CA LE NDAR OF EVEN T S | PI C TUR E TH I S! | DESI G N V I E W
VIEW JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
COVER STORY
We Have
O.H. METHVIN To Thank
ALSO INSIDE
home view
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
contents RE VIEW
6
TO EAT: High Hill Farm
COVER VIEW
8
We Have O.H. Methvin to Thank
HEALTH VIEW
12
Cardio on Wheels
8
DESIGN VIEW
14
The Marshall Grand
HOME VIEW
20
The Northcutt House
EVENT VIEW
26 28
Piecing Together History Portraits of Our Past
IN EVERY ISSUE 30 32 33
To Eat, Drink & Do in East Texas Calendar of Events Picture This!
12
20 ON THE COVER So, who was the man we call the “Father of Longview”? In Rosa Richkie Lamb’s 1928 “History of Gregg County and Longview,” the 1870 naming of the new village is related thusly: “The name ‘Longview’ was given the town at the time the town site was laid off, by the engineers who were surveying the route for the extension of the Southern Pacific Railroad. There were two engineers, and while they were resting on Methvin Hill they looked through the large open forest on the south in the direction of Sabine River and saw objects a long distance away.
4 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
W
hen I was a kid, my dad, Clarence Hammer, told me
Longview’s development, and forgive us if you think we left
and my siblings that he joined the Army during the
someone out.
Vietnam war to avoid the draft. He had started college
We’re honoring our history in other ways in this edition as well.
in Missouri but couldn’t afford the books so dropped out of school.
See inside a piece of Longview’s past while you read about a house
Knowing the draft was next, he beat Uncle Sam to the punch.
that originally was built for one of Longview’s legacy families — now
Later, after he had met and married my mother and they
known as the Decker-Northcutt House. We’ll also take a tour through
moved to Longview, he attended Kilgore College and earned
another piece of East Texas history: the former Hotel Marshall, known
an Associate’s Degree. He always talked fondly about one of his
as the Marshall Grand in more recent years, has been resurrected as
teachers: Peggy Coghlan. She must have influenced thousands
a modern home for East Texas Baptist University’s nursing program.
of students in her career at Kilgore College — and even more
Also, read about how an East Texas icon — the former Reo Palm Isle
people than that in the work she did in Longview, making sure
— is back in business, in a new way, as a skating rink.
we have a first-class library and a convention center that will serve our city well for years to come. This is Charm and View magazines’ sesquicentennial editions, and we’re marking Longview’s 150th birthday by celebrating some
In this edition of the magazine, we’ll help you get dressed up for the upcoming Sesquicentennial Ball and mark your calendars for all the events planned to celebrate our history.
of the people who helped us get here. In View magazine, read
I hope you enjoy all these reflections
about the man credited with founding Longview by welcoming
on our past as much as I have.
the railroad here: O. H. Methvin. In Charm, we’re recognizing
Happy 150th birthday, Longview ... and
the women in our past who helped make this city what it is. We
many more.
conducted an online poll to see which women our readers thought rose to the top. Coghlan won, but truth is, it’s a hard contest. Read about some of the amazing women who have influenced
jferguson@news-journal.com
www.elliebees.com Longview, Texas 903-758-0300 news-journal.com 5
REVIEW
eat
to
High Hill Farm
Words by FINN O’CONNOR
S
ome friends of ours suggested we try out High Hill Farm and
century. It could be translated as a “pot of custard’ which refers also
its CÔTE RESTAURANT located in Arp, close to Overton.
to the porcelain cup it is served in.
It took us about 35 minutes to get there from Longview, and
I want to note that that menu will change depending on the
when we arrived, we could see that it was more than just a restaurant.
season, and High Hill Farm has special events in which local farmers
It has a spa, a golf course (off from the site), a pool and some
will bring their fare and pare it up with nice wines. You should always
bungalows in which to spend a relaxing weekend. You can have a
check the High Hill Farm website.
picnic out on the grass or on the porch, get a massage or have a
I tried to find fault with the food, the service and the atmosphere
romantic getaway or a place for friends to meet and have a great time.
at High Hill Farm, but I could not. Even the wine selections were
That brings me back to the restaurant. It has a full bar, and
set up to go well with the entrees, and the wine prices were very
the restaurant is decorated simply but with wonderful artwork
reasonable,with some of the most expensive wines priced around
throughout the place. As always, I like for my wife and I to eat out
$60. Interestingly enough, during dinner we had a wonderful Pinot
with other friends so we can all order different appetizers, salads,
Noir that I liked so much I looked for the same wine that week in
entrees and desserts.
Longview and found it at a shop for $60. We paid $58 at High Hill
The presentation of every dish was spectacular. For appetizers,
Farm. I was greatly surprised the restaurant did not have a significant
we had the Lobster with Fried Ravioli and Limoncello Cream Sauce;
mark up for the wine. At most fine dining establishments, the price
Beef Short Rib Wonton Cigars with Garlic Avocado Guacamole; and
is normally nearly double of what you could pay for it at a wine shop.
the Fried Deep-Water Calamari with Sweet Chili Sauce, Heirloom
Finally, I must warn you that High Hill Farms is a popular place
Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula. Each was plated perfectly and the
for small weddings, birthday parties and other family and friends’
Sweet Chili Sauce was delicious.
get-togethers, and it is only 90 miles from the Dallas Metroplex, so
For salads, we had the Green Leaf Caesar Salad with Parmesan
plan ahead when you make reservations. We tried for one date for
Crisps, Fried Capers and House Made Croutons; the Blue Cheese
our reservation and the whole place, including the restaurant, had
Wedge Salad with Bacon, Candied Pecans and Granny Smith Apples;
been completely booked for the entire weekend for a wedding.
the Arugula and Pear Salad with Pickled Onions and Blood Orange
We found another weekend, and even then, High Hill Farm was
Vinaigrette dressing; and the Fire Roasted Corn Poblano Chowder.
heavily booked.
