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SANGER

NOVEMBER 2023

SENTINEL

Get ready for a festive extravaganza at "Christmas on the Square and Holiday Parade" in Downtown Sanger, TX, on December 2nd from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM! Our enchanting event promises a day filled with holiday cheer, bringing the community together in the spirit of joy and celebration. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with many activities, including delightful shopping experiences, delectable food offerings, and soul-stirring live music. Young ones can embark on a creative journey with crafting sessions alongside Mrs. Claus, writing letters to Santa, and bouncing away in the inflatable houses. Capture cherished moments with picturesque photo opportunities and enjoy a special reading session by Mrs. Claus. With a holiday parade that promises to dazzle, "Christmas on the Square" is the perfect occasion to make lasting memories with family and friends. Join us for a day of merriment and festive enchantment! Schedule of Events Event hours: 12:00 - 9:30 PM Vendors: 12:00 - 9:30 PM Write a Letter to Santa: 12:00 on the day of the event through December 18th. (Sponsored by Sanger Bank) Live Music: Continuous throughout the day (Sponsored by Paxica Security) Kids play area: 12:00 - 6:00 PM Crafting with Mrs. Claus inside Vintage Variety - 12:00 - 2:00 PM Visit with Santa under the Gazebo - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Sponsored by Miguelito’s) Reading by Mrs. Claus: Approximately 6:00 PM Holiday Parade: 6:30 PM Parade Judging: Continuous throughout the parade Parade Awards: At the conclusion of the parade More to come. Visit www.discoversanger.com/christmasonthesquare for more information.

CONNECT WITH US City Hall Address 502 Elm Street Sanger, TX 76266 Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM M-TH 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM F Phone: 940-458-7930 Online: Sangertexas.org Facebook: @SangerTexas

STAY CONNECTED Follow us on all of our social media accounts to stay up to date on everything Sanger! @CITYOFSANGERTX | @SANGERPARKSANDRECREATION @SANGERPOLICEDEPARTMENT | @CITYOFSANGERTEXASFIREDEPARTMENT @SANGERPUBLICLIBRARY

The City of Sanger launched the official podcast of Sanger, TX, The 266 Express. Listen Here!

SANGER SENTINEL MAGAZINE

TABLE 2 - Christmas on the Square 3 - Connect with Us 5 - City Manager Highlights 6 - Utility Services 8 - Economic Development 11 - Sanger Public Library 14 - Sanger History

CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sanger Sentinel 2023

CITY MANAGER HIGHLIGHTS

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, the cooler temperatures make way for the colors of autumn to slowly slip in. The air has begun to fill with the crisp scent of fall and a hint of Pumpkin Spice. I am thrilled to share with you the spirit of this season and the growth and unity that make Sanger such a wonderful place to call home. With the holiday season upon us, I am excited to announce the upcoming events that will bring a bit of magic to our fall festivities. On December 2nd, we will celebrate "Christmas on the Square" and the spectacular 26th annual "Holiday Parade." We hope these cherished traditions bring joy and a sense of togetherness to all who participate. The preparations for these events are already underway, and soon, our streets will be transformed with a touch of holiday decorations. The official lighting of the Downtown Square promises to be a breathtaking spectacle, marking the beginning of a season filled with warmth, joy, and community spirit. This year's Holiday Parade is open for entries, and we encourage you to participate. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, for dazzling floats and showcase performances, adding an extra layer of excitement to this event. To enter, please visit DiscoverSanger.com/ChristmasParade. As we give thanks, let us also reflect on the incredible journey our City has embarked upon. Sanger continues to grow and evolve, and we have much to be grateful for. Our community spirit, the dedication of our residents, and the commitment to making Sanger a welcoming place for all are the pillars of our success. Thank you to each of you who contribute to the vibrancy of Sanger. May this season be filled with love, joy, and a deep appreciation for the remarkable community we call home. Warmest regards,

John C. Noblitt City Manager

UTILITY SERVICES Customer Service Contact Number: 940-458-7930 EMAIL: utilitybilling@sangertexas.org Start/Stop Utility Service Click Here Click Here for on line utility payments To report a water issue after hours, call: 940-299-5358

Sanger Utilities

Trash & Recycling

The City of Sanger provides water service to City residents. The City also provides electric services to some areas of the community. Please contact our Utility Customer Service to confirm your provider.

Trash and recycling services in Sanger are provided by Waste Connections and are billed by the City of Sanger monthly on your utility bills.

Trash and Recycling services are provided through Waste Connections. To start or stop service, please contact the City of Sanger Utility Billing Department or visit us on line at SangerTexas.org for more information.

For missed collections or service issues, contact Waste Connections: 800-909-9061. For billing questions, contact Sanger Customer Service in City Hall at:940-909-9061 or email utilitybilling@sangertexas.org. For more information, CLICK HERE.

FAQs For a list of frequently asked questions visit this site.

