Hunt Co., TX - News: City of Celeste, 1961 ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Sarah Swindell USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** City of Celeste, 1961 The little City Park on HWY 69 in the south part of town last week received a face lifting. The Lions Club has assumed the responsibility of the park’s upkeep—and when the need arises, which is often during the grass growing months, members bring mowers and shape up the place. The little trees planted by the Thursday Club ladies when they established the park have in the main survived droughts, pestilence, and damages by careless people. The club planted two hundred shrubs in town that year as part of their program to "building a better community." In the little park on December 11, 1949, crepe myrtles were planted on the west side and the north end of the area was lined with mimosa trees. From a record book of clippings and communications, it is revealed that a number of nice things about or town were instigated during this year of clean-up, beautification, and improvement by a host of energetic women. Street lights were installed and a bond issue carried that provided for the paving of Celeste streets. Mrs. H. S. Byers was president of the club that year. Mmes. Mack Pierson and Jimmy Norris were co-chairmen of the community improvement. Pictures in a scrapbook show that many townspeople worked in cooperation on the whole year’s project. Among the snapshots made after completion of the park was one of Martha Jo Pierson, daughter (that was twelve years ago, now she is a grown-up young lady). She was crying, evidently tired of too much park work. Another was of these ladies: Mmes. P. M. Kelly, Vela Todd, Bertha Cobb, Albert Norris, R. B. Denny, Ford Crumb, F. A. Boutwell, H. E. Jones, J. E. Norris, Jack Ruff, E. L. Ewing, Mack Pierson, and Tom Sparks. A snapshot made downtown shows Mmes. Bill Barnard, Herman White, Mack Pierson, and S. R. Granberry hoeing, doing their part toward cleaning the town of grass and weeds. The "Welcome to Celeste" signs posted at the city limits on the highway were installed with the cooperation of the State Highway Department and the Thursday Club. The mayor of Celeste at the time was Guy Glasscoe and mayor pro-tem was Tom West. (May 26, 1961, The Celeste Courier)