Freestone County, Texas Reflections Freestone -- Past & Present By JR. ‘Sonny’ SESSIONS -Special to The News Written May 2006 Courthouse Uses Recent inquiry from Molly Fryer at the Freestone Co. Museum on past uses of the courthouse and if there ever a concession stand in the courthouse hall? When advised her yes she asked me to write on this and it’s other uses. During the hard years of the Depression before all the government welfare programs there are available today the Commissioner’s Court approved letting a disabled person operate a small stand. The cold drinks sold for 5 cents and candy bars for a nickel and some penny candy. Located on the first floor in the hallway near the stairs, the drinks were cooled in an old type drink box with block ice that was delivered by the iceman. I remember best it being operated by a blind man who always impressed me with his ability to make the proper change. Over a period of time there was more than one operator but only one at a time. This must have been discontinued when things started getting better before WW II. I doubt they cleared over 50 cents a day but that better than nothing. Over the years several private businesses rented and used office space in the Courthouse. At one time for many years an oil/gas leasing company and abstract co. used virtually all the 4th floor. There was another abstract co. on the basement floor. The County Agent’s office along with other governmental agencies were here at one time. During the 30’s on at least one occasion J.E. “Son” Lott and his father promoted their store business across the street by releasing live turkeys from the roof of the Courthouse into the crowds gathered below. I believe this done for the Thanksgiving/ Christmas holidays. Ernest Steward told about operating movies in the District Courtroom and other religious services have been held here. Old newspaper articles report dances, weddings and other private affairs often held here as the only large meeting place available. Before Fairfield had a water and sewer system the County had a water tower located on the north side of the square with water for the Courthouse and Jail pumped from a large dirt tank, the water tower was moved to the Daniel’s Children’s Home east of Fairfield. I suppose there some kind of large septic system for the waste. Grandpa ‘s Report Memorial services for longtime friend and Teague barber Gene Allison who the last male barber in Teague. Gene came from a line of men barbers who becoming a thing of the past. Gene a true friend and asset to his community Forty years ago there were I know six male barbers in Teague, the only one of these left is Rayford Dunlap who too old and ornery to work anymore. … Woodland cemetery near Kirvin annual Memorial Day is Sunday, June 4th starting at 11 a.m. with dinner following in the pavilion. All with interests here are encouraged to attend.