in downtown Henderson. Sam Houston was a frequent visitor to the house and the first president of the Republic of Texas was a cousin to Martha Ann Howard. The Texas statesman’s campaign trunk is displayed in the house. The home was bought in 1905 by Mrs. M.C. Dickinson and was used as a boarding house during the East Texas Oil Boom years. The Dickinsons added a wing that contains the library and lived in the home for nearly 50 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Bryce purchased the house in 1950, but it stood empty for 14 years. In 1964, Bryce deeded the house to the Rusk County Heritage Association and it was opened to the public as a living museum and meeting place for special events after extensive fundraising for the restoration. The Howard Dickinson House was presented a Texas Historical Medallion in 1968 and was recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark for its importance to Henderson and early Texas history. Tours are by appointment only. For more information, call the Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce at 903-657-6925.
MAKE MEMORIES
Downtown Destinations
Antiques, Boutiques & more around every corner
Better Half Antiques
Campfire Coffee Co.
ETAB Bike Shop
The Curious Wren
Deadwood South Boutique Donovan’s Henderson Civic Theater
Kelly B’s on the Square
The Look Salon
Peterson’s Home Furnishings
Possibilities
Rayford Florist
Revive & Renew Salon
SoShee Boutique
Uppercut Barbershop
Wild Iris Florist & Fine Gifts
HENDERSON CIVIC THEATRE
Tdowntown Opera House at 112 E. Main St., offers the finest in community theatre with a wide variety of plays and musicals to suit all tastes. HCT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging and educating the general public through the presentation of dramatic arts
in all forms. HCT’s production season begins in the fall and sponsors other unique events throughout the year and is committed to furthering its outreach endeavors through new programs, partnerships, and community involvement. For more information visit www.hendersoncivictheatre.org or call 903-657-2968.
YEAR AROUND EVENTS
FEBRUARY Mardi Gras Youth Project Show
APRIL Antique Tractor Show A Day on Main Spring Art Walk
APRIL-MAY Drivable Wildflower Trails
JULY Freedom Festival
AUGUST Sacred Harp Singing Convention
SEPTEMBER Autumn Art Walk
STAY AWHILE...
OCTOBER
Rusk County Rodeo Downtown Trick-or-Treat
NOVEMBER Magic on Main Open House Heritage Syrup Festival
DECEMBER
Christmas Parade
Visit Santa’s House
HENDERSON PARKS
1
ALLEY ON MAIN
Henderson is home to several parks. Located next to the Rusk County Library is an area designed for visitors to enjoy historic downtown Henderson. The area features tables with umbrellas, plants and a water feature on the wall of the library. Lights also hang across the area to provide light in the evening hours for families and friends to meet and visit. Public restrooms are also available.
2
FAIR PARK
Located just a few blocks from downtown on Fair Park Avenue, is bustling Fair Park with activities for the whole family. It includes a lighted pavilion, playground, splash pad for children, skateboard ramps, a softball field, tennis courts, a shaded 1.8 mile ADA concrete walking trail with benches, a seasonal farmers’ market and a new dog park called Fair Paws Dog Park.
3
LAKE FOREST PARK
The large park between the Henderson Civic Center and Henderson Police Department is Lake Forest Park located on Texas Highway 64 West. The park features pavilions, restrooms, a playground, rose gardens and a walkway that leads to a gazebo over the lake. It is a popular spot for fishing, picnics and walking. The park also contains disc golf pavilions. Keep Henderson Beautiful also constructed a plaza at the lake for concerts and other events.
YATES PARK
Located on Van Sickle Street, Henderson’s Yates Park features a playground, restrooms, a lighted basketball court and softball field, a splash pad and plenty of open space to play. 4
DEPOT MUSEUM
The Depot Museum and Children's Discovery Center has been home to Rusk County's history since 1979. The five-acre museum features exhibits and 12 restored structures. The Walling Log Cabin, built in 1841, has been awarded a Texas Historical Medallion, while the Arnold Outhouse has been granted a Texas Historical Marker. The Arnold Building introduces visitors to tales of Native Americans, settlers, schools, technology, and wildcatters, as well as introductions to Boral Brick., the most prominent industry in Rusk County. Outside the main building is the Beall-Ross house, an example of dogtrot architecture and home to the founders of the
Bealls department store. A large two-story building contains a Munger Model Gin, powered by a 70 HP Anders oil-burning engine, the last in the county with all the equipment in place. The Depot Museum also houses an operational sawmill, a restored 1901 Missouri-Pacific station, the T.J. Walling log cabin, Arnold Outhouse, a general store, a print shop, a doctor's office, MOPAC caboose, an oil derrick, and a barn and broom factory. The 1950-60s era carousel from Lake Forest Park recently received a total facelift thanks to the volunteer efforts of Henderson prodigal artist Beth Keitt Brubaker, and work on the brand new Rusk County Historical Commission's genealogy center is well underway. The mule-powered syrup mill on the grounds is the focus of the annual Heritage Syrup Festival. The museum, located at 514 N. High St., is open year-round with the exception of holidays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for parties only. For reservations or more information about the museum, call 903-657-4303 or visit www.depotmuseum.com.
Year Round p p
Mon -Fri 9am-4pm Saturday 9am-12pm (Scheduledparties ONLY onSaturdays.) Admission Fees: $3Adult,$2Senior$1Child $1CarouselRides www.depotmuseum.com depot@depotmuseum.com
The WallingLogCabinbuiltin1841 hasbeenawarded aTexasHistorical Medallion,andtheArnoldOuthousehas beengiven aTexasHistoricalMarker.
