Vernon Community Guide 2022

F R EE

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

VERNON’S G.I.F.T. to FLYING

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Vernon, Texas 2021-22 Community Guide

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Table of contents Uniquely Vernon VERNON’S G.I.F.T. (On the cover) ...................pages 34-35 OUR MURALS (Learn their history)................pages 22-24 SANTA ROSA PALOMINO CLUB......................page 28-29 HIBISCUS CAPITAL...........................................page 14 SUMMER’S LAST BLAST.................................. pages 26-27 DIVERSE LEADERS ......................................... pages 36-38

Adventures with us

RODEO ................................................................ page 30 BIKING ................................................................pages 10-11 OUTDOORS ........................................................ page 54-57 COOL OFF ........................................................... pages 20-21

Need to know

MEALS ................................................................ pgs 32. 45, 50 LODGING ........................................................... pgs 33, 51 WORSHIP ........................................................... page 60 SPECIAL EVENTS ............................................. pages 42-45 HEALTH ............................................................. pgs 39, 40, 47

Learn and grow

MONUMENTS.................................................... pages 58-59 OUR HISTORY.................................................... page 16 OFFBEAT HISTORY .......................................... page 18 MUSEUMS ......................................................... page 52 LIBRARIES & SCHOOLS ................................. pgs 12,13, 53 MUSIC LEGENDS.............................................. page 62

Enjoy colorful Vernon

Vernon/Wilbarger County is a colorful place -- There are colorful, interesting, friendly people to meet and share a meal with -- chances are you will find colors on your plate, and taste them on your palate. (Pages 45 & 50).

There is a colorful, dynamic history to learn about -- pioneers, cowboys & Indians, gunfighters & outlaws, explorers, hot rodders with muscle cars, and dreamers looking for opportunity. (Pages 16, 18, 26-30, 34, 59).

There is a wide assortment of colorful art on our buildings, in our museums and hanging even in our businesses. We light up the night during the holidays (Pages 11, 22, 42-44, 53).

Then there is the colorful, breathtaking natural world. It starts with our sunsets -- you will be blown away. Then there are our flowers, we are the hibiscus capital. Don’t forget our butterflies -- we are a prime stopping off point each fall for the annual Monarch butterfly migration. (Pages 14, 55-57).

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

CONTRIBUTORS Bret McCormick, Publisher

Special thanks: We would like to thank Carrie Hawkins and Amanda Lehman for their review and counsel. These two ladies helped to improve the quality of this publication and to better reflect Vernon’s community.

Clint McCormick,

Daniel Walker,

Joyce Ashley,

Charles Ashley,

Teri McCormick,

Jennifer Rodriguez,

Christi Jouett,

Jerry Brubaker,

Assistant Publisher

Bookkeeping

Managing Editor

Family Editor

Circulation Supervisor

Production Dir/IT

Graphic Arts

Carrie Hawkins

Wilbarger General Hospital

Distribution

Amanda Lehman

Vernon Tourism Director

Your News. Your Way. VERNONRECORD.COM Subscribe today!

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

VERNON COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2022

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Welcome to Vernon, Texas Message from the Publisher This installment of the Vernon Community Guide takes on a different weight. As we go to press, our city is navigating the economic and societal changes delivered by a worldwide pandemic.

Welcome to Vernon Texas where our leaders, businesses, and members of the community meet for coffee and visit, worship with family and friends on Sunday mornings, and show up in mass to support and cheer our youth.

Whether it is filling the football stadium on Friday nights, buying a future farmer’s pig at the annual livestock show, or cheering for our robotics team, our community shows up for what is truly important in life.

Our local leaders are moving forward by investing in our infrastructure and working towards the best quality of life for area residents. At the time of this publishing, a multi-million-dollar project is underway to replace our primary water line and leadership within our school district is taking the first shot at raising forty million dollars through a bond election to upgrade our schools. (The outcome will be known before this publication hits the newsstands – If we passed, we’re celebrating – If we missed, we will keep going until we get it. Our youth are our future.)

People that call Vernon home are the descendants of the pioneers of Doan’s crossing, Waggoner Ranch, and Victory Field. Give us a challenge and we flourish. Vernon is a place where we value our neighbors, a place where we respect our elders, say yes Ma’am, and open doors for ladies. We also can be bigger than life characters. Keep in mind, we’re the hometown of folks like Jack Teagarden and Roy Orbison.

This time around, as we put the finishing touches on the current edition of the Community Guide, I am reminded once again of what is most important. We are blessed beyond measure to have such a dedicated news team. Charles and Joyce Ashley are very close to celebrating their 50th year with the Vernon Record.

Their institutional knowledge is priceless. Our managing editor, Daniel Walker, has accumulated five Associated Press Statewide Top Reporter awards while at the helm of our newsroom. The team is made complete in the servitude and commitment of Christi Coston, Jennifer Rodriguez, Jerry Brubaker, Clint McCormick and Teri McCormick. They all have chosen to make Vernon their home and raise their families here. In a time of vanishing local news sources, we remain. We remain because our community’s desire for local news continues to be displayed through reader subscriptions and those who advertise. I thank you.

I’m also thankful for Amanda Lehman, Tourism Director, and her board members. Through their support they helped us guarantee the current magazine would happen from the very first meeting earlier in the year. I’m humbled by each and every business and organization that joins us in believing in the future of Vernon and that chose to support it through this publication, each sharing their vibrant stories for visitors and newcomers to Vernon. And, as always, I’m thankful for my wife who joins me on this journey.

God Bless Vernon Bret McCormick President Publisher Vernon Record

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

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940-552-2622 529 Hwy. 287 E. , Vernon, Tx Tuesday - Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM Sunday 11 AM - 3 PM Closed Monday

FROM THE MAYOR Welcome to Vernon! I am honored and blessed to call Vernon my home for more than 25 years. Vernon offers a wonderful, healthy lifestyle for everyone! Whether you are raising your family here or simply visiting, there are such a variety of things that enhance the quality of life in Vernon.

Vernon is conveniently located right off Highway 287 and 183/283 - the main thoroughfares leading North, South, East and West to popular metropolitan areas within a three-hour distance. Our location makes it an ideal place for business and industry. Vernon has been identified as one of the most affordable places to live in Texas and is home to Vernon College, offering both technical and associate degrees that benefit the labor market. Wilbarger General Hospital provides excellent care with dedicated doctors and nursing staff. Farming and ranching prove to be a great asset to our strong, rural community.

Tourism and recreation play a vital role in Vernon's residents, providing many opportunities to enjoy life in a small-town environment. We are proud to have live music at local restaurants, four beautiful parks, an aquatic center, a 9-hole golf course, sporting events, museums, hunting opportunities and a covered event center for rodeos and other equine events. Vernon boasts several beautiful, comfortable hotels to choose from when visiting Vernon.

We are a "Main Street of Texas Community", with a downtown area that is currently under several revitalization projects, perfect for entrepreneurs, backed by a supportive and hardworking Chamber of Commerce.

Vernon is cared for an amazing team of employees, who have a passion for their job to make Vernon better. Every entity in town has a strong leadership, that shares in the pride of Vernon. They are some of the most genuine, caring people that you will ever encounter.

We look forward to sharing this special place with you!

Pam Gosline

Mayor, City of Vernon

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VERNON COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2022

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

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Bicycle Friendly

Vernon Burnin’ Like to bike? If so, the Vernon Burnin’ Bike Ride is just your speed.

For more than 20 years, bike riders have found the annual Vernon Burnin’ a fun and challenging event. Co-sponsored by the Vernon Jaycees and the Vernon Optimist Club, the ride is held each August and draws hundreds of bike ride enthusiasts from a number of states.

Four routes are offered to participants, including a 12-mile ride for beginners or those who just want to take it easy; 22-miles for the hardier rider; 38-miles for the more advanced bike rider, and a challenging 62 miles (100K) for the serious rider.

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Detailed course maps and controlled intersections are provided along with frequent rest stops stocked with water, ice, sports drinks, fruits and cookies.

Road assistance is provided by sag wagons. Finish line festivities include first place awards and door prizes provided by local and area merchants.

The Vernon Burnin’ starts and ends at the Vernon College southwest parking lot.

At the same time the ride is taking place, there is also a kids’ event for the younger group with all participating youngsters receiving prizes.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Cyclists welcome

In addition to the annual Vernon Burnin’ race, Vernon is a popular oasis for cross country biking excursions. In June 2021 Vernon served as the starting spot for Oklahoma Freewheel (above), with hundreds of bicyclists camping at Orbison Park and at the Vernon Boys & Girls Club.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

In September, Vernon hosted the (below) Texas Brotherhood Ride, a group of firefighters and police officers riding bicycles across Texas to Colorado Springs in memory of fallen first responders. The group camped at First Baptist Church’s Christian Life Center.

VERNON COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2022

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The Vernon Independent School District emphasizes academics, extracurricular activities and citizenship to enable students to obtain the best education possible.

tennis courts, softball and baseball fields along with the D.O. Fulton Gym. There are also gymnasiums at VMS and the three elementary school campuses.

The district consists of three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. The elementary schools include McCord Elementary School (pre-kindergarten through first grade) at 2915 Sand Road, Central Elementary School (grades 2-3) at 1300 Paradise, and Shive Elementary School (grades 4-5) at 3130 Bacon. The secondary-level campuses include Vernon Middle School (grades 6-8) at 2200 Yamparika and Vernon High School (grades 9-12) at 2102 Yucca Lane. The district opened the Vernon ISD Opportunity Center on London Street South of the middle school (grades 11-12) at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

In addition to the academic offerings, the district offers many opportunities for students to participate in fine arts programs, career and technical programs and academic contests. All of these programs have had many successes and all have had students advance to state level competition.

The district also administrates and staffs the educational program for the North Texas State Hospital Adolescent Forensic Program (AFP).

The drama department consistently advances past the district level and participated in state competition for a number of years.

The visual arts program offers a wide variety of classes for students.

In addition to the school campuses, other district facilities including the Vernon School Administrative Center at 1713 Wilbarger, a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) on London Street south of VMS, Transportation Department at 1401 Main and the athletic complex at VHS that includes the recently named Leo Brittain Field at Lion Stadium, a field house,

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VISD’s fine arts program consists of the Vernon High School Roarin’ Lion Band, which consistently has students advance to state level competition in the solo and ensemble competition. The band program also added a flag corps to enhance the marching shows.

Students can compete in a multitude of academic contests ranging from social studies to speaking, starting at the elementary level.

These contests sponsored by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skills and talents.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Superintendent’s Welcome I am extremely honored to be the Superintendent of Vernon ISD (home of the Lions and Lady Lions). We serve the students of Vernon, Texas (Wilbarger County) and the surrounding areas. Vernon ISD’s number one priority is to ensure a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for all students, and our staff members.

DR. HOPE APPEL DR

Vernon ISD offers a great education for our children. I look forward to working with our staff, students, and the community to continue to improve and promote Vernon ISD.

Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction

GLENN HUTCHINS

CHRISSII ANDREWS

High School Interim Principal

Middle School Principal

2102 Yucca Ln Vernon, TX (940)553-3377

2200 Yamparika Vernon, TX (940)552-6231

STEFANIE MERRELL

Central Elementary Principal

1300 Paradise Vernon, TX (940)553-1859

STEFANIE MERRELL

Shive School Principal 3130 Bacon Vernon, TX (940)553-4309

DARREON HARVICK

DEBBIE PEARCE

McCord Elementary Principal

Wilbarger County Shared Services Director

2915 Sand Vernon, TX (940)553-4381

1713 Wilbarger Vernon, TX (940)553-1900

I NDEPENDENT S CHOOL D ISTRICT

My roles and responsibilities at Vernon ISD are vast, I am responsible for High Reliability Schools, School Improvement, as well as curriculum alignment and implementation. I also provide Professional Development to our instructional staff at VISD. This includes the New Teacher Academy, the Mentor Academy, and the New Instructional Staff Academy.

Additionally, I oversee the districts inclusion program.

ernon

JEFF BYRD

Vernon ISD Superintendent

We believe that we have the very best students in the state of Texas. We have a very diverse population of students. We have a very dedicated administration team, an amazing group of teachers, and a support staff who love and care for our students. I believe that our staff go above and beyond for our students daily.

The district’s goal is to be proactive in not only the student’s educational needs, but to also aid the parent in preparing their child for success and to become productive adults.

In partnership with parents and the Vernon Community, all students will graduate with skills needed to be career ready.

In 2019 Vernon ISD met the Texas Education Agency’s rating of a C+ as a district in the A-F ratings. VISD is led by a caring and compassionate Board of Trustees who have the very best interest of our students at the forefront with every decision that they make for our district. VISD has an outstanding group of teachers on all seven campuses. McCord (Pre-K- 1st), Central (2nd-3rd), Shive (4th-5th), Vernon Middle School (6th-8th), Vernon High School (9th-12th), The VISD Opportunity Center (11th12th), and the AFP at the NTSH (6th-12th). Our maintenance, custodial, transportation, and cafeteria staffs all strive to provide a safe, clean, and efficient environment for our students.

