Houston County Living

HOUSTON COUNTY

S PR I NG 2 022 | E d i ti on 2

e m o h t s Olde ett k c o r C in ed h s i b r u ref

Everything old is new again Crockett Family Resort & Marina

Barbecue | Brides | Baseball Houston County Living | 1

Welcome To

• Furniture • Appliances • Flooring • Mattresses • Televisions

Our home since 1927!

• Accessories

300 E. Goliad ~ Downtown Crockett - 936.544.2248 www.knoxfurniture4u.com

2 | Houston County Living

Free Delivery - In House Financing

S E R V I C E • S A L E S • PA RT S

S

!

CUTSHAWCHEVROLET.COM

1-800-288-7429

10116 Highway 287 South - Grapeland, TX Houston County Living | 3

PROUDLY SERVING HOUSTON COUNTY & THE SURROUNDING AREA FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS!

H H

chedule our rin ervice check and tune u toda Lic. o.

CL

C

Let the experts at Hargrove-Neel, Inc. take care of you and all your heating and cooling needs. We service and repair all brands and models of heating & air condition units! www.HARGROVENEEL.com • (936) 544-7270 • 1117 E Houston Ave. Crockett, T X 4 | Houston County Living

The Loft MUSIC & EVENT VENUE

Rooftop Travelers | HOUSE BAND

CONCERT VENUE

catering available

Private Events & Parties

(936) 545-5600

www.theloftofcrockett.com 502 E. Houston Ave. | Crockett TX. Owners: Gene & Darlene Caldwell

weddings | Receptions Houston County Living | 5

ME ET THE S TAFF Jan White,

Ashley BankheadKeenan,

one of her favorite sayings is, “Grow where you’re planted.” A relatively recent transplant to Crockett, Jan entertains herself by using friends and neighbors as “guinea pigs” for her food creations and trying to live up to her nickname, “the plant whisperer.” She also wrote a book – but then, who hasn’t?

a magazine editor by trade and is seasoned in marketing/ advertising strategy.

She likes to plan vacations before she has unpacked from the last and has an extensive collection of plants and chickens.

Elizabeth Guzman,

Amanda Barker,

a bilingual advertising representative, who is also the accountant, and front office manager; a versatile multi-tasker, to say the least. She’s allergic to cats but is the designated cat mom for CC (the office cat).

She enjoys shopping for clothes and make-up and lives on iced coffee.

paginator of three newspapers and two magazines; she is a a caloriecounting kook and mother to three dogs. She enjoys weekends of curling up in bed and watching the worst thing on television.

HOUSTON

COUNTY 6 | Houston County Living

CC, or Courier Cat does the least amount of work in the office and is that coworker who is ALWAYS hungry. Sometimes she will sneak out and no-call-no-show for days on end. She enjoys long naps and love from customers.

TA B LE O F CO N TE N TS HCL Staff

Editor | Advertising Director Ashley Bankhead-Keenan marketing@hccourier.com

Publisher

Kelli Barnes kelli@polkcountypublishing.com

Copy Editor Jan White

Design

Amanda Barker Amy Holzworth

Advertising Sales Elizabeth Guzman

Contributors Jolene Renfro Larry Lamb

Houston County Living is a part of the PCPC Family, a group of publications representing everything the pineywoods region of East Texas has to offer.

EASTTEXASNEWS.COM

Polk County Publishing Co. Alvin Holley, Owner 100 E Calhoun St. | P.O. Box 1726 Livingston, TX 77351 | (936) 327-4357 Houston County Living is published by the Houston County Courier and Polk County Publishing Co. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

6 7 9 10 12 16 19 20 22 26 28 30 32 34 36 39 40 45 48 50 51

Meet the Staff Table of Contents Letter the Editor Word from Advertiser HCL Events A Beautiful Homage to the Past Tyer Home

Less is Definitely More Unique Gardening Tips “Consider the Lilies” And other Biblical plants

A Different Take on Texas Barbecue Mimsy’s Barbecue

Making Music in Houston County Making it Work with Faith

Tillis Tires and the Chuck Wagon Grill

Brides of Houston County Wedding Registry Everything Old is New Again HC Lake Marina

Discover HC Lake Standout Teams Baseball & Softball

When Dreams Become Realities High Five Horses

Exploring Mission Tejas Side Dish Recipes Thank You to Advertisers Relocation Information Houston County Living | 7

WE ARE EAST TEXAS

Easttexasnews.com is now the way to get all of your news in one place. The folks who have covered the news for the Polk County Enterprise, Tyler County Booster, San Jacinto NewsTimes, Houston County Courier, and Trinity County NewsStandard are combing to bring you in-depth coverage for the entire region. With videos, photography, articles, and a forum to discuss it all, Easttexasnews.com covers the pineywoods.

NEWS | SPORTS | VIDEO | ETN FORUM | EVENTS | PRINT SHOP

easttexasnews.com

8 | Houston County Living

L E T TER FR O M T HE EDI T OR ow spring already I m not s re i I m getting older and nally gaining some wisdom or what b t has hit di erently I e read more books in these three months than I ha e in e years My sons and I started hiking and ended p starting a challenge to hike miles be ore e e already done miles as o which is miles more than in I e asted rom my reg lar stations on iri s M and changed them all to spirit al based m sic a and bl egrass wo things happened to sp r this simpler rame o mind A Christmas acation to ennessee with only my h sband and two sons o r rst acation with st s I spent more time with them in the nine days that we were gone than honestly I probably had all year I get so b sy in the day to day that I e allowed so m ch time to pass me by oc sing only on my amily bro ght me so m ch oy that I decided it was time to ad st my oc s My grandather died At his neral I looked aro nd Grady Grounds r the room and began co nting the people November 14, 1929- January 15, 2022 I knew or a act only knew od beca se o him Mysel my siblings my co sins his own children en Pastor ennis I ey who o ciated the neral said that beca se o him he and his amily had been in Crockett or more than years now I decided right then and there that I needed to make some changes i

I wanted to lea e this world better than I o nd it as he did I m growing mentally physically and spirit ally I m minimi ing negati e tho ghts things and possessions my spending habits stress and e en the people in my li e hen we tr ly belie e that we will be rewarded or e ery sacri ce we make in this li etime we will li e di erently I m r nning the race marked or me with sing lar oc s and perse erance I m e cited or spring and all it has in store Part o ad sting my oc s means speaking positi ely and mani esting the t re so millennial I know so o ston Co nty will contin e to grow e will get st eno gh rain to keep o r gardens thri ing beca se the last two years ha e been ro gh Illness and ear will dissipate he price o craw sh will go down And yo will all lo e the second edition o o ston Co nty Li ing

Ashley Bankhead-Keenan What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

Luke 9:25

WO R D F R O M A DV E RTI S E R no rnit re is happy to once again participate in o ston Co nty Li ing maga ine his ni e p blication is distribted thro gho t resta rants real estate companies o r local Chamber and area b sinesses e think it pro ides those new to the area and e en li elong residents a chance to en oy places they may not ha e isited yet It is always n to see new aces who are st ama ed when they learn that we o er so many di erent ser ices e pride o rsel es on ser ice and ha e en oyed working with the we aim to please sta o o ston Co nty Li ing and the o ston Co nty Co rier u an no wner

Houston County Living | 9

H CL 2 0 2 2-2 3 E V E N TS

June - Juneteenth Celebration & Parade

UPCOMING

RECURRING

April • Houston County Fair & Livestock Show

Every Tuesday • Crockett Noon Lions Club meets at Hilltop Café at 12 PM

May • Crockett Lions Club PCRA Rodeo • Sale on the El Camino Trail • Houston County Youth Talent Show • Bluegrass Gospel Music Festival at Salmon Lake Park

Every Thursday • Disc Golf in the park at 5:30 PM 1st & 3rd Monday • Crockett City Council meeting at 6 PM 1st & 3rd Weekend • Crockett Trade Days on HWY 7 W

June • Piney Woods Fine Art Association Summer Concert Series • Missoula Children’s Theatre • Davy Crockett Days • Juneteenth Celebration & Parade

1st Thursday • Crockett Garden Club meets at 9:30 AM at various locations 2nd Monday • Kennard City Council meeting at 7 PM • American Legion meeting at 7 PM

July • Annual July 4th Parade on the Square • Annual Boat Parade on Houston County Lake