CITY STAFF HALLOWEEN FUN

ANGER

The Sanger EDC mission is to expand the local tax base, creating a diversified, vibrant, and sustainable economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and the business community. Our primary focus is on business attraction, business retention, and marketing/tourism for the City of Sanger. We love to help businesses achieve their goals. To learn more about how we serve the community, drop by our office or schedule an introductory meeting. Please contact sbardshaw@sangertexas.org for more information or to schedule a meeting.

EDC

SANGER EDC

Small Business Saturday

Property Enhancement

November and has been designated as a day to

November 25th Small Business Saturday is an American National Holiday that occurs on the last Saturday of

Incentive Program

shop at local small businesses. Small Business

Are you a business in the City of Sanger

and-pop businesses and keeping dollars in our

that is looking to enhance your existing

communities. Shop local. Shop Small. Support

site visually or in ways that increase the

Sanger.

Saturday is focused on shopping at local mom-

viability of your property for business use? This program provides grants in the form of reimbursement up to ten thousand ($10,000) for eligible improvements to facades in the City of Sanger. Participants are eligible for up to one (1) grant in a twelve (12) month period from completion of the previous grant. The Program’s grant application process is administered by the City of Sanger’s Economic Development Corporation – applications and program guidelines are available online at www.sangertxedc.org.

SANGER SENTENIAL

SANGER EDC

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS In Sanger, we are passionate about business and

LET'S CONNECT Our focus is assisting Sanger businesses with their needs and developing a working relationship to connect them with resources and programs that will improve the business climate and achieve economic success.

even more passionate about local business. This is why we like to shop and promote local as much as possible. To help support and promote Sanger’s growing community of business owners and entrepreneurs, the Sanger EDC will produce free videos for our local businesses every year. These videos are shared across Sanger’s social media pages, and businesses are encouraged to share and use them to help promote their business. Interested in having your business featured?

We want to get to know you and your

Send us an email at sbradshaw@sangertexas.org

business! If you would like to schedule an

with “Business Spotlight Video Request” as the

on-site meeting, please contact Shani

subject line. Please include the following

Bradshaw at 940-458-2059 or by email at sbradshaw@sangertexas.org to arrange a time that is convenient for you. We look forward to hearing from you!

information in your email: ·Your name ·Your organization’s name and street address ·Your phone number ·A note about why your business is exciting or unique!

Job Listings Is your business hiring? Let us help you advertise your open position! Every Tuesday, we will spotlight job opportunities that are available in our business community. All we need from you is your company name, the position(s) available, and if the position is full or part-time.

SANGER PUBLIC LIBRARY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 1

PRESCHOOL MUSIC & MOVEMENT 10:30 AM

28 TODDLER TIME 10:30 AM

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 AM

FRIDAY 3

BOOK CLUB 6:30 PM Finlay Donavan is Killing It TEEN HANG OUT 4:00 PM Make a fun cra!

LEGOS 4:00 PM

16 THANKSGIVING CRAFT 4:00 PM

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 AM

SATURDAY

COME FIND ME IN THE LIBRARY!

CRAFT SUPPLY SWAP 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

UFO’S (Kning & Crochet) 2:00 PM

Make fesve table decoraons

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 AM

THURSDAY

SANGER PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Forester Family By Sanger Area Historical Society and Museum William S. Forester came to Texas from Tennessee in 1850. Forester moved with his wife and seven children and braved Indian marauders. Forester paid fifty cents an acre of land in Mill Branch of Clear Creek. His ranch grew to 6,000 acres and was 7-1/2 miles from Sanger. The old Chisholm Trail traveled through his open range land and that of his neighbor, John Chisum. Chisum later sold his land to the Waide family and moved to New Mexico. This ranch was honored with a Texas Historic Commission marker designating the importance of the history of this ranch. Children of Forester were Locke, John, Sol, Turney, Mrs. C.P. Scripture, Mrs. George McNeill, and Mrs. Sallie Ross. His son, Sol, wandered too far from home while working their cattle and was killed by the Indians. According to an article found in the “Denton Record-Chronicle” researching the Forester family, the slaying of Sol Forester took place on August 27, 1868, with 150 Comanches and Kiowas in a raid that began as they crossed the Red River above Montague. The Indians caught a 10-year-old boy, speared him, and turned him loose. He later recovered from his wound. The Indians raced across the plains to the area known as Bolivar. North of Clear Creek, the Indians shot Jeff Chism and took his horse, and he recovered from his wounds. About a mile northwest upstream of Clear Creek, Sol Forrester was shot with three arrows by the Indians. Sol rode to an area where a deep water hole was located and hid from the Indians in the underbrush. The local settlers began looking for him, and Isaac Pollard found him and helped take him home. Dr. Hirium Daily of Bolivar helped attend to his wounds, but he died that evening. William Forester died in his sixties, and son Locke, born in 1844, took over the ranch's operation. He was a Confederate veteran and managed the ranch while increasing the legacy of the “Two I Jinglebob” brand for its livestock. Locke left the ranch in 1890, moved to Denton, and died in 1913. The ranch responsibilities fell to his son Ed, born in 1866. When his father, Locke, died, the ranch was split between the children, L. Stanford (Jum), and he got the old headquarters of the ranch. Ailsey got to the middle area of the ranch, and Ed became the owner of the eastern part of the ranch. Ed and his wife, Bess Johnson Forester, daughter of a neighboring rancher, built a fine home in 1912 on the ranch.