We invite you to visit your child’s school and we welcome you as a partner in educating our students as well as supporting our Lions and Lady Lions in various contests throughout the school year. Our administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am- 4:00pm. Please visit our district homepage at www. vernonisd.org for more information. If you need to speak with me, please feel free to stop by 1713 Wilbarger Street, call the office at 940-553-1900, or email me at jeff. byrd@visdtx.org

The Hibiscus Capital Vernon, the self-proclaimed hibiscus capitol of Texas, is close to receiving that official title. The winter hardy hibiscus program started in Vernon in 2008 and has been blooming ever since.

“Within these 10 years we have evaluated over 20,000 hybrids and right now in the fields we still have about 10,000,” said Plant Physiologist Dr. Dariousz Malinowski.

Malinowski, whose primary research focuses on developing cool-season forage grasses for semi-arid environments of the Southern Great Plains, initiated the hibiscus breeding project in 2008 in collaboration with coworkers Steve Brown, former director of Texas Foundation Seed Service; and Dr. Bill Pinchak, AgriLife Research animal nutritionist.

Their creations caught the eye of Texas A&M AgriLife administration, and Malinowski expanded the project into a full research project in 2010. Within the last eight years, the team has evaluated over 17,000 winter-hardy hibiscus hybrids and by 2017 they had disclosed to the Texas A&M University System’s Commercialization Office over 280 unique lines.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of the Vernon Police Department to: • Encourage and assist in developing strong community leadership and participation of Vernon’s citizens.

• Provide a harmonious, safe, and peaceful environment to all regardless of ethnic beliefs or values through cooperation between the officers and the community.

• Demand integrity and a higher commitment of values by which we dedicate ourselves to all.

1306 Main St. | Vernon, TX 76384 | (940) 553-3311

City of Vernon, Texas

POLICE DEPT. EMERGENCY: 9ͳ1ͳ1

Our History

The Native Americans, particularly the Comanche and Kiowa tribes, were the inhabitants of the plains of the upper Red River beginning around 1700. The region, as far north as the Arkansas River, west into New Mexico, and south into central Texas, was known as the Comancheria -- with present day Wilbarger County in the heart of the country. Vast herds of buffalo wandered the seemingly endless tallgrass prairie, which was broken by rivers, canyons and sand hills. It was perfectly suited for the nomadic warrior horsemen.

The Comancheria was off limits to all but the most heavily armed soldiers until the Native Americans were displaced following the Red River War in the 1870s. In 1860 a contingent of some 40 Texas Rangers and 20 U.S. Calvary soldiers under the command of future governor Sul Ross attacked a Comanche buffalo hunting camp at the confluence of Mule Creek with the Pease River, 20 miles west of Vernon. At that battle, the Rangers took possession of Cynthia Ann Parker. Parker had been captured as a 9-year-old girl in 1836 and adopted into the tribe. She was the mother of Comanche war chief Quanah Parker.

Wilbarger County itself, while uninhabitated by Texans, was created on Feb. 1, 1858 and named for Josiah and Mathias Wilbarger, two brothers who were early-day settlers in Texas. Josiah Wilbarger is the better known of the two brothers. Born on Sept. 10, 1801 in Kentucky, Josiah Wilbarger came to Texas soon after his marriage in Pike County, Mo. in September 1827 to Margaret Baker.

The couple arrived at Matagorda on Dec. 26, where Wilbarger taught for a year before moving to La Grange, where he taught and did surveying until he settled in Stephen F. Austin’s colony in a bend of the Colorado River 10 miles above the site of present Bastrop. In August 1833, Josiah Wilbarger was a member of a surveying party that was attacked by Comanche Indians near Pecan Springs, about four miles east of the present-day site of Austin.

Wilbarger was wounded with an arrow in the neck and was scalped, but managed to cover his head with a sock. He drug himself to Pecan Springs, where he was found the next day by Reuben Hornsby, who took Wilbarger to his home.

Wilbarger never completely recovered from his wounds although he lived for some 11 more years. He died at his home on April 11, 1844.

Vernon, which eventually became the county seat of Wilbarger County, was not the first settlement in the county. That distinction went to Doan’s, a community near the Red River, where the Doan family had established a trading post .

In 1879, a mail line was established from Wichita Falls to points north through Doan’s. A mail route was also established south to Seymour in 1880 and settlers began to move in very rapidly. Vernon was officially incorporated in 1889, but settlement began around 1881.

The exact origin of the town’s name is somewhat of a mystery. Though popular myth credits it to a traveling whiskey salesman named Vernon Brown, who gave out free shots in exhange for votes to name the town after him -- the whisky business was good on the frontier, Brown’s family went onto buy the Jack Daniels distillary In the early beginnings, the village to be known as Vernon was first called Eagle Spring by Tonkawa Indian Scouts because of eagles nesting in the cottonwood trees beside the fresh water spring. It was later called Eagle Flat C.S. Alexander, when he was about 12, came to Eagle Spring, on the Pease River, (present day Hillcrest Country Club in Vernon) in 1870 on a buffalo hunting expedition with two of his brothers and about 20 other men.

They camped at the spring for nearly two years, killing almost 10,000 buffalo. They then took the buffalo hides to Jefferson, Texas, where they sold them for a $1 a piece. It took the hunters two months to journey from the Pease River to Jefferson.

Alexander wrote a letter, dated Sept. 1, 1932: “We took 18 government wagons, and I think they had five yoke of cattle to each wagon. …

My job was to pull the hide off of the brute after it was ripped down the legs and belly and cut around the horns. We would tie the brute to a post and I would put the hook of the log chain in the buffalo’s nostrils and jerk the hide off of the brute, drag it into a pile and then go back onto that brute and drag it away, then I would hook another one the same way and bring it to the skinning post.

“The boys killed a few bears while we were in those camps, and several mountain lions and panthers.”

Later, a trading post was located at the springs and the community was called Eagle Flat. The federal post office later declined the name due to too many other towns with “Eagle.” The town’s name was then changed to Vernon.

Large numbers of Native Americans were common on the streets of Vernon from the 1880s into the 1920s, and especially in the early days, were very curious. Mrs. R.F. Jones recalled seeing them looking through the windows into her house, and said they would try to trade for anything that was left out in the yard. Jones said that when the railroad tracks were completed and the first train pulled into Vernon in 1886, the whole town turned out. Jones said the Comanches mobbed the train. “They climbed on top of the coaches, under the train and all over the engine to see how the iron horse was made.” They camped on top of it, with police called to remove them from off the train when it was time for it to leave, she recalled.

Henry Cobb, came to Vernon as a boy in 1885. He also remembered the Comanches: “Indians were common around Vernon and we had a big time watching them. The Indians staged horse races very frequently, as well as foot races.”

Vernon and Wilbarger County’s roots are firmly entrenched as an Old West meeting ground between cultures -- Cowboys and Indians; Farmers and Ranchers; Oilmen and Dreamers, finding opporunities.

Those dreamers include immigrants, who have found opportunity here from the beginning. A Germanic population immigrated to Wilbarger County, beginning in the 1880s, many from Switzerland. Christian and Anna Streit immigrated to Wilbarger County in 1882 from Berne, Switzerland to avoid compulsory military service for their six sons. Among the other Swiss families that came to the county in the 1880s were the Guggisburgs and Hofmans. The Graf, Lehman and Haseloff families came from Germany during that time. Wendish speakers soon followed. The Wends were from Prussia, near the border with Poland. A number of the Wends arrived in Galveston in 1868, among them Christian Schoppa. As devote Lutherans, they had left seeking religious freedom and to keep their language, which was much different than German. In the 1890s Schoppa drove a herd of cattle north. He was stopped at the Red River when his herd was found to be infected with ticks. While he waited for the herd to be dipped, and dipped a second time, to rid them of ticks, he scouted the area and found Streit and the colony of German-speaking devout Lutherans near Lockett. Schoppa used the proceeds from selling his cattle to buy a farm in Wilbarger County. He brought with him several other Wendish including the Hildebrandt, Gloyna and other Schoppa families. By 1902 the German/Wend speaking Zion Lutheran Church at Lockett had 111 members in the congregation. In 1904 another group of German immigrants, known as the German Colony, relocated from south Texas. This group included the Schumann, Lowke, Bildstein, Reinisch, and Wiederaender families. The Lockett Lutheran church soon opened branch works in Vernon and Harrold. Today Vernon continues to be a true land of opportunities.

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VERNON COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2022

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

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Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent 4001 Wilbarger St. Vernon, TX 76384 O: 940.552.9377 C: 254.413.4576 E: clindsey3@txfb-ins.com

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Explore history, off the beaten track...

Victory Field

Vernon was home to a World War 2 pilot training facility -- Victory Field.

The landing strip still exists at North Texas State Hospital’s South campus. One of the hangers is at the Wilbarger County Airport, another was re-purposed as the gym at Vernon Middle School. The field’s familiar Bugs Bunny flight patch has appeared in movies.

JFK Conspiracies Vernon is ground zero for a number of conspiracies regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Doctors and nurses that tried to save the President were from Vernon. Assassin Lee Harvey Oswald’s mother resided in Vernon during his time in the Soviet Union.

Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon Johnson’s, main confidente in the days after the death of the President, Robert Anderson, was from Vernon.

Cold War (almost) destruction In October 1962 the world stood on the edge of destruction – closer to nuclear war than it has come before or since. And deep inside a missile bunker in northern Wilbarger County a finger hovered over a button poised to begin that war.

Construction on 12 silo sites of the 577th began in May 1960, and the Fargo silo was the last completed. It was dedicated on Nov. 8, 1961.The sites became operational in the summer of 1962, just months before the crisis with Cuba began.

“My crew was on alert duty when (we) went to DEFCON 2 - the only time that ever happened,” retired airman Jerry Burns remembered of that day.

“The Missile Combat Crew Commander and I were on the console and decoded that alert message from SAC Headquarters. It went something like: ‘Skybird, Skybird. This is Looking Glass with a Red Dot Two message,” Burns said. “Holy mackerel! This was the real thing.”

Christy’s

BARBER SHOP 2816 Wilbarger | Vernon, TX 76384 | 940-839-7885

Walk-ins Welcome!

ORBISON PARK FAMILY

AQUATICS CENTER Orbison Park Family Aquatics Center is open to the public 6 days a week during the summer, weather permitting. Pool closes the day after Labor Day. 4400 Sand Rd. Vernon, TX Admission: $5

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d a P h Splas

Nabers Street Open 9am - 9pm

VernonTX.gov

Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm - 6pm Sunday 1pm - 6pm Closed Monday for cleaning

Wet summer fun...

Orbison Park Aquatic Center Orbison Park, located on South Sand Road, is home to Vernon’s Aquatic Center. It is open six days a week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each summer. The park features a slide, diving board, a lazy river, and half a dozen other features for kids and adults of all ages. There are plenty of shaded viewing areas for parents to relax. The pool can be rented in the evenings for special events -- (940) 552-2581.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Allingham Park Splash Pad Vernon’s Allingham Park, 2700 block of Yamparika, had a modern, fun splash pad installed in the Summer of 2021.

Specifically designed for younger children, the pad has several different water features and includes four seating areas and two shaded picnic tables.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

VERNON COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2022

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Check out Vernon’s murals Birthplace of Roy Orbison Driving north on Main Street its hard to miss the smiling image of Roy Orbison in downtown Vernon.

A 110-feet long by 25-feet tall mural is a tribute to Vernon-born Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame Roy Orbison. It is located at 1506 Main Street.

The mural was dedicated in November 2020, and came courtesy of a grant to the City of Vernon by the Wichita Falls Alliance of Arts. It was the first of three murals in downtown Vernon.

The design, by artist Selena Mize, includes Orbison with his trademark sunglasses and the Sun record label. The words include “Roy Orbison welcomes you to Vernon.”

Mize was assisted by artists Audra Lambert and Chrysa Jacobs on the project.

Vernon City Manager Marty Mangum said Mize and her fellow artists have done a great job.

“It looks great, we couldn’t be prouder of the hard work they have done.,” Mangum said.

“I don’t know how many hours we’ve put into it, but it is a lot,” Mize said. “We want it to be something the city can be proud of.”

Born on April 23, 1936 in Vernon, Roy Orbison changed the sound of rock and roll music with his distinctive voice. His career spanned over four decades and included such hits as “Only The Lonely,” “In Dreams,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” “Blue Bayou,” “Candy Man,” “Uptown,” “Leah,” and countless others.

Orbison’s mother, Nadine, was a nurse, and his father, Orbie Lee, an oil field worker who gave him his first guitar. The first song Roy learned to play was the 1939 standard, “You Are My Sunshine,” written by former Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis.