2nd Tuesday • Lovelady City Council meeting at 5 PM • Latexo City Council meeting at 6:30 PM • Grapeland City Council meeting at 7PM • Houston County Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7 PM at 600 Bradshaw Crockett TX 75835

August • Annual Glenn Cunningham Memorial Scholarship Rodeo • Myrtis Dightman Rodeo April - Houston County Fair & Livestock Show

September • Labor Day Annual Salmon Lake Bluegrass Festival • CACC Business Expo & Job Fair • World Champion Fiddler’s Festival October • 77th Peanut Festival • 4th Annual Courier Cook-Off • Trick-or-Treating on the Square

May | September - Bluegrass Festival. Sam Jo Photo May - Lions Club Rodeo

November • Lighted Christmas Parade • Christmas in Crockett December • Christmas on Main Street in Grapeland • Christmas in Kennard & Christmas Parade February • Annual Lovelady Lovefest

3rd Monday • Produce Box Distribution 5-7 PM rain or shine at the Civic Center • Grapeland ISD School Board meeting at 6:45 PM • Lovelady ISD School Board meeting at 7 PM 3rd Thursday • Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Mid-Morning Coffee at 9:30 AM at various locations • Downtown Crockett Association meets 3rd Thursday at 5:30 PM 4th Monday • Pineywoods Lions Club meet at the First Methodist Church of Crockett in the Fellowship Hall at 6 PM

S

NDAR

CALE YOUR MARK

10 | Houston County Living

2nd Thursday • Latexo ISD School Board meeting at 6 PM • Kennard ISD School Board meeting at 6 PM

Last Monday • Crockett ISD School Board meeting at 6 PM

RUSTIC MARKET

INSURED AND BONDED FOR YOUR PROTECTION

THE RUSTIC MARKET IN CROCKET T

CR C

TH Tree removal • Stump grinding • Trimming Demolition • Lot clearing • and more!

936-222-7155 R

R

CALL PHILIP 936-546-4332

BETTY BOOP’S

Sandwiches, Soups & Salads

115 S. Fourth Street | Downtown Crockett

936-544-4297 onda

rida

2

Daily Specials Caterin eli er

ailable

Owner:

Bobbie Jo Frizzell

We’re all about Rustic, offering a huge selection of furniture for your entire home in Farmhouse, Farmhouse Chic or Country Decor.

Our store carries a variety of items such as lighting, candles, crosses, tea towels, coffee mugs, seasonal metal art, wreaths, handmade soaps, and so much more!

We do custom orders of furniture, lighting, and signs. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. We do Bridal Registries too!

The Rustic Market in Crockett promises a unique shopping experience! Stop by and let us help you find the perfect gift for you or a loved one.

Houston County Living | 11

H I S TORY

Wall displayed with Pattie’s chairs

beautiful

A homage to the past

12 | Houston County Living

Master bedroom Granddaughter’s bedroom Kitchen area

Crockett is known for its historic homes, and one of the most outstanding is The Monroe-Waller house. Built on the rise at South Seventh Street, the sprawling, two-story home was the creation of the great-nephew of President James Monroe. Armistead Thompson Mason Monroe, commonly referred to as A.T.M. Monroe, is responsible for developing and selling many of the nuclei of historic homes built in the 1850s.

A native of New York, Monroe moved to Crockett in 1842.

He was regarded as a pioneer merchant – advertising in the first edition of the “Crockett Printer,” dated 1853. Monroe was known to be active in civic affairs and was a delegate to the 1868 constitutional convention.

Some historians say Monroe built the house in 1847; others believe it was in the 1850s. The home is distinctly divided into two sections by spacious hallways on both the lower and upper stories. Oak lumber for the house came from Shreveport, La. hand sawed, and constructed with square nails. Wide porches face west and north toward town, designed to take advantage of the view. A second-story deck provided a spectacular perspective of the East Texas night sky. The decorative railing on the roof surrounded the home’s “widow’s walk,” a popular architectural design in the 1800s.

The house changed hands several times before Thomas J. Waller purchased it in 1936. Waller had established a furniture and undertaking business in 1902 in what is known by long-time residents as the Perry Brothers building. In the early years of the business, Waller and DuPree Company sold caskets for the funerals that took place in homes or churches.

When Waller himself began conducting funerals, he bought the house on South Seventh Street and established Waller Funeral Home.

The funeral home was located in the downstairs area, while the Waller’s private residence was upstairs. Mrs. Waller, disturbed by funeral home visitors who would wander the building and make their way up to her living space, had the entryway staircase removed and relocated to the back of the house.

The kitchen, initially on the east side of the house, was demolished, replaced with a two-story wing consisting of an upstairs apartment and downstairs storage. After Thomas Waller’s death, his cousin, Jim Grady Waller, purchased the home and converted the attachment into an office for his insurance business. Jim Waller, his wife, and three daughters lived in the upstairs area over the funeral home until 1963.

By the time David and Pattie Tyer bought the Monroe-Waller house in 2018, it was in dire need of repair. But the couple had previously restored many older, historic homes, so they were up for the challenge. Much of the original flooring had rotted and had to be replaced. Many of the original doors were salvageable. The Tyers chose to leave some of them unrestored so that the wear and tear from centuries of use is still visible. Several doors in the home were rescued from prior renovations; some were purchased from antique shops. But they all keep with the ambiance of the era in which the house was built. The Tyers acquired many of the home’s furnishings

Dining room area.

By Jan White

Houston County Living | 13

Upstairs hallway

Living area

Front of house

Renovation of the addition

1414| Houston | HoustonCounty CountyLiving Living

Upper porch area Entrance to upstairs hallway Master bathroom Sitting area in master bedroom

David and Pattie Tyer with grandson Riley

from local antique stores and old businesses. Cabinets, mirrors, wood, fixtures, and David’s favorite collection – Texas pottery – were all individually chosen to add an atmosphere of authenticity to the decor.

Entering the house, you are immediately drawn to the staircase that leads to the upper floor. The Tyers rebuilt the staircase that Mrs. Waller demolished. Now it’s the focal point of the entryway. Pattie’s collection of antique mirrors reflects the stunning beauty of the polished wood floors, bright white walls and handrails, and the myriad of collectibles that speak of the past.

All the additions and renovations were made in keeping with the historic style of the times. At Pattie’s request, a spacious butler’s pantry was built across the hallway from the kitchen. The wall separating the kitchen area from the dining area was removed. David pointed out the fireplace in the dining room, remarking that it was not part of the original structure. “Most of these types of homes have some sort of chimney, whether visible or boarded up.”

Having restored many historic homes and sold countless others, David was surprised that there wasn’t one chimney to be found.

The home’s downstairs consists of living areas, kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, and the butler’s pantry. Upstairs, the main bedroom, bath, and closet are all on one side of the hallway, with guest bedrooms, an additional bathroom, and a laundry room are across the hallway. When the Wallers lived upstairs, the kitchen was located where the laundry room is now. Pattie noted that the restored cabinets are original to the house.

And to the Tyers’ delight, they uncovered the home’s original wooden ceilings, which had been covered over by drop-down acoustic tiles.

The Tyers have done an incredible job restoring, converting, and decorating the Monroe-Waller house. Pattie has a gift for melding the bounty of historical treasures with modern color pallets and warm furnishings. From the walls filled with pictures reminiscing the past, to the cozy reading nooks, to the open and inviting living areas - Pattie has added just the right amount of contemporary touches to turn what might have felt like a museum into comfortable and welcoming spaces.

The Monroe-Waller house is frequently highlighted in the Crockett Tour of Homes. If you have the opportunity, it is well worth taking the time to explore this historic treasure.

HoustonCounty CountyLiving Living| |15 15 Houston

L IF E S T YL E

Less is Definitely More

By Ashley Bankhead-Keenan Springtime comes with the dreaded phrase “spring cleaning.” Well, hear me out … what if you just minimalized this year instead? Read my introduction letter, and you’ll know that in 2022, I’m embracing the mindful pursuit of minimalism in many aspects of my life, including in my home. Minimal basically just means less. And I’ve recently discovered that less is more.

It seemed like no matter how much “cleaning” I did, I was getting nowhere. I was still overwhelmed with piles of clothes, junk drawers, baskets, and bags of stuff that I said I would go through later. Minimalism isn’t cleaning or organizing. It’s simply getting rid of clutter. I define clutter as anything I can’t keep under control. Going through the process, I’ve noticed that my daily living space has been simplified, free, and open to receive things that carry more meaning and purpose in my life.

