Model Citizens

Texas Hold 'Em was Never LIke This

Party Guys

Juarez

During the boom days, the west side of Mexia around Belknap Street was known as Juarez because it was wild and woolly. Pistol Alley? I don't remember that. I do remember the Liberty Theater was on Commerce near Belknap, but my parents always called it the Juarez Theater.

You Can Stay Here When You Visit the Old Hometown

From the Mexia Daily: Another outstanding lodging place is heading for Mexia, as the city and area continue their growth. Best Western is already "in." The above rendering is that of Holiday Inn Express, for which the Mexia Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has voted a $225,000 forgivable loan. Officially, the loan goes to Mexia Lodging, L.P. for construction of a 61-unit Holiday Inn Express. The loan is subject to approval of the Mexia City Council, which could act upon the matter at its next meeting next month. The proposed hospitality facility is estimated to cost $4.3 million when completed. In addition to 61 guest rooms and suites, the hotel will offer a meeting room capable of handling groups up to 50 people. One of the four partners in Mexia Lodging L.P. is home-grown, K.C. Patel. Construction on the new facility should begin next month.

Joe Edd and Ken

Fort Parker

History Lesson

This is from an 1839 issue of the New York Times. Tells you what happened to the guy the town of Mexia was named for.

End of Another Era

Leggett and Platt [better known to me as the Cotton Mill] will cease operations Friday in Mexia

The management of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, has announced its intention to shut down all manufacturing operations at its Mexia facility, located at 1100 South McKinney and will consolidate the production into other similar Leggett facilities. The consolidation will result in a total plant closing of the Mexia facility. The consolidation is the result of excess production capacity in Leggett’s fiber cushion operations. It is in no way related to the abilities or productivity of the employees at the local facility. The closing will affect approximately 50 production, administrative and management employees. The anticipated last day of operation is scheduled to take place this Friday, although some employees may be released after that date based on business needs. Eligible employees who are released by the Company prior to August 27 will continue to receive pay and benefits through August 27 in accordance with federal regulations.

Jacquelyn Spencer & Jack Beene

Old Fort Parker

End of an Era

Mexia losing its National Guard unit; Disposition of facility to be made soon

By Bob Wright-Editor

EDITOR’s NOTE: More information about closing of the armory is to follow in another story. The “info” will include a local governmental entity which probably will wind up with the property.

In the early 1940s, the Mexia National Guardsmen were mobilized for service in World War II.

The late Ray Purcell was Commanding Officer of the unit, which underwent some rapid training as world war loomed heavily in the minds of everybody.

Many from the unit returned to their homes in Mexia. Several did not, losing their lives in defense of our freedoms and for more freedoms throughout the world.

The announcement that Mexia is losing its National Guard unit undoubtedly conjures up many emotions. It’s sad that the unit is shut down. Disposition of the armory will soon be determined by the Adjutant General’s Department, based in Austin, according to Technical Sergeant Gregory Ripps, based with the Texas National Guard-Austin headquarters.

The original National Guard Unit was based in a red brick building’s upstairs on North McKinney Street. That building was across from the Post Office and was razed to make way for construction of the First Mexia Bank. The old building also served as the Mexia Fire Department.

The new armory was not built until around 1960. Captain Tom Cameron, retired Superintendent of the Fairfield Independent School District, served as Commanding Officer just before the unit moved to the East Tyler Street location.

The local unit is already moving out of the Mexia Armory this summer. Currently located here was Company C of the 536th Signal Battalion, being inactivated as part of the “Army’s Transformation Campaign,” Sergeant Ripps says. “The Texas National Guard does not plan at the present time to re-station another unit at the Mexia armory,” he added.

The decision to disband the local unit was based on demographics - too few Guardsmen residing near the armory - and was approved by Lieutenant General Charles G. Rodriguez, Adjutant General of Texas; Major General John Furlow, assistant Adjutant General and 36th Infantry Division Commander; and Major General Daniel Densford, Texas Army National Guard Commander.

Soldiers of Company C were informed of their unit’s inactivation and were given an opportunity to choose the unit to which they wanted to transfer. Some of the soldiers have already transferred to a signal company in Waxahachie.

Seniors

Front Row (left to right): Joe Edd New, Ken Trotter, Raymond Thomas, Marion DeLo Back Row (left to right): Wayne Wofford, Don Foley, John Black, Bobby Gene Tyus, Joe Owens

The Guys

Don and Joe Edd in front. Joe and Jerry in back.

In the Bushes

This is from the same group as the previous two photos, so I suppose it's the same people at the lake. That looks a little like Marlis in the middle, behind the guy (Noah New?) bending down. I can't identify the other two, and I have no idea what they're up to.

Still at the Lake

Joe Edd, Done, Marlis, Ina

At the Lake

Don, Marlis, Pat, Warner Dean, Noah, Ina

Paula Biggs and Date

Mr. & Ms. Excitement

Another Prom Photo

Too much glare, but Don Foley and Ann Pendleton are on the left. Joe Edd and Linda on the right.

Meat Market

Prom Night

A. Gilbert Smith and Mrs. Burleson at the prom.

Three Guys on the Fountain

Joe Owens, Noah New, and Jerry Welch are sitting on the rim of Littlefield Fountain at the foot of the main mall at The University of Texas at Austin. That's Benedict Hall behind them. It was the math building when I attended UT, and I tried to avoid it.

Don Foley and a Cool Car

I don't recognize the other two guys.

Rock 'n' Roll Waltz

Reed Jackson and Melinda Mansell in the middle. Margaret Stubbs and a height-challenged Robert Conn on the right.

Ft. Parker State Park

This picture postcard is probably from the '40s, after the CCC had built the picnic tables.

Student Council

Western Days

Francelle Crider on the left. Nora Alice Goodman next, and then Linda Spillers. Anybody know the others?

Joe Edd Makes an Arrest

Miss Minnie looks really scared.