For entrees, we had the Pan Seared Salmon with Long Grain
As someone who has been everything from a maître d’,
Wild Rice and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus; the Shredded
captain, sommelier and waiter, I can honestly say the service was
Yucatan Sweet Pork atop Corn Tamale Cake with Southern Fire
impeccable. So, make the effort to get a reservation because the
Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Red Pepper Puree and Sour Cream
food and service are outstanding, so outstanding that I am awarding
Drizzle; and the 9-ounce Prime Beef Tenderloin with Oven Roasted
Côte Restaurant at High Hill Farm my second-ever A++. Every
Vegetables and Cheddar, Basil & Asparagus Bread Pudding.
plate was presented perfectly, with just the right proportions, and
Of course, we had desserts, which at High Hill Farm, are unique most days and are not on the menu. When we were there, we had Apple Pie; the Crème Brulee, which was a smaller version and delicious, but I do wish they had used some fruit garnish; and the restaurant had a wonderful chocolate Pot de Crème. A Pot de Crème is a loosely served French dessert custard dating back to the 17th 6 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
the prices were remarkably fair for such a perfect combination of taste, atmosphere and service. HIGH HILL FARM AND ITS CÔTE RESTAURANT 12626 CR 217, Arp | 903-834-3444 Dinner served starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; brunch served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month Reservations Recommended
COVER VIEW
WE HAVE
O.H. Methvin TO THANK
Words by VAN CRADDOCK Photos SPECIAL TO VIEW
8 VIEW | JMAANRUA C HR/YA/PFR EIBLR UA R Y
S
o, who was the man we call the “Father of Longview”? In Rosa Richkie Lamb’s 1928 “History of Gregg County and Longview,” the 1870 naming of the new village
is related thusly: “The name ‘Longview’ was given the town at the time the town site was laid off, by the engineers who were surveying the route for the extension of the Southern Pacific Railroad. There were two engineers, and while they were resting on Methvin Hill they looked through the large open forest on the south in the direction of Sabine River and saw objects a long distance away. “The land on which they were standing was owned by O.H. Methvin Sr., and they remarked to him, ‘You certainly have a long view from here, and we believe that the town should be
called Longview.’” Methvin strongly agreed with the surveyors’ suggestion and “Longview” was born. Ossamus Hitch Methvin Sr., a Georgia native, came to East Texas about 1848 and bought 1,200 acres. He was a farmer and a wagonmaker. He built a three-story home on Rock Hill (also known as Methvin Hill). The Gregg County Courthouse stands today in what was once Methvin’s cornfield. In April 1870, Methvin deeded to the Southern Pacific Railroad 100 acres of land for one dollar. In October 1870 he sold an additional 50 acres to the railroad for $500 in gold. Methvin’s monetary gift ensured that Longview would become an East Texas railroad center. The first railroad train rolled into Longview in February 1871. With the 1873 formation of Gregg County, Longview became the county seat. O.H. Methvin Sr., the “Father of Longview,” died in February 1882. He lies buried in Longview’s historic downtown Greenwood Cemetery.
What If...
ABOVE: A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HISTORIC LONGVIEW DEPOT TAKEN IN 1954. BELOW: THE HISTORIC LONGVIEW TRAIN DEPOT AUGUST 6, 2015. LES HASSELL/NEWS-JOURNAL PHOTO
our forefathers duked it out and shot it out and fought it out and prayed it out in the saloons and the churches and the brothels and the campgrounds,” Hubbard said. “If O.H. Methvin had not stepped up and deeded those first 100 acres, let me give you an
Now, 150 years later, like the movie title says, “It’s a Wonderful
example, what if Diana or Ore City or Lakeport or Carthage, what
Life” in Longview. In that movie, the main character, George
if one of those communities had stepped up and deeded 500 acres?
Bailey, got to see what the world would have been like if he had
Guess what would have happened? Diana would be Longview and
never been born. View magazine asked a similar question: What would Longview have been like if O.H. Methvin had never gifted land to the railroad? Here is some food for thought: Griff Hubbard, the last of the employees of the old Texas and Pacific Railway in Longview and product line agent for Amtrak’s Texas Eagle:
Longview would be Diana. ... What if Interstate 20 did not exist between the Eastman Road and the Estes Parkway exit? What if I-20 had never been built on that line? I can already tell you. (It would be) woods. A Forest. If you’re using the “It’s a Wonderful Life” analogy, Longview would be a tiny dot on the map.”
“The only reason that the railroad main line today runs from
Without Methvin, Longview might never have been. The city
Texarkana to Marshall to Mineola to Grand Saline to Wills Point
might still be Earpville, since no railroad surveyor would have
and to Fort Worth, the only reason it goes that route is because
stood on Methvin’s hill and remarked on the “long view.”
continued on pg. 10 news-journal.com 9
A PAGE OF THE LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL FROM APRIL 11, 1948, STATING THAT LONGVIEW IS THE OLDEST CITY IN GREGG COUNTY, AND OLDER THAN GREGG COUNTY ITSELF.
Businesses such as Kelly Plow — one of Longview’s first
So ... if Mr. and Mrs. Methvin had not believed, had not been
industries, Eastman Chemical Co., and others wouldn’t have
the visionaries they have been proven to have been, had not been
located here if there hadn’t been rail access. They wouldn’t have
willing to sell 100 acres of land for $1 then it is quite possible that:
had a way to get goods out of Longview, Hubbard said. The railroad’s route through Longview affected the city’s development in other ways, too. “Passenger rail assets will be something that Longview will forever have over Tyler, Texas, because our forefathers built into Longview and then built out of Longview to the west,” Hubbard
Longview would not have been created ... we would still be Earpville (if the community had continued growing to the west). Gregg County would not have been created as Upshur County would have continued to prosper and would have administered the area. (Gregg County wasn’t formed until 1873.)
said. “These same forefathers built into Tyler, but they didn’t
Mr. Methvin might have retained the land that now is home to
build out. We will always have something in mobility ingress and
the Gregg County Courthouse, First Presbyterian Church, First
egress that Tyler will never have and it’s all because O.H. Methvin
Methodist Church, and First Baptist Church.
stepped up to the plate and gave those first 100 acres.” Laura Hill, the city of Longview’s community services director who is heading up the Longview 150 Planning Committee: “I am reviewing an article from the Longview Morning Journal dated May 3, 1970, about O.H. Methvin Sr. being regarded as the Founder of Longview. ...
It is well documented that if the railroad bypassed communities, they typically failed to thrive ... would that have been the case for ‘Earpville’? Probably yes. With no railroad, it is doubtful that Texas Eastman would have located to this area.
The article quotes: ‘believing that said road (railroad) will
Oil would still have been discovered, and the area would still
enhance the value of lands along the line and near the same, and
have been transformed economically ... but would we still be
for the purpose of aiding therein and opening up and developing
Earpville? Or possibly if the area was unincorporated at the time
the resources of the country.’
of discovery, would a new community have been created?