By 1944, Roy had written his first song, “A Vow of Love,” in front of his grandmother’s house in Vernon. Orbison performed on Vernon radio in 1945 after winning a contest.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Harvey Dean -- the tamale king The Harvey Dean, Tamale King, mural was unveiled on Juneteenth 2021 in downtown Vernon at the corner of Main and Wilbarger streets, A big crowd, including three of Dean’s sons, was on hand for the unveiling.

Mr. Dean was an ever-present fixture at the corner for more than four decades.

Born in 1902, Dean sold thousands of tamales to Vernon residents from 1927 to 1972. His success as an entrepreneur enabled him to put three children through college. Dean retired to Arizona in 1972 and lived there for four years. In 1977, Dean and his wife Mattie moved to Gallup, New Mexico where they resided until his death at the age of 81.

Lead Artist Ferdine LeBlanc has designed the mural celebrating Mr. Dean’s decades-long contributions to the City of Vernon. LeBlanc is a Project Coordinator at The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture and a graduate of the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts at MSU Texas.

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The Hibiscus Capital of Texas The Hibiscus mural was painted by Selena Mize and is in honor of Steve Brown and in memory of his son, the late Robert Brown. It is located at the corner of Olive and Main on the wall of the former Talbot’s Showroom. Steve Brown was the Director of Foundation Seed adjacent to the A&M Research Center and worked with Dariusz Malinowski on developing the Hardy Hibiscus plant.

Mize, at left, talks about creating the mural during the unveiling in the Summer of 2021.

The hibiscus breeding program began in 2010 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center west of Vernon.

The breeding program has disclosed 300 unique breeding lines. The award-winning Summer Spice Collection has been marketed by J. Berry Nursery.

Vernon continues to build on its reputation as the Hibiscus Capital of Texas, and possibly soon the world, with Hibiscus tours and the mural serving as key centerpieces of the designation.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Holy Family

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2200 Roberts Vernon, TX 76384 940-552-2895

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5:45 PM Mass for Children 6:15 PM Classes

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PROPERTY RENTALS Call for availability.

Robin Halencak 940.886.7827

Linda Shivers 940.357.1071

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Summer’s Last Blast

In 1990, the Vernon Street Machine and Classics Association sponsored an event they called the Vernon Super Cruise. Thirty-seven cars showed up, and very few of them actually cruised.

Those first efforts, however, have evolved over the past years into an event that brings thousands of vintage and classic cars and vehicles and their owners to the streets of Vernon while an additional several thousand spectators line the curbs to watch, listen to music, host tailgate parties, and enjoy a full schedule of activities.

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SLB

The year 2014 marked the event’s 25th year, and Summer’s Last Blast continues to explode onto the scene each August, drawing visitors from all across the country. In the week preceding the Summer’s Last Blast weekend, concerts, car shows and even a “Redneck” car show are all held at various businesses, while the weekend traditionally kicks off on Friday evening with a rocking concert in Wilbarger Auditorium.

In the past, such well-known artists as the Crickets, The Vels, Classic Rock All Stars, Crew Cuts with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, The Crystals, Kraig

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Parker, the Legend Lives On, 1964 Beatles Tribute, The Cowsills, The Return Beatles Tribute and Johnny Rogers have been among those entertaining the concert-goers.

Following the concert, Burnout Contests heat up the streets as drivers show off by “smoking their tires” for prizes.

Another popular feature at the Burnout site on Friday night has been the BMX Extreme Air Show with demonstrations and high-flying action by the bikers.

On Saturday, vintage vehicles and classic cars fill Orbison Park, headquarters for the event, as cruisers wait for the Nostalgic Cruise, the centerpiece of the weekend. The restricted Cruise, for vehicles 1978 and older, begins at 7 p.m., Saturday, filling Wilbarger Street from one side of town to the others while spectators line the curbs with live bands, vendors and a chance to view some of the finest classic, antique and vintage vehicles around.

The success of Summer’s Last Blast, which now draws multitudes of visitors of all ages from throughout the United States, is the result of careful planning and dedication by members of the sponsoring organization.

Vernon Street Machine and Classics Association members have deliberately stayed focused on their original goal: to bring a quality car event to Vernon.

While there are similar car happenings around the country, Summer’s Last Blast remains a premier, “not-to-be” missed event.

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Santa Rosa For more than 70 years, the Santa Rosa Palomino Club of Vernon has thrilled audiences with its fast-paced performances, color, spirit and dedication to maintaining a tradition of being perhaps the finest non-professional riding club in the nation.

Each performance of the Santa Rosa Roundup features the famed club, which traditionally sets the pivots for the massive grand entry and then offers its own breath-taking performance for rodeo-goers.

It was in 1949 that the late John Killough, manager of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and the late Walter Heard discussed having a riding club in Vernon that would promote the community and the Santa Rosa Roundup. From this conversation, a meeting of 16 men was held, and the idea received an unanimous endorsement. Committees were appointed to select shirts, hats and chaps, and it was decided that each member would ride a palomino.

John Biggs was elected president of the club. Other charter members were Drew Cartwright, Elzy Youngblood, Judge A.D. Green, Earl Walker, Bill Bond, Kenneth Wolfe, I.W. Traxler, Wylie Sweatman, Mark Neal, Jess Hancock, Ervin LeBus, Walter Heard, Fred Hanna, John Killough, and L.H. (Shorty) Wall.

The group made its first ride in 1950 in Childress with 29 riders. For the next two years, the club won first place trophies wherever it appeared.

However, members wanted to create a uniqueness for the club unequaled by any other, so in 1953, club president M.K. Berry, who had a background of calvary training and mounted drill from his years as a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute, instituted a series of maneuvers which evolved into the precision drill for which the club became famous.

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Palomino Club The drills, which have changed little over the years, have become a trademark of the club’s performances.

Since its inception, some 200 men have been members.

They are completely self-supporting with each man supplying his own horse and equipment and bearing his own expenses.

The club, with its distinctive uniform, matching palomino horses and spectacular drill, has become well known and sought after. They have represented Vernon and the Santa Rosa Roundup from Tucson to Birmingham and from Houston to Cody, Wyo. The horsemen have earned over 400 first place parade trophies and in the two times they have entered the competition, they have both times won the title of National Drill Team Champions.

The Palomino Club has ridden in two inaugural parades for the governor in Austin, ridden in two Cotton Bowl parades, an International Lions Club parade and appeared on the Today Show as well as on ESPN and TNN. When performing for the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo in the Astrodome, the group received a standing ovation from 37,000 cheering fans.

In 1989, the House of Representatives of the Texas Legislature proclaimed the Santa Rosa Palomino Club as the official “Ambassadors on Horseback” for the state of Texas. In 2010, the Palomino Club was honored in Austin with the passage of HR 909 by then-State Rep. Rick Hardcastle, congratulating the club on its 60th anniversary. Also that year, the Palomino Club was named the official “Ambassadors of the Great Western Trail.”

In 2012 the group was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. The famed group also participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. in 2012, as part of the Rose Bowl Parade’s “Happy Trails” celebration of the King of the Cowboys, Roy Rogers.

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Santa Rosa Round-up Each May, the Santa Rosa Roundup has brought the excitement of rodeo to fans for 75 year.

In 1945 E. Paul Waggoner decided that Vernon needed to spotlight the cowboys.

Waggoner dreamed of presenting an annual rodeo and quarter horse show that would dazzle the spectators. At the time, however, World War II was still being fought, so Waggoner held his plans in abeyance.

In 1946, Waggoner began construction of the rodeo facility, considered one of the finest ever built. Plans of rodeo grounds throughout the United States were studied to incorporate the most modern and complete features of the time.

The first performance was held May 29-June 2, 1946 with two afternoon and four evening performances attended by some 50,000. The event was held in conjunction with a homecoming for the men and women of World War II and was dedicated to their honor.

Today, Santa Rosa Roundup is a premier event on the rodeo circuit. A big four-day event gets underway on Wednesday with a massive parade through downtown Vernon followed by the first night’s performance in the rodeo arena. The rodeo continues through Saturday night with a full schedule of events, including bronc riding, bareback riding, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

The arena is located just south of Vernon and includes a covered seating area to protect rodeo spectators from the weather with a seating capacity of 3,500 general admission seats.

The Santa Rosa Rodeo committee established a fund to Save the Santa Rosa and were successful in their efforts with the support and generosity of some large contributors, individuals, the Tourism Committee, City of Vernon, Wilbarger County and the Santa Rosa Palomino Club, funds were raised to purchase the rodeo property in 2016.

Covered Event Center The Wilbarger Covered Events Center hosts events year-round. The $1,260,000 multi-purpose covered events center hosted its first events in early 2009. The Wilbarger Covered Events Center is located at 301 Wilbarger and is adjacent to the Bradley 4-H Arena and the Wilbarger County Exhibit Building.

It includes seating for 400 people and space for indoor equine events such as rodeos, horse shows and other activities that can be held year-round regardless of the weather, along with various other events. It has been the site of the Cowboy Mounted Shooting competition, Oklahoma and North Texas Little Britches Rodeo, Sparkles and Spurs Women’s Ranch Rodeo, NBHA barrel racing, a number of 4-H events, high school rodeos, and the Battle of the Red Cow Dog Trials.

Information on the Events Center is available by calling 940-552-7362.

The Vernon College Rodeo has been held annually for nearly years and features more than 500 contestants from 15 colleges and universities competing in nine events. It is generally held the last weekend of September/first of October.

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Community Facilities

Wilbarger Memorial Auditorium

For banquets, parties, club meetings or other special occasions, Wilbarger Memorial Auditorium at 2100 Yamparika offers excellent facilities.

Wilbarger Memorial Auditorium consists of three banquet rooms, three kitchens, a meeting room, and a main auditorium suitable for professional concerts, plays, pageants and other presentations.

The large Empire Room seats 300, and the Westerner Room seats 90. The Forum Room seats 50.

The Sky Room seats 20. The large main auditorium seats over 1,980.

The professional stage, lighting and sound system make the auditorium a top-quality facility for any presentation.

For additional information and rental fees call 940-553-3901.

Wilbarger County Exhibit Building

The Wilbarger County Exhibit Building, located at 2215 Harrold, includes a large indoor exhibit area utilized for livestock shows and other events.

It also includes facilities such as a dining room, kitchen and meeting room, which can be rented for banquets or other occasions.

Rental information is available by calling 940-553-4422.

Bradley 4-H Arena

The Bradley 4-H Area, located next to the Exhibit Building, is a large outdoor arena with stadium seating and space for rodeos, horse shows and other events.

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Community assistance A number of organizations, churches and groups are available in Vernon to offer various forms of assistance.

--Salvation Army, office located in First United Methodist Church. 3029 Wilbarger , 940-552-6281 --Cupboard by Grace, First Presbyterian Church, 2001 Yucca Lane, distributes free food on the first Monday of the month, 940-553-3925 --First United Methodist Church, 3029 Wilbarger, offers a free meal each Wednesday at 6 p.m., through the Mission Kitchen ministry, 940-552-6281 --Clothes and Food pantry, Wilbarger Street Church of Christ, 2515 Wilbarger, open on Monday, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 940-552-5437 United Samaritan Services of Vernon (USSV), 1708 Main, 940-552-8778, offers assistance to those in need including food, clothing, financial aid to those who qualify.

--Meals on Wheels 4400 Augusta, 940-6114, provides meals for seniors and disabled persons. Lunch also served at building Monday-Friday.

