Nonagenarians

Portrait of The Nineties

A definition of nonagenarian in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “a person who is between 90 and 99 years old.”

My paternal grandmother lived for 100 years. I saw her transformation in her physical appearance over the years, yet her vibrant inner spirit, which illuminated her path in life, remained the same. I believe that one’s inner spirit leads to their perseverance in life and affects how they age.

This photo series consists of composite photos of nonagenarians, combining current images with images from their past. Some photos go back to their childhood. The transformation, perseverance, and memories are what I am trying to present in this body of work. I choose people in their nineties because they are the best to showcase these elements. I and my husband work together in visiting with and taking the current photographs of these inspiring nonagenarians. The past photographs are provided by the family. I pick, compose, and layer the images to make one connected composite between the past and current.

This is an ongoing project that is still growing.

Harold Staton, 94, Edgewood, Tx – World War II Veteran and former prisoner of war. Now an active church member. Here, he is portrayed with his own self when he was just joined the service, about 18 years old.

Jack Gilbert, 90, Edgewood, Tx – Retired school principal and coach. Now an active church choir member. Here, Mr. Gilbert is portrayed with his own self when he was an Elementary School Principal in New Mexico in the early 1980’s.

Dorothy Hall, 91, Edgewood, Tx – Ms. Hall, portrayed with her childhood photo (around 5 year old) in front of her family sharecropper house in Hillsboro, Tx. Now an active church and community member, plays bingo and bunco weekly.

Dorothy Hall, 91, Edgewood, Tx ~ Ms. Hall portrayed with her photo taken when she was around 18 years old.

My Exhibits at the Edgewood Heritage Festival 2015

Edgewood, Fall, Festivals, Fine art photography, Heritage Park, Photography

In case you missed it, and also by request from some of my guests, these are my exhibits that I presented at the 39th Edgewood Heritage Festival, November 14th, 2015.

They are all framed and ready to hang in various dimension, but also available in customized size if requested. Most of them are local, taken in Edgewood and surrounding areas. One of the exhibits was taken in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. Thank you to all who had come and enjoyed my work. See you again soon, hopefully!

Majestic Texas Sky | Frame 16x20 | Giclee Print 11x14

Majestic Texas Sky, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 16 x 20 | Print 11 x 14

Curves of Magnolia Leaves, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 16 x 20 | Print 11 x 14

Coca Cola, Mineola, Tx | Frame 11 x 14 | Print 8 x 10

Moon Pie & RC Cola, Ben Wheeler, Tx | Frame 11 x 14 | Print 8 x 10

Mill Creek 1, Edgewood & Fruitvale, Tx | Frame 18 x 24 | Print 11 x 17

Mill Creek 2, Edgewood & Fruitvale, Tx | Frame 18 x 24 | Print 11 x 17

Rainbow over Pecan Tree, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 11 x 14 | Print 8 x 10

Dog Town, Canton, Tx | Frame 11 x 14 | Print 8 x10

Texan Theatre, Athens, Tx | Frame 11 x 14 | Print 8 x 10

Shadows of Medicine Bottles, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 14 x 18 | Print 8 x 10

“A” Frame on Mill Creek, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 12 x 16 | Print 8 x 12

Golden Rods, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 12 x 16 | Print 8 x 12

Triptych of Cypress Tree, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 12 x 16 | Print 8 x 12

Magnolia Blossom, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 12 x 16 | Print 8 x 12

Lime Green, French Quarter, NOLA | Frame 17 x 20 | Print 11 x 14

Accorns & Nuts, Edgewood, Tx | | Frame 16 x 16 | Print 12 x 12

Sunrise 2, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 11 x 11 | Print 8 x 10

Pine Cones, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 11 x 14 | Print 8 x 10

County Road, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 16 x 20 | Print 11 x 14

Freshly Cut Hay, Edgewood, Tx | Frame 16 x 20 | Print 11 x 14

All photographs are © Ine Burke | inegaleri.com

Edgewood Heritage Festival 2015

Edgewood, Fall, Festivals, My Graphic Work, MySpread, Photography

For the fourth time, I will be a part of the Edgewood Heritage Festival which will be held this coming Saturday, November 14th, 2015, 9AM – 4PM, in downtown Edgewood, Tx. What makes this festival very special is that it is nested right inside the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas that comprises of 22 historic buildings, fully restored and furnished. You will feel like you step back in time to the year of early 1900’s in a rural village of East Texas. The hosts, who are the members and volunteers of the Heritage Park Museum board, will dress in the period costumes. The main streets of the old downtown Edgewood will be covered with classic cars, antique tractors, and old engines. Not to mention the heritage entertainment brought by children of Edgewood, such as Cotton-Eyed Joe dance, and many others! It truly looks like the time when the cotton was booming in Edgewood and the farmer took their harvest to weigh and sell. You’ve got to come and see it for yourself! And visit my booth at The Section House, by the Murchison Train Depot! I will be presenting my latest photography works and new sets of note cards and small prints. See you there!

