Freestone County, Texas Reflections FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 STREETMAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH & STREETMAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC. The City of Streetman, like Kirven, Teague. Freestone and Donie all came about with the railroad at the turn of the l9th century. Located on the edge of the blackland in the north end of the county it became a big player in the local cotton production. Its involvement lasted until the it’s final cotton gin the last in Freestone Co. and the area shutdown in the late l960’s. There was no serious amount of cotton grown in the County but in joining Co’s. and ginned here. As cotton played a less important part locally the business area in Streetman slowly died also with closing of Gilbert Milner’s Drug Store, the Bank and feed store that formerly run by Harris Wilson Milner and his father Paul Milner who also operated the Cotton Gin. Bonners Gro. H ad changed hands several times and finally closed its doors. Even Peggy’s Beauty Shop closed down and in its building is a drive thru liquor store. Today only the Post Office, a Dedicated Vol. Fire Dept. and a wood working business remain in downtown Streetman. Even the famous Streetman Domino Club closed down, Tommy J. had told me the undertaker closing them down and did. Back in the US75 days there three cafes and three service stations that were open 24 hours a day with endless traffic that divided the town and caused many deadly accidents for older citizens, Today July 4th celebrated each year with its Lawnmower Parade Tommy J. started some years ago when he drove his mower around town decorated with flags and pulling a small trailer with Wilma I n it dressed as the Statue of Liberty holding a burning sparkler. It has continued and grown each year with great success. Years ago there a very popular amateur rodeo here each July 4th. Virtually all the older citizens gone on and Streetman mainly a bedroom community. For many years I knew everyone in Streetman, today I know very few. All the active churches are gone but the Baptist Church, The effort to save and use the Presbyterian Chu4rch for local functions. I attended and remember the day it closed down and the \sad ceremony and somber crowd. Over the years had attended mostly funerals here and a few meetings. Sherrie Carroll Minze and others involved are to be commended For their efforts. Sherrie and Judy Waddle started attending the Freestone Co. Historical Com. monthly meetings seeking financial help and guidance, both I am proud to say were met and helped them get on their way. The Commissioners Court is to be commended for its financial assistance as Streetman never asked for anything like this before. The only other historical thing known done in Streetman before was the Centennial Celebration and publication of a great history book, these same people were also involved in this. Members of the Historical Assn. are Sherrie Minze, president, Brenda Butler vice president, Larry Allen secretary/treasurer and members, Judy Waddell, Amanda Carroll, John Knotts, Ruthie and Richard Knight. East of Streetman the final resting place of Col. Joseph Bennett a Texas War for Independence hero was bulldozed and there nothing recognizing his sacrifices. A Texas Historical Marker placed at the Presbyterian Church could correct this. There are others I feel would qualify also. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report 1976 For the first time in the 125 year history of Freestone there not any cotton planted, not many years ago about all that was. Call from Mexia woman wanting me to stop Teague woman coming there and meddling her husband and taking him off, got t o pass this one off on them. Signs or something right for DWI’s one night as thought they coming out of trees, 3 reports in rapid succession. Slap reports having to make trip to jump Cuz’s car off, that what you call having short in it, between seat and steering wheel. Father of mentally and badly crippled man jailed after assault with stick of wood to head and only good arm. Slap found man walking in extreme cold and about frozen, said his father put him out of house. Once put man in state home with father getting him out when found his welfare check stopping. Out early one morning on call to help divide hogs for elderly man and wife splitting up/ Request from woman to speak to elderly husband about nearly burning house with grass fire he set. Wortham Police stopped young lady on traffic, in filling out citation asked occupation she answered “Hooker”, shook him up so he let her go for being so honest. Tragedy in Keechi Creek flood waters when man in pickup attempted to cross but washed into channel, one able to get out but longtime friend failed. Recent public meeting of disturbed Wortham citizens Co. Att. Gage, Chief Owens and I concerning over 30 dogs and other pets poisoned by unknown culprit and the possibility of some child being poisoned. (This case never solved). *** Grandpa’s Report. Freestone Co. Historical Comm. lost its senior member with death of Avery McKinney who a walking knowledge of local history and I relied on often, he will be missed. September meeting of Historical Comm. with interesting re-enactment of member of Navarro Co. Rifles C.S.A. member done by Navarro Co. friend Norman Stubbs. The October Historical Comm. program is scheduled to be done be a friend of friend Richard Smith on “The Berlin Airlift” the most important humanitarian airlift in history. This will be a first for us, all are invited to come join us Tuesday evening Oct. 6, 2009 at 7pm (I think the time has Changed then). Memorial services for lifelong friend Charlotte Huckaby Hemby, as I had my last conversation with her at family night I remarked this the only time ever talked with her an got the last word in.