WILL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING IN MOBILITY INGRESS AND EGRESS “ WE THAT TYLER WILL NEVER HAVE AND IT’S ALL BECAUSE O.H. Methvin stepped up to the plate.” - GRIFF HUBBARD 10 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
Our Community owes so much to the Methvins! Without their vision and their altruism, we more than likely would not be here. They set the example for our citizens about what giving can truly mean in creating and shaping a Community. They gave land and continued to be an integral part of the small yet growing community for decades. Some of their descendants are still here ... and that’s continuity.” Local author Kimberly Fish took a creative approach to the question, “What if O.H. Methvin had never given land to the railroad?” Here’s her alternative version of history:
Revolution:
AN ALTERNATIVE VERSION OF LONGVIEW’S BEGINNINGS The Mexican flag snapped in the cold breeze, and Ossamus Hitch Methvin drove his mule-drawn carriage through the town of Camden; his breathing shallow, his eyes cast low. His wife,
A PAGE FROM THE LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL FROM APRIL 29, 1935, ADVERTISING AIR-CONDITIONED TRAIN TRAVEL.
Margaret, huddled under a blanket, trying not to attract attention with her golden hair. As an immigrant from Georgia, he knew he’d have a tough time explaining his intentions to the mix of people
if
you go
who populated this northern corner of Mexico. It rubbed him raw
LONGVIEW 150 EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
that Indians, Blacks, and Mexicans were owning the shops along
“The Way Things Were: Texas Settlers and their Buildings, 1860s-1930s,” Jan. 13-Feb. 9, Longview Public Library
the Trammel Trace and cavorting like no one knew that winds of
Big Inch Pipeline Commemorative Event, 1-3 p.m. Jan. 25; Red Oak Baptist Church
war were blowing on the other side of the Red River. But that’s the way it was in Mexico these days — after the battle
Pleasant Hill Quilting Group Exhibit, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25, First United Methodist Church Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, Jan. 28, Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center
losses at San Jacinto and the Alamo, Santa Anna had marched
“Portraits of our Past,” Feb. 4-March 28, Gregg County Historical Museum
his troops north and annihilated any hopes of revolution by the
Longview Sesquicentennial Ball, Feb. 22, sold out, Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center
pioneers who’d staked a corner of land in the wild country called,
Transportation Show, March 21, Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center
Texas. The Mexicans would surely side with Lincoln and feed the
Cannibals Baseball Game Re-enactment, 2 p.m. March 21, LeTourneau University
government every supply they’d need to crush the Southerners, if the conflicts came to a head. If he could just get through Camden undetected, he’d join his friends, the Earps and the Castleberrys, who’d staked out a tall hill north of here — a place they said was full of timber, good
History of Longview presented by Preservation Longview, March 21, LeTourneau University Back Porch Stories, April 3 and 4, ArtsView Children’s Theatre Dalton Days, April 4, Gregg County Historical Museum East Texas Symphonic Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. April 6, LeTourneau University Belcher Center Longview Greggton Rotary PRCA Rodeo, April 17 and 18, Longview Rodeo Arena Downtown Scavenger Hunt, 1:30 p.m. April 18, Downtown Longview
soil, and fresh water. And, best of all, it offered a long view of
First Baptist Church — Longview Homecoming, April 18 and 19, First Baptist Church
the territory where they hoped to grow the seeds of sedition for
“The Grande Sesquicentennial Trek” Parade, 10 a.m.-noon April 18, Downtown Longview
yet another run on revolution. O.H. wasn’t hellbent on fighting,
Holocaust Display, April 21, LeTourneau University’s Heath-Hardwick Hall
but he was looking for a place to let his ideas fly and build a new
Sesquicentennial Exhibit Opens, May 5, Gregg County Historical Museum
life for his wife and children. A place with a long view, sounded
Longview 150 Time Capsule, 10 a.m. May 8, Longview Public Library
perfect to him.
Longview 150 Passport Program, March 7-21, various locations, Junior League of Longview
news-journal.com 11
HEALTH VIEW
cardio on wheels Words by ANA P. WALKER | Photos by LES HASSELL
T
he transformation of a former nightclub may offer area
newcomers to learn in a safer way. The equipment works on
fitness aficionados a new arena.
the same principle as walkers used by people who have had leg
The Reo Starplex Event Center & Roller Rink, which
surgery or who have balance issues while walking. The trainers
opened in mid-November at the former Reo Palm Isle at the
which are on wheels offer the skater a padded bar for each hand
intersection of Texas 31 and West Loop 281, joins two other roller skating venues in the Longview area. Roller skating holds different associations for different generations. Some may connect it to their early social life as a place where the “couples skates” elicited giggles and elbow jabs from adolescents watching which boy had the nerve to ask a girl
that allows for security and balance but places a buffer between the newbie and other skaters. “Today, kids need help and encouragement to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle. Roller skating provides a great way to exercise and kids get to do what they like to do more than anything
to skate with him for one special song. Others might remember
in the world — hang out with friends and listen to music. Kids
the roller disco craze of the ‘70s while roller derby looms large
may not realize that while they are socializing with their friends on
in the recollections of others. In-line skating and skateboarding
skates, the activity itself is better than running the same distance,”
have dominated much of the most recent generations’ interest
said information from RSA.
in human-powered wheeled sports and roller derby lives, but
Allen, who also owns the Gilmer Starplex skating rink, said
roller skating is making inroads in communities large and small,
he tried offering lunchtime skating hours at that venue for those
including East Texas.
who wished to exercise in the middle of the day but response
The activity not only offers family and individual recreational opportunities but opportunities to get in shape. For fun or fitness, skating means a cardio workout as well as engagement of most of the muscle groups, says information from the Roller Skating Association International. RSA International advises that some individuals can achieve a heart rate of 148 by moderate roller skating. Parents and grandparents who may recall bumps and bruises have options if they choose to introduce their youngsters to roller skating.
was minimal. When asked if he would try a similar option in Longview if customers show an interest, he said, “Absolutely. I think if we do open up for lunch on the skating side that would be one of our key targets is to assist in putting together some type of activity for individuals that choose to go that route.” He emphasized the family nature of his skate arenas. The
John Allen, owner of the newly opened Reo Starplex, said the
facility is large enough to offer entertainment for children and
rink offers “trainers,” for children and some adults, that allow
adults, and its location offers easy access from surrounding
12 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
communities via Interstate 20, he said. The building’s historic appeal was also a draw for him, he said. “I just personally think the Reo with all its history is a perfect place for this.” The business opened as a nightclub in 1935 and hosted star musical acts during its lifetime, experiencing a number of
HERE ARE SOME MORE FUN SKATING FACTS FROM RSA INTERNATIONAL: • Moderate roller skating will increase the skater’s heartbeat to 140-160 beats per minute. Pick up the pace and you’ll likely top 180 beats per minute. • Studies have shown that roller skating provides a complete
format transformations. The Reo complex also houses a comedy club and features a lunchtime buffet. Information on the new operation is available on the company’s website and Facebook page. The roller skating rink is open Thursday through Monday to the public. It features an arcade and concession stand. Prices for admission and skate rental vary. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are available for private events. Gilmer Starplex is open 7 days per week. Kilgore Skateland, a separately owned company, is open Thursday through Saturday.