Heritage Park Museum Annual Banquet 2015

Edgewood, Heritage Park, Memorial, Photography, Spring

May 11th, 2015

The 38th Annual Banquet of the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas was held on May 11th, 2015, in Edgewood Civic Center, Edgewood, Texas. It was a big success with 85 in attendance and several new members joining. Many of the members contributed to the great evening beginning with the thirty minute mixer preceding the brief meeting which was followed by a great catered meal by the Lumber Yard Café. Among the highlights was the continuous video presented by Suzy Heckman and the sing-a-long led by the talented Carl Hall. Also, the silent auction was outstanding and covered all the banquet expenses. The live “Pie and Cake” auction closed the night with cheers and laughter. Thanks to everyone who contributed a helping hand. ~ from the Heritage Park update, May 2015.

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The museum’s website: http://edgewoodheritagepark.org/

Photographs @ 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com

The Praying Citizens

Canton, Historic Site, Main Street City Texas, Memorial, Photography, Spring

May 7th, 2015.

The citizens of Van Zandt County, Texas, gathered and prayed together today to observe the National Day of Prayer 2015 at the historic Van Zandt County Courthouse, in Canton, Texas.

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A Wedding in Mineola

Black and White, Family Affair, Mineola, Photography, Wedding, Wedding

An April wedding in Mineola Nature Park, Mineola, Texas.

See all other wedding pictures here.

Nacogdoches Azalea Trail

Festivals, Historic Parkway, Nature, Spring, Texas

We are not too far from having these indulgence all over again. Spring is just around the corner. It’s peeking and waiting patiently for this wintry weather to pass. Soon the spring blossoms will take over. Daffodils have already started it. Azalea and dogwood will follow soon. This is Nacogdoches azalea trail which claims to be the largest azalea garden in Texas. La Nana Creek is the dividing line between the Stephen F. Austin Mast Arboretum and Ruby M. Mize azalea garden where these photographs were taken last year. See them for yourself!

Azalea Trail 1

Azalea Trail 2

Link: http://www.azaleas.visitnacogdoches.org/

All Creatures Great and Small: Holiday Exhibition at Bush Presidential Library

Dallas, Memorial, Museum, Photography, Texas

In 2002, Mrs. Laura Bush selected All Creatures Great and Small as the theme to celebrate the joy and comfort pets have brought presidents and their families during their time in the White House.

Bush Presidential Library and Museum archivists and curators are re-creating the 2002 White House holiday displays. These are now exhibited at the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Dallas, Texas, until January 13th, 2015.

As part of “All Creatures Great and Small” theme 2002, White House staffers painstakingly built and painted 25 papier-maché of sculptures of pets of America’s Presidents. These animals decorated mantles and tables throughout the White House. The animals included raccoons that were walked on leashes, sheep that grazed the White House lawn, and even alligator that was kept in the White House bathtub!

Nelson, President George Washington’s war charger.

Laddie Boy, an airedale terrier that belonged to President Warren G. Harding & Mrs. Florence Harding. He brought Mr. President his morning newspaper, had his own chair to sit in during cabinet meetings. The first Presidential Pet that was covered regularly by news reporters on Washington Star and the New York Times.
“Whether the Creator planned it so, or the environment and human companionship have made it so, men may learn richly through the love and fidelity of a brave and devoted dog.” – President Warren G. Harding. Other President Harding White House pets: English bulldog, Old Boy; squirrel, Pete, and canaries. (1921-1923) ~~

The stately 18-feet 2002 White House Christmas tree, re-created for Museum visitors, features native bird ornaments that were handcrafted by artists and artisans in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

This picture below was used for the official 2002 White House Christmas greeting card.

Mrs. Laura Bush’s Christmas dresses

Learn more about the Library: http://www.georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu/

A Wedding at the Church in the Wildwood

Edgewood, Family Affair, Heritage Park, Old Downtown, Photography, Wedding, Wedding

Mr. & Mrs.

A simple wedding ceremony at a 117 year-old ‘Church in the Wildwood’, at the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas, Edgewood, Tx.

Ceremony 1

Friends and relatives of the bride and groom documented the wedding with their camera phones.

