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CONTENTS
TOURISM 2023-2024
8 • HENDERSON CIVIC CENTER HENDERSON PARKS
10 • HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL 12 • KWRD 98.5/1470
CHRISTMAS IN HENDERSON
13 • GASTON MUSEUM TATUM
7
12
14 • MT. ENTERPRISE 15 • NEW LONDON
4 • ABOUT HENDERSON 5 • THE HENDERSON NEWS 6 • DEPOT MUSEUM EXPO CENTER
7 • RUSK COUNTY AIRPORT
HOWARD DICKINSON HOUSE
PUBLISHED BY
1211 KILGORE DRIVE, SUITE 101, HENDERSON TX 75652 903-657-2501 | WWW.THEHENDERSONNEWS.COM County information is from the Texas State Historical Association
Need mar markketing ideas ffor or y your our business? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Ashley King 903.657.7355 TOURISM 2023-2024 | 3
HENDERSON
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he City of Henderson is one of Texas’ best small towns to visit, live and play. This Go Texan Certified Retirement Community is located in the Pineywoods of Northeast Texas just 35 miles from Tyler, Longview and Nacogdoches and offers a true taste of southern hospitality from its historic sites, friendly atmosphere and rich traditions. Henderson is home to more than 13,000 residents and is the county seat of Rusk County. Formed in the 1800s, the downtown business district was laid out around the courthouse square and is now a vibrant downtown historic district. Since 1988 it has been a Texas Main Street City and is also a National Main Street City. Today the unique character of downtown has been preserved and has new life. Henderson is a hub for business activity, serves as a major crossroads in Northeast Texas, and offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities, shopping and dining. Come and see why so many people are making this true Texas community their home.
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THE HENDERSON NEWS
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he Henderson News has proudly served as the Rusk County newspaper of record since 1931, and with its devoted staff works diligently to deliver relevant, important and entertaining news to its readers. The Henderson News is a semi-weekly newspaper, published in Henderson, Texas, with both Wednesday and Weekend distribution. Owned by M. Roberts Media, the hometown offices have recently relocated to 1211 Kilgore Drive, Suite 101, still conveniently located moments away from the heart of Henderson and Rusk County. The newspaper was formed on October 6, 1930, the day after the discovery of the East Texas Oil Field. The Henderson News strives to evolve within these ever-changing times. While still delivering thousands of paper issues to subscribers across town, across the state, and beyond, today's modern readers can find the same interesting information, and more, on the company's recently improved website at www.thehendersonnews.com. For those with a penchant for the historic, hundreds of issues of the Henderson Daily News, dating as far back
DOWNTOWN
as 1933, can be found in the University of North Texas Portal to Texas History. Currently there are hundreds of issues of The Henderson News dating from 2019 to 2015, with more added weekly. To view the archived newspapers, visit texashistory.unt.edu. The Henderson News recently donated decades of bound issues to the Rusk County Historical Commission who will use the wealth of information to solidify its genealogical research.
SATURDAY
100 East Main St.
NOVEMBER 11, 2023
Antique Cars Exhibit Arts & Crafts, Retail & Food Vendors Square Dancers and Cloggers Live Music Entertainment Children’s Section Pony Rides
Henderson, Texas
10 Blocks
Henderson Civic Theatre Melodrama Performances: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
All Day Hayride Shuttles Between Depot and Downtown For Information Tourism@hendersontx ph: 903-392-8232 or 903-657-4303 www.visithendersontx.com www.depotmuseum.com
DEPOT MUSEUM 514 North High
Ribbon Cane Syrup Making Folk Art Demonstrations Folk Art Vendors Food Vendors Carousel Rides Saw Mill Demonstrations Cotton Gin Antique Tractors and Engines Story Telling Live Music TOURISM 2023-2024 | 5
DEPOT MUSEUM
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he Depot Museum and Children’s Discovery Center has been home to Rusk County’s history since 1979. The five-acre museum features exhibits and 12 restored structures. The Walling Log Cabin built in 1841 and the Arnold Outhouse has been awarded an official Texas Historical Medallion, with the Arnold Outhouse receiving a Texas Historical Marker. The Arnold Building introduces visitors to tales of Indians, settlers, schools, technology, wildcatters, as well as Boral Brick, the most prominent industry in Rusk County. Outside the main building is the Beall-Ross house, an example of dogtrot architecture and home to the founders of Bealls Department Store. A large two-story building contains a Munger Model Gin, powered by a 70HP Anderson oil burning engine, the last in the county with all the equipment in place. The Depot Museum also houses an operational saw mill, a restored 1901 Missouri-Pacific station, the T.J. Walling log cabin, Arnold Outhouse, a general store, print shop, doctor’s office, MOPAC caboose, an oil derrick and a barn and broom factory.