if
you go
REO STARPLEX EVENT CENTER & ROLLER RINK
aerobic workout and involves all of the body’s muscles, especially the heart. • Roller skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits and caloric consumption, reduction of body fat, and leg strength development. • Roller skating is recognized and recommended by the American Heart Association as an aerobic fitness sport. • One hour of moderate roller skating burns 330 calories for a 143-pound person. If that same person roller skates vigorously up to 10 mph, he or she will burn up to 600 calories in an hour. • If someone roller skates one day, bicycles another, and swims
When: Hours vary by day. Available for private events Tuesdays and Wednesday
or runs on another, the person will be getting all the fitness
Where: 4716 W. Loop 281, Longview
benefits that aerobics can offer.
Information: (903) 680-7588, reostarplex.com, or on Facebook
Celebrating Longview! Celebrating Women!
news-journal.com 13
DESIGN VIEW
the
marshall grand Words by JO LEE FERGUSON | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS
14 VIEW | JMAANRUA C HR/YA/PFR EIBLR UA R Y
The lobby of ETBU’s nursing program, which is housed in the renovated historic Marshall Grand Hotel. news-journal.com 15
W
hen the Hotel Marshall was built in 1929 in downtown Marshall, the interior brick walls were coated with a black substance that provided insulation and weather proofing.
Some 90 years later, those brick walls were painstakingly cleaned so
they could help connect the past to the present in the building’s newest incarnation. Known in more recent years as the Marshall Grand, the structure was remodeled and opened in early 2019 as a home for East Texas Baptist University’s nursing program. University President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said the renovation process experimented with several methods before successfully removing the coating on the walls. That allowed the building’s design to incorporate sections of exposed brick into the offices and classroom spaces the nursing students use. People from the era from the structure was built probably wouldn’t have valued an interior view of the bricks, said Dr. Thomas Sanders, the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, but it’s his favorite feature in the building’s remodel. “The exposed brick and retreating, that, to me, adds texture to the offices and the classrooms that I think really warms up the rooms,” he said. Blackburn said the exposed brick, “complements the modern with the reflection to its past, to its original creation.” It’s a theme found throughout the building’s transformation to a modern facility. “I guess it’s more than a remodel. It’s more than a build-out,” Blackburn said. “It’s a creation of an academic building within this existing hotel.” The hotel was constructed by S.B. “Sam” Perkins and designed by famed Fort Worth architect Wyatt Hedrick, who also designed such well-known structures as the Shamrock Hotel in Houston, the Lone Star Gas Company Building in Dallas and the Texas and Pacific Terminal and Warehouse in Fort Worth. The Grand was a center of social activity in Marshall for many years, until time moved on and the hotel closed. East Texas Baptist University actually owned the building twice before, using it for different purposes each time and then selling the building. It was vacant and falling into disrepair when it was purchased in 2003 by two couples interested in preserving the building: local businessman Jerry Cargill and his wife, Judy Cargill, and former Texas state Sen. and Harrison County Judge Richard Anderson and his wife, Christina Anderson. They renovated several portions of the building, and it housed an event and meeting center and restaurant for about six years, according to information Blackburn provided. The Cargills and Andersons donated the building to the university in 2013, and Blackburn became president in 2015. University trustees tasked the new president with figuring out what to do with the structure. continued on pg. 19 16 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
Simulation lab for the nursing program in the renovated historic Marshall Grand.
news-journal.com 17
Photo Special to View
ETBU nursing program in the renovated historic Marshall Grand Hotel on Nov. 14.
“The Good Samaritan Art Gallery� inside the renovated Marshall Grand.
18 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
President J. Blair Blackburn, left, and Vice President of Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders speak about renovating the historic Marshall Grand Hotel to house the ETBU nursing program.
“There were certainly lots of people who thought this building should come down,” Sanders said.
and performances. Blue and white sofas and chairs were selected to complement the building’s Art Deco style of the 1920s.
It was Sanders’ vision, Blackburn said, to create a place for
Sanders and Blackburn noted that the renovation incorporated
the nursing school. Housed in a 1953 building on campus at that
the lobby’s original golden brown terra-cotta style Saltillo tile. The
time, the growing program had achieved great success despite its
wainscoting and chandelier at the entrance are original, as well.
lack of modern facilities, achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the
Blackburn noted that the lobby bathrooms — bathrooms are
nursing licensure exam and being ranked sixth among 119 nursing
spaces that are often overlooked, he said — also were designed to
programs in the state by registerednursing.org .
reflect the building’s history, with basket weave tile floors, subway
“We said, ‘You know, it’s structurally sound, it’s a beautiful
tile walls and period lighting and mirrors.
building. It’s an icon for the city — it shouldn’t be an eyesore for
The building has a basement and eight other floors, five that
the city,’ “ Blackburn said, describing the building as a “beautiful,
have been renovated. The nursing program’s new simulation
architectural masterpiece.”
laboratory is on the third floor. Designed to look like a hospital
The university invested more than $4 million in the renovation,
with a nurse’s station, wireless computerized mannequins allow
he said, with the help of the Cargills and Andersons, city of
teachers to stage a variety of situations for the nursing students
Marshall, Marshall Economic Development Corp., Downtown
to respond to.
Development Corp. and numerous donors and foundations. Blackburn has overseen the design and development of about 40 buildings during his career, and he personally selected the colors, materials and furniture used in the building’s remodel. The lobby is one of his favorite spaces.
The next stage, Blackburn said, is the eighth floor that once was known as the garden ballroom. Blackburn expects it will be restored to a place for university and community activities. Preservation says a lot about a community, Blackburn said, describing the Marshall Grand’s new role as a “rebirth.”