I’m still in the process of getting my house under control, and I’m certainly no expert on being minimal, but I’ve embraced the process. After reading several books and listening to podcasts on the topic, I’ve finally been able to wrap my brain around the fact that less gives you more. Organizing is easier when there’s less, cleaning is less of a chore when there’s less and when there’s less of that, the stress is also less.

I want to share a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way: • Flat Surfaces – This is the worst for me, which is why it’s number one on my list. I’m not just talking about countertops and shelves, either. I have a chair in my room that has held more clothes than any dresser or closet in my house. Is it because I was lazy and felt that the chore was done as long as the clothes were clean? Or was it because I was out of hangers or space in the drawers?

Maybe it’s a pile of stuff I’ll put in a garage sale one day. In my case, all of the above. Flat surfaces are the catchall in my house.

• Trash – Start with trash. The feet to the washer that you’ve held onto for four years, the random piece of plastic that you aren’t sure about, but you keep just in case you finally find what it goes to, the one shoe that’s been missing its match for six months, 40 Tupperware lids … ALL TRASH. • One-Touch Rule – Try to only touch an item one time.

Pick it and put it where it goes. If you haven’t begun decluttering the space that it goes, cross that bridge when

16 | Houston County Living

you come to it. Do one area at a time so that you don’t get overwhelmed and minimalize the handling of the item in question.

• Clothes – We all know this one is the hardest. Especially when you’re a family of four, and you have enough clothing to open a resale shop. Pull EVERYTHING out and think twice about each piece. Have you worn it in the last year? Do you love it? Does it fit perfectly? If the answer is no, GET RID OF IT! • The Kitchen – If you’re like me, we eat off paper plates most of the time because I get tired of washing so many dishes. Either way, how many people do you host at once? Then, why do you have 12 plates, 15 cups, and 5 frying pans? Most of us already know which spatula, coffee cup, and frying pan are our go-to items, but we hang onto the others “just in case.”

• Don’t Buy Anything – “I have to buy totes, canisters, vacuum seal bags to declutter.” No, that’s organizing.

Focus on one thing at a time, and right now, you’re minimalizing the stuff, not adding to it.

• Celebrate the Milestones – You cannot possibly minimalize your home in a week. It may take months. Take your time and be diligent with the process. Once you’ve completed a room, sit down, take a breath, and marvel at the simple atmosphere you created.

You don’t have to hang on to those dishes because they were your great-grandmother’s or that top with the tags still on it because you paid $60 for it. All the farmhouse decorations collect dust and serve no purpose.

Aren’t you tired of dusting around them? Stop hanging on to every pickle and mayo jar; I mean, why even are you? The empty wine bottles — trash them. In the rare case that you need an empty wine bottle, go buy a new bottle, drink it, and then you’ll have one. Crafting is more fun with wine anyways.

I have seriously spent most of my adult life being a shopaholic. More gadgets, more décor, more shoes. I’m at the point in my life where I realize how much money has been wasted on needless things, and now I have a home that is constantly out of control. At its deepest level, minimalism is a frame of mind. Once you get a taste of less being more, you become more. And it becomes easier to minimalize other aspects in your life: finances, grocery lists, time management, negative thoughts … people. Embrace the courage to live in alignment with the purpose of your soul and cease the mindless chase of acquiring things that are not truly valuable.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

— Confucius

Houston County Living | 17

n o l a S e g a m New I

t e s o l K s ’ e i t t i &K LOVELADY TEXAS

DAILY SPECIALS & HAPPY HOUR

936-546-0186 1155 E Loop 304, Crockett TX

936-636-7059 Commerce t itties loset com R

B

H R H R

&

& R

C

Professional Pest Control Services

BEST PEST CONTROL EXPERIENCED RESPECTED ur specialists have worked in the eld for e have earned a reputation in the years and can handle any pro ect community for reliable and excellent service

(936)544-5786 • CROCKETT MCCLAINPESTCONTROLLLC.COM 18 | Houston County Living

GUARANTEED RESULTS e stand by our work and won t be satis ed until you are

DIY

By Jolene Renfro Master Gardener At a recent meeting of the Crockett Garden Club, members were asked to tell one or more of their favorite and unique home gardening techniques.

Here are some interesting ideas that were shared by that group (whose combined gardening experience is about 1,000 years): • Put an anti-acid tablet, like Tums, under your tomatoes (reason— the Calcium in the tablet prevents blossom-end rot on the tomato fruit) • Use Epsom salt around your roses and other garden flowers (reason—Epsom salt contains Magnesium, a micronutrient often in short supply in the soil) • Put copper pennies in your birdbath (reason—the copper serves as a deterrent for algae and bacteria growth in the water) • Feed your roses breakfast (reason—the leftover coffee grounds are good compost and egg shells add Calcium to the soil while the sharp edges discourage slugs) • Give your plants old vitamins (reason—Iron and other minerals in the pill are good for the soil, even if the vitamin pill is past its shelf life for humans) • Use bar soap to coat the inside roof of your bluebird houses (reason—the soap prevents wasps from being able to attach their nest to the roof ) • Make up a spray bottle with a soapy water solution to spray wasps (reason—the soapy water clogs the spiracles (holes) on the wasp’s sides through which they breathe) • Sprinkle Old Spice Aftershave on old socks and place in the garden to keep deer away (reason—who knows? Maybe male deer feel intimidated? However, female deer may like it!)

• Tie tall plants and young trees to their support stakes with old pantyhose (reason—strong , yet flexible, the hose will not damage the tender new bark on the stem as the tree moves and grows) • If growing cantaloupe, cucumber, or squash vertically on trellises, put the fruit inside an old pair of pantyhose to suspend the fruit from the support • Make an herbicide applicator out of a Gopher reaching tool with two sponges attached on each tip. Dip the sponges in the herbicide and apply directly to plant leaves (reason—spraying herbicide on just one or two plants often results in overspray killing desirable plants; the sponge application of herbicide will only kill the individual weed) • Discourage squirrels by filling some old pantyhose with eight mothballs and hanging them near feeding stations. The smell keeps away the squirrels, but not the birds.

• Confuse mosquitos by making a homemade trap. Cut a two-liter plastic bottle in half and in the bottom half put ¼ cup of brown sugar dissolved in 1 cup of water and add in a gram of yeast. Place the top part of the bottle upside down in bottom half so that it acts like a funnel. Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide generated by the yeast-sugar mixture, go into the bottom half and are trapped. Change the solution every two weeks for continuous control.

Hanging an old pantyhose with 8 mothballs near feeding

UNIQUE GARDENING

TIPS

Gardening is a lifelong experience and I hope you have learned a new trick or two to add to your arsenal of gardening knowledge.

Houston County Living | 19

G A RDENING

Photos courtesy of Jodi Jones

“Consider the Lilies”

And other Biblical plants Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. — Luke 12:27

By Jan White When thinking of churches in Houston County, what comes to mind for some are historic buildings, most made of brick, ornate with stained-glass windows and impressive steeples. Most wouldn’t imagine a garden, but that is precisely what you will find tucked into a plot of land behind Crockett’s First United Methodist Church.

The Biblical Garden was established around 2010 by former Crockett Garden Club President Jolene Renfro. I called Jolene to ask about the origins of the garden. You could tell by the excitement in her voice that she is still as passionate today as she was in the beginning. As with many great ideas, she wasn’t entirely sure where she came up with the concept. But, once it stuck in her head, Jolene began to formulate a plan. Of course, the first step was to find a location for the garden. She had just the place in mind.

The First United Methodist Church had recently purchased the entire adjacent block of land with the idea of expansion.

The property consisted of the old Crockett High School and some outbuildings. The Methodist Conference, governing body 20 20| Houston | HoustonCounty CountyLiving Living

of the Methodist Church, had considered using the buildings to house children separated on a short-term basis from their parents. When the plan fell through, the church was left with a large portion of land that included an old greenhouse, previously used by the high school. Not one to miss an opportunity, Jolene approached Dr. House, the Methodist Church’s pastor, about using the land for her Biblical Garden idea.

“What do I have to do to convince you?” she asked.

In a clever bargaining move, Dr. House told Jolene she could use the land if she’d teach the Children’s Sermon every Sunday.