Ceremony 3

Immediate family watched as the bride and groom conducted the unity ceremony.

A father’s look

Father of the groom looked on as the bride and groom were walking down the aisle after the ceremony.

More pictures:

Church in the Wildwood

Here comes your girl

Ceremony 1

Ceremony 2

Ceremony 3

Mr. & Mrs.

Ceremony 4

Ceremony 5

A father’s look

135th Anniversary of Cheatham Memorial UMC’s Artwork

Edgewood, Festivals, Heritage Park, Memorial, My Graphic Work, MySpread

The Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood, Tx., where I am a member, celebrated its 135th anniversary this year. The theme “A Legacy of Faith” was chosen for this celebration. The past members and pastors were invited to rejoice with current members and we call it a Homecoming Celebration. I am honored to be one of the planning team members and help with the artwork / press release / publications. History background and the United Methodist Church’s logo (the flame and cross) were the concept used to do the artwork. The works begun in February 2014. First, the anniversary logo was created and it depicts the front view of the church entryway to the sanctuary, with an open door. The cross and flame double-functions as the “T” in Cheatham. The Texas Historical Marker’s icon that the church received in 1982, was also included. The logo was used for any church communications regarding the event.

The more colorful design was to be used as teaser, advertisements, invitations, reminders, etc., as the church built the momentum towards the big day in October 2014 (six months planning period). For this, the colorful play of the flame was applied. The initial design suggested that each flame would represent the ministries of the church.

The church, which was born in 1879, has rich historical background. The congregations have been worshiping in 5 buildings in its 135 years course. The first two buildings served both Methodist church and Edgewood school. The church and school separated in 1897. The latter three church buildings were then incorporated into the design to commemorate this incredible heritage. The initial hand sketches are shown below. The top-left is the Church in the Wildwood (1897-1923) – the insert on top-right is the second version that was eventually being used in the artworks; the top-middle is the first church brick building (1923-1953); and the current church brick building (1953-now) is depicted in the middle. The bottom sketch is one of my draft sketches for logo idea.

These three-church sketches and the flame-and-cross icon were combined in the following works which were dispersed in the forms of postcards, bulletin, also electronic copies. During the discussions with the planning team, the idea “the church is the people” was suggested. I kept that in mind and the opportunity to express that came through the cover of A Legacy of Faith, an illustrated history book which was published to commemorate the anniversary. See it at A Legacy of Faith.

Facebook cover page.

Outdoor banners, 2×5 feet.

Indoor banner, 3×8 feet.

Bulletin covers and name tag for the two main events maintained the visual identity.

A simpler black and white design, with orange flame, was applied for souvenirs such as cotton tote bag, decals. The color was inverted for the chosen black t-shirts.

38th Annual Edgewood Heritage Festival’s Artwork

Edgewood, Festivals, Heritage Park, My Graphic Work, MySpread, Travel, Upper East Texas

Once again, I had the honor to do the branding for the 38th Annual Edgewood Heritage Festival, in Edgewood, Tx. From Facebook cover page, rack card, window flyer, print and electronic advertisement for several publications, to t-shirt and poster. The Blacksmith Shop was chosen as the annual collectible ornament so it is used in the artworks.

EHF2014 Window Flyer

EHF2014 Rack Card

EHF2014 Rack Card Back

EHF2014 e-Ad in e-County Line Magazine

EHF2014 Facebook Page Cover

EHF2014 Print Ad Festivals of Texas

EHF2014 Print Ad in Van Zandt News

EHF2014 T-Shirt and Poster design

To see last year’s visual identity, go to: https://inegaleri.com/2013/08/23/37th-edgewood-heritage-festival-van-zandt-county-texas/

Ben Wheeler Feral Hog Festival 2014

Ben Wheeler, Fall, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Travel, Upper East Texas

Photos from the annual Ben Wheeler Feral Hog Festival 2014, October 25th, featuring the Hog Parade, Willie Peden Syrup Mill, and Moore’s Store at Ben Wheeler, Texas.

Texas Vintage Bunny Collection – NOTECARDS

Canton, Countryscape, Edgewood, Family Affair, My Graphic Work, Photography, Trading

Spring / Easter 2014

A set of 8 images of vintage handmade bunnies from the late 1980s, photographed by Ine Burke, are now available in the form of note cards. The bunnies were handmade by “The Tailor of Gloucester in Texas” who used to have a booth at the First Monday Trade Days, in Canton, Texas. The notecards are 5″x7″, matte finish, blank inside, comes with white envelope. Sold in set only. Email to inegaleri@gmail.com to order and / or inquire about the wholesale.