“I love that we were able to maintain the integrity of the
“It’s bringing it back to being relevant, but a different kind
original design of the lobby and to be able to create a space
of relevant. In reality, this place is more relevant now,” he said,
that can be multi-dimensional,” Blackburn said, with spaces for
because it’s being used to train nurses who will care for people
students to study and have fellowship, and places for luncheons
and save lives — they’ll be the ‘healing hands of Christ.’” news-journal.com 19
HOME VIEW
the
northcutt house
Words by ANNTOINETTE MOORE | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS
20 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
news-journal.com 21
B
ack in 2001, real estate agent Billy Decker was looking for another office location when he found an ideal site — and a signature piece of Longview history — in the Northcutt
house, at 313 S. Fredonia St. “When I spotted the house, I thought, wow, what a perfect place for an office, because of the architecture,” he said. “There are very few around of the Queen Anne style, with the turrets. You just don’t see those anymore,” Decker said. “This is still arguably the most beautiful home in Longview. It’s gorgeous.” Queen Anne-style houses feature an asymmetrical design of more than one story, wraparound porches, deeply pitched roofs with frontfacing gables and round or polygonal turrets, according to the website Study.com. The style was popular in the United States from about 1880-1900, the trend lasting until about 1910 in the Western states. Built in 1902, the house was designed by Presbyterian minister the Rev. W.B. Allen for Dr. William Davis Northcutt and his family. Despite its 118 years, the house has an almost modern feel, with its spacious reception hall, large windows — many with their original glass — and high ceilings. Pocket doors that slide into the walls make the reception hall and parlor seem like one huge room. “This was a great design. … It’s still functional today,” Decker said. “My children love the house. We want to keep it in the family.” On the first floor are three fireplaces with their original ornately carved wooden mantles imported from Virginia, hearths of painted and glazed tiles and metallic fire screens. Fireplaces in the reception hall and parlor have shallow fireboxes designed to burn coal, Decker said. They sit catty-cornered to each other and share a chimney. The fireplace in the original family room — now Decker’s office — has a deeper firebox designed to burn wood. Before he died in 2014, Dr. W.D. Northcutt, III, grandson of the first Dr. Northcutt, gave Decker copies of the floorplan identifying the original use of each room. On the first floor are the reception hall, front parlor, family room, dining room, butler’s pantry, kitchen and back bedroom, used at one time as a nursery, Decker said. Two staircases — a magnificent one of curly pine in the reception hall and a narrow, plain backstairs by the kitchen — lead to the second floor. The curly pine staircase ends in an open area called the library, with a front bedroom to one side. Three more bedrooms and Longview’s first indoor bathroom — with its original 6-foot-long, claw-footed tub — open off a long hall leading to the back staircase. A third floor remains unfinished. A Georgia native, the first Dr. Northcutt moved to Longview when he was 8 years old, according to the house’s National Register continued on pg. 25
22 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
A copy of the original plans for the Northcutt House show how each room was used. Dr. W.D.Northcutt III, grandson to the first Dr. Northcutt, provided the plans to the home’s current owners.
The main staircase was built with East Texas curly pine.
news-journal.com 23
Owners of the Northcutt House Billy and Dr. Jana Decker on Nov. 18.
24 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
application. He went to Texas A&M, receiving his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. Northcutt returned to Longview, where he practiced medicine for 45 years. He married Eda Mantha in 1886, and they moved into a new house at 309 S. Fredonia, the application said. However, they soon needed a bigger one for their growing family of five daughters and two sons. So, they built a mansion just down the street. The 3,800-squarefoot house cost $12,000 to build in 1902, according to a June 15, 1997, article in the News-Journal. That comes to more than $359,000 in today’s dollars, based on the CPI Inflation Calculator website. The cost would likely be much higher today, given the house’s unique craftsmanship and the rarity of some building materials common in 1902, such as East Texas curly pine. “The majority of the house is curly pine. It’s a beautiful wood,” Decker said. Curly pine was used up rebuilding Galveston after the 1900 hurricane, which destroyed the city and killed an estimated 8,000 people. “That’s the story I heard; that’s why (curly pine) went extinct,” he said. Northcutt was a prominent Longview citizen at the turn of the 20th century. He served four terms as mayor and was elected to the school board. Northcutt also was the county and city health officer and chief of the volunteer fire department during his lifetime. He died in 1931; his youngest daughter, Jessie, lived in the house until her death in 1976, the National Register application said. Its ownership then passed to her son, Arthur Brown. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and received an official Texas Historical Marker in 1982. By the time Decker and his wife, Dr. Jana Decker, an internal medicine specialist, bought it, the house had fallen on hard times. “It was sad the way it looked, like a woman who was ashamed” of her appearance, Decker said. “We brought it back to life.” The porches were falling down, and the house had termite damage. The varnished wooden floors were so dark you couldn’t see the wood’s grain. However, the house had all its original doorknobs and moldings, and the parlor’s original wallpaper was mostly intact. Though restoring the house was an expensive project, Decker didn’t hesitate. “I just took it and ran with it. I’m blessed to be in a position where I can do that,” he said. “The Victorian look is so beautiful. I enjoy buying antiques. They fit here perfectly,” he said. “I saved this property. That made me happy. … Who knows what could have happened to it? It could have … fallen apart,” he said. news-journal.com 25
EVENT VIEW
piecing together history Words by BECKY BELL | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS
F
lo Stevenson didn’t know it at the time, but the 2004 purchase of a quilt at a flea market would allow her and other quilters to both change and teach history.
She found the tattered quilt in Montgomery, Alabama, while
killing time and was somehow drawn to the familiar pattern she had seen before. “It was one of those things, you know, like it was calling my name and saying, ‘Come look at me’,’’ she said. “I guess it is more like a spiritual thing that it happened and that’s how I ended up with the quilt.” She asked the man at the booth how much he wanted for it. He said whatever she would give, because it was very worn. Now, she says it was just about the best $15 she has ever spent, because the quilt turned into a program that has allowed her and other members of the Pleasant Hill Quilting Group to tell the story about the role quilts once played in the Underground Railroad, which helped slaves escape to freedom. The group of 10 women travels to various locations and tells stories about the quilts, performs skits and sings spiritual hymns such as “Wade in the Water” and “Steal Away,” to recall and embrace black history. After acquiring the quilt in Alabama, Stevenson took the quilt to the “Antiques Roadshow” in Baton Rouge and learned its fabric was from the 1800s. The quilt dated back to the Underground Railroad. Before purchasing the quilt at the flea market, she had The Pleasant Hill Quilting Group, of Linden, tells about the role quilts played in the underground railroad. Special to View 26 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
read a book called, “Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad.” She recognized the “monkey
wrench” pattern which represented a blacksmith on a plantation who could provide slaves an escape route. Another pattern is the “flying geese,” which Stevenson said meant for the slaves to look up at the loud-sounding birds to watch their flight. As the geese flew north for the spring, slaves were to watch them and follow them to find a safe place. The Pleasant Hill Quilting Group has made 200 quilts since 2005. The most popular colors of the quilts are purple and gold, and red and white. The Longview NAACP has invited the Pleasant Hill Quilting Group to explain secret quilt codes and to perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at First United Methodist Church in Longview as a part of Longview 150, Longview’s sesquicentennial celebration events. Brenda Coleman, first vice president of Longview’s NAACP, said she heard about the quilters and thought they would be a good way to celebrate Longview 150. She also thought it would be a good time for the group to present its work in Longview as Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday is in January and Black History
The Pleasant Hill Quilting Group, of Linden, will perform Jan. 25 as part of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration. Special to View
if
Month is in February. “This is good for people of all cultures and the NAACP has a long history with civil rights,” she said. “And the quilts do have the code of the Underground Railroad.”