She agreed, and so it was that Jolene began implementing her plan.

Andrew Walker, scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop, had been searching for a project for his Eagle Scouts. Approached by Jolene, he agreed to have his scouts clean up the weeds and overgrowth that had choked the area. Now the task fell to Jolene to identify plants that would adapt to Houston County’s soil and climate and still be as close to the Middle Eastern species as possible.

Estimates speculate that there are around 129 different plants named in the Bible. Since the Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew and Aramaic, and the New Testament was written in Greek, botanists had to rely on the interpreter’s knowledge or lack thereof of horticulture. And sometimes, the translations were vague. For instance, in the King James Version of the Bible, the word “corn” was generic for any grain, not just corn as we think of it. Flowers, like the lily, might actually refer to a large class of flora growing in the area that resembles a lily, such as a tulip, iris, or gladiolus. The same could apply to the biblical rose. Many botanists believe that term “rose” could refer to the oleander, the sweet-scented narcissus, or even the

daisy. Research on the subject is voluminous and daunting. But Jolene was able to identify about 65 plants that would work within the confines of our local weather and soil.

As Jolene puts it, she began the garden “one plant at a time.”

When asked how the Crockett Garden Club got involved, Jolene replied with a smile in her voice, “I pulled a Tom Sawyer on them.”

Like Tom did to his friends. Jolene told the club of her idea and hyped it up so they’d want to participate. In reality, it didn’t take any arm-twisting. The club was happy to pitch in. Little by little, the Biblical Garden has become one of Crockett’s little treasures.

As you walk the garden paths that lead you through the visual journey, you get a tangible sense of the reality of the Bible. Imagine being able to reach down and pluck heads of grain, just like Jesus and His disciples did in Mark 2:23. At the present time, the garden contains 66 species of plants. Some of the plants are easily recognizable. You may even have some growing in your own garden.

With the nurture of the Crockett Garden Club members and other volunteers, the garden continues to thrive. Throughout East Texas, garden clubs and nature groups travel to visit this homage to the Bible and learn about the plants and their history. Recently, the garden area was expanded to include “Alice’s Butterfly Garden” created in memory of Bob and Alice Davies.

At this time, the garden is closed to the general public, but if you are interested in setting up a tour, please contact Jolene Renfro at 979-218-6746 or Jodi Jones at 936-2225705 for more information. There is no cost associated with these tours.

Houston County Living | 21

GO O D EAT S

A FRESH TAKE ON

TEXAS BARBECUE

By Ashley Bankhead-Keenan

Loop 304, which circles the city of Crockett, was one of the first traffic-reliever loops built in the nation, and it’s been said many times that all roads lead to Crockett. While that statement might be debatable, Loop 304 definitely leads to one of Texas Monthly’s 2022 Top 50 BBQ Joints - Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue. It’s not hard to find barbecue in Houston County, but Mimsy’s is distinguished by its ambitious authenticity. Pitmaster Wade Elkins and culinary queen Kathy Elkins, part owners of Mimsy’s, strive to give their customers much more than your traditional take on barbecue.

22 | Houston County Living

Wade and Kathy, high school sweethearts from Magnolia, Texas, settled into Crockett and decided to open a restaurant in July 2020. “Kathy and I were finally going to be in the same kitchen together. This was made possible by my mother, Kim Spellman (also the namesake for Mimsy’s). If you know her, you know anything is possible. And my stepfather, Chuck Spellman, if you know him, you know nothing can stop him once his mind is made up,” Wade said.

With Chuck as their powerhouse project manager, they opened five months ahead of schedule, qualifying them for the Top 50 list. “Oct. 18, 2021, we made the Top 50 BBQ list. Now, this is an accom-

G O OD EATS

Houston County Living | 23

plishment that Kathy and I will get all the credit for, but we’d be dumb to think it was all our doing. Outside of my mom and Chuck’s contributions, we have our staff to thank. I can’t tell you how badass our staff is. From front to back, they are all rock stars. My kitchen staff thinks I’m crazy because of all the stuff I come up with, but they execute better than I would or could and take everything in stride.”

Mimsy’s everchanging specials keep the menu fresh, and these craft dishes give traditional barbecue a run for its money. Shrimp and grits, in-house pickled sides and garnishes, smoked poblano mac and cheese, crispy smoked maple brussels sprouts, burnt brisket ends, and my personal favorite, that I’m hoping will be added back to the menu, hush puppies and pimento cheese. You can find the classic trio of ribs, sausage, and brisket, but these chefs have added a crafty twist to the usual idea of barbecue. And after the large portions of their mostly a la carte style menu, save room for dessert because Kathy’s cheesecakes are out-of-this-world flavorful and delicious.

After a rapid renovation and despite opening amid a pandemic, Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue is thriving. Of course, there’s a regular local crowd, and it’s also becom-

24 | Houston County Living

Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue, LLC

1979 South 5th Street, Crockett TX Located on the corner of Loop 304 and 5th St.

936-544-7000 Mimsyscraftbbq.com

Tue & Wed | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thur, Fri & Sat 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ing a commerce hot spot for out-of-town travelers and barbecue enthusiasts. Now, the owners of Mimsy’s have added an in-door stage and plan to add more live music to the nightlife in Crockett. The family-owned and operated restaurant is far from traditional, but a worthy rendition and Houston County is lucky to have them.

Latexo ISD

G O O D E AT S

A Commitment to Excellence Technology

4 Day School Week!!

Monday-Thursday

*take-home laptop for all students K-12 *interactive panel in every classroom

College Program *students earn 41 hours; LISD pays 50% of cost *4 college instructors permanently on campus *parents save up to $10K on college tuition Accepting transfer applications for 2020-21

UIL & Academics

For more info call LISD Admin at 544-5664

*State Champions Math Team 9 straight years (2012-present *State Championships in Current Events *small class si es; AP classes in English and Math *4 time cross-country state qualifiers *softball area playoffs 2021 *individual help with scholarship applications

New for 2021-2022! *Heating, Ventilation, and AC program on campus *new elementary cafeteria and high school gym

Health Careers *offering certifications in: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician *offering classes: Health Science Principles, Health Science Theory, Medical Terminology *clinical program: students leave campus 2 days a week to job shadow at Crockett medical facilities

Houston County Living | 25

E NTERTA INMENT

Music

Making

in Houston County

By Jan White

Houston County has long been known for its historical buildings, antique shops, and the heart of East Texas, the Davy Crockett National Forest. And Camp Street, the Annual World Championship Fiddlers Festival, and the Old Mill Music Festival have been attractions for decades. But several up-andcoming venues may redefine the area as a des-tination site for music lovers across the state.

Located on Highway 19 in the one-blink-ing-light town of Lovelady, Stesti Brewery offers a variety of traditional Czech brews and plays host to local musicians and bands.

Patrons can enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, a craft beer, or Texas wine while tapping their toes to lively entertainment.

26 | Houston County Living

A hidden gem in the heart of the city of Crockett, The Loft has become a popular spot for music lovers. If you didn’t know it was there, you might miss the sliver of a staircase that leads up to the newly restored historic space. The venue seats an intimate crowd of around 100 guests. It features house band “The Rooftop Travelers.” It has hosted musicians and vocal artists like The Darrin Morris Band, Luke Prater, and The Jack Nelson Band. And The Loft has recently implemented a Karaoke Night.

For decades, Piney Woods Fine Arts has been providing music to the area with popular artists such as Brave Combo, Celtic Angels, Swingin’ Axes Jazz Band, and Grand Funk Railroad. Recently, they upped their game by inviting Kevin

Costner and his group, Modern West to perform.

In warm-weather months, Keshia’s Café in Crockett has surprised patrons and shoppers with pop-up outdoor concerts featuring local teens and budding artists. HFR Campsites and Retreats, in Kennard, is implementing a “Camping and Karaoke” weekend, complete with vendors, food trucks, and an opportunity to “grab your friends and sing your heart out.” The newly renovated Bear Hall has added an outdoor stage, hinting that the reopening will also feature music events along with delicious dining.

And keep an eye out for the revival of the Summer Concert Series held in 2021 at Davy Crockett Park.

These are only a few of the many opportunities to attend concerts and music events in Houston County.

For more information, contact the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce or check out the Facebook business pages for announcements of upcoming events.

