Freestone County, Texas
Reflections



 Freestone Past/Present
J.R. “Sonny” Sessions
      
More Red’s and Burleson Lake History

    In its early days Red’s Lake was a private lake operated by S. A. Burleson 
and wife Edna. This during the last days of Prohibition and into the terrible 
Depression years. A restaurant and honky tonk was built (this later the club 
house) and when Prohibition repealed legal beer was sold. Been told that 
customers wanting hard liquor (probably corn whisky) it was served from 
under the counter in coffee cups. Wilbur Martin cooked for the Burleson’, 
cleaned up and closed at nights, operated the gasoline electric generator (no 
electricity in area then). Wilbur Martin a permanent fixture at Red’s Lake for 
years, barbequing and cooking for gatherings and meetings.
  Later the property became a share operation and sold to individuals, the 
operation of the Lake is controlled by the Board of Directors. Board of 
Directors meeting were held over the years with the delicious bar bq of 
Wilbur Martin a special during his lifetime . Sometimes after the business
  taken care of there was drinking and gambling (which illegal in days past 
but not today in cases like this). Told of “raids” by area Constable who on 
the fee system and didn’t receive any pay unless fines paid, told once he 
rode  his Shetland Pony (only transportation he had at the time) Constable a 
very large man who had to hold his feet up to keep them from dragging the 
ground when riding his horse.
  Never had a membership in this fun place but visited here often over the 
years as guests of members. There was a designated swimming area which 
enjoyed often as little else available in early days. The water always good 
fishing waterfowl hunting common years ago. The l943 Fairfield graduating
class treated to its only supervised function before many departed for service 
in WWII or support activities. As a member of the l944 class I was allowed 
to attend, two days and one night at Stewards Camp house courtesy of Grace 
and Roger Steward. Visited here often as friend of Roger David Steward.
  In the summer of l941 with war clouds gathering the Texas 36th. Infantry 
Division enroute from Brownwood to Louisiana for largest war games ever 
held in States camped near here for several days in wooded land belonging I 
think to the Red family. Business for all really picked up while here for all, 
friend Ed Pittman recently reminded me of going into Fairfield from Grange 
Hall on the  weekend not aware of their presence, found everything in town 
been bought, couldn’t even buy a pencil as soldiers bought everything 
available. The Fairfield Band Boosters Club ran a concession stand near the 
camp out, I spent some time here and got more worldly education in a few 
days than before in life from these soldiers here and in town. The 36th. went 
on the become one of most decorated units in WWII with action in North 
Africa , Sicily Italy and other, many did not return but lost their lives here.
  After WWII S.A. Burleson  and S.A. Jr. returned to the area and built 
Burleson Lake which located south of Red’s on t  the same slough, This time 
bull dozers used, lots of timber left in the lake with excellent fishing and 
water fowl hunting for years, enjoyed my visits here, especially with friend 
Henry McCormick and Ruby. In my early years as Sheriff involved in bad 
situation where the Burleson Lake Board of Directors approved the same of 
some iron ore gravel to the County Commissioner.  A couple of members 
living on the lake violently objected with the County equipment being used 
to remove the gravel sabotaged with sand poured into the fuel tanks. Never 
charged those responsible but two members made hasty departures from the 
area. Both lakes a great place to live or retire too.

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Whisky Days

  While the 36th. Division camped near Red’s Lake thee still plenty of white 
lightning still available as much manufactured near here. One bootlegging 
friend told me he sure hated to see them leave as did best business the easiest 
ever with little danger involved.
  In earlier years Fairfield’s funeral director also operated the only 
ambulances in area. Once when the heat really on with Fed’s and Rangers in 
area and being a heavy drinking man he sent an employee a close friend of 
mine in later years to his supplier in Butler area after big load. Sent him in
ambulance with instructions to load up with cases of white whisky, turn on 
all emergency lights and siren and drive as fast as would run back to funeral 
home. My friend who didnt have much nerve would only make one trip. 
Been told the business man consumed 1/2 gallon of whisky a day, jealous 
drinking friend told me he only man ever known who could drink heavy and 
make money too

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