FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS FREESTONE COUNTY FAIRS Don’t know of a researched history of the Fairs, What submitted is as I remember them. Have heard the first was at Hicks Springs between Teague and Fairfield, then some at Teague and later in Fairfield. The Confederate Veterans met on the Moody land where they are held today until l933. The Fair started in the late l930’s after Joe Richards who did much for agriculture and especially the cattle business in about l938. It was a very small thing then with few exhibits and little entertainment, all received were ribbons. I entered my Jersey Heifer “Jersey Lilly” name taken from Judge Roy Bean’s saloon. I walked and led her to the show grounds and home again after. I remember riding one of my horses in the small parade of one. They improved yearly until Joe called into the military (36th. Division I think) where he sent several years and saw much combat. Joe had married Margaret Steward a local girl, several years after the War he Margaret and their sons Bert and Jerry returned to Freestone Co. and went into the cattle business; he never served again as County Agent. I don’t remember any during or immediately following the war years. In l951 Freestone Co. celebrated its Centennial with lots of activities, parades and such. John Pritchard who was the County Agent at the time devoted much to this. Ike Carden who had little formal education but worlds of common sense and how to get things done was very involved and dedicated. Ike before coming to work for the Extension Service headed up Hill & Co. work force, he told about young blacks showing up work mornings with their lunch and hopes of getting to go out and work, probably for about a dollar a day, he also showed Hills Polled Hereford Cattle in the big shows and locally. Each year prior to the Fair he showed up needing donations for the animal sale and such, I always donated liberally for the times as knew if Ike involved it ok. The parades became one of the biggest attractions of the Fair, elaborate floats were prepared and it all became very large. Remember in one J.E. “Son Lott” the insurance man stole the show by walking in the parade inside a wooden barrel with no shirt of pants and sign on side saying “Don’t get caught like this- Insure. The early August Fairs were fast and furious, parade and coronation Thursday, exhibits judge Friday with rodeo Friday and Saturday, animal sale Saturday with many kids breaking even n their projects. All shut down and moved out after the Saturday night rodeo and carnival closed down, sometimes there was a street dance and or special entertainment. Many of the kids stayed the whole time with their animals and slept with them on pallets, none had pickups or cars like today. August had some friends that would fertilize their hay meadows on the strength it always rained during the Fair and usually did. Simply put its come a long ways from the early days I knew. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report 1971 Conferred with lady having marital problems after more than 60 years of marriage to same one. Been pretty good at correcting them in past, this time too as old golf club used. Mayor of Kirvin down for court though not summonsed, had to come hold wife’s hand as first time ever, funny as she was my school teacher many years ago and I don’t remember much mercy. Deputy to hospital on gunshot victim who lucky still had a leg after .357 magnum he carrying on deer lease accidentally discharged going thru his leg twice. Regretted to learn of death of lifelong friend Tobe Huckaby, fond memories of stories he could tell of early days in Fairfield. Advised by mother of local teenager that she rather see him with ticket or behind bars for bad driving than rolled into emergency room of hospital, seen too much where she worked. Wortham area to comfort man who been advised by irate husband he going to kill him, said we might not believe it but he did, didn’t want sympathy, he wanting relief, Near tragedy Rabbit Ridge where home of elderly couple living alone and husband a semi-invalid set on fire during the night by unknown arsonist, quick action by wife saved the day with little damage. Took couple of star boarders for haircuts, barber finally gave up and cut it all off; they said they felt better, definitely looked better. Check forged and passed at local service station, they had imagination in forging it on friend B.C. who so tight he squeaked when he walked. *** Grandpa’s Report Friends Nancy and James Pursell who own and live in the ornate and historic old Allegre home since returning to Wortham have recently had the outside restored and painted, this old two story home something to see now, if that way drive by as located downtown facing the railroad. All day benefit Kirvin Baseball Field for McCord family that recently lost son to motor vehicle tragedy on US 84 west of Mexia a big success with lots of participation. Pit cooked pork dinner delicious and 12 straight hours of slow pitch baseball with six teams participating and not a grumble on any team. One umpire called all the games, should have slept good after. Everyone’s help here greatly appreciated. All proceeds from event including cake and pie sale went to help the family in this time of need. Kirvin Fire Dept. on fire north of Kirvin started when brush pile being burned got out, later in week reignited somehow and had to go back. Hay rolls and other in danger. Historical information on Old Woodland presented at July meeting of Historical Comm. At the August meeting Verita and Larry Davis will have program on Burleson Community Davis families, be first Tuesday August 5th at 7:30pm at the Training Center, all invited. There will be a Texas Historical Comm. Marker dedicated in Donie on Saturday July 26, 2008 at 10:00 am for the Roy Worthy Store, all invited. Recently enjoyed visit at Brookshire’s over lunch with friends Clifton Childs and Gilbert Gatlin. Gilbert shared information on the D.C.D. highway, the first improved road of any kind in the County that runs thru Fairfield and north thru Stewards Mill. Gilbert said the initials stood for Dallas-Canadian and Denver. He also said Mr. Worth Steward Sr., and son Roger did the surveying for the road thru the County.