Grapevine, TX., Historical Society

June 2008 _________________________________________ Helen Jean Lucas Reed, President

FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Grapevine had a very successful 2008 Main Street Days last month. I want to thank all of you who volunteered in the name of Grapevine Historical Society. Our festivals could not be successful without those who are willing to give of their time and energies towards this goal. We appreciate you!
Come join us at our meeting on June 23rd and take a stroll down memory lane to the 40s. Hear what Grapevine was like through the experiences of those who helped keep the home fires burning while the young men and some women were fighting overseas for our freedom. Learn what those who were left at home did to contribute to the war effort. They, too, were heroes doing their part to unite our country like it had never been before or since. We enjoy today the fruits of the Greatest Generation’s efforts and accomplishments during the WWII period. You are invited to share your memories of this era with us. We never want to forget the sacrifices that were made on our behalf so that we can enjoy a life style of freedom.
We will take our annual sabbatical during the month of July and will not have a meeting that month. We will hope to see you on June 23rd and again on August 25th.
As you celebrate and enjoy the July 4th, remember our forefathers who fought so that our country was established and those who have fought through the various wars since enabling us to continue to have all the opportunities that our wonderful country offers. Let us give thanks.
See you on Monday, June 23rd!
Helen Jean Lucas Reed, President
FROM THE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT:
On April 25th, The Daily Record (Baltimore), asked the question, “Do you remember your father teaching you a special skill, giving you warm hugs, or imparting a stern lesson? “ Can you think of the many ways your own father influenced your life? Many of us know about the power of fathers in the lives of their children from personal experience. As we celebrated our fathers this month or had our own children honor “Dad” in their own special way, how many of you had thoughts about those “ties” or “handkerchiefs” you bought your own dad long ago? Our memories bring back those days of yesterday when we enjoyed just being a kid, don’t they? Last month I recalled some of the stories in our Character book about some of our members’ memories about their moms and I thought this month, I would share some of the stories you wrote about your dads.
On page 483, Judy Deacon Jacobs describes what it was like living in Grapevine with her dad after Floyd and Helen moved back to town in 1938. Floyd came back to help his own dad, W.D. “Bill” Deacon, in his feed manufacturing business at the B&D Mill (see page 196 for his story). The Mill was one of Grapevine’s focal points (and standing tall at the south end of town, it still is today!). Judy recalled the days of walking home to eat lunch; even her dad, a teacher came home for lunch. Another prominent Grapevine dad was given the nickname of “Mr. Grapevine.” Do you know who that man was – Ted Willhoite. He, along with his dad, owned Willhoite’s Garage, another gathering place for those who lived in Grapevine. Ted was the father of Janet Dickey and Wanda Shaw. As Janet and Wanda wrote on page 342, they were impressed that their father knew everything about anything they could possibly have a question about. I bet many of you felt that way about your own dads!
Perhaps there was a man in your own life who you felt like fulfilled that “father role,” even though he wasn’t your dad. Two men described in our Characters book certainly fill that bill. Look for the story of Ray Chambers on page 469 and read how this man and his wife Idel guided and directed all the young people who worked for them at the City Drug on Main Street. As Lujean Starr Benedict commented, “At City Drug, you never knew what was going to happen next.”
Another man whose “fatherly image” impressed people throughout Grapevine was lovingly called by the name “Father B.” Father Baltasar Szarka was the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church from 1961 until 1997. Yes indeed, he fulfilled the role of a “father” to his parishioners, but he impacted people of all faiths here in this small community of Grapevine. Children of all ages (and even some of us “adult children”) knew that Father B was always there to give that warmly needed hug or insightful listening ear – he never was too busy for his friends! Who would have ever thought that this priest from Baja, Hungary, would impact the people of Grapevine as he did! Read his story on page 329!
As we raise our own children and grandchildren, my wish for each of us is that we impart a bit of loving wisdom, and develop a “book full of memories” for our families to hold and cherish throughout the years! God bless our mothers and dads! And, as Tiny Tim said, “God bless us one and all!”
Pam Price, 1st V.P./ Museum Curator (817-481-3774)
FROM THE 2nd VICE PRESIDENT:
Gas prices are ridiculous! Right? However, do you remember when the World War II ration books only allowed three gallons a week? In addition, there was little or no butter; you had to add a yellow coloring and pretend it tasted something like butter. There was little meat and bacon and everything was scarce, but worst of all was not knowing if loved ones far away would return. People were uprooted and many came here for the first time and met their future spouses. If you remember, come, share, and preserve through our video your experiences and thoughts about “the greatest generation” at home during the greatest war in history. If you don’t remember, come to hear some first-hand experiences far more interesting than books or the History Channel, because you can hear it first hand. Also, collector and dealer John Kalvelage will have several tables of items from the era displayed.
In August, Max Ratheal will tell us about Comanches and U. S. Cavalry, and in September Kathleen Tolbert Ryan will tell us about her father, the famous local historian and writer Frank X. Tolbert. She travelled with him on his research trips in Texas. In October, author and historian Fiske Hanley will discuss his book and experiences after being shot down over Japan. This is a shocking story of a captured airmen awaiting trial and execution that we should not forget. We will again be reminded of how lucky we are as Americans. In November Joe Moore, Assistant Dir. Parks and Rec. will discuss the history of Grapevine parks, his office, and historic sites in area including a 6500-year old site north of the Grapevine Mills Mall on Denton Creek, covering three time periods. He will tell us about area finds including mammoths and dinosaur tracts uncovered near the lake and recovered.
