Freestone County, Texas Reflections FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 WORLD WAR II ROAD TO DALLAS In recent issue of the Navarro Times the story of The Old Mexican Inn brought back memories of days gone by. The Old Mexican Inn started in Corsicana in l941 by Caroline and Julies Flores Sr. still in the family after 68 years. First located south side of 7th street near the railroad, since that time it has occupied several locations including the present one on west 7th. Mrs. Flores still living, now over 100 years old was honored by Corsicana Mayor with Caroline Flores Day. Over the years going back to the early 1940’s have frequented their business since then. All this before 145 built and all US 75 traffic funneled thru small towns with narrow traffic lanes on US 75. Leaving Fairfield there several service stations and restaurants that open around the clock. In Streetman there were small cafes such as Bessie Jones and service stations. You went around Richland, as I remember nothing open during this time. There was nothing that I remember at Angus. In Corsicana at the intersection of U.S.75 and U.S. 287 was the Drilling Rig restaurant. Crossing by the cotton seed mill was always and experience and usually smelled good, this a very large operation with cotton seed cake and such shipped around the world. Many times there a man on the corner selling hot tamales that fixed inside a covered wagon, it was rumored that each time the horses were changed the other used making the tamales, don’t know of anybody that quit eating because of this rumor. There were numerous service stations and places to eat. Don’t remember anything at Rice except driving thru it. Going into Ennis there were several small cafes and such, the water used in the restaurants had a terrible smell and taste. Leaving Ennis you traveled thru Alma, Palmer then thru Ferris into South Dallas on Lamar Street and into Big Dallas as it was called then. Nearly every place you passed thru had some type stop sign or signals. The road was crossed several times by trains, the worst being in Corsicana and again around Ferris. Accidents and fatalities were common. To a small town boy Dallas a fun place and easy to get around in. It was easy then hitchhiking or getting ride. None of us had vehicles to use like today, had many experiences during this time. The wrestling at the old Sportatorium on Industrial very popular. Many local girls went to Dallas and other cites during the war and got a variety of jobs. Today we get on I45 and don’t have to change speed let cruise control take over. It was a lot further to Dallas back then. Original Sheriff’s Report l977 Dedication of Teague new and modern Community Center. Man filed on for forging checks on grandmother. Burglary of snow cone truck. Man said he pulled gun on woman after she pulled knife on him Three arrested on possession marihuana, some growing in back yard, some hanging in back room like lingerie drying. Subject wanted her on escape jailed Limestone Co. carried to Doctor but got better when started talking about notifying next of kin. AWOL soldier in wanting to give up. Slap out to arrest drunk who wouldn’t get in car till his sister in law clobbered him. Pistol packing dozer operator advised to leave it in county where came from it didn’t wasn’t home away from home. Palestine man told about during whisky days a truck load of booze wrecked out on Streetman curve, by time officers arrived all evidence gone and town drunk for a week. Breakfast at Sam’s with interesting program on DOW operation coming into County. State Jail Inspectors here for first time, said it one of better jails seen. Co. Att. Gage had busy day with lots of cases as don’t get Judge over very often. Deputy sent to assist Reserve corned on Continental Bus by long legged woman wearing short saying she a go-go dancer with too much to drink. .