The 1950-60s era carousel from Lake Forest Park is the latest edition to the complex. The mule-powered syrup mill on the grounds is the focus of the Heritage Syrup Festival each year. The museum, located at 514 N. High St., is open year round with the exception of holidays, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays, for parties only. For reservations or more information about the museum, call 903-657-4303 or visit www.depotmuseum.com.
EXPO CENTER
Open Year Round Mon - Fri 9 am - 4 pm Saturday 9 am-12 pm
(Scheduled parties ONLY on Saturdays.)
514 N. High Street Henderson, TX 903-657-4303
Admission Fees: $3 Adult, $2 Senior $1 Child $1 Carousel Rides www.depotmuseum.com depot@depotmuseum.com p p
The Depot Museum houses Rusk County History and Children’s Children s Discovery Center. Clustered on five acres are twelve restored structures from Rusk County’s past. A video introduces guests to the early residents of Rusk County - an intriguing blend of Native American, settlers, and oilhungry wildcatters. The Rusk County Historical Commission and Genealogy office is also on the grounds.
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he Tommy McDaniel Rusk County Youth Expo Center, located at 3303 FM 13 West, has a long history of hosting many agricultural events for the youth in the community. The center is home to many large events including the Rusk County Youth Project Show, the Rusk County RRCA Rodeo, the East Texas Antique Tractor and Engine Show and the Texas Oilfield Angels Crawfish Boil. The 100,000 square foot facility, renovated in 2016-2017, can accommodate weddings, reunions, jackpot shows, rodeos and a variety of other events. For more information, contact Expo Manager Jennifer Sprayberry at 903-722-0101.
RUSK COUNTY AIRPORT
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he T-33 training jet is located at the entrance of Rusk County Airport, conveniently located at 3500 County Road 416A, three miles from downtown Henderson. The jet was used to train Air Force pilots during the 1950s and 1960s and it also serves as a memorial to all veterans. Since the completion of the airport terminal, the airport has added covered parking for those who fly, a spacious lobby, a pilot weather and planning room, Wi-Fi access and TV for guests to stay up-to-date on weather and news while traveling. The Rusk County Airport is home to the some of the lowest priced 100LL AVGAS in the country and fuel is available 24/7 by a self-serve credit card terminal at the pump. A courtesy vehicle is also available to travel into Henderson. The airport is home to the annual Air Show
held the first Saturday in June. For more information, call Airport Manager Alexa McAnally at 903-657-7081 or visit www.ruskcountyairport.com.
HOWARD DICKINSON HOUSE
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he Howard Dickinson House located at 501 South Main is one of the most historic buildings in Henderson. Posed serenely on a gentle hill overlooking South Main Street, the Howard Dickinson House stands as a testament to more than 160 years of Rusk County History. It was the first brick home built in the county by brothers James and David P. Howard, settlers from Virginia. The two were brick masons and carpenters and were involved in building many of the buildings in downtown Henderson. Sam Houston was a frequent visitor to the house and the first president of the Republic of Texas was a cousin to Martha Ann Howard. The Texas statesman’s campaign trunk is displayed in the house. The home was bought in 1905 by Mrs. M.C. Dickinson and was used as a boarding house during the East Texas Oil Boom years. The Dickinsons added a wing that contains the library and lived in the home for nearly 50 years. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Bryce purchased the house in 1950, but it stood empty for 14 years. In 1964, Bryce deeded the house to the Rusk County Heritage Association and it was opened to the public as a living museum and meeting place for special events after extensive fundraising for the restoration. The Howard Dickinson House was presented a Texas Historical Medallion in
1968 and was recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark for its importance to Henderson and early Texas history. Tours are by appointment only. For more information, call the Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce at 903-657-6925.