Ed Forester was a shrewd businessman and stockman. Oil was discovered on the ranch in the 1930s. His cattle herd was pure-bred shorthorns, and he owned a bull named Butterfly Prince, who received the Champion award at the Texas State Fair and Grand Champion at the Louisiana State Fair. After Ed’s death, his wife Bess established a home in Sanger. Her home was on Bolivar Street, just west of Seventh Street. The original home Bess resided is no longer on Bolivar Street. Bess lived at the Sanger Manor until her passing in 1970. She donated half a million dollars to Flow Memorial Hospital in Denton after her death. A hospital wing was named “The Ed & Bess Forester Wing,” and life-saving equipment was purchased with Bess’ generous donation. Although Ed and Bess never had children of their own, Bess’ nephew Bobby Johnson lived with them from age five until he reached his teenage years. At that time, he moved to be with his father in New Mexico.

As a young man, Jesse Sons began to work for Ed Forester on his ranch. After Ed’s death, Jesse continued working the ranch and was like a son to Bess. Jesse helped her in all areas of her life and attended to her needs. Jesse’s daughter, Dena Sons Nichols, has provided photographs and additional information for this article, and our SAHS Museum is most appreciative. ******************************************************************************************************** Think of this article as though it is a Dateline or 48 Hours TV program. Often, these programs end without answers about their research for the program. After many hours of research and contacting many websites looking for Rusty Johnson, no results have been found. Bess’ nephew, Rusty Johnson, lived in Sanger in a small, white building. The building was painted white with two large front windows and on the spot where the current police station is located. Rusty was dedicated to his Aunt Bess as she helped take care of him as he cared for her. In research for this article, many people who lived in Sanger in the 1950s-1970s reached out with their memories of Rusty Johnson, nephew of Bess. Rusty was well-known by the citizens

of Sanger. He was a single man who spent much time listening to baseball games. He came into Lillian’s Drugstore nearly every evening for coffee. He loved talking about baseball, knew all the statistics of baseball players from long ago to current days, and could tell you what teams won and who made it to the World Series. It would be nice to know if he ever got to go to a baseball game. In talking with him, he would say he had listened to baseball games on the radio, so he may not have had TV, or perhaps there weren’t many nationwide games broadcasted on television. No doubt about it, he was a baseball savant. A posting on Facebook trying to find what happened to Rusty, there were many comments posted as follows: “I have very fond memories of smiling RUSTY JOHNSON. Just sitting around the Sanger Square. Talking to anyone who would listen. Such a nice man. I think he drove a green Chevy. A part of growing up in Sanger. A true legend.” “I remember Rusty. Had a green Olds, about 1952…with chrome ornamental horns on the hood; one on each side.” “I remember those days! I loved Ed and Bess.” “Yes, I remember Rusty Johnson. He would sit on the corner rock wall in the park and read the paper. He knew all the stats on sports. He was always very nice and usually came by the drugstore every night. I have wondered over the years when he died.” “I remember Rusty also, on the Sanger square. Wait a few minutes, and Rusty will come and tell you who is up to bat in the third inning of the ’62 World Series and their batting average.” “We lived up the street from Bess Forester—very nice lady. My friend and I would visit her often. Rusty was a common fixture on the Sanger Square for many years.” “If Bess had to go to Denton or anyplace, Rusty would take her. He ran errands for her, and she took care of him.” “I seem to recall he had a sudden heart attack while visiting with friends in downtown Sanger, but I could be wrong. I was also told he did some oil patchwork as a young man.”

From the remarks made on the Facebook posting, everyone remembers Rusty. He was a savant when it came to baseball and statistics. He was in the drugstore most nights drinking coffee and hoping for someone to talk baseball. He was a lovely man. Because of his name, “Rusty,” perhaps it was a nickname, which is why it has been challenging to find anything online about him. The writing above mentions that Bess’ nephew, Bobby Johnson, lived with Ed and Bess from age five until he was a young teenager. Could it be possible that Bobby and Rusty are one and the same and that Rusty came to Sanger in later years? If anyone has additional information about Rusty Johnson, it would be appreciated for our records at the Sanger Area Historical Society Museum. We keep records of families and would like to have definitive information to include in our files. Our mailing address recently changed. Sanger Area Historical Society and Museum, 211 N. 5th Street, Sanger, TX 76266.

BESS FORESTER WITH JESSE AND RANDY SONS

FORESTER HOME ON THE RANCH

BESS FORESTER WITH JESSE AND RANDY SONS