Freestone County, Texas Reflections Freestone Past & Present By J.R. ‘Sonny’ SESSIONS -Special to The News KIRVIN REUNIONS Written June 2006 Kirvin now observing its 100th year, 1906-2006. Founded when the Boll Weevil Railroad came. Named after Judge O.C. Kirven and spelled Kirven until the railroad and post office took it upon themselves to change to Kirvin. A cotton town that prospered at first and slowly declined as most cotton towns did. To my knowledge the first community type re-union was held in 1981 observing its 75 years. The attendance and participation was very large with entertainment, visiting lasting all day and into the night. There was music provided by a variety of bands including the Jailhouse Band, and bar bq dinner, children’s activities and baseball tournament. All proceeds went to the Kirvin Vol. Fire Dept. Special recognition was given Kirvin’s oldest citizen 93 year old Mamie Williams who be an asset in any community. Probably the most enjoyed program was gospel and spiritual singing by local black men’s group. Citizen Hammond Issacks awarded Citizen of the Year Award for his many civic activities. The following was written by Harry Hughes and printed in the Kirvin Centennial booklet published for its Centennial concerning the Kirvin Re-unions held yearly. “The first reunion was held in June of 1992 for anyone that had gone to school in Kirvin, or anyone who wanted to visit with anyone that had attended school in Kirvin. This idea began with a suggestion by Burl Pullin to Bro. Tom Young. Bro. Tom was Pastor of the Kirvin Baptist Church at the time and a large tent was available having been used for Vacation Bible School. Everyone chipped in with work and funds to make it happen but Bro. Tom was the key to organizing, cooking, serving and anything else that had to be done. Approximately 150 people attended for the first two or three reunions. The Fire Station became the meeting place for the get together’s and the church next door was used for sing alongs after the meal. No formal program was ever suggested, as everyone seemed to want to visit so the sing along was dropped. Richard and Edna Smith maintain the attendance record and so began a newsletter that has become the most popular part of the Kirvin Reunion, Kirvin Kolumn’s through out year. Letters are mailed out to a list of people that Richard keeps contact with. Everyone looks forward to these letters as they help us recall times when we were much younger and life more simple. As this group has aged and travel has become more difficult Sam’s of Fairfield has catered the meal and this has helped to keep the reunion going. Attendance for the last two years has chopped to about 60 or 70. The second Saturday in June has become family reunions for many as well as former student-Friends visits. The new Educational Building is presently being used as our meeting place thanks to the Kirvin Baptist Church.