Q1 2022 Visitors Guide

DISCOVER JEFFERSON

& MARION COUNTY

A Publication of Marion County Media, LLC v3, I1

January, February, March 2022

• Mardi Gras Upriver • Winter Events • Chocolate Sunday • Growing Up Jefferson 1

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What’s Inside

Welcome to the sixth edition of Discover Jefferson & Marion County! This quarterly publication is focused on what’s happening in and around Jefferson, Marion County, Texas. We’re deep in the Northern Piney Woods, nestled between two lakes (Caddo Lake and Lake O’the Pines) and have opportunities for romance, adventure, and to escape back to a simpler time. We hope to see you (again) in Jefferson and Marion County!

Find Us Online: MarionCoHerald.com

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Welcome to Jefferson ............. 7 Growing Up Jefferson ............ 9 Chocolate Sunday................ 11 Mardi Gras Upriver............. 13 Winter Events...................... 15 Map of City .................... 24-25 Map of Caddo Lake ........ 26-27 Map of Lake O’the Pines . 28-29 Places to Hold an Event ....... 37 Tours and Attractions.......... 40 Places to Eat........................ 43 Places to Stay ...................... 44 Discover Jefferson & Marion County is published quarterly

by Marion County Media, LLC., partnered with JVCCB

Jefferson’s Top Shelf Music & Fine Dining Hot Spot Wednesday-Sunday Lunch 11-2, Dinner 5-10 Jazzy Sunday Brunch 10:30-2

1852onaustin.com • (903) 601-4457 • 124 E Austin 4

409 S. Alley

903-665-8000

The House of the Seasons offers bed and breakfast accommodations and is an exclusive destination for special events and tours.

Bed & Breakfast

• 4 Suites with King Beds

Museum Tour Home & Gardens

• Tours are available

by Appointment at 11 a.m.

• Tour bus and school groups welcome

www.houseoftheseasons.com 5

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park

6 miles north of Jefferson off Hwy 59 1100 W Prospect Rd Jefferson, TX 75657 903-665-4093 / www.busybranchwildlifepark.com 6

We et e e a t

Welcome to Jefferson, Texas, the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas!

On behalf of the City of Jefferson, it’s citizens, and all the residents of Marion County, I want to welcome, and thank you for choosing to spend some of your time with us. I hope you enjoy your time in our town and the surrounding area.

The start of a new year is always filled with promise and the desire for new adventure. I hope you’ll let Jefferson and Marion County fulfill those promises, as I know we have lots of offerings for new adventures.

If you’re a frequent traveler to Jefferson, welcome back! If you’re planning your first visit, rest assured,

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there are things to fit every desire while you’re here – from quiet, romantic getaways, to weekends full of celebration, Jefferson has it all.

Either way though, we’ll treat you like family and we welcome you to become part of ours.

Let our Visitor’s Center know how they can help make your visit memorable. We look forward to seeing you!

Rob Baker Mayor City of Jefferson

NEW ON ATI LOC Home e or Art san Handmade Goods Bout ue lot n 00 Aust n efferson 90 40 044 r errosete as ya oo. om

Bohn’s Gift Shoppe

“The Blackburn Outlet” 108 E. Lafayette St. Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-1128 7

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Growing Up Jefferson The Strand Theater: If These Walls Could Talk

By John T. Taylor In downtown Jefferson, Texas, there is a vacant lot at the northeast corner of Polk and Henderson Streets, across the street from the building currently occupied by the Museum of Measurement and Time.

Looking at it now, it’s hard to believe it once was home to the center of entertainment in downtown Jefferson, at least during my childhood and several years before and after that. The Strand Theater was Jefferson’s entry in the cinematic derby from the time it was built in 1933 until it was destroyed y fire in the early s This will not be like “The Last Picture Show”, because, unlike Anarene, Texas, our “picture show” was very much open and busy.

You might have had a movie theater in your hometown when you were grow-

ing up, or at least close by. We Jefferson kids were very fortunate that we did, although we probably took it for granted at the time. Many surrounding towns did not, theirs having closed or never opened.