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Eat, Play & Stay Eat Arcos Mexican Grill

5115 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 274-3197

Benito’s Italian Cafe & Pizzeria 4201 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9970

Bevo’s Drive-In

4000 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2570

Braum’s

4220 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9849

Brown Cow

3205 US Hwy 287 W., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3322

Chicken Shack

3901 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-6464

Cody’s Cowpunchers BBQ

2001 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 655-8499

China Buffet

2424 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1066

Downtown Coffee Shop

1900 Pease St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2206

Duncan’s Smoke House

829 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2764

Fred’s Corner Grill

2327 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2402

Game Changer Nutrition

3301 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-6503

Good Morning Donuts

809 Hillcrest Dr. , Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4489

Huddle House

2822 Hwy. 287 W, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2512

Humble Texan Coffee

Subway

La Guera Authentic Mexican Food

Sweet Sammies

4007 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 839-9915 1221 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 432-2919

Little Caesar’s Pizza

909 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 473-5040

Lupes II

529 Hwy. 287 E., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2622

Maria’s Mexican Food

3711 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 283-4031

McDonalds

801 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1881

Mic’s BBQ

3011 US Hwy. 287 W. Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9190

Mr. Jim’s Pizza

3926 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-0095

Nectar Donuts

3311 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 655-8258

Pizza Hut

2230 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1806

Rusty Spur Steakhouse

1117 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 473-5055

Scars & Stripes Coffee

1619 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384

Shaved Ice

2401 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384

Smitty’s BBQ Food Truck

3428 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 357-1228

Snow Cone Stand

3401 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384

Sonic Drive-In

4004 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4733

4123 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2227 3723 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-6778

Taco Bell

4112 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1987

Play

Taco Casa

Three Rivers Foundation for the Arts & Sciences

Taqueria Jalisco

Allingham Park

4200 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3144

4187 FM Rd 654, Crowell, TX (940) 684-1670

3511 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5825

Nabers St., Vernon, TX 76384

2128 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (806) 445-6795

D.L. Green Park

Thai Cuisine

Three Hearts Steakhouse

1722 Pease St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-0803

Tea-ki Bar Nutrition

1611 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 217-9555

Toro Japanese Steakhouse

3108 US Hwy. 287 W., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-7480

Vernon Burger

2330 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3111

Vernon Livestock Café

6170 Bus. Hwy. 287, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9928

Christine Lyday Park

Dawson & Houston St., Vernon, TX 76384 300 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384

Doan’s Crossing (Great Western Cattle Trail)

19980 Co. Rd. 111 N., Vernon, TX 76384

Hillcrest Country Club Golf Course 4400 Country Club Rd., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5406

Nightmare on Main Street (Oct.) 1620 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384

Orbison Aquatic Center

4400 Sand Rd., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-0038

Orbison Park

4400 Sand Rd., Vernon, TX 76384

Red River Valley Museum

Vernon Nutrition

4600 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1848

Vernon Parts Sports Bar & Grill

Corner of Pease St. & Deaf Smith St. Vernon, TX 76384

3731 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 283-4545 1701 Marshall St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9933

Yes Way Deli

4016 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1663

Roy Orbison’s Birthplace Sunshine Park

Indian & Eagle St., Vernon, TX 76384

Vernon Plaza Theater

1717 Cumberland St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3999

Wilbarger County Historical Museum 1826 Cumberland St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-7993

Stay American Inn

3110 1/2 US Hwy. 287 W., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2758

Budget Host Inn

715 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2531

Green Tree Inn

3029 Morton St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5421

Hampton Inn

4131 Western Trail Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2100

Holiday Inn Express

700 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-0200

Hotel Vernon

1615 Expwy. 287 E., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5417

La Fonda Motel

1004 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1533

Lone Star Inn

3110 US Hwy. 287 W., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2639

Super 8 Motel

1829 Hwy. 287 W., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9321

RV Parks Meadows RV Park

6465 Bus. Hwy. 287, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 357-0666

Mel’s RV Park

9201 US 70 S., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 389-6262

Attend One of our Annual Events • Doan's May Picnic • Santa Rosa Roundup • 4th of July Celebration - Red River Rhythm • Summer's Last Blast • Vernon Burnin' • Vernon College Rodeo • Munchkins on Main • Christmas on the Western Trail Parade • Doan's Crossing & Great Western Trail • Downtown Hibiscus Walking Tour • Hunt • Nightmare on Main Street Haunted House

So Much to See And Do...

• Carnegie Library • Harvey Dean Mural • Roy Orbison Mural • Steve Brown Hibiscus Mural • Hillcrest Country Club Golf Course • Orbison Aquatic Center • Red River Valley Museum • Shop Historic Main Street District • Vernon Plaza Theater • Wilbarger County Historical Museum

Rocking A RV Park

3725 Harrison St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2821

Vernon RV Park

1400 Commerce, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 227-4054

www.VisitVernonTX.com

Girls in flight training

G.I.F.T.

Mary Latimer, a well-known Vernon pilot, received her pilot’s license in 1973 and she holds numerous certifications and honors including airline Transport pilot license with instrument and multi-engine endorsements, ground instructor ratings, aircraft mechanic with inspection authorization and is a designated pilot instructor.

Latimer started the GIFT, Girls in Flight Training, academy at Wilbarger County Airport in 2010 as a program offering free flight instruction for women age 17 and up, due to the low percent of women pilots -- only about 5 percent of licensed pilots. The program generally runs every October and allows participants to earn their certification.

ABOVE -- Patricia Pratt (left) of Houston, receives instruction from Mary Latimer, coordinator of the GIFT Academy and FAA designated examiner, on the procedure for a preflight check of a plane before taking to the air.

ABOVE -- Yi Ting, from Taiwan, practices flight planning during the GIFT Academy. Ting, a flight attendant for Cathay Pacific Airlines, attended the GIFT Academy hoping to complete her flight training and become eligible for a private pilot license.

RIGHT -- Tristan Booker (left) of Altus, Okla., gets briefed on the location of instruments inside of a plane by Mary Ann Pratt, a student/volunteer also from Altus.

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Vernon’s G.I.F.T.

Usually, on Monday of the week long academy, instructor Mary Latimer has one class going through intensive ground school training while another group of students are in the air undergoing flight training with the half dozen or so volunteer instructors.

“The f lying instructors have donated their time. The normal wage they would charge is about $50 an hour. These ladies are getting a big value for their trip to Vernon,” she said.

The GIFT Academy is a non-profit corporation with a mission to increase the percentage of women pilots. Latimer said she was trying to make a difference in convincing women that flight was safe and fun.

“My goal is to see the number of women

pilots hit 10 percent. It’s not gone beyond 5 percent in a hundred years. Aviation has evolved. There’s no reason women can’t be just successful as pilots as the males,” she said.

Latimer said that the perception that flying was unsafe seemed to keep a lot of women from learning to fly. “That perception is one of our worst enemies,” she said, adding that more people are killed in donkey accidents than in aviation accidents.

The Academy also was proud to show off two planes recently donated: a Cherokee and a Cessna. Latimer said those make a difference for the students in keeping costs down. Infor-mation about flight training at GIFT Academy Inc is available at www.girlsinflight.org or by calling Latimer at 817-946-7512.

Mary Latimer demonstrates avionics during ground instruction at the GIFT academy.

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VERNONRECORD.COM

Serving God, serving his community The City of Vernon is a community with a diverse population demographic makeup.

Reflecting that, the Vernon City Commission has recently witnessed two historic firsts.

The first woman as Mayor of the city, Pam Gosline, was elected in 2020.

The first black Vernon City Commissioner won election in 2021.

A historic moment took place in Vernon recently. In 2021 Early Williams III took office as the first Black Vernon City Commissioner. It was never his goal to be a public official, but he was approached to run for office and he said that God lead him to make the decision.

“I never expected to be a Commissioner for a City, but I was approached and God laid it on my heart that it was the right thing to do,” Williams said.

Williams was originally called to serve Vernon as the Pastor of New Hope Baptist church 7 years ago.

“Five years prior to coming to Vernon I was supposed to go to Mineral Wells,” said Williams. “I asked my pastor at the time if I could have 5 more years because I was not ready to lead a church. 5 years to the day, I got a call from Vernon and was headed to New Hope Baptist Church. It was God telling me I was ready.”

Williams came to Vernon on faith. He became heavily involved in the community and new that he was brought here to bring change. But had to fight his own desires for helping people, while God showed him that he had his own plans.

“I ran for Commissioner to effect change. To shine a light

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

on the good of Vernon. Moving here I was so impressed with Mayor Joe Rogers and his willingness to do what it took to make Vernon better, to be with the people and worship in the church with everyone. Having a city manager that is always present throughout the community. Seeing Reuben Hinojosa and Pam Gosline on the Council gave me inspiration to make my decision to do my part to help this community.

“It is important to me that when I leave my wife, my children, my grandchildren, the community, and the Church that I serve, that if this opportunity is ever afforded me, that I want to eclipse the service to community Early Williams was able to provide. I want to develop transparency and relationships between local government and citizens to build trust and people can say he cared about the community but he actually did something for the community. No empty promises or fancy quotes, just hard work, determination, and steadfast service for everyone in Vernon.”

Williams has been married to his wife Willanya Williams for 24 years. Together they have two children and three grandchildren. Before coming to Vernon, Williams attended Texas Christian University, and also served in the United States Army in Ft Knox, Kentucky in 19 Kilo as a tanker.

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Returning to her roots, ready to serve Pam Gosline grew up in Vernon. But like many, who leave their hometown for greener pastures to make their mark on the world, after a successful career in the restaurant industry, 13 years ago, Gosline returned with fond memories of the community she left behind. Seeing Vernon from a different perspective, Gosline had a desire to make Vernon better.

“I came back to town and Joe Rogers helped me get involved,” Gosline said. “He asked me to lead the ‘Pride’ Committee and from there I just always wanted to help in anyway I could. After a few years there was an opportunity to run for City Commission and I was so excited when I was elected, because I knew that I could make a real difference.

I grew up in this town. I want this community to grow. I want this community to be something for my family and the youth of Vernon to encourage them to stay.”

Gosline was a Commissioner for Vernon for 2 years before deciding to run for an open seat as Mayor.

“Being the first female mayor is an honor. But it also puts more of a challenge on me because I do not want to fail. It is difficult sometimes being seen or respected as a woman, but I am surrounded by men that support me here in Vernon. We are like a family, each with individual strengths and everyone is about making Vernon better, which makes my job easier.”

Being a newly elected Mayor has not been easy for Gosline, as her first year in office was taken over by Covid-19 and not having a so-called normal adjustment as the head official for a city.

“Starting my term with a worldwide pandemic was not easy,” Gosline said. “I, we (the city) were constantly juggling issues from day to day. It wasn’t until half way through my term was I able to do the things that I set out to do. I love being with the people, going to every event, supporting our schools and showing up at all the games. It is who I am. I am so grateful that we have come through an extraordinary time in history and I look forward to helping Vernon and all the people grow.”

“If I can look at myself in the mirror every night and know I did the best that I could for Vernon Texas not for Pam Gosline but the citizens of Vernon then I can sleep at night. Am I going to make mistakes? Absolutely. Do I still have things to learn? Absolutely. But I can try my best because I care and I am passionate about Vernon.”

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Shop Local.

The Department of Tourism and Main Street Services administers several programs and projects that strengthen Vernon's local economy through attraction of tourists and business visitors, through preservation and restoration of buildings in Vernon's central business district, and through marketing and promotion of community events and local businesses.

Main Street Busninesses Auto Plus Auto Parts Barbs Ceramics Balser Jewelry Blessings Antiques & Ect. Butch’s Guns C&N Flowers and Gifts Charter Tire CMC Décor Commerce Auto Parts Conkling Jewelry Dew’s Custom Boots IGOU Appliances Just Nok It Archery L&L Kreations Malone’s Treasures Miller Auctions Pepperberries Pilcher’s Antiques Pop Up Shoppe on Main Posh Pearls Rebellious Rose Somethin’ For Everyone Somethin’ More Sumner Colley Lumber Co. Talbot’s Home Showroom The Little Store The Refinery The Revival Tina’s Resale Shop TK’s Kustom Kreations Vernon Surplus West Texas Appliance

940-552-5433 940-553-1292 940-552-5931 940-553-3766 940-553-4867 940-553-1984 940-553-3373 940-886-8789 940-553-4421 940-552-2325 940-552-9288 940-552-9361 940-473-1789 940-503-7073 940-552-0951 940-553-1685 940-552-6762 940-886-8167 940-357-0676 940-503-0808 940-414-1032 940-886-7509 940-886-8451 940-552-6274 940-553-3595 940-839-9154 940-631-2112 940-257-8060 325-514-0562 940-553-1180

1613 Cumberland St. 1906 Main St. 1731 Fannin St. 1727 Fannin St. 1305 Main St. 1710 Pease St. 2030 Wilbarger St. 1511 Main St. 2100 Wilbarger St. 1712 Main St. 1819 Pease St. 1730 Main St. 1829 Pease St. 1716 Fannin St. 1409 Main St. 1801 Cumberland St. 1601 Main St. 2003 Wilbarger St. 1718 Main St. 1711 Cumberland St. 1609 Main St. 1530 Main St. 1526 Main St. 1830 Maiden St. 1432 Main St. 1507 Main St. 1521 Main St. 1605 Main St. 1914 Wilbarger St. 1724 Fannin St. 1814 Main St. 1329 Main St.

The Vernon Main Street Program is part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Main Street Program.

Festive Community Celebrations MAY JULY AUGUST OCTOBER

www.VisitVernonTX.com

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Doans Picnic | Santa Rosa Roundup Parade and Rodeo Western Trail & Red River Valley Museum International Art Show Vernon Farmers Market (May-September) Red River Rhythm Summer’s Last Blast | Vernon Burnin’ Bike Ride Vernon College Rodeo | Cowboy Mounted Shooting Red River BBQ Battle State Championship Cook-Off Munchkins on Main Lighting of the Community Holiday Decorations Christmas on the Western Trail Lighted Christmas Parade

Other events at www.VernonTX.gov

WGH: Committed to Your Wellness WGH Fitness Trail

Through the years, the hospital has worked not just to treat, but also to promote the wellness of the community.

One of the most visible signs of this effort is the Wilbarger General Hospital Fitness Trail that is situated on the southeast corner of the WGH campus. Through the generous support from the Wilbarger General Hospital Auxiliary and additional private donations, a quarter-mile walking trail that includes seven outdoor exercise stations was recently completed.

Farmers market

The Wilbarger General Hospital parking lot also partners to host Vernon Farmers Market activities during the summer. The Farmers Market is held each Saturday during summer months at the Wilbarger County Courthouse square.

In an effort to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among Vernon’s most vulnerable residents, Wilbarger General Hospital, in partnership with the Vernon Farmers Market Association, launched a Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program in 2019, a novel approach designed to help those at-risk for lifestyle related illnesses to take more control over their health.

Continuing education

WGH periodically partners with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Serice to provide lunch and learn programs on a variety of topics, most recently a five-week session was held entitled “Do Well Be well with Diabetes.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Wilbarger General Hospital Committed to your health Wilbarger General Hospital’s mission is to provide quality healthcare and to inspire wellness in our community by combining the science of healing with the art of caring.

The fundamental value of WGH is to sustain and improve the lives of our patients and employees. Values that guide us in promoting this fundamental belief are functional excellence, integrity, and constancy of purpose, people and ownership.

Wilbarger General Hospital has stayed at the forefront of modern medicine in a rural setting.

In recent years WGH has completed several projects, and has embarked on a number of others that will improve the quality of healthcare for local residents.

WGH was founded under the premise that rural residents should have access to modernized, efficient healthcare and since 1969, when it first opened its doors, that is what Wilbarger General Hospital has striven to provide the residents of Wilbarger and the surrounding counties.

Construction of Wilbarger General Hospital was the fulfillment of a hope shared by thousands of residents of Vernon and Wilbarger County. Ground was broken to begin construction on the hospital on May 12, 1967 and WGH opened on June 11, 1969.

In 2011 work began on a project to renovate the 28-bed Medical/Surgical Unit on the 3rd Floor. The unit features 24 large, private rooms all with new paint schemes, lighting, decor and flat screen TVs, along with the latest nurse’s call system and computers in each room as the hospital now uses an electronic medical records program.

In 2012, WGH renovated its Radiology Department which now includes a new MRI and fluoroscopy machine that have the latest in digital technology.

In August of 2020, Wilbarger General Hospital started a renovation of the Emergency Room.

“The updates to the space will be beneficial to the ER and EMS teams by improving workflow and the patients will have better privacy when visiting our local ER,” explained Carrie Hawkins, WGH Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Hawkins said that the Emergency Room has not been updated since the 1990s.

Wilbarger General Chief Executive Officer Tom Siemers said most of the renovation work being done by hospital employees.

The renovation improves patient confidentiality by locating Emergency Room nurses and physicians in new enclosed space.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Highlights of the project include: Locate supplies storage to new area; New Med Room/locker area; Paint Emergency Room; Install new flooring; Install counters for EMS charting area.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

WGH is welcoming Dr. Jeffrey Smith, a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon with over 25 years of experience under his belt providing orthopedic care in North and West Texas. Prior to his years in the field, Dr. Smith completed a Spine Fellowship, Orthopedic Residency and Doctorate of Medicine at UCLA Medical Center. In addition to specializing in caring for surgical disorders of the neck and back, he also performs general orthopedic procedures and has already begun seeing patients at Wilbarger General.

UROLOGY SURGICAL SERVICES

WGH also welcomes Dr. Michael Toulan to WGH as he begins performing Urology surgical services right here in Vernon. Dr. Toulan has over 20 years of experience providing Urology care in North Texas. Prior to his years in the field, Dr. Toulan completed his medical degree at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Toulan is board certified in Urology and specializes in the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs.

He sees patients in his Vernon clinic every Tuesday.

WOUND CARE CENTER

The Wilbarger General Hospital Wound Care Center opened its doors to the public in July 2021. This state-of-the-art facility features a Hyperbaric Chamber to treat even the most serious wounds right here in Vernon. Wilbarger General is proud to bring this service line to our community to serve those who live with non-healing wounds and infections.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is now available at WGH. PFTs are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. PFTs may be used to check lung function before surgery or other procedures in patients who have lung or heart problems, who are smokers, or who have other health conditions. Another use of PFTs is to assess treatment for asthma, emphysema, other chronic lung problems, and conditions caused

by COVID-19.

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Come home for the Christmas on the Western Trail Lighted Parade On the second Saturday in December, Vernon celebrates Christmas with a western twist.

“Christmas on the Western Trail” involves a number of activities, including the arrival of Santa Claus that afternoon along with downtown festivities from horse rides to motorcycle rides, activities at a number of locations around town, vendors set up around the decorated courthouse with crafts, art and other items, giveaways and drawings, and a host of other attractions for the enjoyment of residents and visitors of all ages.

That evening, the Lighted Christmas Parade winds its way through downtown Vernon with floats, antique and classic cars, bands, horses wagons, carriages and various other entries, all brightly outlined in lights and the long-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus on a colorful float. The parade lights up the December night as it makes it way past spectators who gather in downtown Vernon for the exciting event. It’s a very distinctive way to celebrate the holiday and bring a sparkle to the eyes of the spectators.

Prizes are awarded to the best decorated floats.

The parade is sponsored by Vernon’s Western Trail Christmas Parade Committee.

Courthouse Christmas Lights The lighting of the Christmas decorations at the Wilbarger County Courthouse Square traditionally occurs on Thanksgiving night, at 5:30 p.m.

Christmas carols are sung by the children, hot chocolate and a variety of cookies are served. Then the switch is thrown, illuminating the square with hundreds of unique and festive decorations. Plan a half an hour to stroll through each unique themed area, and to stop at the numerous photo stations so you can capture your unique family memories.

The decorations are purchased, and set up by volunteers working with the Western Trail Christmas Parade Committee, which has provided the lights for nearly two decades, using funds generated from year-round yard sales. More than $50,000 has been spent on decorations. It takes about two weeks to hang all of the items, and an estimated five miles of electrical wiring to make it work.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Holidays in Vernon

Holiday Spirit Meals BTW Holiday Meals The Booker T. Washington Center offers free meals to the community, under the leadership of Mamie and Charles McArthur. Meals are served prior to Thanksgiving and prior to Christmas.

The annual Holiday Spirit Thanksgiving meal is served on Thanksgiving Day, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., at the Wilbarger Auditorium. A Christmas meal is also served on Christmas Day. Nearly a 1,000 people annually enjoy the community gettogethers. They are made possible by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers The event, which offers frees meals at both Thanksgiving and Christmas to all who wish, was begun in 1987 by Vernon residents Pat and Glenna Bryant as a way of saying “thank you” to the community for their livelihood, their health and that of those they love. Since then, records show over 40,000 meals have been served to the community.

In 2017, the Bryants passed the responsibilities for the meals program to Sharon and Billy Goins, and the event has been just as successful as it has since the first year.

“We feel blessed to be able to do this,” Sharon Goins said.

Since 1987, the attendance and deliveries have continued to grow, as well as the volunteers. Some volunteers have been with the Holiday Spirit meals since the beginning, some have passed on, and new volunteers show up every year.

Goins said it is a good feeling to see someone there to eat with the crowd, rather than be at home, alone for the holidays or to see the twinkle in a small child’s eyes when Santa gives them a small toy for Christmas. A lot of work goes into the preparation for each meal.

The meal includes the traditional turkey and ham along with dressing, giblet gravy, red beans, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, fruit salad, pickles, onions, bread, dessert.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

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Celebrate... year round

Fourth of July Fall -- Halloween trick-or-treating sees Vernon go all out to ensure a fun and safe event for children. The annual Munchkins on Main is held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. downtown. Churches, and community centers hold events every year.

For additional information or additional information on Halloween and Fall activities, contact the Amanda Lehman at 5522564, ext. 301.

Summer --Vernon hosts an annual Independence Day celebration, capped off with a Fireworks spectacular.

The 2021 Red River Rhythm brought a celebration filled with fireworks, live music, food and fun at the Santa Rosa Arena. There were food trucks and concessions, vendors, bounce houses, mechanical bull, and a mini train.

The event included live music by a number of bands including a special concert by Sundance Head.

Halloween

The Wilbarger Regional Craft Show sponsored by TOPS of Texas, is held each fall in October in Wilbarger Auditorium.

The event features arts and crafts from numerous vendors. There are door prizes and a concession stand. Admission is free.

Easter/Holy Week Spring -- Easter week is a special time in Vernon.

The community’s churches rotate hosting men’s prayer breakfasts each morning at 7 a.m. A hundred or more men regularly attend each, enjoying the different, unique breakfasts.

Easter egg hunts are sponsored by various churches in town, and by community organizations.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Enjoy a good time and a meal with us...

Zion BBQ For more than 60 years the Zion Lutheran Church has hosted its annual barbecue. Slow-cooked pork and beef simmer overnight above mesquite coals, this is true Texas BBQ. Throw in a live band, the historic German-immigrant church sitting on the wide open prairie and a 1,000 of your neighbors and you have an experience you will never forget.

The BBQ is traditionally held on the second Friday in April each year at the church on FM 2073, west of Lockett.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry The Knights of Columbus annual fish fry, has been held for nearly 20 years. It begins with the start of Lent, and continues each Friday, throughout the Lenten season, served at the Holy Family Catholic Church Parish Hall, 2200 Roberts Street, from 5 to 7 p.m.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast For nearly 70 years, the Vernon Kiwanis Club has kicked off March with its annual pancake breakfast on the first Saturday of the month.

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Growing Stronger TOGETHER

G E N E R A L H O S P I TA L For more information call 940-552-9351 or visit WGHospital.com

New Services Include: • Orthopedics • Urology Surgical Services • Podiatry • Wound Care Center • New Family Nurse Practitioner practices • Pulmonary Function Testing • Expanded Cardiac Services 920 Hillcrest Dr. • Vernon, TX 76384

Terry Spears is ready to assist you with any of your pharmacy needs.

Your hometown pharmacy

Family Pharmacy

Family Pharmacy has been in Vernon since 1996, but its family-owned legacy began a half century earlier. Its history began when Jim Spears opened Spears Pharmacy downtown in 1959.

That pharmacy then transitioned into the Gibson’s pharmacy in 1968.

In January, 1996, Jim Parmer, Pam Caldwell, and Terry Spears opened Family Pharmacy, while maintaining the Gibson’s branch.

Since then, Family Pharmacy has expanded to Altus, Okla. and Quanah. But not only has it expanded its locations, the Pharmacy has expanded its resources and coverage area.

Family Pharmacy became a specialty pharmacy in 2016. This means it can offer services on specialty medications for things such as Crohn’s Disease, Hepatitis C Virus, HIV, Hypercholesterolemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Oncology, Osteoporosis, Psoriasis, Rhuemetoid Arthritis and Ulcerative Colitis.

That is something Terry Spears is proud of.

“For some specialty medications, you have to be certified. Not just any pharmacy can dispense them,” he said.

He said the biggest customers for those services are in Wichita Falls and Lawton. “It seems like a lot of money is leaving Vernon -- It’s nice to be able to bring that money back into Vernon and promote jobs here,” he said. “We are building a pretty good reputation working with the specialist doctors.”

The pharmacy provides help in determining your insurance

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

and coverage and co-pay amounts, utilizing co-pay cars and making sure you pay the lowest amount possible. Helping you to learn how to properly inject medicine, and calling when it is time to refill on all of the above special medications.

Since its beginning, Family Pharmacy has also been a compounding pharmacy. “We are able to identify a patient’s specific needs and we customize that pharmaceutical product to fit their needs,” Spears said. “Whether it’s a dosing regimen or if it’s a particular product. Some products are no longer available but a doctor might want to use them.”

They have taken a medicine used to treat nausea that is typically taken orally or as a suppository and have created an alternative that allows patients to use a gel applied at the wrist which is absorbed trans-dermally.

Spears said they have continued to expand their home infusion business, or Vital Care. Vital Care offers a comprehensive scope of home parenteral services including: IV Antibiotic Therapy, IV Hydration Therapy, TPN Therapy, and Pain Management Therapy.

Spears said the staff would be happy to talk with any patient on a specialty medicine, even if they have been getting their medicine from out-of-area vendors.

The staff also works with patients, helping them to learn how to properly inject medicine, and calling when it is time to refill on all of the above special medications.

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Comfortable Living

When it’s time to sit back and enjoy the rewards of many years of hard work, Vernon is an ideal community in which to spend those retirement years.

Affordable housing is available with a slower paced lifestyle, friendly atmosphere, many recreational opportunities as well as exceptional medical services.

There are also quality living facilities for those who need care in their daily lives, as well as assisted living facilities for those who can pretty well manage on their own but just might require a little additional help in their senior years.

Vernon also has a number of home health care agencies, offering in-home care, and of course, Wilbarger General Hospital is located right in Vernon to offer quality medical assistant. Vernon is fortunate to have a number of doctors and specialists, saving seniors the time and expense of having to travel to other towns for many of their medical needs.

On the social side, the Chaparral Senior Activity Center is a hub of activity for seniors. Located behind the Vernon College campus, the center offers a variety of programs and activities for local senior citizens, including computer accessibility,

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exercise programs, cards and dominoes and other fun events and programs.

A hot, nutritious meal is served at noon each day, and those attending enjoy the opportunity to socialize with others.

Iva Belew serves as the center’s director.

Information on programs and activities is available by calling Belew at 552-6114.

For residents who live at home but need some help, such as with meals, the Wilbarger County Meals on Wheels program is available. Sylvia Hinojosa is director of the program and can be reached at 940-552-6114 for information on how to qualify for this service.

Wilbarger County’s Senior Citizen Transportation is another service available to senior citizens, offering rides for doctor’s appointments, beauty shop, grocery shopping, Chaparral Center and other excursions. For information, call940-8395574.

For the ladies over 50, local Red Hat Societies offer social entertainment. The groups offer fun, friendship, fellowship, fulfillment, fitness and other social benefits with regular meetings and outings held monthly.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Shopping Local Helps Our Community Thrive Aaron’s

Family Health Mart Pharmacy

Sherwin Williams

Ace of Vernon

Family Medical Equipment

Somethin’ For Everyone

4119 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4470 2806 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5401

Asian Market

3106 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2537

Auto Plus Auto Parts

1613 Cumberland St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5433

Barbs Ceramics

1906 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1292

Balser Jewelry

1731 Fannin St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-5931

Blessings Antiques & Ect

1727 Fannin St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3766

Burkes Outlet

4115 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 227-4030

Butch’s Guns

1305 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4867

Brian’s Tire Repair

1415 US HWY 287 Frontage Rd., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-0415

C&N Flowers and Gifts

1710 Pease St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1984

Charter Tire

2030 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3373

CMC Décor

1511 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-8789

Commerce Auto Parts

2100 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4421

1720 Hillcrest Dr, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2999 1720 Hillcrest Dr, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2273

Flower Boutique

2404 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2491

Gear Up Bait Shop

2300 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 414-1007

Gebo’s

3900 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-7631

Hidden Treasures Resale

2201 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-4185

The Little Store

1507 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384

Bodines Private Lounge

1728 Fannin St., Vernon, TX 76384

Evermore Learning

L&L Kreations

1724 Fannin St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 257-8060

4400 Sand Rd., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2581

Malone’s Treasures

4101 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2875

4600 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1848

Miller Auctions

2900 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-6551

1221 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384

1829 Pease St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 473-1789 1716 Fannin St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 503-7073 1409 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-0951 1801 Cumberland, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1685

Napa Auto Parts

0000 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4321

NK Kaw Thoo Lei Market

3633 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384

One Stop Hair Shop

2003 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-8167

Dollar Tree

1718 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 357-0676

Easy Rent

1711 Cumberland St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 503-0808

Factory Connection

1609 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 414-1032

Family Dollar

3708 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-7673

2417 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1989

1432 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3595

1914 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384

Just Nok It Archery

Dollar General

4107 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2558

Talbot’s Home Showroom

Vernon Event Venues

4400 Sand Rd., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2581

1730 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9361

Dew’s Custom Boots

2616 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2284

1830 Maiden St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-6274

Tina’s Resale Shop

IGOU Appliances

1601 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-6762

4111 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 473-6000

Sumner Colley Lumber Co.

7900 Eagle St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 357-0159

1015 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9201

Cricket Wireless

905 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 273-0790

1526 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-8451

The Revival

Hillcrest Pharmacy

3211 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-7355

1819 Pease St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-9288

Somethin’ More

1701 Cumberland, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 228-2077

Conkling Jewelry

913 Hillcrest Dr., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 217-5641

1530 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 886-7509

The Refinery

1913 Pease, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 782-2559

1712 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2325

2419 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3381

O’Reilly Auto Parts Pepperberries

Pilcher’s Antiques

1521 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 839-9154 1605 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 631-2112

TK’s Kustom Kreations Tractor Supply

United Supermarket

La Hacienda Avitia

Orbison Clubhouse Orbison Gazebo

Red River Valley Museum Rodriguez Ballroom The Loft

Verizon Wireless

1423 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 839-9154

Vernon Ag Supply

1521 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 839-9154

Vernon Surplus

1726 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 631-2112

4110 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-2027 122 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1310 1814 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 514-0562

Walmart

3800 US 287 W., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-8029

West Texas Appliance

1329 Main St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-1180

The Refinery The Venue

Wilbarger Auditorium

2100 Yamparika St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-3901

Wilbarger Event Center

301 Wilbarger St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-7362

Wilbarger Exhibit Building

2215 Harrold St., Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 553-4422

Pop Up Shoppe on Main Posh Pearls

Rebellious Rose Savannah Rose

www.VisitVernonTX.com

Dining options

Lupe’s is home of the famous Crispy Relleno “better and crisper than you can find anywhere else,” Everything on the adult menu is homemade. “Every enchilada is hand rolled, every sauce is made every morning, every chip made that day, and all ingredients are fresh,”

Vernon offers a wide variety of dining experiences Vernon’s location, as a historic crossroads, means that a variety of cultures converge here. This is ranching country and steaks are an integral part of that cultural. Several local restaurants offer great steaks at affordable prices. Vernon has a rich ethnic clulture and it is also reflected in unique food options. However, there are also multiple national and regional chain restaurants. If you want pizza, a burger, catfish, BBQ, Mexican, Asian, breakfast -- Vernon has want you want.

BREAKFAST

HAMBURGERS / FAST FOOD

Huddle House, 2824 US-287 W | (940) 552-2514 Good Morning Donuts, 809 Hillcrest Dr. | (940) 553-4489 Downtown Coffee Shop, 1900 Pease St. | (940) 553-4200 Humble Texan Coffee, 4007 Wilbarger St. | (940) 839-9915 Nectar Donuts, 3311 Wilbarger St. | (940) 655-8258

MEXICAN Arcos Mexican Grill, 5115 College Dr. | (940) 553-7034 Lupes Mexican Restaurant, 529 US 287 | (940) 552-2622 Brown Cow Family Restaurant, 3205 Expy 287 S | (940) 553-3322 Taco Casa, 4200 College Dr. | (940) 553-3144 Taqueria Jalisco, 3511 Wilbarger St. | (940) 552-5825 Taco Bell, 4112 Hillcrest Plaza | (940) 553-1987

ORIENTAL China Buffet, 2424 Wilbarger St. | (940) 553-1066 Thai Cuisine, 2128 Main St. | (806) 445-6795 Toro Japanese Restaurant, 3108 US-287 W | (940) 886-7480 Punjabi Dhabi, US-287 | (940) 414-2640

STEAKS/ FAMILY DINING Rusty Spur Steakhouse & Saloon, 1117 Hillcrest Dr. | (940) 473-5055 Three Hearts Steakhouse, 1722 Pease St. | (940) 552-0803 Hillcrest Country Club, 4400 Country Club Dr. | (940) 552-5406 Vernon Livestock Cafe, 6170 Bus, 287. | (940) 552-9928

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Bevo’s Drive-In, 4000 Wilbarger St. | (940) 552-2570 Fred’s Corner Grille, 2327 Main St. | (940) 552-2402 McDonald’s, 801 Hillcrest Dr. | (940) 553-1881 Vernon Burger, 2330 Wilbarger St. | (940) 473-5115 Sonic Drive-In, 4004 Wilbarger St. | (940) 553-4733 Braum’s Ice Cream & Burger, 4220 College Dr. | (940) 552-9849 Chicken Shack, 3901 Wilbarger St. | (940) 552-6464 Subway, 4123 Hillcrest Plaza | (940) 552-2227 Sweet Sammie’s, 3723 Wilbarger St. | (940) 886-6778 United Deli, 2900 Wilbarger St. | (940) 552-6551

PIZZA & ITALIAN Mr. Jim’s Pizza - 3926 Wilbarger, (940) 552-0095 Pizza Hut, 2230 Wilbarger St. | (940) 553-1806 Little Caesars Pizza, 909 Hillcrest Dr. | (940) 473-5040 Benito’s Italian Cafe & Pizzeria, 4201 College Dr. | (940) 552-9970

BBQ Duncan’s Smoke House, 829 Wilbarger St. | (940) 552-2764 Mic’s BBQ, 3011 US-287 W | (940) 552-9190 Cody’s Cowpunchers, (940) 655-8499 * Restaurant options were supplied by the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns, and market changes not all options may be available.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Hotel & Lodging Directory

Quality & Affordable Lodging For The Entire Family Budget Host Inn, 715 Wilbarger | (940) 552-2531 Days Inn, 3110 U.S. 287 | (940) 552-9982 Green Tree Inn, 3029 Morton | (940) 552-5421 Hampton Inn, 4131 Western Trail | (940) 552-2100 Holiday Inn Express, 700 Hillcrest | (940) 552-0200 Hotel Vernon, 1615 U.S. 287 | (940) 552-5417

Spotlight: Joe & Joanie Rogers Joe Rogers and his wife Joanie own and operate the two largest hotels in Vernon -- the Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn. Rogers Lodging opened Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in October 2006 - The hotel was completely remodeled in April 2018 to the New Formula Blue Design for all Holiday Inn Express Hotels and Suites. Rogers Lodging Management and Ownership team is a second-generation family owned business.

Sharon and Keith Rogers moved to Vernon in 1974 with three of their children. They purchased and managed the former Best Western Village Inn. The Hampton Inn, built in 2011, is decorated with art from a single photographer. Wyman Meinzer, named the Texas State photographer in 1997 by the Texas State Legislature and then Gov. George W. Bush. The Rogers have invested deeply in the community of Vernon through the construction and operation of Vernon’s largest hotels.

Pecan Grove Bed & Breakfast, 1904 Houston | (940) 838-8622

Joe Rogers grew up working for his parents where he learned to manage the hotel. After graduating high school, he attended Texas Tech University. After five years, he returned to Vernon to manage the Best Western. Today Rogers Lodging is owned by Joanie and Joe Rogers. Joe has also served the city as Mayor for two terms, beginning in 2012 and Joanie served multiple terms as a trustee for Vernon College..

Enjoy your stay!

Both hotels have earned numerous awards. Newcomer, Quality Excellent, Torchbearer, Best of the Best Executive Housekeeper of North America and Vernon Chamber of Commerce Beautification Award are on that list.

La Fonda Motel, 1004 Wilbarger | (940) 553-1533 Super 8 Motel, 1829 U.S. 287 | (940) 552-9321

The Rogers family welcomes you to Vernon: “We know you will be comfortable in our beautiful hotel. Together with our staff we are ready to welcome you to Vernon and assist you in your stay here in Vernon.”

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

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Learn & Grow The Carnegie Library The Carnegie City-County Library has been serving Vernon and the area since 1916. The library has grown from offering books to the public to now making available a number of services, including publications, books on CDs as well as offering wireless internet and public computer services as it keeps up with the latest technology.

In addition to its countless shelves filled with books including current best-sellers to old favorites, educational and research books. The library offers an exciting and informative summer reading program for youngsters.

In 2012, the library underwent an extensive expansion process which increased the overall space from 8,000 square feet

to 12,000 square feet and allowed more room for expanded services including facilities such as a computer room, book store and study room along with renovations to the circulation desk area, work room and the addition of a community meeting room.

The expansion was made possible through a generous gift by Jim and Marian White.

Located at 2810 Wilbarger, the library first began with an idea proposed by L.K. Johnson, a Vernon banker. Johnson shared this idea with the Young Men’s Business League, and the group secured a donation from the Carnegie Foundation.

On Jan. 8, 1915, the City of Vernon accepted the Carnegie Foundation’s grant of

$12,500, contracting to furnish a building and site for the library and to contribute annually for its maintenance at 10% of the amount of the original grant. A two-story brick structure was erected as the corner of Pease and Cumberland with the first librarian, Miss Flora Lowrey, assuming her duties on July 1, 1916. Miss Lillian Newton became librarian exactly one year later and remained so until 1950. By 1920, approximately 4,000 volumes had been collected with a yearly circulation of about 16,000. The library housed approximately 8,000 volumes when a fire destroyed the building in February 1928. The building was rehabilitated and with the 1,500 books that had been saved from the fire, the library reopened in September of that same year.

In 1941 a children’s department was opened in the basement of the building. In August 1978, papers were signed for the purchase of the TG&Y building located at 2810 Wilbarger Street. This building was remodeled and still houses the current library. The library telephone number is 940-552-2462.

The library is funded equally by the City of Vernon and Wilbarger County. Library director is Stella Melton, and Molly Thomas is cataloging librarian. Other staff members are Rita Baker and Alexis Martinez-Edmonds. The library board consists of Joni Streit, president; Meg Filbey, vice president; Lou Byrd, treasurer; Kathy Handley, secretary, and members Pat Word, Sherry Spears, Derrel Wall, and Ellen Coffee.

Vernon College Vernon College is an accredited twoyear community college with the home campus located in Vernon and the taxing district of Wilbarger County.

Vernon College operates the home campus as well as learning centers in Wichita Falls and Seymour focusing on extending a wide scope of educational opportunities to students in a twelve-county service area.

In addition to traditional academic

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transfer courses, the college offers a number of programs in allied health and workforce/ technical areas to prepare students for the local, regional, and statewide workforce. Vernon College offers day and night courses in 8 and 16 week terms during the fall, spring, and summer. Fall 2014 enrollment for Vernon College including all locations was around 3000 students.

The Vernon Campus offers a Student

Residence Center, recreational facilities, and food service for a complete campus-living experience. It is also the home of the Chaparral Rodeo, softball, baseball and volleyball teams.

Tuition, fee and book expenses for Vernon College are approximately $2,500 per semester for a full-time student, but vary by program. Information: call 940.552.6291 or visit the website at www.vernoncollege.edu.

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Explore & Learn Wilbarger Historical Museum The Wilbarger County Historical Museum, located in the old county jail, opened in March 2015 to give visitors an entertaining and fascinating look at the county’s history and heritage. Preston Cary serves as the museum’s curator.

The original building was constructed in 1912, with an addition added in the 1930s. Rewiring was required to bring the building up-to-date. Along with the electric system, each room in the building also had an individual cooling system installed.

Cary said that the March 27 date was chosen for the opening because that was the date that Vernon was named in 1881, after having originally being named Eagle Flat.

“People can’t believe it,” he said pointing to comments in the guest register. “People are writing that it’s ‘fantastic,’ ‘awesome,’ ‘I can’t believe this is here,’ and ‘I learned so much about my hometown.’ People’s reaction has been very enthusiastic.”

Visitors can find memorabilia from almost every business ever located in Wilbarger County, he said. Cary spent many years searching and bartering for his huge collection of local memorabilia, which brings plenty of “ohhs” and “ahhs” as visitors discover the scope of the items displayed. Cary said he plain is to continue to add items and rotate the displays to keep it interesting for repeat visitors.

Red River Valley Museum Founded in 1964, the Red River Valley Museum moved into its current location on the campus of Vernon College in 1985. The museum has three main galleries: The M. K. Berry Gallery, The Bill Bond Gallery, and the Waggoner Gallery.

The Berry Gallery includes the J. Henry Ray Collection of fossils and native artifacts, the Western Trail, Doan’s Crossing and Picnic, and important Vernon businesses and families. The Bond Gallery exhibits Mr. Bond’s one hundred and thirty five wild game trophy mounts from around the world. The history of the famous Waggoner Ranch is on display in the mural art of Adrian Martinez and in the replica of the studio of world renowned artist Electra Waggoner Biggs. There are several items of interest from the largest ranch under one fence in the United States.

“The new displays are eye-catching, entertaining, and very educational,” Yoakum said. “We are already one of the best attractions in the area, but with these changes I expect we will receive even more traffic from out of town guests.”

The museum recently underwent an extensive renovation to further enhance the exhibits.

The museum, each spring, hosts an the International Juried Art Show with paintings, sculptures and mixed media vying for prizes.

The museum is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

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Outdoor Hunting Seasons Vernon and Wilbarger County offer some of the best hunting opportunities in Texas thanks to an abundance of open grasslands, mesquite pasture and rugged, forested river bottom land.

It’s not just deer. Dove hunting in this area is one of the most plentiful anywhere.

Those lands are home to not only white-tailed deer and dove but also wild hogs, turkeys, ducks, geese, game birds and occasional mountain lions. There are thousands of acres of hunting land available and river bottoms are open to the public for hunting.

A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog or turtle in this state (except furbearers, if the hunter possesses a trapper’s license). No license is required for nuisance fur-bearing animals, depredating hogs or coyotes. Non-residents under 17 years of age may purchase and hunt with the Youth Hunting License.

For further information about Texas hunting regulations and licensing requirements, check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

The hunting seasons for Wilbarger County generally operate on the following schedules: White-tailed deer : Archery only, begins near the start of October and runs to the beginning of November. General season, usually begins in the first week of November and runs through January. For instance, the 2021 season runs from Nov. 6 through Jan. 2, 2022. Javelina: The season generally opens on Oct. 1. The current one runs through Feb. 27, 2022. Bag limit of two.

Squirrel : No closed season or bag limits.

Turkey : Fall, open season begins around the first of November and runs through the New year. Archery-only, begins around the beginning of October and runs into the beginning of November. special youth-only fall turkey season is usually around the last weekend of October and for two weeks in early January. Only licensed hunters age 16 or younger may hunt during this season.

Spring turkey season for 2022 is April 2 through May 15.

Pheasant: Dec. 4, 2021through Jan. 2, 2022.

Quail: The quail season is the same statewide. Oct. 30, 2021 through Feb. 27, 2022.

Dove : The season generally starts on Sept. 1 and runs into mid-November. A second season begins mid-December.

Duck : Wilbarger County is divided into two duck zones.

A Migratory Game Bird Endorsement & HIP Certification is required in each zone. The High Plains Mallard Management Unit runs from the southern county line, west of U.S. 283 to Vernon and northeast of 183. The North Zone runs from the southern county line, east of US 283 to Vernon and southwest of 183 The seasons are different in the two zones – the North Zone season in 2021 ran from Nov. 13-28 and from Dec. 4 through Jan. 30, 2022. The Mallard Zone was Oct. 30and 31, 2022 and Nov. 5 through Jan. 30, 2022.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Opportunities Fishing opportunities Area rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and tanks can produce monster catfish as well as other fish.

THE RED RIVER

The Red River is the northern boundary of Wilbarger County and also the boundary between the states of Texas and Oklahoma. It earned its name from the red color of the water. Every early explorer, regardless of his language, called it “Red” -- Rio Rojo and Rio Roxo in Spanish, Riviere Rouge in French, and Red River in English.

Even though the river was dangerous and sometimes a real menace to the early traveler because of its variable current and quicksand bottom, several important gateways developed along its length. One of the more famous of these is Doan’s Crossing in northern Wilbarger County, it was the exit point from Texas for north-bound cattle drives. Even though the river is the state boundary, the river itself is considered to belong wholly to Oklahoma. An Oklahoma fishing license is required.

THE PEASE RIVER

The Pease River flows just to the north of Vernon on its way to the Red River. It begins in the caprock escarpment that separates the Rolling from the High Plains. The river begins as three branches -- the North Pease, Middle Pease and South Pease before heading east through the mesquite and prickly pear flats of northwest Texas. The three rivers join as one and eventually flow and join the Red River north of Vernon.

The river is named for Elisha Pease, twice governor of Texas in the 1800s.

For centuries, the buffalo herds roamed the banks of the river.

Deep soils and sub irrigated grassland flats provided forage and a bluff on the north side of the river offered protection from the wind in winter.

The river was a major Comanche highway through the heart of their territory (Comancheria). On the river, in December 1860 west of present day Vernon, future Sul Ross led the Texas Rangers in a raid that rescued Cynthia Ann Parker (mother of Comanche chief Quanah Parker).

The region’s buffalo herds and sheltering canyons allowed the Comanche to thrive. The U.S. Army waged decades long war with the Comanche at the end of the 19th century, pushing the Comanche onto reservations.

Even then Vernon remained a primary trading center for the Comanche for decades and many of Parkers descendants continue to live in the area.

COPPER BREAKS

Copper Breaks State Park is located about a half hour west of Vernon. This 1,933-acre state park offers camping, picnicking, and hiking and equestrian trails year-round. Fishing is allowed on the 60-acre Lake Copper Breaks. The park, whose name was derived from the copper deposits scattered throughout the area and the rugged, broken terrain, contains a visitor center with exhibits on bison and the Comanche. The park is also home to a Texas longhorn herd.

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Outdoor Residents and visitors don’t have to go far for recreational opportunities in and around Vernon. There are four public parks, including a state-of-the art aquatic center in Vernon as well as other activities within a short driving distance offer many recreational fun and opportunities.

Enjoy time outdoors CITY PARKS

Vernon has four city parks with shaded picnic areas, barbecue pits, playground equipment, and a clubhouse and pavilion available for rental from the City of Vernon (940-552-2581). The parks are Allingham Park, 2700 block of Yamparika; D. L. Green Park, 201 Wilbarger; Orbison Park, South Sand Road, and Christine Lyday Park, located at the corner Houston and Dawson.

A new addition to Allingham Park is a Splash Pad which the youngsters will enjoy during the hot summer days.

Orbison Park is home to a state-of -the -art disc golf course, and frequently hosts tournaments. The park also hosts the soccer fields, where you can often find a pick-up game, and it hosts the baseball and softball fields at Kid League Park.

Additionally, the ’55 Park on Main Street provides a shaded area for visitors to enjoy as well as scenery kept up by members of the VHS Class of 1955.

GOLF COURSE

Hillcrest Country Club has been in operation for more than 80 years. The country club encompasses an 84-acre site that includes a nine-hole golf course, three tennis courts and a swimming pool. The golf course is open to members and their families for unlimited golfing while non-members can golf at green fee rates.

For additional information about the club and membership, call 940-552-5406.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Opportunities Enjoy the outdoors LAKES, STATE PARKS

Lake Kemp, a popular North Texas fishing and recreational site, is located approximately 25 miles south of Vernon. Cara Blanca Park, the recreational park surrounding the lake, is owned by W. T. Waggoner Estate.

The reservoir covers an area of over 16,540 acres. Tracts of land around the lake are leased on an annual lease rental basis.

Entrance to the park area may be gained through either of three toll gates: Flippen Creek Gate Entrance and Moonshine Gate Entrance are directly off highway 183/283 approximately 28 miles south of Vernon; Pony Creek Gate Entrance is seven miles north of Seymour off Highway 1919. Highway signs mark the route.

For a minimal daily fee, visitors may enjoy fishing, boating or relaxing in the sun. There are several public boat ramps on the lake.

Copper Breaks State Park consists of 1,898.8 acres, and is located 38 miles west of Vernon, 12 miles south of Quanah or nine miles north of Crowell, in Hardeman County.

Activities include camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, wildlife viewing, backpacking, kite flying, summer educational/interpretive programs, horseback riding (horse rental not available), astronomy, and natural and historical exhibits. A portion of the official Texas longhorn herd is maintained at the park. Call 940-839-4331.

The Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus is located about 15 miles west of Crowell and 45 miles west of Vernon as part of the Three Rivers Institute (3RF). Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus (CSAC) offers an array of observatories, telescopes and other viewing equipment. All star parties are free to the public. Contact 940-684-1670.

Quartz Mountain State Park is located some 65 miles north of Vernon in southwestern Oklahoma on the western shores of Lake Altus-Lugert. Call (580) 563-2238.

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The Great Western Trail brand marker at Doan’s Adobe near the historic crossing on the Red River.

Monuments & History

Doan’s Crossing & The Western Trail • Great herds of cattle were driven from south Texas along the cattle trails of west Texas, reaching a peak in the late 1870s.

Many of the herds waded across the Red River at Doan’s Crossing, headed to the railheads in Kansas. An estimated 3 to 6 million cattle crossed from Texas into the Comanche Territory at Doan’s in a little more than a decade.

Corwin Doan, namesake of Doan’s Crossing, remembered: “In 1879, I saw the first herd come up the trail... In 1879 100,000 cattle passed by the little store on the march to the markets in Kansas. We had reached Doans, that is myself, wife, baby and two cousins had come here to make our home in the wilds the previous fall but too late to see the herds pass by. But my uncle (John Doan) had established this trading post in 1878. “ On April 16, 1879 a Kiowa war party raided into Texas, killing Joe Earle in Hardeman County. On the way they passed by Doan’s store. Doan recalled: “The Indians came close enough for the women, who were alone at the time, to recognize them and they also ran our horses off. I was hunting up in the woods at the time and reached home at dark to find three terror-stricken women and a baby with only a dog to defend them. Thinking discretion was the better part of valor, we retreated to a little grove above our picket house and spent the night expecting any minute

to have a ‘hair raising’ experience. Three days later the soldiers came through after the Indians expecting to find the little place smouldering ruins and the family exterminated. The Indians had returned to the reservation. These Indians told me afterwards that they would have attacked us that night but they believed the place was heavily garrisoned by buffalo hunters. This was the last raid through this part of the country.

The Indians became very friendly with us and in council decided to not harm the settlement at Doans. They told me to build as big a store as I wanted to and we would not be harmed.”

Doan’s Adobe & Picnic

Since 1884, the Doan’s Picnic has offered a time of celebration, heritage and tradition. On the first Saturday in May, hundreds of visitors gather beneath the tall trees on the lawn of the Doan’s adobe north of Vernon for the oldest continuous celebration of its kind in Texas. The adobe, which still stands and serves as the site of the event, is the oldest structure in Wilbarger County. The traditional picnic was held for many years at the original site of Watts Grove, but due to flooding, the event moved to the spacious lawn which surrounds the Doan’s adobe.

There visitors can settle beneath the shade of many large trees and watch as a Doan’s Picnic king and queen are crowned, pioneer ranch brands are recorded, Texas barbecue is served, and visitors can still walk through the adobe and sign the guest book there.

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SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

Courthouse monuments

The Wilbarger County Courthouse square is home to several monuments and memorials. The “Spirit of the American Doughboy” is a pressed copper sculpture by E. M. Viquesney, designed to honor the veterans and casualties of World War I. The statue depicts a doughboy walking through shattered tree stumps strung with barbed wire, his rifle in his left hand and his right hand held high above his head, clutching a hand grenade. The courthouse statue is one of 134 known authentic doughboy statue according to the Smithsonian Museum.

The square is also home to a War Memorial, a fallen Officer Memorial, a marker for the Great Western Trail, a monument to county soldiers of the Confederacy, and a time capsule.

Out & About LEFT -- The “Temperance Lady” stands in Vernon’s Allingham Park, atop a pedestal that includes a drinking trough for horses.

The statue was presented to the City of Vernon in 1915 by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The WCTU also purchased the land for Allingham Park, established the park with structures and then presented the park to the city -- becoming Vernon’s first city park.

BELOW RIGHT -- The monument to legendary quarterhorse “Poco Bueno” is located south of Vernon on U.S. 283 at FM 1763.

E. Paul Waggoner, of the Waggoner Ranch purchased the horse in 1945. The 4-ton marker records the spot where the horse was buried upright in 1969.

Poco Bueno was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1990. Poco Bueno sired 405 registered foals. Of these, 36 were AQHA Champions, and three are in the National Cutting Horse Association’s Hall of Fame.

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Worship Guide ASSEMBLY OF GOD VERNON FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD 2430 Sand Rd. (940) 552-7551 TEMPLO EBENEZER AG IGLESIA ISPANA 2630 Violet St. (940) 553-1760 BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST 2101 Yucca Ln. (940) 552-6203 EAST SIDE BAPTIST 1219 Pease St. FIRST BAPTIST 2003 Fannin St. (940) 553-4351 IGLESIA CRISTIANA BAUTISTA ”CALVARIO” 2617 Cumberland St. (940) 552-7481 NEW HOPE BAPTIST 1001 Houston St. (940) 552-9554

PILGRIM REST BAPTIST Oklaunion (940) 886-2383

FARGO CHURCH OF CHRIST 4523 FM RD 924 E. LOCKETT CHURCH OF CHRIST 10252 Hwy. 70 South (940) 552-2000

SECOND BAPTIST Corner Beaver & Sand Rd., (940) 552-2870 SECOND CHANCES BAPTIST CHURCH 1911 Pease St. (325) 206-4406

CHURCH OF GOD CHURCH OF GOD OF THE FIRSTBORN Bilingual 929 Yamparika St.

VERNON BAPTIST 2604 Beaver St.

GREATER HOPEWELL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 1503 Turner St. (940) 553-1127

WOOD STREET BAPTIST 2400 Dean St. CATHOLIC HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC 2200 Roberts St. (940) 552-2895

EPISCOPAL GRACE EPISCOPAL Indian & Stephens

CHRISTIAN CENTRAL CHRISTIAN 2100 Sand Rd. (940) 552-5501

NEW LIFE BAPTIST 700 Indian St. (940) 553-3478

CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER 2003 Fannin St. (940) 553-1874

ODELL BAPTIST 20891 Church St, Odell, TX (940) 887-3214

CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCH OF CHRIST 2515 Wilbarger St. (940) 552-5437

LUTHERAN IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CR 132 E., Harrold (940) 886-2342 ST. PAUL LUTHERAN 4405 Hospital Dr. (940) 552-2495 ZION LUTHERAN Lockett (940) 552-7164

METHODIST FAITH UNITED METHODIST 2420 High School Dr. (940) 553-1643

OTHER CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS 2415 High School Dr.

FARGO UNITED METHODIST 18041 Hwy. 283 N. (940) 552-6714

LAKEVIEW CHURCH 2130 Stadium Dr. (940) 592-2776

FIRST UNITED METHODIST 3029 Wilbarger St. (940) 552-6281

PENTECOSTAL TCE VERNON 1329 Texas St. Wed 7 pm Sun 11 am

SHERMAN CHAPEL AME CHURCH 1324 Wilbarger St.

200 Ave. H, Chillicothe 940-852-5161 111 W. 4th, Quanah 940-663-5387 Member FDIC

Angels Care Home Health

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 4700 College Dr. (817) 487-9747

PRINCE OF PEACE 3215 Bacon St. (940) 552-5808 WESTERN TRAIL COWBOY CHURCH 12350 Hwy. 70 S., Lockett WORD OF LIFE 2429 Mesquite St. ROCK CROSSING COWBOY CHURCH FM 1811 Waggoner Ranch REDEEMING GRACE 4800 College Dr.

Our Doors Are

Easy Rent

Hollingsworth Roofing

Farmer’s Coop Gin & Elevators

Jones Monument Company

2616 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-552-2284

PRESBYTERIAN FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 2001 Yucca Ln. (940) 553-3925

NON DENOMINATIONAL FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP 2619 Dean St. (940) 552-7798

This page sponsored by: American National Bank & Trust

TEMPLO EL SHADDAI 1502 Yamparka St. (940) 552-0815 TEMPLO FUENTE DE VIDA 1710 Fannin St.

OPEN

9686 Hwy. 70 S., Vernon, TX 940-839-7558

Vernon College

940-553-1300

1000 Hwy. 287 E., Vernon, TX 940-552-6277

Bell Roofing Company

First Baptist Church 2003 Fannin, Vernon, TX 940-553-4351

9059 Hwy 70 South Larry Wayne Gee 940-839-6016 Cell 940-552-9756 Home

www.VernonLivestockMarket.com

Brantley & Wright Insurance

First United Methodist Church

Lupes Mexican Restaurant

4109 Hillcrest Plaza, Vernon, TX 940-552-2269

Chicken Shack

Game Changer Nutrition 3301 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-886-6503

Pepperberries

1601 Main, Vernon, TX 940-552-6762

400 Ponderosa Ln Wichita Falls, TX 940-541-2650

Crowell Nursing Center 200 S. Ave. B, Crowell, TX 940-684-1511

Heinen Brothers Texoma

Brandon Bell 940-839-8199, Vernon, TX Rick Netherton 580-477-4643, Altus, Ok

Rolling Plains Implement Co. Inc.

Culligan Water Conditioning

Herring Bank

Solvay

2801 Tolar, Vernon, TX 940-839-8632

1630 Main, Vernon, TX 940-552-2591

3901 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-552-6464

1615 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-552-6851

Eagle Flats Village

4501 College Dr., Vernon, TX 940-552-8181

3029 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-552-6281

1900 Pease, Vernon, TX 940-552-5444 4102 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-553-3362 Member FDIC

812 Wilbarger, Vernon, TX 940-552-7000

Tyson Foods, Inc.

700 Wheeler, Vernon, TX 940-553-1888

L&S Hot Oil Service, Inc. 529 US 287, Vernon, TX 940-552-2622

5632 Hwy. 287 East, Vernon, TX 940-552-2811 201 Harrison, Vernon, TX 940-552-9911

Talbot’s Home Showroom Carpet 1509 Main, Vernon, TX 940-553-3595

4400 College Dr., Vernon, TX 940-552-6291

Vernon Livestock Market Vernon Smiles

Vieth Tractor & Imp

Waggoner & Son Electric Inc. 1900 Hwy. 287 W., Vernon, TX 940-553-3962

Walmart Supercenter

3800 Hwy. 287 West, Vernon, TX 940-552-8029

Pushed to excellence by the nature of the community it protects, few places in the world have re protection like the City of Vernon. All re personnel receive the most advanced re and rescue training and are provided with state-of theart equipment and apparatus. Four re stations ensure that emergency responders are ready to respond within every mile and a half of city property. This strategic location of stations has resulted in a response time of less than three minutes any time life or property is threatened.

City of Vernon, Texas

FIRE/EMS DEPT.

MISSION STATEMENT The mission statement of Vernon Fire Department/EMS is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the City of Vernon and Wilbarger County from the adverse effects of either man-made or natural emergencies. We will respond to these emergencies in a professional and courteous manner.

4109 Wilbarger St. | Vernon, TX 76384 | (940) 553-1782

EMERGENCY: 9ͳ1ͳ1

EMERGENCY: 9ͳ1ͳ1

Vernon is the hometown to two legends in the world of music. Jazz great Jack Teagarden and rock and roll legend Roy Orbison were both born in Vernon.

MUSIC LEGENDS Jazz great

Rock ‘n roll legend

Jack Teagarden

Roy Orbison

Jazz great Jack Teagarden was born Weldon Leo Teagarden in Vernon on Aug. 20, 1905, to Charles and Helen Teagarden. His father was an oil worker and his mother a piano teacher and church organist. All four Teagarden children became musicians. Teagarden’s father was an amateur brass band trumpeter and started young Jack playing the baritone horn. By the age of 10, Teagarden had switched to playing trombone. His mother gave him piano lessons as well. The trombone, however, would become his trademark. He made his first professional appearance playing duet with his mother at the local movie house in Vernon and later played in Chappell, Neb., where the family moved after the death of Jack’s father when Jack was 13.

Born Roy Kelton Orbison on April 23, 1936 in Vernon, Roy Orbison changed the sound of rock and roll music with his distinctive voice.

His career spanned over four decades and included such hits as “Only The Lonely,” “In Dreams,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Crying,” “Blue Bayou,” “Candy Man,” “Uptown,” “Leah,” and countless others, many of which are still played and enjoyed today.

At age 16, he played with a quartet group at the Horn Palace Inn in San Antonio led by drummer Cotton Bailey who gave him the nickname, “Jack.” In the late 1920’s, his career soared when he joined the Ben Pollack Orchestra while beginning a prolific recording career, singing with notable band leaders and sidemen as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Jimmy McPartland, Mezz Mezzrow, Glenn Miller and Eddie Condon. He was featured on most of the major recording companies including RCA Victor, Columbia, Decca, Capitol and MGM discs. Among his most famous recordings were “The Sheik of Araby” “Stars Fell on Alabama” and “Basin Street Blues.” Teagarden had a fledgling movie career with several appearances in “The Birth of the Blues, “The Glass Wall” and “Jazz on a Summer’s Day”.

Teagarden joined the Paul Whiteman band in 1933, and Louis Armstrong’s All-Stars. Teagarden later left Armstrong and formed the Jack Teagarden All Stars Dixieland band in 1951. He died in 1963 and was inducted posthumously into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.

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Orbison’s mother, Nadine, was a nurse, and his father, Orbie Lee, an oil field worker who gave him his first guitar. The first song Roy learned to play was the 1939 standard, “You Are My Sunshine,” written by former Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis.

By 1944, Roy had written his first song, “A Vow of Love,” in front of his grandmother’s house in Vernon. Orbison performed on KVWC Radio in 1945 after winning a contest. In 1946, the Orbisons moved to the West Texas oil town of Wink, where, at the age of 13, Orbison formed his first band, “The Wink Westerners.” He graduated from Wink High School in June 1954 and, before long the Wink Westerners were regulars on local television and radio programs.

Though he initially passed on “The Teen Kings,” Phillips signed Roy Orbison to Sun Records after hearing Orbison and the Kings’ version of the Clover’s “Trying To Get To You” and “Ooby Dooby,” a single they’d recorded at Norman Petty’s studio in Clovis, N.M. Roy Orbison and the Teen Kings re-recorded “Ooby Dooby” for Sun Records on March 27, 1956, and the single peaked at #59 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in June 1956, giving Orbison his first commercial success. Orbison’s string of hits made him one of the most popular rock ‘n roll singers of the time.

Orbison performed his final concert in Highland Heights, Ohio in late 1988. He died of a heart attack on Dec. 6, 1988 in Nashville.

A large colorful sign at the site of Christ the King Hospital, where Orbison was born, was dedicated on his birthday in April 2013, and a birthday celebration is held each year at the site to honor the famed rock ‘n roll legend.

SUPPLEMENT OF THE VERNON DAILY RECORD

940-552-2999

Caring for you and about you

940-552-2273

1720 Hillcrest Drive, Vernon, TX 76384

24 HOUR SERVICE

No one cares like family

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HOT BREAKFAST • FREE WI-FI • OUTDOOR POOL/SPA • FITNESS CENTER • EVENING RECEPTION

940-552-2100 4131 Western Trail Drive | Vernon, TX 76384

BREAKFAST BAR • FREE WI-FI • INDOOR POOL • BOARD ROOM

940-552-0200 700 Hillcrest Drive | Vernon, TX 76384