you go PLEASANT HILL QUILTING GROUP EXHIBIT
When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Jan. 25 Where: First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Fredonia St., Longview Cost: $5
Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today!
news-journal.com 27
EVENT VIEW
portraits of our past Words by CLARE MCCARTHY | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS
tories and photographs of dozens of influential black East
S
The museum directors used two books in particular, each
Texans will be on display throughout February and March
of which were found in the Longview library archives, to assist
at the Gregg County Historical Museum.
with their research: one called “Tall Black Texans,” by Effie Kaye
February’s Black History Month, “Portraits of our Past: Influential
Tribute,” by Margaret Fleming.
In honor of Longview’s sesquicentennial celebration and
African Americans of East Texas” will showcase about 40 historical photographs and biographies of numerous individuals who have played a significant role in East Texas history.
Adams, and another called “A Negro in Longview: A Centennial Loy said Fleming was a black woman who wrote the book in 1970 as a tribute to Longview’s centennial celebration. “She did a lot of research on various African American men
Lindsay Loy, executive director of the Gregg County Historical
and women that were prominent during the centennial,” Loy
Museum, says Longview’s sesquicentennial celebration is the
says. “So we took that book and we pulled her information and
perfect time to showcase this exhibit, particularly since it focuses
then we updated a lot of the biographies.”
directly on the local community and was curated entirely by the Gregg County Historical Foundation. “I think that not many people know about the African American heritage in Longview,” Loy says, “and this exhibit will help highlight some of the significant men and women who are part of that heritage and history.” Well-known sports figures such as George Foreman, David Wesley and Charlie Neal will be featured, along with a variety of people with other significance to East Texas, ranging from teachers and clergymen to funeral directors, masons and football, basketball and baseball players. Loy says typically the museum rents exhibitions, which tend to have a broader focus. (For example, last year’s exhibit during Black History Month focused on Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.) This year, though, the museum directors decided to research and fabricate their own exhibit, in honor of Longview’s sesquicentennial celebration. “This is a more local, homegrown exhibit,” Loy says. “We did all the research ourselves and used people that we know, and people who are deceased, to help us do some of the research through the archives and files.” 28 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
The exhibit will feature various historical artifacts to complement the portraits and biographies; WWII uniforms, Longview Lobos helmets and Charlie Neal’s golden glove are just a few examples, Loy says. The exhibit will be open to the public from Feb. 4 through March 28. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $2 for senior citizens (age 60 and older) and $1 for all students and children. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.gregghistorical.org or call 903-753-5840.
if
you go
“PORTRAITS OF OUR PAST: INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN AMERICANS OF EAST TEXAS” When: Feb. 4-March 28; museum open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m Saturday Where: Gregg County Historical Museum, 214 N. Fredonia St., Longview Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for senior citizens, $1 for students and children Information: 903-753-5840 or vwww.gregghistorical.org
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303 W. Loop 281 • Suite #105 • Longview, Texas 75605 news-journal.com 29
LOCALVIEW
to
eat, drink & do in east texas
to eat
CAFÉ BARRON'S Elegant yet casual, Café Barron’s serves lunch, brunch and dinner, with daily specials throughout the week. Indulge in your favorite wine, beer or cocktail from the bar. 405 W Loop 281 Suite F, Longview (903) 663-4737, www.shopbarrons.com
to shop BARRON'S Barron’s is your one-stop shop for gifts, clothes, jewelry, accessories, home décor, books and more. Shop Barron’s for all of your holiday and special occasion needs. 405 W Loop 281 Suite F, Longview (903) 663-2060, www.shopbarrons.com
ELLIE BEE’S Ellie Bee’s is a fun and funky paper & gift shop. Our selections are ever evolving and often include a sprinkle of seasonal surprises.
to do
services
BELCHER CENTER
utilizing the latest in robotic rehabilitation technology. Our goal at Everest Rehabilitation Hospital of Longview is to provide patient centered, patient focused care enabling patients to return home to their loved ones.
Enjoy a bit of culture in your life. Take in special performances, concerts, community events and more. Go online for a schedule of events. LeTourneau University, Stegall Dr., Longview (903) 233-3080, www.belchercenter.com
services
CASA FLORA FLOWER SHOP Stop and smell the roses … and order some too! Beautiful flowers for all occasions are available for delivery to the East Texas area. 314 Magnolia Ln., Longview, (800) 245-4614, www.casafloraflowers.com
CHRISTUS GOOD SHEPHERD HEALTH SYSTEM CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System sets the standard for health, wellness and state-of-the-art healthcare in East Texas.