Of course, Marshall and Longview did, but we were too young to venture there unless our mothers took us. The Strand was convenient, inexpensive and safe, so it was a suitable babysitter for hundreds, probably thousands, of kids during the two or three decades after World War II. It was our meeting place, at least for us who lived in town, on Saturday afternoons. We got there anyway we could—our mothers dropped us off, we rode bicycles, we walked, or occasionally we had my dad’s or Bill Ford’s dad’s delivery people take us es, that s the same ill ord who first

Continued On Page 31...

201 W Austin St, Jefferson TX 75657 903-601-4446 • TasteofCaddo@gmail.com Brad Burris, Broker/Owner Residential • Land • Lake

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Jefferson’s Opera House Theatre Players is planning their first fundraising event of the year, “Chocolate Sunday”, which will arrive at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 13.

It is also known as the “sweetest Sunday of the Year” by local area fans of the community theatre group now in the 32nd year of live theatre productions.

According to OHTP president, Marcia Thomas, “we nearly always have this event near to Valentine’s Day.”Thomas says that anyone interested in participating should contact her at JeffersonTheatre@ aol om or all as soon as possible.

Entry blanks to submit your chocolate creations, whether it be a cake, pie or a liquid form of chocolate, will be ready soon.

There will be three top awards from among the entries and all ages are encouraged to enter the contest. There will be prizes and

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Photo by Marshall News Messenger

ribbons awarded.

The location for this year’s “Chocolate unday has yet to e finali e i ets will go on sale in late January. with the public being admitted at 2 p.m. for a donation of $12 or more at the door. Following the awards, the public is invited to sample all the chocolate goodies.

Where Elegance, History, and Romance Are All At the Same Place • • • •

Rates Start @ $99

Pet Friendly Kid Friendly All Rooms & Cottages On One Story 2 Course Gourmet Breakfast Served Every Day • Walking Distance to Downtown and the Historic District

Friday and Saturday 4 course gourmet dinner with beverages included $59.95 ($49.95 for Guests) Reservations required, limited seating 401 N. Polk Street 903-665-9511 Jefferson, Texas 75657 info@carriagehousejefferson.com

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Follow Us Online

The Steamboat Inn Bed & Breakfast

114 N Marshall Street Jefferson, Texas 75657 903-472-9838 • Stay@steamboatinntx.com

Enjoy small-town charm, welcoming hospitality and modern comfort 12

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By Austin Lewter Now in its 33rd year, Jefferson’s Mardi Gras Upriver has become a staple one of the most recognized Mardi Gras celebrations in East Texas.

Presented by Jefferson’s Krewe of Hebe (KOH), this year’s celebration is set for e , , and is themed “Steam Punk Upriver.” estivities will i off at p m riday, Feb. 25 with Heather Linn and The Deacons on the Main Stage.

They are a dynamic Texas Southern Country Rock Band who are native to Northeast Texas.

Linn brings powerhouse outlaws vocals and an exceptional group of musicians.

She is best known for her award winning single “Kalea’s Song.”

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Open 7 Days a Week

Mon-Thurs 10-5 Fri-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-4

118 E Henderson • (903) 665-8966

• Boutique • Oxygen Bar • Jewelry • Home Decor • Incense • Custom Lighting • Pretty Angel Clothing • Unique Fashions • Soaps • Candles • Gemstones

facebook.com/madeintheshadejefferson 14

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Following is a list of events which are scheduled for January, February, and March .

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YESTERYEAR GIFT SHOP &

Classy Glitz Boutique

102 S Polk • 903-665-8692 •

Crosses, ats, ra es, rna ents & utcrac ers or Military, ire, olice, M , Doctor, urse & More! Colle iate i te s, ea ets & Dolls! and ade Baby & Lap uilts, istorical Jefferson hans, estern te s, easonal la s, e as pices, nique alt & epper ha ers, nives, in i ns, e as D cor, Bi er i s, yler Candles, eddin & nnivesary i s!

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• Ji hore, ossible Drea s, utcrac ers, nowbabies, ie Birds, Josephs tudio

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by o an, ainted onies, ontanini, e illow ree i urines, Disney, rinch & ore!

• Dept. Li hted ouses & Villa e ccessories, pecial ssort ent o antas, n els & ativity ets!

• eas ns eas ns ld orld Christ as rna ents, Baby, eddin , ni als, Military, Birds, Jefferson rna ents & Many More!