WALK-INS WELCOME • WE ACCEPT ALL INSURANCES • S HABLA ESPA OL

1501 E. LP 304 IN CROCKETT • 936-544-7223

FREE COVID TESTING FOR UNINSURED WITH SYMPTOMS

FREE COVID VACCINE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

• Primar care or ad lts and c ildren • Women s ealt amil planning

• Sports P sicals • Weig t loss treatment

Natalie Bachynsky D N C A RN

Patricia Frazier N C A RN

ES N - Houston County Courier

ES C H C -Houston County Messenger

• Texas Healt Steps

Houston County Living | 27

CO M M U N I T Y

By Jan White

Making

it work

with faith T C

T W

28 | Houston County Living

“You can’t do a story about the Chuck Wagon Grill without the story of Tillis Tire and Detail.”

That’s what Regina Tillis said when I sat down to talk to her about how the Chuck Wagon Grill got its start. And she is right. The two businesses have a shared history that began when Regina and W.L. Tillis were children. Growing up in the same neighborhood, Regina was best friends with W.L.’s younger sister. Like a typical older brother, W.L. viewed Regina as a kid. When he found out Regina had a crush on him, his words were, “You’re too young for me.”

But years later, all that changed. As small-town graduates often do, Regina and W.L. left Crockett. But, as fate would have it, they returned to the old neighborhood. The next time W.L. saw Regina, she didn’t seem too young for him anymore. They married and established lives back in their hometown. They have been married for 20 years.

The Tillises have always been hardworking people. Along with his job driving 18-wheelers, W.L. purchased a couple of tractors and found jobs mowing pastures for local farmers. After work, he would mow – and when Regina got off work, she’d go out and mow until dark. It wasn’t long before W.L. decided he needed a place to store his tractors rather than park them in his yard. He arranged to lease an old tire shop from a coworker. When W.L. visited the shop, he noticed that the previous occupant had left an old tire machine and some extra tires. He contacted the owner, but was told just to keep the equipment. W.L. said that the second day he was there, people came by and asked if he could fix their tires. And that’s how the tire business got started.

Tillis Tire and Detail opened in 2007, but it was two years later before Regina began her hamburger business. That, too, came about in a rather unique way.

Regina’s training was in the medical field. She had worked in Crockett nursing homes and eventually took a job in the juvenile corrections field with the Youth Commission. Regina’s job was in the infirmary. When the Youth Commission began to shut down operations and phase out jobs, the medical workers were the first to transition out. Not one to just sit at home, Regina offered to help W.L. out at the tire store, working the cash register or running errands. In their evenings together, they would talk about the day’s journey. It was during these conversations that Regina mentioned an idea to her husband.

She had noticed that after dropping off their vehicles, customers would leave the shop, saying they would be back after they got something to eat.

Regina suggested they come up with a way to throw in together by offering food for the customer, maybe opening up a hamburger place. After all, Regina had been cooking since she was a youngster, learning recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. W.L. found a bus that someone had gutted and refit with electricity, water, refrigerator, and stove.

The couple decided to begin a new enterprise by selling hamburgers. When customers came to visit the shop, they could smell the aroma of something cooking, enticing them to stay and order something to eat. When asked how she came up with the name Chuck Wagon Grill, W.L. said they first started calling the bus “the wagon” because it had a hitch used for hauling it around. From that, the name Chuck Wagon Grill just seemed to fall into place. Regina decorated the area with western décor, befitting of the name.

Initially, the area between the tire shop and the bus was a wide-open space. A few picnic tables were added so customers would have a place to enjoy their burgers. But mostly, it was a take-out joint. Later, W.L.and Regina decided to provide an actual seating area so customers could have a place to eat and visit year-round. That was when the original dining room was built. W.L. and some of his friends added the closed-in area that connects the bus to the tire shop.

In 2013, they added another dining area because their business was booming, and they needed more seating space. At the time, W.L.’s office was quite large. He kept his motorcycle, tires, and displays there, along with seating so that the gentlemen could come by and hang out and just have a place to talk. W.L. told Regina that it looked like he might need to give up that space to expand the restaurant. So they remodeled. His office became the size of a cubicle, but Chuck Wagon Grill now had the capability of seating 40 customers.

W.L. and Regina are people of faith. In relaying their story, Regina quoted the bible verse that says if we have faith as little as a mustard seed, God will answer your prayers. She prayed that if it was the Lord’s will for her to join W.L. in his business, “make it work, make it work.”

Obviously, her prayer was answered.

The couple both have a heart for serving. Regina says that the transition from the medical field to the restaurant industry was easy because both involved helping others. W.L. expressed his gratitude for customers who tell him how much

they appreciate his tire service, but it’s even more gratifying when they comment that the Chuck Wagon Grill is a place to sit down and talk together like a family. Active members of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, W.L. serves as a deacon and Regina, a deaconess. Their motto is, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” Their greatest desire is to meet the needs of others and give back to the community.

Both businesses have earned stellar reputations. The Chuck Wagon Grill serves old-fashioned, hand-pressed, made-to-order burgers with all the sides and fixings, a Texas-sized breakfast menu, a buffet that serves two or three different meats, and up to six vegetables all made from Regina’s family recipes.

That’s just the start. Don’t forget about the pies, banana pudding, cakes, and all the other sweet treats Chuck Wagon has to offer. Chuck Wagon has catered for all events, from local to as far away as Houston and Dallas. Tillis Tire and Detail has earned its own outstanding distinction. Tire stores from Centerville and Huntsville, Grapeland and Trinity, tell their customers, “If we don’t have the size tire you are looking for, go see Tillis.”

W.L. and Regina believe in giving back to the community.

You can see their catering wagon at local events offering free hot dogs, donating meals to charitable events, always seeking opportunities to pay forward the support they have received from local residents.

Tillis Tire and Detail and Chuck Wagon Grill are located at 805 South 4th Street. Stop in and let W.L. take care of your vehicle needs. And while you’re waiting, grab something to eat from the Chuck Wagon Grill. You won’t be disappointed by either business.

Houston County Living | 29

Brides

of Houston ey ri e rt , daughter of Bo ie o and hillip Frizzell, married yan orton at ark Hill Farm in Crockett, T .

Photo by Nana with a Camera

e by e er , daughter of alph and Lanell lass, married ames Bond at a pri ate ceremony in Crockett, T .

Photo by Nana with a Camera

30 | Houston County Living

at eri e ea i ey, daughter of Smitty and ae- at ean, married aten ichey at adera Estates in Conroe, T .

Photo by Ama By Aisha han

a ra iet ier e, daughter of iriam Fanny ieto and Cesar rturo ogson, married eremy ierce at St. Francis Catholic Church in Crockett, T .

Photo by Capt red o l Photography

n County ait ite , daughter of ichael and orthella White, married Blake ohnson at ood Shepherd Fellowship Church in Crockett, T .

e i a a e, daughter of eter Haddock and ina uerra, married aco hone at The ines at Cherokee Farms in ackson ille, T .

Photo by Candid Lens Photography

ar aret ra e a e rt, daughter Barry ra es and Caren ueffer, married Col y a enport at Cochino Lodge in ennard, T .

aria r i e , daughter of Braulio and ngelica r izu, married Luis Lopez at The Barn at Hickory Creek anch in Crockett, T .

ei a er ir , daughter of Farris (deceased) and arianne nderson, married Barry Bird at estless ines in Lo elady, T . Photo by McCartney + Blake

Photo by Itaiholara Photography

Photo by Nana with a Camera

Photo Anna Neel Photography

Photo by Itaiholara Photography

r a a e e e t, daughter of ike and o Lane, married aniel Clement, in Houston, T .

Photography

HoustonCounty CountyLiving Living| 31 | 31 Houston

Bridal Registry

ocal e in re istry at Bella Gifts from the Heart & Rustic Market #re isterlocal #houstoncountyfirst

Bella

Gifts from the Heart 406 E. Houston Avenue | Downtown Crockett 936.545.1906 | bellagiftsfromtheheart.com Store Hours. M-F: 10-5 , SAT: 10-4 32 | Houston County Living

Houston County Living | 33

34 | Houston County Living

Photos provided by Crockett Family Resort and Marina

R E C R EATIO N

Everything Old is New Again

By Jan White Crockett Family Resort and Marina has been a long-time fixture at Houston County Lake. Recently, new life has been breathed into the area.

