Fred Williams and a Black Cat

Fred Williams shows off a Black Cat signed by the members of the Class of '57 at their 40th reunion in 1997.

Martha Wilson

Robert Isham

LaVonza Asher

Tehuacana 6th Grade, Part 2

Tehuacana 6th Grade

Alphonso Steele

ALFONSO STEELE. Last Survivor of the Battle of San Jacinto. Married Miss Mary Ann Powell on September 28, 1838; moved to Mexia, Limestone County, Texas, in the fall of 1844.

Joe Lucas

Ina Cooper & Bill Crider -- Burnet Cultural Arts Festival 2007

Jessie Lou Lively Yarbrough, Mike Yarbrough, Warner Dean Hancock, Sandra Yarbrough

Genie Schuh Gunn ('58)

Blinda Cooper

143rd Infantry, 1938

Photo taken August 3rd, 1938 of Co. B of the 143rd Infantry in Mexia, Texas. Most of these men were mobilized in Nov of 1940 with the 36th Infantry Division, seeing heavy action in Italy, France, and Germany. Five of the men were killed in action. Many got Silver Stars and one the Distinguished Service Cross. The Company commander (center from row) Ray G. Purcell was not mobilized due to his age and was disappointed not to be able to go to the war.

Linda Weeks Marsh ('60)

Jerry Matthews, Pat Fisher, Robert Isham, Jo Nell Thomas Grider

Emilee Massey

At the Courthouse

Patricia Grider, Glenda Vardeman, Faye Lynn Eubanks, Jack Bothwell, Carolyn Stewart, Betty Jane Tacker, Sandra Yarbrough, Ann Kassen, Martha Kerzee.

This was taken at the county courthouse. When Joe David Pounds was tried for murder, these eight girls cut classes to attend the trial. Gilbert Smith showed up, and they slid down from their seats to the floor and tried to crawl out without being caught. It didn't work, and they were suspended from school for several days. After one day, Ann Kassen went to Mr. Smith and begged and cried. He was so flustered by it all that he told her they could come back to school the next day.

Charlotte Peeples

Another Landmark Gone

Mexia Daily News -: "A longtime familiar site out on East Highway 84 has been the Bluebonnet Grocery. The folks there were best known for their hamburgers, but for other types of food, as well. Many people would go to the Bluebonnet 'for the atmosphere,' have a burger and visit and fellowship. Richard Palkin was the last proprietor of the Bluebonnet, and has promised to soon 'sit down for some talk,' which should make an interesting story forthcoming. We had to go ahead with the picture because it's virtually gone the way of the buffalo - nearly non-existent. But, suffice it to say, it was part of the 'Mexia cultural scene' for many years."

Charles Fowler & Murphy Pate

Carolyn Stewart & Patty Murphy

Bob Crider, Betty Thornton, Bill Matthews

Faye Lynn Eubanks, Fred Williams, Betty Jane Tacker

Richard Boydston, Sue Ann Boydston, Buddy Bates

Mexia Daily News - GOOD FELLOWSHIP FOR CLASS OF '62: "Richard Boydstun, a member of the Class of 1962, came from Dallas with his wife Sue Ann for Homecoming activities. This photo was snapped during a class luncheon at the Farmhouse. Richard is still working with Southwestern Bell, and formerly was with The Associated Press, and before that with The Daily News as a typesetter. Far right is Buddy Bates, former Black Cat fullback and member of the Class of 1961. Buddy has the Tomball Electronics Company."

Bob Crider, Carole Smith Fowler, Martin Bowen

Distinguished Alumnus 2007

Dick Flatt Mexia Exes’ Distinguished Alumnus

By Bob Wright-Editor

Richard Neal Flatt was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the Mexia Ex-Students Association, and was so recognized during pre-game ceremonies Friday night at Black Cat Field.

