Old Newspaper Excerpts 1950 Athens Review Henderson County Texas Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Bunny Shumate Freeman ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Old Newspaper Excerpts 1950 Athens Review Henderson County Texas Copyright © 2001 by Bunny Shumate Freeman. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. Fourls1223@aol.com EXCERPTS FROM THE CENTENNIAL EDITION OF THE ATHENS REVIEW SEPT. 1950 The Current Literature Club was organized in 1901. Perkins Brothers Company was opened in Athens in 1905. First manager was John Bass. Guy Ballard became manager in 1917. In 1945 he was replaced by Ralph Hallum. George Jewelery was opened 1916. Owned by G.S. George. He located on every side of the square, finally settling on the South side of the square. Mrs. Lespa Finley, Mr. George's daughter, opened up a modern dress shop called it "The Smart Shop." Hariston Book store opened in 1937. Owned and operated by Leo Hariston. K. Wolens opened in Athens 1925. M. E. Franks was the first manager. It was a branch of the "Mother" store in Corsicana, Texas, which was founded in 1898. Eustace, Texas was founded in 1899 by a surveyor named Meridith on the Lee Moseley farm. First business house was Moore and Russell, a small grocery store. Some of the first businesses in Malakoff, Texas were; A.S. Tanner, dry goods and groceries; Smith and Campbell, saloon; Fletcher Mitcham, hotel. Henry Motor Company opened April 1,1935 as & Pontiac dealership. W. E. Henry owner and manager. W. E . Henry was the son of J. B. Henry. Mrs. Dull Averiette, one of Henderson County's first inhabitants has the distinction of' having named the City of Athens. She suggested the name to Judge John Brown, her step-father, who had the commissioners to adopt it. Episcopal Church was founded in 1946 by eight people. The Athens Rotary Club organized the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce in 1 May 1943. Eugene Spencer was first president. The directors solicited and obtained sixty-eight businessman as members. Athens Floral Co., here since 1936, operated by M. R. Kendricks. Later Mr. Kendrick built three broiler houses at his home at 1113 East Tyler street. They have a capacity ot 3,500 birds per unit. It is the largest enterprise of it's kind in Henderson County. Mrs. Georgia A. Easterling, one of the first settlers, in Henderson County, is credited with having planted the first flowers where Athens is now. Spencer Hardware began in "horse and buggy" days in 1900. Henderson County Woman's Club began in 1928. First president was Mrs. W. R. Bishop First Methodist Church building was erected in 1884. Rev. Phillips was its pastor Henderson County's second courthouse was erected in 1886 and replaced in 1913. Athens Stew Pan, here since 1890, operated by Oscar Browning and his son James. On North Prairieville Street, facing Market Square. The original Stew Pan was established by Wash Dowell about 1890 in a wooden shack, a tent was thrown over the top to serve as a roof, Mother Earth served as the floor, the two counters were made of boxing planks, as were the benches on which the customers sat. Henderson County Medical Society was organized in Feb. 1905. It was Dr. E. L. Rose of Murchison who called a meeting to the doctors of the county in the City Council room at Athens to organize the society. Dr. Holman Taylor of Marshall, counselor and organizer for the fifteenth district of the State Medical Association. Dr. D. F. Huddle of Murchison was elected president. Dr. Percy Larkin of Athens, vice­president, Dr. A. H. Easterling of Athens, sec-treas. The small pox question was of utmost importance and delagates to the state Convention were instructed to favor the compulsory vaccination in public schools. Dr. C. R. Johnson and Dr. B. C. Wallace were named delagates to the convention. Poynor, Texas was laid out by T. & N. 0. in 1901 near an old Indian camp. It was named for Mr. J. Poynor, a leading citizen in the area. As late as 1839 or 40 the Delaware Indians lived near Poynor in a village located near the banks of a creek. They moved out before the advance of the white man. Tommy Knight's Famous Hamburger Stand was established in 1921. What made his hamburgers so famous was a secret formula he acquired for an extra hundred dollars. He was known as "The Hamburger King of Athens." He died in 1946. His wife operated the stand for a few years after his death. It was located next to the old Athens Hotel. Chandler, Texas was first called Stillwater. Established in 1859. Wolfe-Duphorne Hospital was established in 1936 on West Corsicana Street. They later built a new modern building; on the corner of College and Pinkerton Street, moving there April 20, 1940. First National Bank, oldest banking firm in Henderson County, was organized in 1890. First president was F. F. Murchison, George M. Wofford was cashier. Original board of directors included T. F. Murchison, George M. Wofford, J. A. Jonas. Brownsboro is the oldest town in Henderson County. Established by John Brown in 1849. The Deen Hotel, one of the oldest in Texas, dates back to 1859. This building was a large two story frame structure, supporting a big front porch. The Deen Hotel Coffee Shop was a popular gathering place. Jordan General Store was the first business in Athens according to records kept by Jack Derden. It was a general merchandise store operated by B. F. Jordan, a Yankee from Pennsylvania. This store was established in 1850, the year Athens was founded and laid out. It was located on the corner of East Corsicana and Prairieville Street. During its 62 year history, Stirman Drug store has filled over a half-million prescriptions. The firm had its beginning on April 18,1888. The first soda fountain in Athens was installed by this firm. The Athens Review was originally named The Athenian. In 1885 it was bought by Judge Joseph R. Bishop. He was a Doctor (M.D.) He chose another profession after he realized that his many years as a doctor was undermining his own life. He was chosen by the people or Athens to serve as County Clerk from 1872 to 1881. During his term of office he began studying law. He was admitted to the bar in Oct. 1881. He became County Judge that same year, and served in that capacity until 1884. The next year 1885 he purchased the newspaper. In the 1890s he found time to serve his district as State Representative for one term. He died Apri 14, 1911. COMMISSIONER'S COURT BOOK D 1870. to l876 Page 471 July term of court 1874 Henderson County, State of Texas paid the sum of $200 for the bridge now known us the John A. Thorpe toll bridge, for which the said Thorpe is to relinquish all his rights and claims to said bridge, upon the payment of said $200 to said Thorpe. Said money to be paid out of the county road fund, for which order to the County Treasurer shall issue. It is ordered by the Court that the county be divided into Justice Precincts Number one beginning on the East boundary line of the Jose S. Mancha League at the point where Van Zandt County Southern boundary line crosses said East boundary line. Thence South with said East boundary line to the N.E. corner of the Elizabeth Washburne League. Thence West to Brian Creek, thence South with the meanders of said Brian Creak to the North boundary line of the William D. Ratliff League at a point where Clear Creek crosses said League, thence West to the N.W. corner of the said Ratliff League to the S.W. corner of the Irvine League, thence South with the West boundary line of the J.M. Sally League to the S.W. of same. Precincts 2, 3, and 4 recorded on page 472 and 473 Page 476 July 3, 1874 Term of court It is ordered by the court that a poll tax of one dollar ($1.00) be levied and the same is hereby levied for road purposes, upon all males between the ages, of 21 years and 60 years by an order from the Comptroller. June 12,1888 It is ordered by the Court of Mr. Moody for the cleaning out the well, in court­yard in the sum of $2.00. March 13, 1889 It is ordered that the County Judge J . R. Blade be appointed to le.1:, the constructor removing garbage from jail to lowest bidder. October 15, 1890 H. Shirk was paid 5 cents for repairing the jail well pump.