Cedar leaves, American Beauty berries, and a type of vines brightened up a county road in Edgewood, Texas. Typically they are peak during the second and third week of November, but this year a lot of them are already knocked down by heavy down pour of rain. These were taken last year, except “Patricia Lane” which was photographed one day before the rain on October 29th this year.
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
It has been so alive and active up there, lately. Cold front from the North and warm air wave from the South were fighting for a place here in East Texas. It brought few scattered thunderstorms, cool temperature one day and very warm the next. But the best thing was these spreads of playful clouds on the skyscape. One cool-ish afternoon, close to the end of June, the clouds decided to mock the shape of the tree lines – at least according to my eyesight.
Photography © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
April 2015
This is a photo essay about a pine-tree-climbing rose, grown and loved by The Bomar family, in Edgewood, Tx. It becomes quite a landmark when in blooms. The road where it grows by is a part of The Old Dallas-Shreveport Historic Parkway in Van Zandt County (near the Barren Ridge historical marker). The photos were taken in early spring (April 2015). Click on the first photo and follow the ‘next/previous arrow’ to read the story in sequence.
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
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.
The museum’s website: http://edgewoodheritagepark.org/
Photographs @ 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
This is a photo essay of a garden and a house that has been capturing my eyes since I moved to Edgewood. I finally get to know the owners and have a chance to be there and see it, up close and personal. It’s the Goode’s Garden.
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The House
Located in the old downtown Edgewood, Texas, this house is known as “Bennett Joseph Carter” Home, built in 1912, adapting Queen Anne-style. In 2010, it received the Official Historical Medallion from the State of Texas. It is still in great living condition, owned, lived, and loved by the Goode family.
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Follow the Orange Brick Road
There is an open space between the main house and the garage. Almost all year round, that open space is filled with burst of vibrant colors from flowers and there’s a glimpse of brown rocks. I’ve been watching and admiring it for years.
Being there in person, the warm brick walkways will guide one’s vision and way throughout the garden, to the flower beds in front and around the house. Just follow the orange brick road.
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The backyard is airy and spacious, yet still a lot of things to enjoy. A swing. Yellow irises, by the vegetable garden. Heirloom rose bush grows against the back fence. Pea blossoms. An outhouse. The azalea by the house.
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The sound of birds singing and fighting fill the air. The red-breasted robins catching their dinner. The deafening sound of the train passing by.
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The side porch provides the premier seats to enjoy the water-feature garden. Hibiscus. Roses. Dianthus. Viola. Pansies. Azalea. African daisy. Irises and many more. Bees and butterflies. The sound of water fountain.
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Finally, there it is. The part of the garden that I have been wanting to see.
All photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
Native red bud blossoms appearing from among limbs and branches in surrounding woods. They get bolder and bolder each day. The yellowish sprouting tree leaves and big blue sky only add contrast to the pink-magenta blossoms. ~ Edgewood, Texas
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
The town of Edgewood, Texas, began in 1878. The original downtown setting hasn’t been having a lot of changes. Some old buildings were restored and functional, some are being maintained awaiting for an opportunity to be restored. The stories of the beginning era of the town are told and kept in several local publications, such as “The Edgewood Story” by Authula M. McLemore & Eloise Pettigrew Ellis.
Here’s a look inside a building, which used to be a physician and dentist’s office in early 1900’s in Edgewood, Tx. Hopes and ideas to restore the interior has been expressed. In the mean time, the wallpaper and layers of paints on the walls whisper the stories and tales of what were going on inside this building long before my time.
Below are some of the restored and functional old buildings in downtown Edgewood, Tx., the Civic Centre, Hardware Store, and Pharmacy (left to right).
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
Patches of white and grey puffy clouds spread all over the blue canvas of sky two mornings ago. From east to west, north to south. On the east, gleams of brilliant warmth reflected on the edge of the altocumulus where the sun tried to peek through. It was one-of-a-kind morning. 
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
Mill Creek, Van Zandt County, Texas. At this time of year, Possumhaw berries offer red bright color to nature. 
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Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
A January , 7 a.m., morning view from the front porch. These subjects with the same point of view have been photographed over and over in different lights, time, and season. Just can’t get enough of them.
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
Standing on the 2-year-old concrete bridge, these are what you will see in winter. Tangled vines, limbs, and branches. And barren trees. The bridge is one of many that crosses over the Mill Creek in Van Zandt County, Tx. This particular one is connecting Edgewood and Fruitvale.
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Edgewood < | > Fruitvale
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From the bridge, the county road meanders towards Hwy 19, Edgewood
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Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
The moon last night as it was rising through the tree line.
Photographs © 2015 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
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:
© 2014 Ine Burke | inegaleri.com
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.
© 2014 Ine Burke for Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church, Edgewood, 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.
To see last year’s visual identity, go to: https://inegaleri.com/2013/08/23/37th-edgewood-heritage-festival-van-zandt-county-texas/
A commemorative book for the 135th Anniversary of Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church, Edgewood, Texas. Published October 2014.
To commemorate its 135 years of incredible heritage, the Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church has published “A Legacy of Faith”, an illustrated history book organized, researched, and designed by Ine Burke. Founded in 1879, the Methodist church is the first church established in the town of Edgewood, Texas. The forefathers and mothers of the church were the pioneers of Van Zandt County.