Richard Neal Flatt? He’s Dicky Flatt, or Stick Flatt, if you prefer - all one and the same - and a 1960 graduate of Mexia High School, followed by graduation on May 17, 1964, with a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University. Dicky, oft-quoted by Phil Gramm during the latter’s time in the hallowed halls of Congress, is the son of the late Leon and Jane Flatt. He’s married to the former Linda Ennis Matthews, and they have two sons - Clinton Wayne (Clint) Flatt and Richard Douglas (Doug) Flatt. Dick and his wife have five grandchildren - Analise, 6; Tucker, 3, and Finn Flatt, four months (children of Doug); and granddaughter, Molly Michelle, 9, and grandson Tyler Dean Flatt, 11 (chldren of Clint).

Dicky Flatt is involved in, and has in the past been involved in so many endeavors for church (he’s a member of First Presbyterian Church), community and in the furtherance of youth issues, much of which has been his work as a Scouter. Dicky served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 until Dec. 12, 1971, honorably discharged as a Captain, and immediately joined the workforce of Bennett Printing Company in Dallas, serving there until 1972 when he joined the family firm, Flatt Stationers, Inc., established by his parents.

From 1972 on he has been with Flatt’s, serving as Vice-president from ‘92 until 1994, and became President of the firm in 1995, a position he continues to hold. His service to his church has run the gamut - Ordained as an Elder in 1969, served on the Presbyterian Session numerous times, has chaired all of the church’s committees, served in all offices for Men of the Church organization, has taught Sunday School, Bible Study teacher, and has been heavily involved for over 20 years in the Thursday mornings’ Community Prayer Breakfasts. One of the more out-front area of service today is his work with Navarro College, in which he serves as the NC Foundation as Vice-president.

Flatt became an Eagle Scout in 1957 and was recipient of the coveted Silver Beaver Award in 1991. He was Scoutmaster of Troop 670 from 1980 until 1989. Other civic endeavors of service by Dicky Flatt include twice-President of the Mexia Lions Club, which has named him Lion of the Year on three occasions; is a Lifetime Member of the Mexia Parent-Teachers Association (PTA); each year is a Limestone County Youth Livestock Buyer; a DARE supporter; is involved in the Limestone County War on Drugs, and is also involved in the DECA Vocational Programs.

He’s a participant in the Academic Sweater Fund each year, holds memberships in the Texas Association of Community Schools, the Printing and Imaging Association of Texas, and the National Federation of Independent Business. The Distinguished Alumnus for 2007 is on the Mexia Chamber of Commerce board of directors, is in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was Mexia Citizen of the Year in 1984, is on the board of directors for Centex Association for Retarded Citizens (from 1996 until the present), was in the Mexia Industrial Foundation, the Downtown Merchants Association and the General Mexia Hospital Board.

For over 10 years, his name has been at the forefront of Mexia blood drives, for which he serves as Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator for Mexia. Dick says he’s “retired” as a Little League umpire, as well as from the Mexia Baseball Association which he has served as Vice-president. The Flatt family and Flatt’s Stationers has long supported many youth groups, teams and individuals, and other civic organizations in the community - for 70 years.

2007 Coming-Home Queen

Coming-Home Queen Jackie Davis Casey stands between Tommy Thompson and Mike Marrs. Nancy Adams is on the left, and Barbara Holloway is on the right.

Mexia Daily News - Jackie Davis Casey: 2007 Coming-Home Queen:

By Bob Wright-Editor

Jacqueline (Jackie) Davis Casey is the Mexia Ex-Students Association’s Coming Home Queen, and was so honored Friday night in pre-game ceremonies at Black Cat Field.

Jackie, a member of the 1962 graduating class, recently retired as a Medical Records Secretary at Parkview Regional Hospital. She has worked at numerous area hospitals, as well as having served as President of the Texas Medical Records Secretary Association.

Jan Jackson, last year’s Coming Home Queen, presented the crown, while flowers to Jackie were presented by JoNell McNatt Trumble, Class of 1953.

Flowers were provided by Magness Florist.

The automobile to take the Coming Home Queen around the stadium track, was provided by Beene Motor Sales, Inc., of Mexia.

The Daily News recently had a Page 1 feature concerning Jackie’s long career in the medical profession. Jackie Davis Casey was coordinator of her class’ reunion luncheon for today at the Farmhouse Restaurant, and for tonight’s get-together of the Class of 1962 at the home of Mrs. Blake Smith."