In August of 2020, the resort opened under new management. Owners Ricardo Rausseo and his son, Ricardo Jr., saw the opportunity to restore the resort and create a true destination site.

Their motto is “Rebuilt with love from our family to yours” and it shows.

The park boasts 116 RV sites, 15 adjoining kitchenette cabins, nine cabins scattered throughout the park, five high-end tiny homes, two cottages, and two dorms with 11 beds each — all of which have been updated.

Besides renovating the cabins and the R.V. parking areas, the swimming pool is now heated so guests can enjoy year-round. The children’s playground features putt-putt golf, shuffleboard, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.

Another outstanding and much-needed improvement is the resort’s creation of a sand beach. Guests can lounge in the sun, play beach volleyball, or just enjoy easy access to the swimming area. Paddleboats and kayaks are available for those who want to explore the lake. For boaters, ethanol-free fuel is now available for a speedy gas fill up.

A large, covered, outdoor pavilion provides the perfect place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, quinceañeras, family reunions, or just a fun get-together with friends. For added convenience, catering is available upon re-

Lawrence Realty Nancy Lawrence | Broker/Owner

quest. If you want to escape the brutal summer heat, two air-conditioned clubhouses can host approximately 130 people. Each has a separate full kitchen, and one of the clubhouses features a fireplace.

Inside, the original office area has been revamped with cozy seating around a working fireplace, a casual dining area with a Hunt Brothers Pizza kiosk, and a community store that sells a variety of grocery items, including wine, beer and cigarettes. When completed, the screened-in porch will provide a perfect sunset view without attacks from pesky mosquitoes.

Area boat enthusiasts will be happy to hear that construction has begun on a new dock, with short and long-term boat slips and fishing stations. For those who wish to spend their evening enjoying the sunset and dining on great food, plans are in the works for a restaurant and cantina with live entertainment.

With the updates, 2022 should be a banner year for Crockett Family Resort and Marina. In the meantime, the resort has already received accolades from recent guests. Those visiting have left comments that include great management, having an amazing time, returning with the family, how the resort is relaxing and beautiful, and a fantastic sunrise.

With summer just a few short months away, make plans now to visit Crockett Family Resort and Marina. For information and reservations, call 936-544-8466 or email frontdesk.cfresort@ gmail.com.

(O) 936-544-4747 (F) 936-544-5867 | 586 E Loop 304, Crockett TX www.lawrencerealestateonline.com

We love selling Houston County!

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS Houston County Living | 35

DISCOVER

HOUSTON COUNTY LAKE a i u u li

e

a a

0

h 40’

ess

has he

en ial

res

r du e

h drilla large r h large

r

e

Su s an ial ula i n f s ed ass

a il Res r fee re uired

un

u h

B a Ra

red inan ish S e ies

Redear Sunfish Bluegill arge u h Bass

ns ru

ed in

rini Ri er rainage ingerling l rida arge 4

arge

S S

ser ed sin e 0 u h Bass

ed in 0 ed in 0

u h ass an e augh

s readily

in earl S ring and all n a arie ll 36 | Houston County Living

us n un a e urna en s n a e de ails n rida nigh fishing urna en s

f ai s f r

UND ERBRUSH I NG AND SM TI M BER M ULC H I NG ALL OILFIELD SERVICES - EXCAVATION - WELL SITES PIT RECLAMATION - DUMP TRUCKS LAKE BUILDING - CONSTRUCTION 936-687-2017 • BARTEECONSTRUCTION.COM 13363 US HIGHWAY 287 NORTH - GRAPELAND, TX 520 E. Goliad Ave. in Crockett, Texas (936) 544-7661 crockettprinting@gmail.com •Copies, Fax, Notary • Business cards • Invitations • NCR Invoices/Forms • Signs & Banners • Brochures & Flyers • Envelopes • Any size labels

• Full Color Decals • Nameplates/Tags • Plaques, Trophies, & Awards • Graphic Design • Large Format Prints, Posters, & Blueprints • Any size Lamination

• Custom Stamps • Sublimated T-Shirts, Mugs, Coasters, Mousepads, Hats, & more • Vinyl Decals, T-Shirts • Christian Books, Bibles, & Gifts

AND SO MUCH MORE!

• Commercial & Residential • Professional Clearing • Clean Fence Rows • Up To 8” Trees

Cory Norsworthy | 936-546-8519 John Norsworthy |713-899-9899 john@jdntractor.com

Broker,

LaWanda Pennington R E A L E S TA T E

For ALL your Real Estate needs, contact LaWanda Pennington!

107 S. 4th St. in Downtown Crockett Serving Houston County since 1961

lawanda@grapeland.com

812 N. Market St., Grapeland, TX

936-852-3540

Download our Rx2Go mobile M-F: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM app for Apple & Sat: 8:30 AM-12:00 PM Android!

CLOSED ON SUNDAY

WE DELIVER! • 936-544-2275 Houston County Living | 37

SALE EVERY TUESDAY 936-544-2246 EASTTEXASLIVESTOCK@YAHOO.COM

Ready to plant your roots this Spring?

1 0 7 8 1 US H w y 2 8 7 N • Gr a p e l a n d , TX 7 5 8 4 4 w w w .s o n n y t u n s t a ll.c o m Of f i c e : 9 3 6 - 6 8 7 - 2 2 2 6 • C e l l : 9 3 6 - 2 0 4 - 2 9 9 2

893 STATE HWY 7 WEST CROCKETT, TX 75835

WELCOME HOME FOR ALL VETERANS & GUESTS

HOURS: Monday-Saturday 2 PM-9PM Sunday 12 PM-9 PM Friday Dinner Plates at 7:00 PM for Scholarship Fund

AMERICAN LEGION POST 134

936-544-3888 | 1000 BRAZOS STREET, CROCKETT, TX. 75835

We welcome the public to come & support America’s Veterans 38 | Houston County Living

Hall with and without kitchen available for rental.

Commander: Milton Ladnier

STANDOUT TEAMS

S P O RT S

Baseball & Softball By a y a Bats cracking, gloves popping and fans cheering.

The familiar sounds of a long-running spring tradition will soon echo throughout ballparks around Houston County, as hundreds of youngsters hit the baseball and softball diamonds.

Players from tee-ball age and up will begin practicing for opening day, which typically includes a ceremony, first pitch, cake auctions and even a parade.

For some teams, a season that begins on a chilly spring day will stretch into the sweltering heat of summer.

Such was the case for four Crockett Merchant Girls Softball teams that advanced to Texas Teen-Age Softball state tourna tournaments last July.

The Crockett Fireballs brought home the TTAS 15u State Championship after winning five games on the final day of the tournament and the Crockett Outlawz 15u fin-ished seventh out of 19 teams.

Crockett Rampage came in seventh out of 19 teams in the 12u state tournament and the Crockett Lady Bandits finished 11th in a 22-team field at the 8u state tourney.

Expectations remain high as CMGS gears up for its 30th season.

Crockett Merchants Youth Baseball, which traces its roots back to the 1950s when it was affiliated with Little League, boasts a bevy of alumni who fulfilled their childhood dreams of playing professional baseball.

Crockett, which now competes in Dixie Youth Baseball, sent its 10u All-Stars team to the DYB state tournament last season along with Grapeland Youth Baseball’s 10u All-Stars.

Players from four county schools joined forces to bring home the Texas Teen-Age Baseball (TTAB) 15u state runner-up honors last July. The Latexo Tigers, consisting of players from Latexo, Crockett, Grapeland and Kennard, lost a heartbreaker to Tyler T.K. Gorman, 15-14, in the championship game.

There was plenty to celebrate on the high school level in softball and baseball, as well, last year.

The Kennard Tigers brought home the UIL Class 1A State Runner-Up trophy in their first trip to the state baseball tournament at Round Rock.

With eight Tigers returning, Kennard fans may want to keep their schedules clear for June 8-9.

In softball, the Lovelady Lady Lions were class 2A UIL regional finalists and fans are once again excited about their prospects.

Grapeland and Latexo were both bi-district softball champions and Kennard is looking for a return trip to the playoffs.

Political ad paid for by Morris Luker Houston County Living | 39

C O MMU NIT Y

When

DREAMS

become realities

By Jan White Winston Churchill once said, “There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

It’s a quote that resonates soundly with equestrian Allyson Barnes.