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Historical Society and Museum

View important artifacts from Jefferson, Marion County, and around the world

Take our time explorin four oors of the former ederal ourthouse and ost f ce

Year ound Hours 9 0 a.m. to 4 0 .m.

losed e Year’s ay aster Sunday Thanks ivin hristmas ve and hristmas a

dmission Seniors Youth hildren Veterans and ilitar ree T odel Train epot ncluded 223 W AUSTIN ST • JEFFERSON • JEFFERSONMUSEUM@YAHOO.COM WWW.JEFFERSONMUSEUM.NET 18 16

TEXAS TREASURES

https://www.ebay.com/str/texastreasuresantiqueshop

Trendy Gi Shop Some ust ust Good Ole Stuff Anti ues Just e eady to E pect the Une pected

ew Old and a Lot n etween ou’ll Always e Entertained 214 N POLK ST • 903-665-3757 • 4U82BUG@GMAIL.COM 17

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Faye Cole-Tanner caddowelsh@gmail.com 318-617-8711

Cast Iron Man Booth E

Re-Loved By Robyn

Charlene Booth 757

TREASURES FOUND TONYAFETTERS@GMAIL.COM 903-720-6978

CONKRB@CABLELYNX.COM

GEMS ON DISPLAY

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903-759-8436/903387-8056

PECOS JACK

Collectibles Danny Booth 25

BLUE BONNET ANTIQUES

ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENT SHOW ADD FOR 15% OFF ANY ITEM DALLAS HOWARD • 903-578-2718

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Jefferson Primary School

Jefferson High School

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S 1852 on Austin 14. House of Seasons 15. Jefferson General Store 16. Jefferson Ghost Walk 17. Jefferson Hotel 18. Jefferson Museum .

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23. Old Mill Antiques 24. McGarity’s 25. Nutty’s Peanut Butter 27. The Old Vault 28. River Rose 29. Steamboat Inn 30. T&K Productions 31. Taste of Caddo 32. Turning Basin Tours 33. Kitt’s Kornbread 34. Brushy’s Treats & Eats 35. Wildflower Fiber Studio 36. Willow Tree

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2022 Outlaw Nationals Car Show

April

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All Cars Welcome Outlawnationals.com

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Growing Up Jefferson: Strand Theater

...Continued From Page 9

starred in my article, “Hooky for Beginners”, and as much a part of my Growing Up Jefferson experiences as anyone. Of course, later, when we all began to drive (and in Texas, that was at age 14 if you had taken Driver’s Education), we also visited the Strand in the evenings with our “significant others”, but I will save those details for another chapter.

I must have seen hundreds of movies at the Strand in my twelve years of local movie going, but I can remember very few details of any of them, and only a dozen or so of the titles. However, I do very well remem er my first visit there t was with my very first girlfriend, the lovely Miss Charlotte Rae Nichols. This had to have been in the first or se ond grade, and although our mothers sat on either side of us, I remember it well. I also remember the last time I attended the Strand. It was the night of my high school graduation, and my class had rented the Strand for a private showing at our all-night party. I don’t remember the title of that movie either, but I do remember the date I had, the also lovely Miss Carolyn Moseley. There may be a common thread here, I’m not sure. During my college days, I think the Strand had probably become a little “small town” for my tastes, so on visits home, it was always off to Marshall, Longview, or Shreveport for the

movie. The memories I have of the Strand will always remain a signifi ant part of my life, however.

As you can see in the picture, there was a vertical neon sign announcing the name STRAND to passersby. The marquee which displayed the “now playing” titles also was surrounded in neon as well as light bulbs. Lighted at night, if this did not present a magical attraction, it almost did, to my young eyes anyway, and held the promise of discovery inside. It was not particularly well appointed, and its architectural style might have been called nouveau semi art de o whi h was fine with us, because we were there to see what was playing on the screen. The dimensions were pro a ly feet wide, and feet deep, with a small ticket booth in the center of the recessed entrance. Tickets were ten ents for hildren, later in ating to twelve cents, and, if you were over 12, you had to pay twenty five ents remem er some kids, always girls, pushing the envelope and lying about being older so as to impress the boys. It’s funny how that karma thing kicks in later in life, isn’t it? After entry through the double doors, there was a small lobby, with the concession stand on the far left wall. Helen Morris was the concessionaire as long as I can remember, and she never asked what we wanted, but only