Sample of the back side of the card:

Marshall Wonderland of Lights

Architecture, Festivals, Historic Site, Main Street City Texas, Marshall, Old Downtown, Photography, Texas, Travel, Upper East Texas, Winter

light |līt|
noun
1| the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

2| an area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings

This is my take on the Marshall Wonderland of Lights Festival, in Marshall, Texas, December 2013.

The Historic Harrison County Courthouse, Texas, the center stage of the festival.

The Courthouse 2

The Courthouse 3 – taken from the Horse Carriage Ride, from southwest of the Peter Whetstone Square

The Courthouse viewed from around Peter Whetstone Square – 1

The Courthouse viewed from around Peter Whetstone Square – 2

The Courthouse viewed from around Peter Whetstone Square – 3

The Courthouse viewed from around Peter Whetstone Square – 4

The Horse Carriage Ride along North Washington Avenue

The Courthouse viewed from North Washington Avenue and East Austin Street – 1

The Courthouse viewed from North Washington Avenue and East Austin Street – 2

Lights from vendor and ticket booths opposite the Telegraph Park -1

Lights from vendor and ticket booths opposite the Telegraph Park -2

Link to Marshall Wonderland of Lights Festival.

Graphic Design Work for Texas Booth

Edgewood, Festivals, My Graphic Work, MySpread

Design graphic work by Ine Burke for Texas Booth, Edgewood Heritage Festival 2013.

This is a graphic design work that I did for Texas Booth at the Edgewood Heritage Festival 2013, which carries homemade jams and jellies and handcrafted Christmas ornaments. This was used for e-promotion through the festival’s Facebook page.

Edgewood Homecoming Parade 2013

Edgewood, Fall, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography

homecoming |ˈhōmˌkəmiNG|
noun
an instance of returning home.
• a high school, college, or university game, dance, or other event to which alumni are invited.

parade |pəˈrād|
noun
a public procession, esp. one celebrating a special day or event and including marching bands and floats.

bulldog |ˈbo͝olˌdôg|
noun
a dog of a sturdy smooth-haired breed with a large head and powerful protruding lower jaw, a flat wrinkled face, and a broad chest.
bulldog
• a person noted for courageous or stubborn tenacity: [ as modifier ] : the bulldog spirit.

garter |ˈgärtər|
noun
1) a band worn around the leg to keep up a stocking or sock.
• a band worn on the arm to keep a shirtsleeve up.
• a suspender for a sock or stocking.
2) ( the Garter ) short for Order of the Garter.
• the badge or membership of this order

Edgewood, October 18th, 2013

37th Edgewood Heritage Festival, Van Zandt County, Texas

Edgewood, Festivals, My Graphic Work, MySpread

e-Advertisement in County Line eMagazine

I have given the honor by the Edgewood Historical Society to design the artwork for the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival this year. A sketch of The 1927 Myrtle Spring School done by a talented local artist, Paige Bridges, is used as the main focus. The picture of the two kids holding hands were taken during 2009 festival. They were getting ready for a street dance performance together with their peers from the local school during this fun event.

The festival celebrates the legacy, traditions, and customs of rural life in East Texas around late 1800s and early 1900s. What makes this festival very special and worth visiting is that the event is held in the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas that houses about 21 authentically restored and furnished historical buildings depicting a rural village in Van Zandt County in its early development. The buildings are well maintained and furnished, the ground beautifully manicured. All the buildings will be opened for tours with docents ready to tell the visitors the history of each one.

Special vintage craft demonstration are always a big part of the heritage festival. The East Texas Blacksmith Association will operate the old blacksmith shop in the village and many will bring their vintage anvils to show off their skills. The antique printing presses will be running in the restored print shop and the making of lye soap at the log smoke house will be popular spots. The restored train depot will be the destination of model train enthusiast as an extensive exhibit of trains will be operating in the freight room. A Knife and Tomahawk Throwers group will make their debut in this festival this year and demonstrate their skill and may let the visitors experience it, too.

A talent show on the main stage will offer a variety of entertainment while a dog show around the gazebo in the log village and -for the first time this yea- a DOG PARADE, will be a highlight for canine lovers. The 20th Pinto Bean Cook-off is on tap and competent beaners offer their best talents in preparing this Van Zandt County gourmet treat. These contests feature prizes to be awarded.