Our Annual Road Trip was June 14th and we had 24 members make the trip. Peggy Capps of the Denton Historic Commission lead our tour. To end our day, Peggy invited the members to have a tour of her home in the Historic District and ended the day with dessert while we were there. Our heartfelt “Thank you” goes to Peggy and her friends on the Commission who met us at the Denton County Courthouse during our lunch and tour of the museum located there. What a great day everyone had!
Don't miss any of these events of the Grapevine Historical Society – there are many treats in store for each of you! Our meetings are on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Grapevine Public Library. Don't miss any! Come join us! This is a great way to learn about your community, meet others, and spend an interesting evening. As always we ask that ideas for programs and presenters be relayed to the executive committee. Let’s work together to find great programs and learn more about our heritage and community. You may contact me at 817-481-8252 with your suggestions or visit www.grapevinehistory.org.
See you Monday, June 23rd.
Ralph Gary, 2nd VP/Program Chairman
FROM THE TREASURER:
The Grapevine Historical Society began the month of May with a checking account balance of $7,129.83. Deposits for the month totaled $3,788.51, which included our grant from the C&VB of $1690.00 for paid museum docents, sales of our two history books in the amount of $625.00, Member Dues of $65.00, Museum Donations of $367.36, Bank Account Interest of $1.15, Annual Member Trip payments of $430.00, special donations of $610.00 ($500.00 from Exxon Mobile for the volunteer hours of our president, Helen Lucas Reed, & $15.00, unexpectedly included with a member's dues, and $95.00, added to the purchase price of one of our books; we thank them). Disbursements totaled $1,421.24, of which amount $199.00 was for Member Communications, $471.25 for weekend Docents' pay, $33.99 for Museum Purchases/Repairs, $613.00 for the Annual Member Trip and $104.00 for miscellaneous expenses.
The end-of-month checking account balance was $9,497.10. Interest received in the amount of $423.54 on the Society's two CDs brought their total to $15,881.74. Total funds balance was $25,378.84 on May 31, 2008.
A printed copy of the monthly Treasurer's Report is available with the GHS Minutes at each general meeting.
Margaret Wood, Treasurer
FROM THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR:
Our membership stands at 204 now, with 186 individual/family members and 18 business/organization members.
A list of members who have joined since the 2008 Grapevine Historical Society Directory of Members was printed at the end of March is included with this edition of your newsletter. If you have not picked up your copy of the 2008 Directory at one of our meetings, it is also in this mailing.
Unfortunately, since I will be out of town, I will miss the June meeting that will feature recollections of the home front during World War II. If you possibly can make it, this is one you shouldn’t miss! It promises to be a grand time of sharing. Take notes and let me know what I missed.
If you prefer to send in your membership payment, mail it to:
GHS, PO Box 995
Grapevine, TX 76099-0995
Please come join us at our meeting on Monday, June 23rd at 7:00 in the meeting room at the Grapevine Public Library! Our May meeting was cancelled due to the Memorial Day holiday. We will not meet in July so mark your calendar for August 25th – our next meeting date. Our Program Chairman, Ralph Gary, has organized a wealth of wonderful programs for 2008. Be sure to come! You won’t want any of miss them!
Carolyn Ernst, Membership Chairperson
FROM THE PUBLICITY CO-CHAIRS:
The GRAPEVINE OPRY, one of the premier live country music shows in the nation, will be entertaining at the Palace Theatre on every Saturday night in June and July, plus Friday, July 25th at 7:30 pm.
The 26th ANNUAL FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA will again be on Lake Grapevine, July 4th at 9:30 pm. Find your spot and stake a claim near Lake Grapevine for a spectacular exhibit.
SUMMER NIGHTS: Bring the family and have summer fun in Historic downtown Grapevine with live entertainment, food from downtown restaurants, and more. Admission is free. July 5, 11, 18, 25 and August 1.
Don’t forget to visit our own GRAPEVINE HISTORICAL MUSEUM, where visitors from all over the world see what life was like in the past. Have YOU been yet? Bring your family and friends and let them learn about our city and its history! Think about a nice outing “right here at home” – with gasoline prices soaring, “what a bargain” this excursion would be!
If any of you have special news items, please contact Margaret at Margaretharper@juno.com or phone Janie at 817-481-1266.
Margaret Harper and Janie Harper, Co-Chairs
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Remember Monday, June 23rd we will meet at the Grapevine Public Library for our program presented by our members who recall the days here on the home front during World War II. See you at 7:00 pm in the Meeting Room!
We will NOT meet in July so mark your calendars for August 25th, our next meeting.
THANK YOU for VOLUNTEERING at the 24th annual MAIN STREET DAYS…and next comes GRAPEFEST! We are always entertained by Grapevine’s Main Street Days events and cannot express enough how much we appreciate those of you who volunteer to be on sight at both the Museum in our Cotton Belt depot and the Torian Cabin. Your knowledge of Grapevine is shared with so many people from our own town as well as those who travel here to enjoy our Main Street Days. Looking ahead, we will be needing volunteers again for GrapeFest September 11, 12, 13, and 14. A Volunteer Form will be sent out with the August newsletter. Contact Helen Jean for information at 817-329-4776. Thank you!
Grapevine Historical Society Books for sale:
1. Grapevine’s Most Unforgettable Characters book – Our newest book is on sale at the Grapevine Public Library. The book costs $85.00. You can pick up your copy there or order it by mail. (Add an additional $5.00 for postage and handling).
2. Grapevine Area History book – There are still a few copies of our first book Grapevine Area History available at the Library. They cost $70.00. (Add an additional $5.00 for postage and handling.)
Order forms are available at our meeting as well as our website: www.grapevinehistory.org.
Mail orders should be sent to:
Grapevine Historical Society
P.O. Box 995
Grapevine Texas 76099-0995