Butler & Haggard Realty Executives (903) 736-4403

@paulabutlerBandH 31

...Continued on Page 32

Growing Up Jefferson: Strand Theater

...Continued From Page 31

pointed. Her province was a glass case full of SloPokes, Sugar Babies, Milk Duds, Hershey Bars, and Zero Bars, to name a few. Of course, her claim to fame was the big jar of dill pickles, served in a small paper bag, and the popcorn machine, with its enticing smell and sound. During my time, popcorn was served in a cardboard o , suita le for attening and sailing toward the screen like a Frisbee. I remember some of the older kids would sneak in ice cream cups in their pockets, the ones with a wooden spoon, simply because it was forbidden. Leaving the lobby, one entered a small alcove or hallway, curtained all the way across to allow movie viewing. I don’t know if that was for SRO performances, allowing bathroom “waiters” to continue to watch, or exactly what. I do know that Margie Simmons, one of whom I presume

was an owner, perched there to watch for trouble makers, couples being indiscreet, or the aforementioned popcorn boxes being launched. Margie was the enforcer of the Simmons sisters, or I think they were sisters. She would patrol the aisles, threaten eviction from the movie, or worse yet, to call your parents if you misbehaved.

Alice, the other Simmons sister, was primarily the ticket seller and was the more genteel and quiet spoken of the two. Another Simmons was maybe a brother and the projectionist. We generally avoided him, if possible, and since the projection booth was in the balcony, it wasn’t too diffi ult e also avoided the athrooms, one on each side of the alcove. Never having entered the ladies’ room, I can only speak to the men’s facility. It was a small room with a sink, commode, a latch on the door

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Thursday-Sunday 10:30a-4:30p • 903-665-0053

Johnson’s Ranch Marina

Canoe/Kayak Rentals and Private Boat Tours www.johnsonsranch.net • johnsonsranch@yahoo.com johnsonsranch@yahoo.com 5131 East Cypress Drive, Uncertain, Texas 75661 • 903-789-3213

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Linn is currently in the running Female Vocalist of the Year— nominated by the East Texas Music Awards.

HL&D have shared the stage with such artists as The Randy Rogers Band, Thompson Square, Wade Bowen, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Tracy Byrd, Dean Dillon and Charley Among— among many others. riday night has the first of the street events, the Do Dah Parade. It starts just after dark and features decorated golf carts and people parading through the downtown streets.

Saturday’s entertainment will include Night Hawk from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and the ArkLaTex’s premiere party band, m ush from pm Saturday afternoon is the Grand Parade with oats y various su rewe s and visiting Krewes. he has onfirmed an appearance by the Darrin Morris Band and says more entertainment is yet to be onfirmed At this point, all performance times are subject to change.

Sunday wraps up the weekend’s festivities with the Children’s Parade. Specially dedicated to children, it features oats filled with ids and e tra andy and beads.

About the Krewe of Hebe KOH was created in 1989 as a social organization to serve as a vehicle for Jefferson business owners to host a wide variety of visitors spending time at the remarkable B&B’s, hotels, motels, restaurants, specialty shops, antique and gift shops. y the s, Jefferson was well established as a tourist destination in Northeast, Texas.

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There were, however, several months during the year when business was slow.

Then, a group of local business owners and citizens pulled together and organized the KOH with the objective of hosting an annual Mardi Gras celebration in Jefferson.

In order to achieve that goal, and raise funds with whi h to finan e the Mardi Gras expenses, the Krewe hosted the first Jefferson eritage riathlon in July 1989.

The KOH has since worked over the years to provide entertainment for the entire family during the Mardi Gras weekend and has been host to several other events and fundraisers over the last years The KOH has also been using their fundraising efforts to donate to local organizations for many years.

They have supported Boys & Girls Clu , oo enefit, Casting for ids and many more.

In recent years KOH has decided to become involved with the local chapter of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and is now the offi ial sponsor for the Marion County chapter.