In addition to the popular Classic Car Show on the streets of downtown Edgewood, the third annual antique Tractor Show will attract collectors from a wide area. Each of these shows award many prizes to the participants. The Heritage Quilt Show will take place in the Edgewood Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of the highlights of the day will be Sparky Sparks, “The King of Armadillo Racing”, and his famous Texas Armadillos. This must-see event will begin around 10 a.m. and will end with a ‘celebrity’ race featuring three of Van Zandt County’s well-known citizens.

Vendors Ally offers the visitors a shopping spree to remember. There will be a children’s playground area with rides, a food court featuring a variety of culinary treats and the Heritage Bake Sale will be held in the restored Gilliam Gas Station.

The festival is possible through many generous sponsors throughout the area. Net proceeds from the festival go to the future development and maintenance of Heritage Park Museum of East Texas.

Mark your calendar for the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival:

Saturday, November 9th, 2013, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Live acoustic music will be offered throughout the day.

At the Heritage Park Museum of East Texas, downtown Edgewood, Texas (50 miles east of Dallas, 50 miles west of Tyler, on US Hwy 80)

To view the festival’s pictures go to my previous posts:

https://inegaleri.com/2012/05/04/edgewood-heritage-festival-heritage-park/

https://inegaleri.com/2012/05/04/edgewood-heritage-festival-downtown/

Flyer & Advertisement

e-Advertisement in County Line eMagazine

Rack Card

The event information can also be found at:

http://www.countylinemagazine.com/Things-To-Do-In-The-Upper-East-Side-Of-Texas/index.php/name/37th-Edgewood-Heritage-Festival/event/9896/

Northeast Texas Fathers

Family Affair, Photography, Upper East Texas

~ Celebrating fathers of Northeast Texas ~

Alba, Texas

Grand Saline, Texas

Fruitvale, Texas

Athens, Texas

Canton, Texas

Photographs © Ine Burke / Inegaleri 2013

Grand Saline Salt Festival 2013

Festivals, Grand Saline, Photography, Rodeo, Spring, Upper East Texas

Grand Saline Arena

First night rodeo

Texas Barbeque cook off

Salt Festival Queen

Photographs © Ine Burke / inegaleri.com 2013

The 82nd Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion 2013

Athens, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Upper East Texas

June 1st, 2013 – Athens, Texas

The state’s longest running contest was held at the square of old downtown Athens, Texas, on the last day of May and first day of June, this year.

I don’t know enough about fiddlers and fiddling, but I can feel the old Texas atmosphere around the square by listening to the tunes played and sung.

The tunes date back older than the reunion itself, I heard.

Young and seniors fiddled in harmony. Ladies played bingo. Spouse guarded the instruments. Toddler watched in the shade of a big ol’ oak tree.

The youth, 18 years and under, practiced, waited, watched, competed.

Concession booths stood by.

Apple Blossom. Brilliancy.

The spectators swayed.

Kids played puddle. Teens wandered around.

Attention Span of a Two Year-Old – By Ine Burke

Black and White, Family Affair, My Graphic Work, MySpread, Photography, Portrait

This is a photo essay made to record how long a two year-old with a big outdoor spirit can stay focus in one activity. Dressing up in tutu dress is the first thing she asks for to match with one of her stuffed toys. The idea then leads to make-up. Eyeshadow that is. That’s where this photo essay starts. In the end, her outdoor spirit reigns supreme. She spends about 30 minutes playing eyeshadow and more than one hour exploring the gardens with her own personal guard. What a wonderful day.

All American Affair

Black and White, Canton, Festivals, Photography, Upper East Texas

It’s an American affair. Classic American car show, American food vendor, and American band performance. All in one event in Canton, Texas, last weekend.

Photographs ©INEGALERI.COM 2013

Life Festival organized by Driven Life Church, at the First Monday Ground, Canton, Texas. I was informed that the band is Covey Thedford and the Broken Soul.

A Wedding in Fruitvale, Texas

Black and White, Family Affair, Fruitvale, Photography, Upper East Texas, Way of Life, Wedding

Fruitvale, Texas – Spring 2012

In a little tiny corner of this gargantuan state, the corner some call North Texas, Northeast Texas, East Texas, or Upper East Side of Texas, about a mile east of the intersection between two important highways, US Highway 80 and Texas Highway 19, there’s a tiny city called Fruitvale. It’s an ordinary place, at first sight. Just two highways slicing through small towns, pastures, ranches, quiet communities, bumpy county roads. Trains towing industrial cars. There is no grand canyon or enormous rock monuments. No wide rivers with magnificent old steel bridges. There are no bustling boulevards, nor arrondissement. No modern architectural marvels. No central park dotted with art installations.

