FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS COOLIDGE As long as I can remember traveling thru Coolidge mostly to Waco was on my main route and still is from Wortham to Prairie Hill. Before WW II the main road from Mexia to Waco was thru Tehuacana, Coolidge and Prairie Hill, when US 84 improved it by passed all going close to Prairie Hill. I remember traveling the old road to Waco with my parents having to wait for water to run down at low water crossings because of rain. This a very narrow road thru the blackland and you didn’t pull off when it wet. Some of the old road still used in the Prairie Hill –Elk areas. About the turn of the century a railroad was built from Cleburne to Mexia and Coolidge was formed in this rich cotton producing blackland in a short time boasting two cotton gins that ran 24 hours a day during ginning season with reports of up to 15,000 bales some years. It also grew some during the Mexia oil boom but no big producers found nearby. Coolidge a big cotton town and in later years the many old buildings showed it once a big business town but like most other cotton towns it declined over the years due to the boll weevil an other. During cotton picking times many from our area when finished here would go on a cotton picking trip to the “prairie” as it called and not return until it over. I guess Coolidge had every kind of business of the times relating to the farming industry. Many families left during WWII and never returned with most others following suit over the years. The railroad failed and removed prior to WWII. When US 84 passed it by when improved also brought about its decline. For many years it has survived as a family and farming community. I have been fortunate in knowing and having many friends in the area. My boys and I and friends have enjoyed some great dove hunting and quail hunting before the cow birds, disease and fire ants ruined it, most of this courtesy of my friend Alvin Green over many years. While serving as Freestone Co. Sheriff involved in some activities in the area. When a young Mexia policeman Mike Bell shot by Groesbeck burglary suspects who wrecked out near Wortham and fled on foot, one seen in the Coolidge area the TDC Dog Sgt. whom knew well asked me lead him where it be a good place to put the dogs out, I carried them to a Johnson grass field west of Coolidge where the suspect located by the dogs hiding in the grass. The Coolidge Bank robbed by young outlaws I knew well from Fairfield who started on a spree of many planned robberies but fortunately captured after this one, one I knew well told me the group had planned on killing all the victims but he refused to go along with this thankfully. Was involved with Limestone Co. Deputy Maurice Walker whom had known for many years, Deputy Buddy Taylor who later longtime Constable and other area officers. Our boys attended school in Wortham and involved in sports with Coolidge basketball teams who very competitive. Coolidge once in State playoffs in six man football, Joe Louis Phillips the coach and had to drop out because of the financial expenses at that time. Today the school and d system in much better shape with new facilities and more *** From the Original Sheriffs Report 1971 Jailed drunk released paid out with his welfare check. Brother shot at brother with shotgun at close range and missed, considering holding shooting school to help correct all this missing, some it’s on those shot at if hit sure would help our business. Very upset man to Sheriffs Office wanting to file charges on NBC for violating his rights again by blacking out the Cowboy football game on TV, referred to Judge Young. Youths suspected of theft of money pleading not guilty but willing to pay amount lost rather than take polygraph test. Dude jailed by Deputy Gregory walking down middle of highway under influence of drugs tore up plumbing in cell causing water damage, deputy attacked when tried to move him biting his finger until another prisoner came to his assistance, deputy advised he let man go real quick when he got his finger out of his mouth. Streetman on woman’s complaint boy friend whipped her to make her leave; now going to whip her for leaving. *** Grandpa’s Report May our biggest month for birthdays, Hammond, Kyle, Kali, Anna, Kenzie and Devin. Hammond observed his 50th, doesn’t time fly, Hammond the easiest boy at home to raise, a hard working and dedicated youth. Business going to pick up Kenzie now a teenager. Wortham 4H bar b que fundraiser held at Kirvin baseball field with good attendance, Kenzie and Devin among those involved with this group, both have goats to show this year at County Fair. Sara and Kenzie’s soft ball team won couple games to their delight. Kenzie been out with knee problem.