For more information about the KOH or Mardi Gras up River, text or call us for more information, (4323). ou an find more online at www mardigrasupriver.com

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19 Century Social Events During Pilgrimage Weekend th

Sponsored by the Battle for Jefferson Committee under the Historic Jefferson Foundation

April 29-May 1, 2022 Friday, April 29, 2022:

7:30 pm - Illumination at Oakwood Cemetery Corner of North Main and Webster Streets

Saturday, April 30, 2022:

1:30pm - Ladies Tea The Jeffersonian Institute, 120 East Austin Street 8 pm – Muskets and Magnolias Grand Ball featuring the 12th Louisiana String Band (period or formal attire required) The Jeffersonian Institute, 120 East Austin Street

Sunday, May 1, 2022:

10am - Presentation of Colors Christ Episcopal Church, 703 S. Main Street

For more information, please visit:

www.BattleForJefferson.com Facebook – Battle for Jefferson

903-733-1035 35

Coming Soon… rd Our 33 Season of Great Theatre SPRING PERFORMANCES “Laundry and Bourbon”

A Comedy in One Act by James McLure

“The Pilgrimage Tour”

A Comedy in One Act by Unknown Author

April 22-23, 2022 Location TBA Come Support Local, Community Theatre

Opera House Theatre Players

903-665-8243 | www.JeffersonOperaHouseTheatrePlayers.com Call or go online today for show dates, tickets and program details.

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Event Venues

Planning an event in Jefferson? Want to have a group meeting or corproate retreat? Jefferson has a variety of locations and sizes for your needs. Courtesy of City of Jefferson–for more information www.visitjeffersontexas.com or 903-665-3733.

Polk. 903.918.8208 1852 on Austin 124 E. Austin. (903) 601-4457.

Excelsior Hotel Ballroom & CourtAuntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club yard, 211 W. Austin, 903 665 2513 Haywood House Restaurant and and Restaurant 107 W. Austin.

903.665.7121.

Cocktail Bar, 202 S Market. 903Black Swan, 210 W. Austin, 903 665 601-4070 7023 Jefferson Carnegie Library BallBulldog Pizza 603 E. Broadway. room, 301 W. Lafayette, 903 665 8911 903.665.9499.

Jefferson Community Center, 501 The Carriage House, 401 N. Polk, 903 Haywood St, (903) 665-6500.

665 9411 The Jeffersonian Institute, 120 E. City of Jefferson Convention & VisAustin, 903 665 2567 or 903 733 1035 itors Building, 305 E. Austin, 903 665 Kellyville Community Center 130 3733

Collins Academy 500 East Broadway.

903.665.2900

Enoch’s Wine & Coffee House 116 N

Kelly Park Rd. 903.665.2421

The KnightLight Tavern & Olde World Restaurant 202 N. Walnut, 903.665.8546.

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TOURS & ATTRACTIONS Courtesy of City of Jefferson–for more detailed information www.visitjeffersontexas.com or 903-665-3733 seum) Monday-Thursday at 11am & at 2pm; 6-12 yrs - $3.00; 13-17 yrs $4.00; 18-61yrs - $7.00; 62 +yrs -$5.00 Friday-Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Sunday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (903) 665-2775 www.jeffersonmuseum.com

HOUSE OF THE SEASONS TOUR 409 S. Alley 11 am ($15 per

person) 4 Person Minimum. By Appointment (903) 665-8000 www.houseoftheseasons.com

SI LETO ’S VIR I IA CROSS HISTORIC HO E TO R 401 Soda St. Saturdays @ 1 pm ($7.00 per person) Call for additional dates & times (903) 665-3938 www.virginiacross.com

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O EAS RE E T TI E 301 N Polk St. (903)

665-6668 - Sun. 1PM - 5PM, Thurs-Sat. 10AM - 5PM, Mon-Wed: by Appt

ASO I O LI E ILITAR & CIVIL WAR SE 16 W

E CELSIOR HO SE HOTEL & JA O L RAILCAR TO R

Lafayette St. (903) 665-1859 Open FriSun or by Appt.

211 W. Austin Hotel Tours & Jay Gould Rail-car Tours: Daily @ 1 pm Excelsior House Tour - $8.00 Jay Gould Railcar Tour - $5.00 (903) 665-2513 Call to confirm tour times www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

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408 Taylor St. (903) 665-1939 SunWed.: by Appt.; Thurs-Sat 10AM-5PM

HISTORIC JE ERSO RAILWA Office/Depot Open: Sat. 11am

ERSO HISTORICAL SE 223 W. Austin Daily 9:30

Historical day tours on Saturday 12:30pm, 2:30pm Location: 400 E Austin St., (866)398-2038 or (903)7422041 www.JeffersonRailway.com info@ JeffersonRailway.com

am - 4:30 pm

R OSES T&P O EL RAILROAD 223 W Austin St. (located behind the Jefferson Historical Mu-

...Continued on Page 41

Kitt’s

Go Dawgs!

Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar 903-665-0505 125 N Polk St.

Thursday - Monday 11:30a - 3p Closed Tuesday & Wednesday 40

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS IN JEFFERSON, TX

week, including sunrise & sunset. Guided fishing trips. Call to set a time: 903570-2169 .caddolakebayoutours.com

OLE’ JI ER’S CA O LAKE ADVENTURES Private Lake Tours –

...Continued From Page 40

LONESOME DOVE DRIVE THRU SAFARI Drive thru outdoor

Pontoon (1-15 people) or Swamp Boat (4 people). Major credit cards accepted 198 W. Sesame St., Karnack, (903)9306778 www.olejigger.com

adventure. Feed and observe over 80 exotic animals. Also a “Petting Zoo”!

Open Everyday 10:30AM to (last car in) 5PM (903) 240-6180 lonesomedovedrivethrusafari.com

CADDO LAKE GUIDE SERVICE (903) 455-3437caddolakefishing.com

CAPTAI RO ’S SWA P TOURS - CADDO LAKE Pontoon

HISTORIC TOURS OF JEFFERSON 217 W Lafayette St. (903) 665-

boat tours of Caddo Lake Departs from Big Pine Lodge; 756 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX (903) 679-3020 captronswamptours.com/

0359 1 Hour Historic/Scenic Trolley HISTORIC GHOST WALK (903) 601-3375 Fri & Sat Night; Meets at the Corner of Austin & Vale St.; Gather at 7:30PM, Tour starts at 8PM THE GROVE 405 Moseley St; Known as the most Haunted house in Texas!

Reservations Required. 903-665-8018 www.thegrove-jefferson.com BAYOU BOAT TOURS Tuesday-Saturday 1 hour narrated boat tour of Cypress Bayou. 200 Bayou St., 903665-2222 jeffersonbayoutours.com

Kayak, Canoe, Bicycle, & Golf Cart Rentals

RIVERBEND OUTFITTERS Kayak & Canoe Rentals with delivery and/ or pick-up. Big Cypress Bayou, Caddo Lake, & Lake O’ the Pines Kristi & Jerry Thomas (903) 625-9100 www.riverbendoutfitters.com MADE IN THE SHADE Kayak & Canoe Rentals with delivery & pick-up; 118 E Henderson St., Jefferson TX (903) 665- 8966 RO ’S RAILS & RI ES Golf Cart Rentals – 2 seater, 4 seater, and Specialty carts available (903) 742-9449; 602 N Polk St, Jefferson TX

Tours on Caddo Lake BIG CYPRESS TOURS OF CADDO LAKE Daily Tours of Caddo Lake

- (24 ft pontoon boat) 449 Cypress Dr., Uncertain, TX (903) 570-3319 www. bigcypresstours.com

KENNEDY MANOR Bicycle Rentals: 217 W Lafayette St. 903-

CADDO LAKE BAYOU TOURS

Tours of Scenic & Historic Caddo Lake.

Pontoon boat tours available 7 days a

665-0359.

VisitJeffersonTexas.com 41

Growing Up Jefferson: A Lifetime in a Park ...Continued From Page 32

for locking, and some of the most colorful graffiti this side of the ulf station t also was not cleaned frequently, maybe never, and almost certainly not since the war, and I don’t mean the one in Korea. However, it did teach us bladder control which serves one well later in life, so we had that was a plus.

The main theater was air conditioned (“Come In, It’s Cool Inside”), and had quite a bit of seating, with two gently sloping downward aisles separating sections. gainst either wall was a se tion of five or six seats. No one ever wanted to sit in that seat next to the wall for reasons best left to your imagination. The larger middle section had ten seats, accessible from either aisle. There were at least 15 rows, if not more, making the downstairs seating capacity three hundred or more. The seats were theater style, stuffed with straw, cushioned with springs, and covered in vinyl and tape. Then there was a balcony. I do not know how many seats were there, because we were not allowed in the balcony. Likewise, black movie goers were not allowed downstairs. We didn’t understand that arrangement, but neither did we uestion it n ast e as in the s and s, Jim Crow laws were prevalent and enforced. The balcony level even had a separate entrance off the recessed entrance outside. At our aforementioned all night graduation party, most of us sat in the balcony. I’m pretty sure this was not a protest of any sort, but maybe an establishment of our independence as we prepared to enter

the real world. Anyway, we did it, no one cared, and as far as I know, the walls didn’t crumble—not that year anyway.