Sumpter Frazier

Vonnah Price

MHS Homecoming Court 2007

Mexia Daily News - MHS Homecoming Court: "The 2007 Homecoming Court has been selected for Mexia High School (MHS). Seated, left to right-Megan Haynes, senior; Cady Rusnak, sophomore; Shelby Adair, freshman; Rachel Savage, senior. Standing, left to right-Taylor Turpin, senior; LaToya Dawkins, senior; Shamaine Carter, senior, and Sydney Groveton, senior."

Sydney is Louise Magness' granddaughter.

Homecoming Honorees 2007

Homecoming Museum Honorees

By ELIZABETH WITHROW - Special to The News

Homecoming for 2007 is to be September 28 and 29

The Mexia Public Schools Museum is honoring three outstanding men who have accomplished much in their lifetime: Frederick Moseley, born in Mexia, attended Douglass Elementary School and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1940; Robert L. Maddox, honored posthumously, was director of the Mexia Bands from 1939-1945; John James Haynie, outstanding trumpeter, studied under Mr. Maddox, while attending Mexia High School. He graduated in 1942.

Frederick Moseley

Following graduation from Dunbar High School, Frederick Moseley entered Prairie View A&M University. In 1943 he was called into the U.S. army and served his country as a survey and instrument man with the 578th artillery (8 in.Howitzer). He returned to Prairie View in February 1946 to continue his education. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science in 1947. During this time he met his wife-to be Gladys Dow from Bivens, Texas and they were married August 1, 1948. In May, 1953 he received his MS Degree in School Administration and Economics. He acquired additional graduate credit in several universities. He worked as a Vocational Agriculture in Tyler Jr. College, in Fairfield, Wortham, and in Waco He served as Principal at R. L. Smith Elementary School and Sul Ross Junior High School in Waco. He retired from the Waco Schools after 37 years of dedicated service.

Robert L. Maddox

After graduation from Baylor University in 1928, Robert L. Maddox’s first job was in Ranger. Here he met and married Margaret Parker, a teacher of French and Spanish in Ranger High School and Ranger Junior College. His next job was in Cisco, then he came to Mexia. In Cisco Mr. Maddox worked with a young trumpet prodigy, John James Haynie. He promised the Haynies that if they would allow John James to come to Mexia and live with the Maddox family, he would see that he had the best training possible. So John James Haynie came to Mexia and attended Mexia High School.

Mr. Maddox taught in Mexia from 1939-1945. He said that his move to Mexia was a major step-up in his musical career Not only did his salary increase from $1800 to $3000 but for the first time he had no other teaching assignment other then the Mexia bands. J.K. Hughes, an independent oil operator, took an interest in the band, paying expenses to the Dallas State Fair where the band marched, paid expenses to band contests and he bought the band new uniforms. When World War II broke out, rationing of tires and gasoline stopped those trips to Dallas and band contests. Mr. Maddox was a Captain in the Texas Defense Guard and he organized the entire high school into a Military Drill Corp.

Mr. Maddox left Mexia for the boom town, Odessa. He won 12 Sweepstakes out of 15 that he was the band master at Odessa High School. When Odessa grew so much that they had 3 high schools and 7 junior highs, he became a Supervisor of the Bands. Honors were heaped on him even to having a building named after him.

John James Haynie

John James graduated from Mexia High School in 1942. He attended Texas Tech for one semester before being drafted into the army. He became a member of the 76th Infantry Division Band and, before going overseas, he played solos before audiences of thousands at War Bond concerts He served in the European Theater of Operations and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.

After World War II ended, John Haynie resumed his studies at Texas Tech and appeared at guest soloist with the TT Band many times. In the fall of 1947 he transferred to the University of Illinois. There he met his bride-to-be Marilyn Hindsley. He graduated with highest honors and completed his Master’s Degree the following year.