It is a community that came into being with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1873. The town site was initially a railroad switch, which is where the rail track diverges from the main track into a short branch or spur. The switch was called Bolton Switch. One of its early endeavors was cord wood and cross ties, cut from local timber, and used in the construction of the rail lines. In 1903 another industry was thriving and gave the town its current name. About 20,000 fruit trees had been planted and even more in the following years. Berries and other vegetables such as potatos and corn were also blossoming. The local fruit growers filed petition to change the town name to Fruitvale and, obviously, it was granted.

My fellow Texans who live here are very proud of their heritage and celebrate that with a plethora of festivals, parades, rodeos, fairs, barbecues, hoe downs, and other friendly get-to-gathers. When they aren’t having a festival of one kind or another, they are getting together to trade or to swap stuff. They are artists and artisans. They make horseshoes into hat racks. Wine bottles into wind chimes. Oil barrels into barbecue pits. The sheet metal from junked automobiles can become a pink elephant yard ornament or a huge lone star hanging over a gateway to a cattle ranch.

And a life celebration, such as wedding, is observed in an honest, free of pretense, and genuine way of their everyday life.

(Part of the essay was quoted from My Northeast Texas)

Edgewood Christmas Parade

Edgewood, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Upper East Texas, Winter

12.12.12

The Clock – Downtown Edgewood

The bank on the corner

Anticipating

The first float

An observer and the gift boxes

The marching band

Excitement

Passing train

The riders

Jesus

Santa

Ambience

Carney Creek Cowboy Church

A sled rider and the Christmas tree

Ben Wheeler Book Fair 2012

Ben Wheeler, Book Fair, Fall, Festivals, Photography

I will be participating in this event, this Saturday, December 8th, 2012, 10am – 4pm.

Both of my books, On the Edge of the Piney Woods and My Northeast Texas will be available for preview and sale, as well as some photo prints and note cards.

From County Line Magazine, December 2012 issue

Twenty-five authors from all over the Upper East Side of Texas and a couple of “outsiders” will share their books and writing experiences at the Ben Wheeler Book Fair on December 8 as part of the Second Saturday 279 Art Jam.

Genres represented at the book fair include general fiction, historical fiction, Christian mystery and fiction, mystery, suspense, western, romantic mystery, humor, inspirational/self help, poetry, short fiction, music criticism, essays, romance, detective, children’s fiction and poetry, photography and more.

Authors will sell, sign, and talk about their books and the writing and publishing processes. It’s free to attend, and it’s from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the historic and beautifully restored Elwood School House, 5475 FM 858 in downtown Ben Wheeler.

Book fair sponsors are the Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation, County Line Magazine, and Half Price Books.

Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, was created by Brooks and Rese Gremmels to serve as the vehicle for reconstructing not only the physical aspects of Ben Wheeler and returning a sense of community to the town by providing it with various outlets through music, art, history, education, entrepreneurship, basic civil service, and philanthropy. Its Elwood School House also hosts the Ben Wheeler Children’s Library, which provides free books for children.

County Line Magazine celebrates, presents, informs, and entertains the unique territory of the “Upper East Side of Texas,” focusing on the best people, places, culture, food, art, music, and entertainment, both in print and online, that enhances the Northeast Texas experience. Special editions provide in-depth coverage of the annual Best of the Upper East Side of Texas, Home & Garden, The Arts, Summer Fun Guide, and Farm to Market.

Half Price Books is the nation’s largest family-owned new and used bookstore chain, with 115 retail locations in 16 states. The chain launched its Million Book Donation Project in 2012 in honor of its 40th anniversary and has donated books to schools and non-profit organizations throughout the country. In addition, Half Price Books hosts its Half Pint Library book drive each year to collect and distribute children’s books to those in need.

The book fair is scheduled in conjunction with the Second Saturday 279 Art Jam that spreads along Hwy 279 from Ben Wheeler to Edom and beyond. All of the galleries and other shops and restaurants will be open, and there will be live music in both towns.

***

Also publicized in KERA Art and Seek’s website: Ben Wheeler Book Fair (CLICK HERE)

***

The list of some of the authors by town:

Headliners:
Joe Lansdale, Nacogdoches: horror, crime, mystery, western, science fiction
Joe Nick Patoski, Wimberley: The Dallas Cowboys: The Outrageous History of the Biggest, Loudest, Most Hated, Best Loved Football Team in America; and other Texas-related books