The beginning of the church history is preceded with an essay, strengthened by timeline charts, of how Van Zandt county and Edgewood was formed. Inspired by the first church’s history book published in 1972 by Rev. Joe V. Clouse, this book follows the evolution of the church in the context of historical, civic, and cultural change that direct its fellowship, services, and ministries to the current state. Its struggles and development keep evolving, from the era of the Old Dallas-Shreveport Road, through the World Wars and great depression time, to the current issues. Several local publications listed in the bibliography include “Building a County” by Elvis Allen, “The Edgewood Story” by Authula M. McLemore & Eloise Pettigrew Ellis, and “Van Zandt County Texas Pictorial History 1848-1994 Volume III” by the Van Zandt County Texas Historical Commission.
The history of the church is traced through 200 images including historical and new photographs, timelines, illustrations, works of art, building plans, and artifacts. The written and pictorial works were contributed by many church members whose names are chronicled throughout the book.
With the phrase “THE CHURCH IS THE PEOPLE” in mind, the cover of the book depicts the front view of the current building, with the congregation interacting on a regular Sunday service. Ine Burke challenged herself and went outside her ”comfort-zone” by doing the acrylic painting that wraps around this 8.3”x10.2”, 130-page, hardcover book. The book is available for purchase through Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood (903-896-4935). It will also be brought by Ine Burke to the Ben Wheeler Book Fair, Saturday, November 29th, at the Elwood Schoolhouse, downtown Ben Wheeler, Tx. The price per book is $45. ***
Wine bottle label design for Crooked Creek Vineyards‘ “No-Mean Feet” 2013 Lenoir.
The background is a cut-out rendition from photograph of pine trees that grow by a pond within the property of the vineyard.
Here’s how they look on the bottles (with the vineyard at the background):
© 2014 Ine Burke
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:
© 2014 Ine Burke
I’ve been observing and preserving the beauty of East Texas sky since I moved here, in Edgewood, in 2006. In 2012, I self-published my photography book, On the Edge of the Piney Woods, compiling the photographs of ever-changing Texas sky and the land’s natural beauty in four seasons. The sky and the land don’t stop amaze me with their ever-changing beauty and surprises, so I keep taking photographs of the same subjects. Like these views of one fiery sunrise in early winter in December 2013. The ray of golden sunlight caught my eyes through the kitchen window, as always, notifying me that a glorious scene was going to play out there in a few seconds. Without delay, I grabbed my camera and got out there in a crisp morning to capture it.
© Ine Burke 2014 / inegaleri.com 2014
Blurb Preview of the book, On the Edge of the Piney Woods:
homecoming |ˈhōmˌkəmiNG|
noun
an instance of returning home.
• a high school, college, or university game, dance, or other event to which alumni are invited.
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parade |pəˈrād|
noun
a public procession, esp. one celebrating a special day or event and including marching bands and floats.
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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.
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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
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Edgewood, October 18th, 2013
Photographs & Words
A new book by Ine Burke & Harold Burke
To be released on November 9th, 2013, at the 37th Edgewood Heritage Festival.
THE DANCING TREES
Photographs and Words
Photographs by Ine Burke
The Dancing Trees brings together nine photo essays capturing objects normally seen, and some unexpectedly found, in a rural farmstead and in old downtown Edgewood, Texas. It’s simply about the things that we treasure and respect. Care and love. Discover and research. Or just the things that we enjoy doing.
~ Ine Burke
Words by Harold Burke
The words are inspired by Ine’s beautiful photographs, and by our simple life on the farm in East Texas with our wonderful daughter, Alafair. And our dog, Hank.
~ Harold Burke
Book description
Hardbound Case / 8”x10” / 94 Pages / 9 Chapters /
68 Color and Black-and-White Photographs / 22 Poems
November 2013
Edgewood, Texas
Contents
About
List of Photographs and Words
Chapter I: Artifacts
Chapter II: The Barnyard
Chapter III: Edgewood
Chapter IV: The Garden
Chapter V: Horses
Chapter VI: Hunting
Chapter VII: The Dancing Trees
Chapter VIII: Patterns in Nature
Chapter IX: Alafair
Preview
Follow my Facebook (Inegaleri) for updates.
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/
The event information can also be found at:
Edgewood, Texas
Freshly mowed hay leaving tracks that portray the land’s contour and perimeter
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Photographs © Ine Burke / Inegaleri 2013
It was the first sunset in July.
Chimney swifts maneuvering against the majestic Texas sky before settling down back in the chimney for the night.
Photographs © Ine Burke / Inegaleri 2013
See more Texas sky photos in my book: On the Edge of the Piney Woods
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.
© Ine Burke / INEGALERI.COM 2013
12.12.12
Each of these panorama pictures consist of at least three shots taken with Leica M9 that were stitched together to make one panorama photo.
This year hay were baled early and they are abundant | Emory, Tx
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Salt flat behind Morton Salt Mine, Grand Saline
A friend of ours who works for the county and has been working on reconstructing the road by our farm told us about salt flat near the salt mine, so here it is
Grand Saline, Tx
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Crooked Creek Vineyards, Edgewood
A vineyard right by the Crooked Creek in Edgewood looks pretty after being manicured | Edgewood, Tx
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Van Zandt County Balloon Festival, Edgewood & Canton
The participants of Balloon Festival were getting ready for the balloon glows | Tailwind Airpark, Edgewood, near Canton, Tx
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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.
Link to Edgewood Heritage Festival’s website.
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.