He joined the faculty at NTSC during the summer of 1950. John Haynie began his career at North Texas as a temporary instructor. A natural teacher, he moved up to Assistant Professor, Associate, and in 1968 became a full Professor. His 40 years at UNT may be described as: 1950-60 - performance, recruiting and learning what and how to teach. 1960-70 - performance, teaching, recording; 1970-80 - the political and administrative game; 1980-85 - complete faculty member; 1985-90 - modified service (retired).

John Haynie along with Dr. Alexander Finlay, radiologist, presented the trumpet world with ‘A Videoflourographic Presentation of the Physiological Phenomena Influencing Trumpet Performance”. His crowning achievement in his book, “Inside John Haynie’s Studio: A Master Teacher’s Lessons on Trumpet and Life” and there is a building at NTU named J.J. Haynie Band Hall. - Yet there was always time for John’s passions—fishing, hunting and golf.

There is a notebook being made for each of the honorees, sketching their accomplishments and including accolades from people who knew them best. We want to include your remembrances. We will include them whenever you send them to the museum, care of Elizabeth Withrow at ewithrow@sbcglobal.net or 403 Bowie St., Mexia, Texas 76667.

James Black, Known to us as John's Brother

Mexia Daily News -: "The Mexia Academic Sweater and Scholarship Program began in 1960. At that time, 16 students received sweaters. Due to alphabetical order, James Black received the first sweater. This year, James presented his grandson, James Will Padgett, with a sweater, during special assembly at Mexia High School."

Wilbert McBeth

Mexia Evening Ledger

I don't remember this newspaper, but I sure do recognize some of the names in the snippets recorded here. My family wasn't even in Mexia at this time. Maybe yours was, though.

Fort Parker

Claude Mathes

Education in Mexia

Click here for the video.

History of Mexia

Click here for the video.

Mexia Business & Commerce

Click here for the video.

Anybody Seen This?

This movie was made by Jay Reel, a former student of Johnny Holmes. Jay was the guy who did the guided tour of the Mexia Theater that was on the blog the other day.

Dawn is a special little girl with special needs. Born from a human father and a vampire mother who died while giving birth, Dawn requires blood to survive. She and her father travel across the country, assuming new identities and never staying in one place for very long — until a small-town detective with psychic abilities pays extra attention to the murder of one of his townsfolk. DAWN is a fresh take on the vampire mythos, expertly written & directed and stirring performances by a cast of newcomers you won’t soon forget!

You may remember Mexia Texas as being the former home of Anna Nicole Smith. DAWN was shot in and around Mexia, Lake Mexia and Coolidge Texas.

DAWN may be purchased at www.tempevideo.com, www.amazon.com, www.deepdiscount.com and many other online retailers. Rent DAWN at www.netflix.com.

DAWN was praised by websites such DreadCentral, CreatureCorner, Film Threat and many others. DAWN recieved a 3 star rating in Fangoria Magazine. As much a drama as a horror film, DAWN manages to reinvent the vampire genre and manages to be both touching and frightening. Don't miss DAWN!

Visit Mexia!

Click here for the video.

Touring Mexia

Click here for the video.

The Mexia Theater

A must-see video. Click here. Don't worry about the first 30 seconds. The good stuff starts right after that.

An Old Building

Larry Buchanan

The director of such classics as Mars Needs Women and Zontar, the Thing from Venus was born in Mexia (some sources say Lost Prairie).

Larry Buchanan: Larry Buchanan AKA Marcus Larry Seale, Jr. Born: 31-Jan-1923 Birthplace: Mexia, TX

FILMOGRAPHY AS DIRECTOR
Down On Us (1984)
The Loch Ness Horror (1981)
Mistress of the Apes (1981)
A Bullet for Pretty Boy (15-Jul-1970)
It's Alive! (1969) I
n the Year 2889 (1967)
Mars Needs Women (1967)
Zontar the Thing from Venus (1966)
The Eye Creatures (1965)

Les Baxter

Les Baxter: b. March 14, 1922, Mexia Texas; d. January 15, 1996, Newport Beach, CA
"Sometimes I can not get over the fact that my records still make money," joked Les Baxter from his Newport Beach, California home in 1993, "When the band got together for those recordings we hoped it would bring some immediate response and pleasure. We had no idea those songs would be requested in high school gym dances some 50 years later!"