Addison: Pam Boyd; self-help
Ben Wheeler: Tom Geddie; poetry, short fiction, music criticism, essays
Ben Wheeler: Herb Marlow; children’s, western, clean adult
Ben Wheeler: Robert L. Stevens; historical fiction, young adult
Daingerfield: George A. Allen, children’s
Edgewood: Ine Burke; photography, nature, Northeast Texas, history
Frankston: Catherine Sellers; romance, women/s fiction
Garden Ridge: Bob Doerr; mystery, thriller
Greenville: Avon Acker; fiction and historical fiction
Hawkins: Jerry Clark; mystery, suspense, western, humor, poetry, fantasy, science fiction
Jacksonville: Patricia J. La Vigne; children, young adult
Linden: Holly Joy Bowden; adult romance, poetry
Mount Pleasant: Ann Everett; romantic mystery/comedy
Mount Pleasant: Galand Nuchols; children and young adult
Nacogdoches: Kasey Lansdale; horror, mystery, science fiction; also musician
Pittsburg: Elizabeth Baker; Christian fiction and non-fiction
Texarkana: William Carl, mystery, romance, detective
Tyler: Charles H. Hayes; history
Tyler: Melinda Richarz Lyons; children’s fiction and adult non-fiction
Tyler: Marvin S. Mayer; children’s picture and chapter books
Wills Point: Randal J. Brewer; literary, contemporary fiction
Winnsboro: James R. Callan; mystery, suspense, Christian mystery, humor, and inspirational/self help

The Battle of the Neches Memorial 2012

Historic Site, Memorial, Nature, Photography, Redland, Summer, Upper East Texas

Battle of the Neches Memorial Ceremony, July 14th, 2012

Excerpted from “Remembering the Battle of the Neches, Cherokee Chief Bowles, Other Victims” by Shea Gilchrist, published in County Line Magazine, July 2012 issue, page 16:

“… Texas Cherokee and 12 associated tribal bands under the leadership of Chief John ‘Duwa ‘li’ Bowles, Chief Big Mush, and six other tribal chiefs were slain July 16, 1839. The massacre by the Republic of Texas Army, under the direction of President Mirabeau Lamar, took the lives of many innocent men, women, and children along with the burning of a Delaware village. The associated Indian tribal bands were Cherokee, Shawnee, Delaware, Kickapoo, Quapaw, Choctaw, Biloxi, Ioni, Alabama, Coushatta, Caddo of the Neches, Tahocullake, Mataquo and possibly other groups.

In 1936, the State of Texas erected a marker to honor Chief Bowles on the land. It is believed that Bowles died 20 feet in proximity to the marker. When visiting the land, there is a definite feeling of peace, the mystical, and the sacred.

… The most important event they hold on the land each year is the Battle of the Neches memorial ceremony held this year on July 14th.”

The land and historical marker is located at Redland, from Hwy 64 between Edom and Tyler take CR 4923, keep left on a split, keep going and look for the signs “Chief Bowles Memorial”.

Visit their website at www.aics1839.com.

Battle of the Neches Memorial Day 34 - Rainbow at the Site

Battle of the Neches Memorial Day 35 - Sky at the Site

Battle of the Neches Memorial Day 36 - Double Rainbows at the Site 1

Battle of the Neches Memorial Day 37 - Double Rainbows at the Site 2

Battle of the Neches Memorial Day 38- Sky on Interstate 20

Battle of the Neches Memorial Day 39- Sunset along Hwy 19

Rains County Founder’s Day Festival 2012

Emory, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Summer, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

Rains County Founder’s Day Festival, May 5th, 2012
The festival is celebrating the heritage and pioneer spirit of Rains County. This year’s festival coincides with Cinco de Mayo. This post covers the Founder’s Day Parade in front of Rains County Courthouse, Ford Model A Car Show, Tonantsi Dance by Rains High School Spanish Club, and Radio Control Airplane demonstration.

RainsCo Founders Day | May 2012-20

Tonantsi Dance by Rains High School Spanish Club

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Grand Saline Rodeo 2012

Grand Saline, Photography, Rodeo, Spring, Way of Life

In line with annual Grand Saline Salt Festival, Grand Saline Open Rodeo was held on June 8th & 9th this year. And here’s the pictures from the arena on the first night.

Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion 2012

Athens, Black and White, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

“East Texas was noted for fiddlers from the time of Sam Houston and Dave Crockett. Every house raising, log rolling, quilting bee and corn husking was followed by a night of dancing, the square, waltz and the schottische till dawn. Fiddlers were in demand and plentiful. Every young swain had to learn to play for the popularity and a small amount of cash.” – Excerpted from Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion’s website.

The 81st edition of Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion was held on May 25th, 2012. It took place all day at Henderson County Courthouse yard in downtown Athens. A fairground was also set up across the courthouse.