There are so many more stories and details I could or, maybe should, tell you about the Strand, but I think it might prove boring. So, I will have to save those for a chapter yet to come. To close this article, I will sum it up like this: Our early movie going years helped fuel our imaginations, opened a world to us beyond Jefferson, and helped us grow up. The Strand played as great a role in developing socialization skills as school. And it was dark in the Strand. Television wasn’t the widespread attraction it would later become to families, and eventually led to the demise of downtown theaters all over the country.

We were on the beach with Frankie and Annette, shared a foxhole with Audie, rode after bad guys with Hopalong, Gene and Roy, and were scared more times than we could count by giant spiders and reptiles.

Those years were simple; our later movie going years were complicated. Growing up involved emotions and teenaged angst wasn’t only on the screen. But those later years at the Strand were important, too, just for different reasons. As kids, though, it was as close to a perfect afternoon as it could be, and I can’t overstate how big a part in our young lives the Strand played.

I don’t think anyone from those years in Jefferson ever made it in Hollywood, but for two hours or more every Saturday afternoon, Hollywood made us. It made us happy.

Jefferson Jimplecute.com 42

a es t

at

way 903-665-8099 Huddle House 549 Walcott

on Austin 124 E. Austin.

(903) 601-4457.

(Hwy 59) Open 24 Hours, Every Day! Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 903.665.264

Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club and Restaurant 107 W.

Austin. 903.665.7121. Weekend Entertainment.

Austin Street Bistro 117 E. Austin. Gourmet lunch and dinner. A Bistro with a casual flair.

903.665.9700.

Big Cy ress utrition 210 N Walnut St Meal Replacement Shakes & Energy Teas. 903-6015005 Big Pines Lodge 747 Pine Island Road, Karnack. 903.679.3655 Bulldog Pizza 603 E. Broadway.

903.665.9499.

The Carriage House BnB 401 N Polk St. Four Course Dinners

by Jessi. Reservations must be made in advance. 903.665.9511

Kahn Saloon Hotel Coffee Sho Specialty Coffees, Cookies, Muffins, Snacks; 903.601.4434

c arity’s Restaurant & Saloon 208 W Dallas St. Lunch &

Dinner Menus, Also Vegan & Veg. Menus; Specialty Drinks, Beer, Wine, Cocktails. Open Every Day! 903.601.4407 Weekend Entertainment.

Port Jefferson Out ost 220 N. Polk Breakfast, Sandwiches, Soup, & Desserts. 903.665.8881

Roma’s Italian Restaurant 903-601-4441 101 S. Market St., Italian / Lunch / Dinner Stillwater Inn 203 E. Broad-

on Juan’s exican Restaurant 400 S. Walcott.

way. Fine Dining. Reservations.

903.665.8415.

Taste of Caddo 201 W Austin St. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Daily Specials, Comfort Foods, & yes, Catfish! 903.601.4446

903.665.6407.

Enoch’s Wine & Coffee House 116 N Polk. Espresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Latte, & Tea & of course, a wide variety of great wines 903.918.8208

The KnightLight Tavern & Olde World Restaurant 202

Haywood House Restaurant and Cocktail Bar 202 S Mar-

N. Walnut. Great food, wine, beer, cocktails & music. Lunch, Dinner.

903.665.8546

ket. 903-601-4070

Jose h’s River ort Barbecue 201 N. Polk. 903.665.2341

Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar 125 N. Polk. Home of the original “Kornbread” Sandwich, Salads, Soups & Pies. 903.665.0505.