The ever humorous Baxter lead a series of orchestras in the 1950's and '60's, recording a host of million selling instrumentals including, "I Love Paris," "Blue Tango," and "April in Portugal." Baxter conducted other bands that performed with such singers as Nat King Cole, Bob Eberly and Mel Torme.

{Trivia: Les Baxter was not only a member of Torme's back up group, the Mel-Tones, he also was part of the vocal quartet lead by Frank DeVol that recorded the Capital hit, "Love Letters in the Sand."}

In later years he helped popularize a Latin-American style which featured jungle drums. Baxter composed more than 250 scores for radio, TV and movies, his songs include, "Sunshine at Kowloon," "Shooting Star," and "La Sacre du Sauvage."

One of Les Baxter's first jobs on radio was as musical arranger for Bob Hope. When asked about his first job Baxter replied, "Luckily for me, no one can take those memories away. Making music is all I ever wanted to do and some bum wanted to pay me on top of it!"
Above notes by Mr. Dan DelFiorentino

Obit

Most of you will remember the Reverend Buckhanan as part of the MHS maintenance crew and as the driver of the band bus. He put up with a lot from the band students over the years.

Rev. Charles D. Buckhanan WHITESBORO — Rev. Charles D. Buckhanan, 92, passed from this life to be with his Heavenly Father Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman, Texas.

Charles was born in Cooke County on June 25, 1915. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Geneva Buckhanan; their eldest son, Travis Buckhanan; his parents, William and Bonnie Buckhanan; one brother, Jack Buckhanan; and one sister, Ruby Holt.

He is survived by one son, Bill Buckhanan and his wife, Linda of Cripple Creek, Colorado; his daughters, Bonnie Henry Finch and her husband, George of Austin, Texas and Charlene Blevins of Whitesboro. Also surviving are one brother. Thomas Buckhanan and his wife, Wilma; one sister, Ruth Buckhanan of Whitesboro; and one niece, Connie Buckhanan.

His grandchildren are Travis Buckhanan Jr., Beverly Lee, William Dale Buckhanan, William Gregg Buckhanan, Cindy Hughes, Trey Henry, Danny Finch, Genie Finch, Geoffrey Blevins and Jeremy Blevins; three stepgrandchildren, several stepgreat-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Rev Buckhanan, a native of Whitesboro, was an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, on the Dallas District, and throughout the state of Texas for 56 years. He served as an active pastor for 33 years of his life. In 1971, he retired to become head of maintenance and a school bus driver for 13 years in Whitesboro ISD. He was better known as “Buck.” His hobbies included gardening flowers and vegetables, raising rabbits and participating in the Peanut Festival. He had a wood shop, and also repaired and sold bicycles. He was a member of the Sherman Church of the Nazarene.

Homecoming, September 28-29

Several class reunions beginning to take shape

At least three, and possibly four, class reunions are in the works for Mexia High graduates later this month during Homecoming, Sept. 28-29. As time progresses, the paper will repeat these class reunion dates/plans, but right now, here are the ones we have: The Class of 1982 is going full steam ahead in plans for its 25th-year reunion. Friday, Sept. 28, following the football game there will be an informal gathering/mixer at the Cowboy Western Club. On Saturday, Sept. 29, from 3 until 5 p.m., there will be an informal class gathering at the Mexia Police Department meeting room (formerly SESCO to some older “grads” - families of class members are welcome to this gathering. Shawna Little Sterling, a spokesperson for that class, says, “We will be collecting dues of $10 per class member, for expenses (reunion activities, memorials, etc.).” For additional information, you may e-mail to mhs classof1982@yahoo.com or telephone Shawna Little Sterling at (254) 562-6258, or phone Leana Boyd Dabney at (254) 562-5071. —- The Class of 1956 now has a display case in the Mexia Public Schools Museum and is looking for donations of memorabilia to place into the case, reminds class member Charles Sadler. That class will have some sort of get-together, with plans to be announced nearer to Homecoming. Sadler reminds that items for the museum class display case may be delivered to the museum on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please leave the name of the contributor, with the item. “Hopefully, the case will house items in time for Homecoming 2007,” Sadler adds. —- The Class of 1947 encourages all class members to meet on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Farmhouse Restaurant at 11 a.m. for its 60th-year reunion class picture. Paul Russell will meet you there, and says, “We want you in the picture.” —- The Class of 1951 is also “hanging in there” with yearly reunions during Homecoming. More about this class as time approaches for events, but the main thing is those class members will have a get-together at Fort Parker State Park. Pat Prince, Marilyn Keeling Ford, Mary Ann Butler and “the gang” have apprised class members and the newspaper about some plans. The class is planning to gather Friday, Sept. 28, at the Fort Parker Lake Pavilion. A barbecue from Kirby’s is in the works, and during the meal, there will be a time for visiting. The class has the pavilion rented until 10 p.m., so you class members may stay that late, or attend the Homecoming football game at 7:30. A donation of $20 per person is asked, to cover the costs of pavilion rental and the barbecue.