Allyson was born in Queensland, Australia, the daughter of a cutting horse trainer. When most of us were still learning to walk, Allyson was already in the saddle. While other children attended daycare, Allyson’s father would sit her on his gentle, older horse and keep her close while he trained. By the age of four, she was competing in her first NCHA cutting competition. Horses were in her blood. And being a horse-lover himself, her father made sure that Allyson had every opportunity to try any riding activity in which she had an interest.

As a youngster, she competed in show jumping, English riding events, and western pleasure events. As she got older, she tried

40 | Houston County Living

“The most beautiful thing that can be learned from working with horses is surrender.” a little roping, but her genuine interest leaned toward training quality barrel and pole racing horses.

When Allyson was 13, her family relocated to Texas. After a brief stint working for a trainer in Bonham, her father took a position with Center Ranch, a quarter horse operation in Centerville, known for its first-class breeding, training, and veterinary facilities. The move to Texas was quite a culture shock for the teenager. Allyson explained, “The school system is different in Australia than here. There, once you get to 10th grade, you graduate, and you’re done. The 11th and 12th grades are for specific studies for the field of work you intend to pursue.” Although her advanced education tested her out at the 11th-grade level, Allyson’s mother thought it best for her to remain in ninth grade. The setback came as quite a blow. And at a time when many kids want to fly under the radar, her Australian accent made Allyson stick out like a sore thumb. She adopted a Texas accent as fast as possible. Allyson admits that her high school years were difficult, but working with horses gave her the breathing room to manage those tough times.

During the summer months, the children and grandchildren of the ranch’s owner, Finis Welch, would visit. And, of course, they wanted to learn how to ride, so at age 15, Allyson took on the role of teacher. That first summer, Welch paid Allyson to teach lessons. But the second summer, Allyson spotted a colt that she wanted for her own. The two of them struck a deal — if she gave riding lessons and worked all summer, Allyson could earn the colt. Her hard work resulted in the acquisition of “Cracker,” who became her high school rodeo horse.

Allyson has compared having a dad who trained cutting horses to having a parent in the military – it meant moving around frequently. So early on, she developed a deep desire for stability. Allyson made a vow that she would own property by the time she turned 25, and she did just that.

In 2015, about a year before her 25th birthday, Allyson bought a house and 10 acres of land just outside Loop 304 in Crockett. Here, she merged her love for horses and her gift for teaching into afterschool horse programs, group lessons, and day camps. Allyson admits, “There’s definitely something special about giving the first lesson to that little boy or girl who has always wanted their own horse.” She has a steady flow of clients who come

from locations as far as Athens, Livingston and Tyler to attend classes.

“Therapy, finding the perfect horse for the perfect home, and competition,” Allyson says, “are my three favorite aspects of working with horses.” Her clients have included autism-scale and Down’s Syndrome students. “I always had and always will have a deep love for therapeutic riding and special-needs students,” she shared. “Seeing the way horses can speak to and change these students without a word is truly remarkable.”

Her connection with the rodeo circuit has helped with Allyson’s mission of finding the right horse for the right home. As championship horses retire, their owners seek ways to re-home these rodeo veterans and keep them from the slaughterhouse. Allyson has adopted or purchased several of the horses herself for use in her riding classes, but also to rehabilitate and retrain for riders who want to own their own mount. And for those older or injured horses, she has a personal inroad for help – her father, John Arnall. While still in Australia, Arnall developed a proprietary blend of natural, plant-based herbs to assist in the care and healing of horses. Allyson uses these “Arnall’s Naturals” supplements to aid horses in reaching peak health and performance. With the recent purchase of an additional seven acres of land, Allyson can expand her vision by boarding horses and extending her training area.

In the next year, Allyson hopes to build a competition team to compete locally and across the state.

She already has her eye on a few riders she feels are talented enough to become strong contenders. Although her passion is to fine-tune horses and riders for the winner’s circle, she also enjoys working with young horses. The next generation of horses is continually groomed for barrel racing greatness. Futurities are competitions designed to find and showcase horses with exceptional ability, so Allyson suggested an investment in a barrel futurity may also be in the cards.

A devout believer, Allyson uses the concept of riding a horse to illustrate her relationship with God. “When you climb up on that horse’s back, you are really giving up your sense of control. God asks us to trust him, and that’s what that horse is looking for – trust and surrender.” Trust in God has helped Allyson move past some of the low points in life, and she believes working with horses

“There is no better place to heal … than on the back of a horse.”

— Missy Lyons Houston County Living | 41

is her calling. “If God has placed a desire on your heart, never give up on it. He is always faithful to see us through.”

Not all people can say that their job is also their passion. Fortunately, for Allyson, both are true. “The future looks really bright for High 5 Horses,” she stated, referring to the business she incorporated last year. Allyson gives credit to her husband, Jay, and sons, Tate and Kian, for their incredible support in helping reach her goals.

“It’s been my dream for years to work with horses full-time,” Allyson said.

Looking around at the happy faces of her riding students, her stable of beautiful horses, and the way her face lights up when sharing her story, it would seem that Allyson’s dream has indeed come true.

42 | Houston County Living

Fast, friendly & affordable.

F U L L S E R C H A W IN D S H IE A U T O , A T D E T A C E R A M IC

V IC N G L D V & IL IN C O

E

E O IL

R E P A IR B O A T G A T IN G

O W N E R | O P E R ATO R BUGS & ANGELA JOSLEN

936-544-9262

624 E Loop 304, Crockett TX

aboilandlube

BUY. SELL. EASIER.

Karen Rice

Leadership Integrity Dedication

REALTOR

508 E Goliad St. in Crockett • 936-438-1388 • karenrealestate.karen@aol.com

Buying or Selling?

Call your local Expert!

718 South 4TH ST. Crockett, TX 75835

CALL OR TEXT 979-219-6552 OFFICE: 936-544-1808

bobbiepoolerealtyteam@gmail.com

2915 Atkinson Dr. Lufkin, TX 75901 936-634-2762 www.TrentAshby.com

Political advertisement paid for by the Trent Ashby Campaign

Houston County Living | 43

“One Town - One School - One Family” 936-544-2125 | www.crockettisd.net | cisdinfo@crockettisd.net

44 | Houston County Living

R E CR E AT I O N

LOVING THE OUTDOORS

Exploring Mission Tejas Henry David Thoreau, an American naturalist and philosopher said, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”

It seems like it would be impossible to feel taller than the trees in Houston County. The thickets of towering pine trees, with their luscious bark and diminutive evergreen bundles of needles, are the skyscrapers of this rural area.

At the northern point of the Davy Crockett National Forest, you’ll find a state park that fully encompasses the pineywoods’ beauty and is also enriched in history. Mission Tejas State Park,

now over 600 acres, offers visitors the opportunity to explore under a canopy of these skyscrapers. Instead of concrete, traffic, and noise, you’ll be met with dirt, solitude, and tranquility.

Mission San Francisco de los Tejas was the first mission in the province of Texas. Many settlements were built in the area by the French, Spaniards, and Native Americans, but all were abandoned until 1957, when citizens of Houston County bought the land. Through a Legislative Act by the Texas Forest Service, the name was changed to Mission Tejas Historical Park. The history of settlers stretches back to as early as 1690.

Houston County Living | 45

Pine trees dominate the landscape, but you may catch the dogwood trees in bloom, depending on what time of year you visit. There’s a rich diversity of trees from when Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees reforested land that had suffered from loss of trees and erosion. The natural wonder is abundant when you’re at Mission Tejas, and the volunteers have maintained the beauty very nicely.

Today, the park offers tent and RV camping, fishing on San Pedro Creek, picnicking, and hiking through 8.5 miles of pristine trails with manmade footbridges to cross the ravines and creeks. If you really want to unplug, try hiking the Steep Ravine trail and camping at one of five primitive campsites. The CCC Bathtubs, the Rice Family Log Home, and a replica of the original mission burned down by the Spaniards are just a few of the many sites that offer a glimpse into the history of the land.

Feeling taller than the trees is a right of passage that comes with stepping into the woods, taking in the beauty of the nature surrounding you, relishing in the history that once took place on the ground where you stand, and finding peace in the solitude that the forest offers.

When you leave Mission Tejas State Park, there seems to be a sense of freedom, a respect for the land, and a knowing that all of this will remain long after you. *** Editor’s Note: After hiking all the trails in Mission Tejas, some multiple times, turning 8.5 miles into 14 with my sons in January, my personal favorite was the Big Pine Trail with its beautiful bridges, steps, and diverse scenery. This trail will also take you to the Rice Family Log Home and CCC Bathtubs.