1418 McCann Rd, Longview, TX 75601 (903) 758-0300, www.elliebees.com
700 E. Marshall Ave., Longview, (903) 315-2000, christusgoodshepherd.org
HENRY & MOORE JEWELRY
EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION
With more than 40 years of combined jewelry experience, Sondra T. Moore & Mamie Henry pair up to provide Longview with exquisite jewelry & gifts. 303 W. Loop 281 Ste. 105, Longview, (903) 663-1515
MERLE NORMAN
Invest in the best cosmetics and skincare at Merle Norman. Take advantage of their free skin analysis, free five minute hydrating facial, free make-up lessons plus much more. 3500 McCann, #L7A, Longview Mall, Longview (903) 753-0041, www.merlenorman.com
PETERS CHEVROLET Peters Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat offers the Longview, TX area a full lineup of new and used cars that will match your lifestyle and budget. 4181 US-259, Longview, TX 75605 (877) 615-3187, peterscars.com
30 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
Take care of all your banking and financial needs with ETPCU. Become a member today and enjoy competitive rates on loans, mortgages, vehicles and more. Multiple locations, www.etpcu.org
EASTMAN CREDIT UNION Be a part of something extraordinary with ECU. Banking, financing, loans and competitive rates add superior value to your life and help reach your financial goals. 3066 N. Eastman Rd., Longview; 300 Kodak Blvd., Longview (800) 999-2328, www.ecu.org
EVEREST REHABILITATION HOSPITAL OF LONGVIEW Everest Rehabilitation Hospital of Longview is an all-inclusive inpatient rehabilitation facility that features 36 private rooms creating an environment focused on individualized care. Patients at Everest receive compassionate care from our therapists, nurses, and staff while
701 East Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 Phone: 430-240-4600, everestrehab.com
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH SALON & SPA Mother’s Day Gift Cards Available Elegant & Trendy Salon 10 Experienced Hairstylists Tranquil Day Spa Hot Tub Jacuzzi/Shower 8 Treatment Rooms -3 Couples Suite 5 Spa Pedicure Chairs & Nails Massage/Facials/Body Scrubs Micro-Derm/Peels 1915 Judson Rd, Longview, TX, 75605 (903) 234-1020, foydayspa.com
HEARTIS At Heartis Longview, we are committed to providing a stimulating and nurturing environment-filled with warmth, comfort and care, that improves quality of life and allows our residents to flourish. As a national leader in assisted living and memory care, you can count on Heartis Longview to deliver the highest quality care for residents. 1408 Lago Trail, Longview, TX 75604 903-291-0020, www.heartis.com
HILTON GARDEN INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER Hotel includes beautiful rooms, a full service restaurant and bar, fitness center, business center, and an indoor pool. 905 E Hawkins Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605, 903-212-3000
KRISTINA COOLIDGE, AGENT Contact an experienced agent who knows rules and regulations, market value & unique, legal protocol for buying and selling on Cherokee. Kristina Coolidge, Carol Coolidge Real Estate, 903-720-4838, kristina@lakecherokee.com www.lakecherokee.com
services LONGVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Healing begins here as Longview’s community health care provider with 180 physicians and healthcare professionals, a 230-bed facility and national recognition in chest pain and stroke care. 2901 N. Fourth St., Longview (903) 758-1818, www.longviewregional.com
CHARM
R & K DISTRIBUTORS This family owned and operated company offers up to 68 different brands of alcohol from five different breweries, including exclusive rights to the Anheuser-Busch products. 1302 E. Whaley St., Longview, (903) 758-4494, www.rkdistributors.com
TEXAS BANK AND TRUST
Texas Bank and Trust has been serving East Texas since 1958. We serve 15 communities from Marshall, TX, to the DFW metroplex. The directors, officers and employees of Texas Bank and Trust are committed to providing exceptional service and quality products to partner with our customers in achieving their financial goals. ATMs worldwide. Main Bank – 300 E. Whaley St.; Mortgage Lending – 304 N. Green St.; Pine Tree – 1800 W. Loop 281; Pine Tree Convenience – 1801 Gilmer Rd.; North Lgvw – 3622 McCann Rd. www.texasbankandtrust.com
WOMAN & CHILD HEALTH CENTER The Woman and Child Health Center of Longview provides affordable, comprehensive health care for women and children, offering convenient care for patients in Longview and the surrounding East Texas communities. To schedule a Women’s Health or Pediactric appointment today, please call 903-212-7170. womanandchildlongview.org
“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”
To advertise your local business here, call 903-237-7736.
COMING TO THE
MARCH/APRIL 2020 ISSUE
Legacies PEOPLE & GROUPS WHO HAVE BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART OF LONGVIEW’S HISTORY
news-journal.com 31
EVENTSVIEW
calendar of events LONGVIEW
H.E.R.P.S. Exotic Reptile and Pet Show Jan. 4-5
Big Inch Pipeline Commemorative Event Jan. 25
Red Oak Baptist Church
Longview Exhibit Building
www.longviewtexas.gov/3580/ Events-and-Celebrations
Carmela’s Magical Santa Land Through Jan. 5
Pleasant Hill Quilting Group Exhibit Jan. 25
www.herpshow.net
6085 Hwy 259 N.
Stars Over Longview Jan. 9
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex
First United Methodist Church
www.longviewtexas.gov/3580/ Events-and-Celebrations Longview Chamber of Commerce Banquet Jan. 28
Intro to Stage Combat Feb. 15
JEFFERSON
www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
Caddo Lake State Park
ArtsView Children’s Theatre
Longview Symphony — An Evening of Romance Concert Feb. 16 Trinity Episcopal Church
www.longviewsymphony.org Three Redneck Tenors Feb. 21
LeTourneau University Belcher Center
www.belchercenter.com
www.longviewchamber.com
City of Longview Sesquicentennial Ball Feb. 22
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex
Bourbon & Bowties Feb. 1
www.jllongview.org
Longview Jaycees Trade Days Second weekend each month
www.longviewwow.org
www.LongviewRegional.com Go-Giver Gala Jan. 11
www.longviewtexas.gov/GGG
Maude Cobb Convention Center
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex
www.greggcountyfair.com/Trade_Days
UKC Dog Show Feb. 1
Riverside Trade Days Second, fourth weekend each month
www.ukcdogs.com/texas-classic
Longview Exhibit Building
Texas 42 and Harrison Road
903-295-9800
Jeanne Robertson Jan. 11
LeTourneau University Center Belcher Center
www.belchercenter.com
”The Way Things Were: Texas Settlers and their Buildings, 1860’s-1930’s” Jan. 13-Feb. 9 Longview Public Library
www.longviewtexas.gov/3580/ Events-and-Celebrations
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Exhibit Building
Freeze Your Fanny Bike Ride Feb. 2 Woolley G’s Bike & Fitness
www.freezeyourfanny.com East Texas Symphonic Band Feb. 3
LeTourneau University Belcher Center
etsymphonicband.com In between Improv Feb. 3rd-Feb. 7th
ArtsView Children’s Theatre
www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
Wild Kratts Live 2.0 Jan. 17
”Portraits of our Past: Influential African Americans of East Texas” Feb.4-March 28
www.belchercenter.com
www.gregghistorical.org
Classic Arms Production Gun & Knife Show Jan. 18
East Texas Builders Association Home & Design Show Feb. 8
LeTourneau University Belcher Center
Gregg County Historical Museum
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Exhibit Building
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex
www.capgunshows.com
www.easttexasbuilders.org
”The Spongebob Musical” Jan. 23
Tots in the Spot! Feb. 7, March 6, April 3, May 1
Longview Exhibit Building
www.facebook.com/ zontapromboutique/
MARSHALL
Close to You: Music of the Carpenters Jan. 11
Marshall Convention Center
marshallartscouncil.org Farewell Angelina Jan. 24
Memorial City Hall Performance Center
www.memorialcityhall.com One Night in Memphis Feb. 15
Memorial City Hall Performance Center
www.memorialcityhall.com ”The Addams Family: A New Musical” Feb. 27-29
Jefferson Tourism & Transportation Convention Center
www.thepulpwoodqueens.com
The Jefferson Institute
jeffersonquiltshow.com Membership Gala Jan. 25
Marion County Chamber of Commerce
www.jefferon-texas.com Queen Mab Ball X Feb. 8
www.mardigrasupriver.com
Wine and Cheese Mixer Feb. 13 Jefferson Carnegie Library
www.facebook.com/ jeffersoncarnegielibrary
Krewe of Hebe Mardi Gras Upriver Feb. 21-23 Downtown Jefferson
www.mardigrasupriver.com
GLADEWATER
Want your event listed in the Calendar of Events? Please send information to jferguson@news-journal.com with the subject line “View Calendar.”