House of DeLong

This B&B is at 300 North Ross. Would that be the corner of Ross and Palestine? At any rate, there's a description and lots of nice photos here.

Whippersnappers

News about the Robinson Family

The Courier: Commitment to patriotism runs deep in many area residents, but for one local family, the tradition begins with infants younger than 3 months old.

Military service is a tradition in the family of Elizabeth and Wilson Robinson, of Conroe.

To honor their grandchildren now serving in the U.S. Army and Navy, the couple commissioned a patriotic photo of Riley Forman, their first great-grandson born June 13.

"All of the kids in the service were very pleased with the photo," Elizabeth said. "Our grandson, Philip DuBose, insisted on taking copies of it back to Camp Anaconda in Iraq."

The image, shot by central Texas family photographer Chris Orchenski, shows the 2-month-old Riley sleeping comfortably in an American flag.

"It was a real privilege to be involved in creating the patriotic image for the family," Orchenski said. "I think there is a strong message there." Elizabeth agreed.

"It has great symbolism for our family and perhaps other families," she said. "We can enjoy a peaceful life because of the sacrifices made by those in the military." The Robinsons' grandchildren currently serving in the military include First Sgt. Noah Edney, U.S. Army, serving in Baghdad; SPC Philip DuBose, U.S. Army, serving at Camp Anaconda in Iraq; Elisa DuBose, MM3, U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier; and Phillip Damuth FT3 (SS), serving in the submarine service out of Seattle, Wash.

Serving in the military is a tradition being handed down through the family, according to Wilson.

"My husband served in both the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard," she said. "We've always encouraged a commitment to God and country."

For information on photographer Chris Orchenski, or the image she created, visit her Web site at www.amemorycatcher.com.

Kickapoo

Wasn't Martha Roark from Kickapoo?

Mexia Daily News - Sign Of The Times: Boob And Bethel: "A.N. (Boob) Little, 86-year-old longtime Mexiaite and businessman, stands by the old Bethel School sign, denoting location of the grammar school in olden days. Boob attended school at Bethel, and serves as a reminder of the current ongoing project to get locations of old schools. It's a historical preservation thing, a project undertaken by Leonard Mills, John Rasco and Arlan Hudson. A bit disconcerting to this group is the fact that a couple of the signs have been stolen. That's terrible, since these World War II veterans have worked so hard in attempting to preserve our county's history. There is a $100 reward up for the thieves. So far, only two signs are missing. If you have any information relating to this low-down crime, please call Leonard Mills at 729-5256. Little remembers this site of a school known as Kickapoo, which is an Indian name and could have been a nickname for Bethel School. Others recall the school as 'Old Bethel.' Including black and white schools, there are more than 100 sites to be located in Limestone. 'Since all of the school buildings have long since been torn down and materials removed, exact locations are difficult to locate,' says Leonard Mills. "

Mexia vs. West, 1957

Mexia vs. West, 1957

Why do I have the feeling that Dick Scott Ford's slogan wouldn't be used these days?

Mexia vs. West, 1957

Mexia vs. West, 1957

Mexia vs. West, 1957