46 | Houston County Living

Waterslides & Bounce House Combo Rentals

Mission Tejas

Open 7 days a week year-round.

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year.

19343 State Highway 21 E., Grapeland, TX 75844 For reservations, call 512-389-8900 For information only, call 936-687-2394 www,tpwd.texas.gov/missiontejas/

Our new light-up slides are a guaranteed hit for kids and teenagers. Dazzling LED changing lights keep the party going after dark. Great for birthday parties, sleepovers, slumber parties, and more!

Want to be the coolest parent on the block? Book with us. Only at M&G Inflatables. All slides can be used wet, dry, or turned into a ball pit.

$3 entry fee for adults, Children 12 and under are free.

936-545-6329

M&G Inflatables

mginflatables2021@gmail.com SERVING ALL OF EAST TEXAS! SE HABLA ESPAÑOL Houston County Living | 47

S IDE DI SHES a

i

e

i

Ingredients: - 2-3 Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast (can use canned chicken) - (1) 8 oz Block of Cream Cheese Softened - 1 Cup of Franks ed Hot Sauce - 3 Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese Instructions: reheat o en to 350 degrees i shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce and 2 cups of shredded cheese in a large mi ing owl Spread the mi ture in an e en layer in a cast iron skillet or aking dish Bake at 350 for 10 minutes ull out the dip and mi it in the pan to make sure that the cream cheese is e en throughout Layer the top with 1 cup of shredded cheese lace ack in o er and cook for 10 minuets Let cool, ut not too much and en oy with tortilla chips. This dish can e made the day efore and re-heated.

T rte i i Sa a Ingredients: - 10-12 oz. of Spinach and Cheese Tortellini - 16 oz. of Cherry Tomatoes, hal ed - 2 cans of edium itted Black Oli es, drained - 1 c. of Shredded armesan Cheese - 2 c. of Fresh Ba y Spinach - 1 teaspoon of talian Seasoning - 1 c. of arlic owder - 1 c. of talian ressing - 2 teaspoons of esto *** Optional: hopped purple onion or bell pepper Instructions: lace spinach in a large owl Cook, drain, and transfer warm tortellini into the owl with spinach and allow to wilt for a out 5 minutes dd the remaining ingredients to the owl and toss until e enly coated Ser e cold or at room temperature

48 | Houston County Living

ii

ee e rit

r Sa a

This salad is super-easy to make and is a great addition to any meal especially those spur-of-themoment ackyard ar ecues Ingredients: - 2 15-ounce cans of sweet yellow corn (drained) - 6 green onions, chopped - 1 red ell pepper, chopped - 1 green ell pepper, chopped - 1 small unch of cilantro, chopped - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup mayonnaise - uice of 1 lime - ½ teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste) - ½ teaspoon cumin (or more to taste) - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon garlic powder Com ine all ingredients E CE T the Chili - One ag of Chili Cheese Fritos Cheese Fritos in a large salad owl. Stir until well lended. Chill for at least 30 minutes or until ready to ser e. ust efore ser ing, crush the package of Fritos and mi it into the corn salad, reser ing a out ½ cup to sprinkle o er the top.

Strawberry Trifle Ingredients: - 1 ngel Food Cake, cut into cu es - 1 large container of Cool Whip - 1 container of arshmallow uff Cream - ½ stick of melted utter - 4 c. of Straw erries, hal ed or uartered - 1 Ta lespoon of anilla E tract - ½ c. of owder Sugar *** Optional: Blueberries or Blackberries can really make this dessert pop with color.

Instructions: Com ine Cool Whip, arshmallow uff Cream, owdered Sugar, Butter and anilla E tract in a mi ing owl and mi until all ingredients are e enly com ined and smooth Layer 1 3 of your cake cu s in the ottom of your Trifle Bowl Layer Straw erries on top of the cake Spread 1 3 of you whipped mi ture on top of the straw erries epeat instructions 2 more times so that you ha e 3 full layers Top with the remaining straw erries Ser e Cold

Houston County Living | 49

Thank youto ouradvertisers

We’re so thankful for the opportunity to present you with a lifestyle magazine that highlights the people, places and treasures in Houston County. This would not have been possible without the advertisers below. These local business owners trusted the vision and the process that we laid out and decided to be a part of the movement.

For marketing opportunities in the Fall 2022 edition please email Ashley Bankhead-Keenan at marketing@hccourier.com.

A&B Oil & Lube, LLC American Legion Post #134 Bartee Construction Bella Gifts from the Heart Betty Boop’s Diner Bill Fick Ford Bobbie Poole Realty Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce Crockett Independent School District Crockett Printing Cutshaw Chevrolet Davy Crockett Drug East Texas Livestock East Texas Tree Service El Jimadors Mexican Restaurant #10 Hargrove-Neel, Inc. Houston County Family Medical Clinic

Karen Rice, Realtor Kittie’s Closet Knox Furniture Larry Bruce Gardens Latexo Independent School District LaWanda Pennington, Realtor Los Ranchos Mexican Restaurant M&G Inflatables Morris Luker, Constable Precinct 1 Nancy Lawrence Realty New Image Salon McClain Pest Control, LLC Precision Tractor The Loft The Rustic Market Trent Ashby Sonny Tunstall Real Estate

Want to advertise your business with us?

Polk County Publishing Company publishes weekly newspapers in Houston, Polk, San Jacinto, Tyler, and Trinity County. PCPC actively covers over 25 East Texas counties and reaches the greater pineywoods region through its magazine and online publications. Call 936-544-2238 to speak to one of our advertising representatives.

To advertise directly in the Houston County Courier or Houston County Living Magazine, email marketing@hccourier.com or elizabeth@hccourier.com Mailing Address: PO Box 551, Crockett, TX 75835 50 | Houston County Living

Physical Address: 102 S. 7th St., Crockett, TX 75835

IN FORMATI ON

Thinking of Moving to Houston County?

Use our Relocation Information Guide to find out more about what Houston County has to offer!

City of Crockett 936-544-5156 200 N. 5th St., Crockett www.crocketttexas.org Mayor Dr. Ianthia Fisher mayor@crocketttexas.org

Houston County Sheriff’s Department 936-544-2862 700 S. 4th St., Crockett Sheriff Randy Hargrove www.co.houston.tx.us

City of Grapeland 936-687-2115 126 S. Oak St., Grapeland www.grapeland.com Mayor Mitchell Woody

Crockett Chamber 936-544-2359 1100 Edminston Dr., Crockett www.crockettareachamber.org

Houston County Senior Citizen Center 936-544-7507 716 Wells St., Crockett

Crockett Police Department 936-544-2021 200 N. 5th St., Crockett Chief Clayton Smith smithclayton@crocketttexas.org

City of Kennard 936-655-2248 310 W. Main St., Kennard www.cityofkennard.com Mayor Jesse Stephens City of Lovelady 936-636-7313 130 N. Commerce St., Lovelady Mayor William Shoemaker

Consolidated Water Supply Corporation 936-544-2986 401 NE Loop 304, Crockett www.consolidatedwsc.com

Grapeland Chamber www.grapelandareachamber.org

Houston County Courthouse 936-544-3986 401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett www.co.houston.tx.us Houston County Electric Coop 1-800-657-2445 Outage Hotline: 1-800-970-4232 1701 SE Loop 304, Crockett www.houstoncountyelec.com

800-559-4295 737 I-45 N, Huntsville TX

Houston County Work Force Solutions 936-544-7859 1505 S. 4th St., Crockett www.detwork.com Crockett Economic & Industrial Development Corporation 936-546-5636 1100 Edminston Dr., Crockett TX www.crockettedc.org Grapeland Police Department 936-687-2115 126 S. Oak St., Grapeland Chief Kody Stephens

NEW | PRE-OWNED

www.billfickfordhuntsville.com

Houston County Living | 51

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Happy Hour All Day Tuesday & Saturday on House Margaritas!

HAPPY HOUR | 11 AM- 7 PM M, W, TH, F & SUN

Daily Specials

Party Packs for 3 or 5

We cater & deliver!

1009 E LOOP | 304 CROCKETT, TX

936-243-6006

52 | Houston County Living

ELJIMADORRESTAURANTGRILL.COM