Ms. Pearl Cantrell, playing her ukulele, accompanied by daughter, Malia Cantrell, from Seven Points, Tx. Ms. Pearl Cantrell has brought Hawaiian music programs as a visiting instructor to Kemp Primary students two years in a row.

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 01

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Van Zandt County Balloon Festival

Canton, Edgewood, Festivals, Photography, Skyscape, Spring, Upper East Texas

Van Zandt County Balloon Festival was held last weekend (May 19th, 2012) at Tailwind Airpark in Canton, Texas. About a dozen hot-air balloons participated and specked the sky over Canton with colorful bubbles early Saturday, and also Sunday, morning. Airplane flying demonstrations entertained the crowds during the day until it’s time for balloon glows near sunset. Everybody seemed to have tons of fun in this event. The sight of giant glowing bubbles and the sound of hot air being blown into the balloons, plus children screaming of excitement, left me with happy feeling. I am looking forward to next year’s Van Zandt County Balloon Festival!

Balloon Fest | 19 May 2012-1

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Tailwind Airpark wesbsite click here.

Edgewood Heritage Festival – Heritage Park

Edgewood, Fall, Festivals, Heritage Park, Photography, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

This is the second part of my posting on Edgewood Heritage Festival. This part covers the festival activities that took place in Edgewood Heritage Park area, in 2009 and some 2011. The Heritage Park is founded in 1976 by Edgewood Historical Society. It represents the rural life in Van Zandt County around 1900. The very nicely restored and furnished structures are divided in two main blocks. The first block, located just across Edgewood Post Office, contains old log cabin, barn, barber shop, printing house, cafe, general store, and band stand. The second block, separated by a small road from the first block, an old school, church, gas station, carriage house, and train station. For more detail insight, please visit Edgewood Heritage Park Museum.

The beautiful park, local artisan exhibits and reenactments, senior and children dance session, gorgeous weather, music performances, filled the air with such a lively and happy atmosphere and really took me back to the 1900 Texas rural life.

Edgewood Heritage Fest in the Park | 2009-1

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Link to Edgewood Heritage Festival’s website.

Edgewood Heritage Festival – Downtown

Edgewood, Fall, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

On the second Saturday of Novembers, the annual Edgewood Heritage Festival takes place. The lively festival spreads around the main blocks of the old downtown and in the Heritage Park outdoor museum. Among the attractions are classic car and old tractor show, quilt show, live music, and a lot of others. The festival is so rich with history and we can feel how the community comes together, participates, and enjoys this festival. For that reason I split the coverage on two different posts. This post covers the festival -in 2009 and 2011- around the block of downtown Edgewood, and the next post the Heritage Park.

Link to Edgewood Heritage Festival website.

Rains County Fair 2009

Emory, Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Way of Life

Rains County is one of the smallest counties (in population) in Texas. It is known as the Eagle Capital of Texas. The county holds several festivals every year, from Eagle Fest in February, Rains County Founders Day Festival in May, Rains County Fair and Classic Car Show mid September, and Christmas on the Square in December. The city of Emory, “Land between the Lakes” -Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni that is- is where all these festivals being held. These are the pictures from the old-fashioned county fair in September 2009, featuring parade, pageant, and classic car show, around the old downtown of Emory, Texas.

Car Show in front of Majestic Movie Theater

Wills Point Bluebird Festival

Festivals, Old Downtown, Photography, Spring, Upper East Texas, Way of Life, Wills Point

Wills Point Bluebirds Festival, an annual event, held on Historical Brick Street of downtown Wills Point, Texas. This year, it was held on April 14th 2012 with some activities occurred couple of days before the street event. Wills Point was founded in 1873 and named after its first American settler, William Wills. The city was declared as the Bluebird Capital of Texas in 1995 after the Annual Audobon bird count reported that this city hosted more bluebirds than any other area in Texas for 11 years in a row.

Majestic Movie Theater, opened in 1926, is family operated and still running.

This is the link to Wills Point Blue Bird Festival’s website.

Highway 80 Sale

Black and White, Edgewood, Fall, Photography, Spring, Texas, Trading, Upper East Texas, Way of Life

Each year, on the 3rd weekend in April and October, a sale along US Highway 80 is being held. The historic US Highway 80 stretches from Savannah, Georgia, to San Diego, California. The sale, however, is a three-state-event, starts from Mesquite, Texas, through Louisiana, and ends in Jackson, Mississippi. Antiques, flea-market items, plants, ‘this-and-that’ are among the sale items. This is one of the sale spots called Redhaw Creek Trade Days, at the crossroad of Highway 19 and 80.