Tomorrow is Memorial Day, and we welcome opportunities to honor our military heroes who
paid the ultimate price while defending our nation. It’s a good time to educate future generations about the sacrifices these soldiers made to protect our lives.
Many towns in the Upper East Side of Texas have built monuments and museums worthy of visiting.
Check out the military exhibits at Greenville’s
Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum
or one of the many veterans parks in the region. Visit
Sulphur Springs, Canton, Athens, and Paris to see other outstanding memorials.
Visiting these tributes is educationally and creatively enriching, giving us opportunities to discuss our nation's history and heritage with our children and loved ones. Memorials also provide subjects for developing our personal interests in art, photography, and poetry.
As we continue to navigate the unknown waters of the pandemic, the stories of these brave men and women give us strength and inspiration. It also deepens our respect for healthcare providers and front-line workers as they deal with our current battle.
To stay in touch with what's going on in the Upper East Side of Texas, sign up for a free subscription to the
COUNTY LINE WEEKLY
HERE
if you are not already a getting it, check out the
blogs
on the website and other articles, and follow us on social media for daily updates.
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“Quince at the Courthouse” by Wendy Floyd. Harrison County Courthouse, Marshall, Texas.
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Tom Brokaw called them "The Greatest Generation." Few of the soldiers who bravely fought on the Beaches of Normandy and the islands of the Pacific remain, but their stories are an enduring tribute to their bravery.
In 2001,
County Line
published a story project by high school students from all seven campuses in Van Zandt County, Texas. The teens interviewed World War II veterans and wrote biographical narratives of their experiences. The stories offer a unique perspective on the older generation, with many poignant comments. Richard and Joel Fisher write:
"In interviewing World War II veteran, Bob Reese Sr., of Martins Mill, Texas, we learned more than the history books could ever teach us. The journey we took was one we will never forget. We have known Mr. Reese four years but we never knew he was a war hero until this interview."
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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
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Doo-Wop Tribute Foursome Enjoys International Success
After 16 years, Shake, Rattle & Roll still dazzles audiences around the Upper East Side of Texas, and now around the world. The all-female, all 60 and older doo-wop tribute group performs across the U.S. in a range of venues
—
from nursing homes to performance halls
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winning awards and new fans with their entertaining shows.
From 2017-2019, they toured Germany and Switzerland as back-up singers for Elvis tribute artists
—
and have been invited back for an encore tour. Read our story of the quartet's continuing success in our
May/June issue.
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Visit Henderson, a Texas Main Street City
Henderson, Texas, offers beautiful scenery and parks, museums and historic buildings, and unique shopping. Henderson is also a Texas Main Street City and a National Main Street City, with stunning historic buildings and architecture. Click
HERE
to learn more.
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Bessie Heard provided funding for McKinney's Heard Wildlife Sanctuary and Museum, which still welcomes visits from school groups year-round. Courtesy Photo
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Bessie Heard, born May 26, 1886, is best known for the legacy of establishing the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary and Museum in McKinney. The child of John Spencer Heard and Rachel Caroline (Wilson) Heard, Bessie inherited her family's business fortune and dedicated her life to supporting preservation projects.
Though Bessie died in 1988 at 102, the sanctuary is still operating
—
and welcoming almost 100,000 visitors per year. After 47 years, the sanctuary continues Bessie's desire for education, preservation, and conservation in Collin County.
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"Irreconcilable Differences" by Laminda Miller
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The University of Texas at Tyler is presenting online art exhibitions featuring works by students graduating with Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. The exhibits are published online due to public health precautions.
"We are incredibly proud of the students featured," said Merry Wright, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History. "They have remained steadfast in their commitment to creating and have approached the unfolding events with the highest caliber of professionalism.’’
Exhibits include works by four graduate and eight undergraduate students, including many from our region.
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New Market is Taking Shape in Winnsboro
Construction is underway in Winnsboro for Sinclair Market, a neighborhood corner store offering local and organic food from local producers and unique brands as well as every day staples. It promises to be a convenient venue for freshly prepared grab-and-go items as well as an assortment of self-serve coffees and teas.
An inviting patio welcomes people to sit and visit, eat a quick bite, or have a glass of wine. They plan to open later this year. View their progress
@SinclairMarket
.
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May 25 is National Wine Day
Celebrate National Wine Day with a visit to one of the many fine wineries in the Upper East Side of Texas. Several wineries have recently won awards, including
Kiepersol Vineyards & Winery in Bullard, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards in Pittsburg, and Sloan & Williams Winery in Grapevine.
Some wineries use local fruit to make wine. Try the blueberry wine at
Green Goat Winery
in Edom or the peach wine at Castle Oaks Winery & Vineyard in Athens. Read more about wineries and vineyards in the region in the
County Line archives.
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Feel free to send story ideas, poems, letters, and beautiful photography from the region to
editor@countylinemagazine.com.
Let us know what you enjoy most about this area.
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HOW TO REACH US
County Line Magazine
PO Box 608
Ben Wheeler, TX 75754
Office: (903) 963-1101
Text: (903) 312-9556
info@countylinemagazine.com
www.countylinemagazine.com
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