108 E. Commerce St.
The deadline to submit March/April events is Jan. 30.
Memorial City Hall
https://tinyurl.com/yalo3qrc The Gladewater Opry Friday/Saturday nights www.thegladewateropry.com
www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
East Texas Boat & RV Show Jan. 24
Dinostars! Feb. 10-21
Gilmer Civic Center
32 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend Weekend Jan. 16-18
Quilts on the Bayou Jan. 24-25
www.belchercenter.com
www.boatrvshow.com
www.mardigrasupriver.com
Zonta Club of Longview Prom Dress Boutique Feb. 29
GILMER
www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
Crazy Hat Party — Krewe of Hebe Jan. 11
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex
ArtsView Children’s Theatre
ArtsView Children’s Theatre
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caddo-lake
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Banquet Jan. 20 www.jefferson-texas.com/ events/#!calendar
LeTourneau University Belcher Center
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex
First Day Hike Jan. 1
Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet Feb. 21 www.gilmerareachamber.com
PICTURE THIS
CHRISTUS GOOD SHEPHERD
GOLD
RUSH
REBECCA & DEKE BARRON
LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVENTION AND ACTIVITY CENTER | 10/19/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS
“A Night in Old Havana” was the theme for this year’s Gold Rush, an annual fundraiser benefiting Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center-Longview. The hospital’s Guild votes each year about what project the fundraiser will support, as recommended by the hospital. Since 1984, the fundraiser has HEATHER & JEFF KRAUS
helped develop such services as the Heart Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Perinatology Clinic and Women’s Center, the Shepherd House, the Digital Mobile Mammography Service, Phase II of the Medical Simulation Center and others. This year’s fundraiser included food, dancing, a silent and live auction, and a car raffle. “Gold Rush 2019, A Night in Old Havana, was a great success,” said hospital spokesman Will Knouss, with the event raising $153,755. “Proceeds will fund new 3D equipment for our mobile mammography unit.”
STACY KEIFER, KIM HOLCOMB
LISA HERTERICH, SHIRLEY BALLARD
Next year’s Gold Rush is set for Oct. 17.
CENDY & BRENT DAVIS
news-journal.com 33
PICTURE THIS
TOUCH A
TRUCK LONGVIEW | LONGVIEW MALL | 10/6/2019
JOSH, ASHER & NICOLE LOMERS
Photos by COURTNEY CASE
On the first Saturday in October each year, Longview Community Ministries invites people to “Touch a Truck-Feed a Family.” The annual event allows children (and adults) to see, touch and climb into a variety of vehicles. Admission is a jar of peanut butter to benefit Longview Community Ministries’ food pantry or a monetary donation. Longview Community Ministries was formed in 1985 by local
CODY, SAMANTHA & PRESLEY LEDBETTER
churches and community leaders to assist Longview residents in need while avoiding duplication of services and better using volunteers. Each year the organization assists tens of thousands of people through services such as its Learning Lab, a Meals with Love food program that delivers meals to elderly and disabled people, Coats for Kids, Food Box, rent and utilities assistance and other services. Touch a Truck-Feed a Family began in 2009, and moved to the mall for the first time in 2019. Executive Director Robin Fruia said it was the “most successful” Touch a Truck yet. “The mall management staff estimated that approximately 2,500 people came through the event space during the span of four hours,”
JENNIFER, DARBY & SUZIE DIXION
she said. “We collected 275 jars of peanut butter as well as monetary donations at the entry gates. We had 38 different vehicles on display and accessible for children to explore. With the support of our sponsors ... we are thankful to be able to provide a free event for the community to enjoy while helping to fund our organization.” The organization next will host “Souper” Bowl Sunday activities the week before the big game. Other groups and individuals use the event to collect canned food and other non-perishable food for Longview Community Ministries’ food pantry. For more information, visit longviewcommunityministries.org. This year’s Touch a Truck-Feed a Family will be Oct. 3 in the parking lot at the main entrance to Longview Mall. 34 VIEW | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y
JESUS, MARIA, DEANDRE, & AVERY CARRASCO
PICTURE THIS
GRASSROOTS AT
THE GREEN LONGVIEW | THE GREEN | 10/10/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS DUSTIN, EMMIE & ELLIOT IORUELK-HAMMER
Keep Longview Beautiful hosted its fall Grassroots at The Green on Oct. 10. The event is held twice a year to promote local artists and merchants. The next event will be held from 5-8 p.m. March 20 at The Green, a new park located at the city’s entrance at Texas 31 and Spur 63. Live music, food trucks and cottage food vendors, as well as other merchants and artists are on hand for each event. Activities for children, including hands-on education stations, and a butterfly release are other event highlights. The event is free. For more information, visit keeplongviewbeautiful.org/ grassroots-vendor-application.
LANCE & KAREN ROE
ALIE ALLEN, LILLY HAMMER, DENNIS SAMFORD
MELANIE, STELLA & DESTINY JUAYS
NICOLE, BRIAN, DANA & COLTON GILBERT
JOHNNY & MARGIE MEDRANO
HEATHER MOKSZYCKE AND DALE SPRAGUE
news-journal.com 35