TheDepotMuseumhousesRuskCountyHistory andChildrens Discover yCenter.Clusteredonfiveacresaretwelverestored structuresfromRuskCounty’spast. Avideointroducesgueststo theearlyresidentsofRuskCounty -anintriguingblendofNative American,settlers,andoilhungr ywildcatters.TheRuskCounty HistoricalCommissionandGenealogyofficeisalsoonthegrounds.
The Depot Museum houses Rusk County Histor y and Children’s 514N.HighStreet,Henderson,TX | 903-657-4303
KWRD 98.5/1470
The Heart of East Texas, KWRD, under the ownership of Texas transplant, Ken Miller, brings you the perfect mix of your red-dirt country favorites and those all-time favorites, we all know and love. Each weekday morning, catch up on all the local and national news, sports, local weather, Plant Talk, and Paul Harvey and his "The Rest of the Story." Catch the live and local morning show with music and more hosted by Mark McClain. With a heart that beats for Henderson, Miller and his KWRD crew bring you all of the Henderson Lions games streamed live on www.kwrd985.com.
CHRISTMAS IN HENDERSON
You are invited to join the many City of Henderson Christmas events! We are honored to kick off the wonderful holiday season with tradition and fun events for the entire family.
Beginning with the City of Henderson Downtown Annual Tree lighting Ceremony, which sparks off the festivities, held every year on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving. To the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the City of Henderson, where “Santa” makes his debut and then settles into his little red house in historic downtown Henderson in Heritage Square. The children love to visit and tell him what is on their Christmas list. With many shopping and dining options to choose from, Henderson is a great spot to stop for old fashioned fun!
The City of Henderson and all of Rusk County has many wonderful events throughout the holiday season for you to enjoy! Visit www.visithendersontx.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you.
NEW LONDON
flag that flew over the school the day of the explosion, school furniture and more. The museum’s tearoom features an old time soda fountain. For more information, call 903-895-4602 or visit www.newlondonschool.org.
New London, a small community in Rusk County, is home to around 1,000 people and like most towns in East Texas, is rich in history. Originally known as “London,” this city grew as East Texas became crowded with oilfield workers and their families. However, as the U.S. Post Office had already established a station at London in Kimble County, the town changed its name to “New London” in 1931. The City of New London is served by the West Rusk Independent School District. The city is known for its history and tragedy of the worst school explosion in history on March 18, 1937, where 294 people were killed. As a result of the disaster, Texas passed a law requiring natural gas to have an odor.
The London Museum is dedicated to all those who died in 1937 and to those who survived that fateful day. The museum is housed in the historic McConnico’s Drugstore building that once served the students of the London School. Most of the exhibits tell the story of the explosion using items donated by the families of victims.
The museum features a variety of artifacts from the London School and 1930s, including letter jackets, the
Visitthemuseum dedicatedtokeeping alivethememory ofthe294whodied on March18,1937 inthe world’s worst schooldisaster.
10:00am -3:00pm(March -August)
-Fri11:00am to 2:00pm
Adults•Children$3.00 Pleasecallahead forlarge groups. www.newlondonschool.org
TheCenotaphcommemorates theNewLondon School Explosion,displayingin graniteallthenamesof children,teachers,staff and visitorswholosttheirlives.
MT. ENTERPRISE
The city of Mount Enterprise, located south of Henderson in rural Rusk County, is home to around 450 people. The city was named for a small elevation near the town and for the business enterprise of the Vinson brothers, who settled it in 1832. The town owes its existence to the presence of promising iron ore in the area. The Vinson’s real enterprise came from manufacturing and retailing wagons, buggies, furniture, plows, caskets and a patented churn. Lumber was also a large industry in the city. In 1880 the town had three sawmills, a hotel, two cotton gins, a school, three churches, and a population of 150. In 1894 the Caro Northern Railway was chartered to operate as a logging road between Mount Enterprise and Caro, in Nacogdoches County. The railroad, which connected Mount Enterprise with the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, came to within a mile of Mount Enterprise and the town then moved to the railroad. The city is home to multiple unincorporated communities and is served by Mount Enterprise Independent School District, a rural 2A school that serves approximately 400 students.
TATUM
Tatum has a longstanding history in Rusk County. Located 21 miles northeast of Henderson the town settled in the 1840s by Albert and Mary C. Tatum. The Tatum family established a plantation, which is now the City of Tatum. The city produced an abundance of resources that were a successful business enterprise. In 1882, after the Santa Fe Railroad passed through Tatum on the way from Longview to Beaumont, the place became a boomtown. Hotels were built, mercantile businesses thrived and farmers and sawmills could easily get their goods to the higher priced markets.
Tatum saw disaster in the early 1900s and World War I and II affected the community tremendously with many families not returning to the area after the war. Oil and gas was later discovered in the area and Martin Creek Lake was built in the early 1970s when the Texas Utilities Company moved to Tatum. Tatum continues to hold onto its charm with the spirit of its early settlers.
The town houses more than 1,300 and is home to the Tatum Eagles and a portion of the town is served by Beckville Independent School District. The town is home to unique shops, restaurants and the Pecan Pie Festival every April.
Martin Creek Lake State Park is located four miles southeast of Tatum and was deeded to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by Texas Utilities. Since its public opening in 1976, the park is known for its fishing, camping, wildlife observation and photography. The park is a popular campsite and a great place for the whole family. Activities in the park include picnicking, canoeing or boating, water skiing, swimming, backpack-
ing, hiking and many other programs.
During the winter months, the lake is home to many fishing tournaments. For more information, visit www. tpwd.texas.gov.
Photo courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife
