Freestone County, Texas
Reflections


Freestone -- Past & Present
By JR. ‘Sonny’ SESSIONS -Special to The News

Written June 2006

DEPRESSION YEAR ENTERTAINMENT 
 
Living in or near Fairfield during the 30s and till WWII I guess small towns like this plagued with 
every kind of traveling effort to make a dollar. Looking back there seems to have been something 
all the time and while living in the old Jail was really exposed as much in front of the Courthouse or 
on vacant lots across the street. In the early days some still traveled in wagons pulled by horses or 
mules. This was before TV and there were not many radios around so there not much else do. 
 
Traveling medicine shows with home made secret medicines said to have come from Indian 
Medicine Men or other and would cure anything that ailed you. Most stayed long enough to build an 
interest in their product and left before that sold had time to be tested. Most had some kind of 
drawing program, singing, dancing or short play. Never had the money to buy some and try it, but 
always wanted to, learned later it’s most active ingredient alcohol. . Some had an attractive woman 
involved with them and slipped in a little “girly show.” 
 
Skating rinks were very common with music that drowned out anything near it. Carnivals and rides 
came often and sometimes a small circus came through. Flour companies had traveling bands with 
a portable kitchen that played good country music and passed out the best biscuits I ever tasted, 
this one of my favorite shows, these always well attended. Before the movie theatre opened there 
on occasional movie shown by private individuals or traveling shows. 
 
Along with the carnivals and others there the side shows of every kind, most had handicapped or 
disfigured displayed as “freaks” (most of these lived better than the public and enjoyed the 
publicity). There were shows with the “tattooed lady” that were nothing compared to what you can 
see today at no cost. One was touted to be “The Worlds Fattest Lady” and by today’s standards they 
way behind. All just trying to survive the hard times and charged a nickel or dime to view them, 
most disappointing or deceptive. Everything that a little unusual was tried, from two-headed snakes 
and other animals to two-headed babies. 
 
There were at least a half dozen different bullet ridden cars brought and displayed as the vehicle 
Bonnie and Clyde in when finally killed. Other crime and criminals displays were common. Even had 
a Canadian Northwest Mounted Policeman in full uniform do a show. 
 
Summertime Revivals in some churches and the open Tabernacle where the Presbyterian Church 
sits today were usually well attended. Some had music, usual accordion and after a few hours could 
become very entertaining to some. Had a friend that played at such who would slip out after a few 
hours and never be missed. Be tough on today’s crowds as the only cooling was a hand held and 
operated paper fan usually supplied by a funeral home or other business.