Lil

ama’s Kitchen 403 Broad-

43

isit e e s n e as

Places to Stay rooms/50612044 Old ulberry Inn, 903-665-1945,

BE & BREAK ASTS Sister’s Cottages 214-399-

209 E Jefferson St, www.oldmulberryinn.com/ Steamboat Inn, 903-472-9838, 114 N Marshall St, steamboatinntx.com/ Stillwater Inn, 903-665-8415, 203 E Broadway St, stillwaterinn.com/

0398, 502 Houston St, www.3sisterscottages.com Angell anor, 903-601-5057, 502 E Taylor St, www.angellmanor. com Austin Street Cottages, 903806-0518, 406 W Austin St, www. austinstreetcottages.com/ Azalea Inn, 903-665-2500, 203 E Dixon St, www.azaleainn.net/ Black Swan, 903-665-7023, 210 W Austin St, www.visittheblackswan.com/ Ca tain’s Castle, 903-806-0518, 403 E Walker St, captainscastle. com/ Carriage House, 903-665-9511, 401 N Polk St, carriagehousejefferson.com/ Claiborne House, 903-665-8800, 312 S Alley St, claibornehousebnb.com/ elta Street Inn, 903-665-2929, 206 E Delta St, www.deltastreetinn.com/

reen

Welsh Lady Inn 903-665-8678, 307 N Vale,http://welshladybandb.com/ White Oak anor, 903-665-8185, 502 E Benners St, www.bedandbreakfastjeffersontx.com/

HOTELS

Excelsior Hotel, 903-665-2513,

211 W Austin St, theexcelsiorhouse.com Executive Inn, 903-665-3700, 200 S Walcott St, executiveinnjefferson.com/ Historic Jefferson Hotel, 901468-3551, 124 W. Austin St., www.historicjefferson.com Historic Kahn Hotel, 903-6014434, 123 W Austin St, www. kahnsaloon.com/ O O Hotel Jefferson, 628-2394299, 400 S Walcott St

ables of Jefferson,

903-407-1956, 304 W Lafayette St, greengablesofjefferson.com House of the Seasons, 903665-8000, 409 S Alley St, www. houseoftheseasons.com/ Kennedy anor, 903-665-0772, 217 W Lafayette St, www.kennedymanor.com/

utty’s Cam in Jefferson 903-752-0883, 123 N. Polk St., https://www.airbnb.com/

RE TALS

Bessie’s Landing, 972-247-3557, 207 S Alley St, www.airbnb.com/ rooms/17824506

Cottage at Chez Lafayette, 469426-5952, 305 W. Lafayette St. 44

Places to Stay continued rooms/22748241

rench Cottages, 808-391-0962,

408 Houston St, www.frenchcottagesjefferson.com Heather’s uesthaus, 936661-5631, 107 N Main St, www. airbnb.com/rooms/13165544

The

uesthouse, 214-324-3063,

509 W Austin St, www.airbnb. com/rooms/19294423 The agnolias, 903-407-7959, 209 E Broadway St, www.vrbo. com/1404252 Villas on Vale, 903-452-1910, 105 S. Vale St., www.Airbnb.com/ rooms/49140615 Writer’s Loft, 605-430-1221

Lake Street House 503 Lake St ama ean’s Place, 903-720-

6460, 404 E Dixon St, www. airbnb.com/rooms/30553956 c arity’s stairs Inn, 903665-0121, 208 W Dallas St, www. airbnb.com/rooms/32900530

RV PARKI

Sandstone Cottages 317-5085523, jponder1963@gmail. com Sara Jane Cottages, 903-241-

iamond on’s RV Park, 903742-2041, 903-445-9796

or 866-398-2038 , 1602 State Hwy 49 East Jefferson, TX 75657, diamonddonempire.com Jefferson RV Park, 903- 431-

0683, 306 W Austin St, www. airbnb.com/rooms/12874039 Sweetest Blessings, 1308 Martin Luther King Dr., www.airbnb.com/ rooms/50459543 The French Townhouse, 502 E Walker St, www.airbnb.com/

0043, 610 E. Broadway St, www. jeffersoniceexpress-rvpark.com/ City of Jefferson RV Park, 903665-3922, Located behind the courthouse

903-777-FISH Just Across the Dam on Macedonia Road

Directly Across From Brushy Creek Park Join Us For Hunt Brothers Pizza, Snow Cones And More Days And Hours: Thur -Sat. 11 Am 8 Pm. 45

DISCOVER JEFFERSON

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January, February, March 2022

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