TUES-THUR 10AM - 5PM FRI 10AM - 2:30PM SAT 10 AM - 5PM
(903)722-2241
TOURISM 2023-2024 | 7
HENDERSON CIVIC THEATRE
HENDERSON PARKS
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he Henderson Civic Theatre, located in the restored downtown Opera House at 112 E. Main St., offers the finest in community theatre with a wide variety of plays and musicals to suit all tastes. HCT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging and educating the general public through the presentation of dramatic arts in all forms. HCT’s production season begins in the fall and sponsors other unique events throughout the year and is committed to furthering its outreach endeavors through new programs, partnerships, and community involvement. For more information visit www.hendersoncivictheatre.org or call 903-657-2968.
YATES PARK
ALLEY ON MAIN
Henderson is home to several parks. Located next to the Rusk County Library is an area designed for visitors to enjoy historic downtown Henderson. The area features tables with umbrellas, plants and a water feature on the wall of the library. Lights also hang across the area to provide light in the evening hours for families and friends to meet and visit. Public restrooms are also available.
FAIR PARK
Located just a few blocks from downtown on Fair Park Avenue, is bustling Fair Park with activities for
MAKE MEMORIES Downtown Destinations
Antiques, Boutiques & more around every corner Better Half Antiques Campfire Coffee Co. Cage 24 ETAB Bike Shop The Curious Wren
Deadwood South Boutique Donovan’s Henderson Civic Theater Kelly B’s on the Square
The Look Salon Mane Street Salon Peterson’s Home Furnishings Possibilities Rayford Florist
Revive & Renew Salon SoShee Boutique Uppercut Barbershop Wild Iris Florist & Fine Gifts
For more information contact the Tourism Department at 903-392-0691 or email tourism@hendersontx.us 8 | TOURISM 2023-2024
FAIR PARK
the whole family. It includes a lighted pavilion, playground, splash pad for children, skateboard ramps, a softball field, tennis courts, a shaded 1.8 mile ADA concrete walking trail with benches, a seasonal farmers’ market and a new dog park called Fair Paws Dog Park.
LAKE FOREST PARK
The large park between the Henderson Civic Center and Henderson Police Department is Lake Forest Park located on Texas Highway 64 West. The park features pavilions, restrooms, a playground, rose gardens and a walkway that leads to a gazebo over the lake. It is a popular spot for fishing, picnics and walking. The park also contains disc golf pavilions. Keep Henderson Beautiful also constructed
ALLEY ON MAIN
a plaza at the lake for concerts and other events.
YATES PARK
Located on Van Sickle Street, Henderson’s Yates Park features a playground, restrooms, a lighted basketball court and softball field, a splash pad and plenty of open space to play.
LAKE FOREST PARK
YEAR AROUND EVENTS FEBRUARY Mardi Gras Youth Project Show
APRIL-MAY Drivable Wildflower Trails
APRIL Antique Tractor Show A Day on Main Spring Art Walk
JULY Freedom Festival AUGUST Sacred Harp Singing Convention
SEPTEMBER Autumn Art Walk OCTOBER Rusk County Rodeo Downtown Trick-or-Treat
NOVEMBER Magic on Main Open House Heritage Syrup Festival DECEMBER Christmas Parade Visit Santa’s House
STAY AWHILE... TOURISM 2023-2024 | 9
HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL
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he festival is always held the second Saturday in November. The “Sweetest Festival in Texas” is centered around the mule-powered syrup mill that makes ribbon cane syrup located on the Depot Museum grounds, alongside folk artists demonstrating their skills, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s activities, a variety of food vendors and much
more. From the Depot Museum, the festivities spread six blocks to Heritage Square in downtown Henderson, visitors can browse among the 250 shopping booths, sample East Texas cuisine and enjoy music on stage one or enjoy Henderson Civic Theatre’s performance at the former Opera House. A fun filled experience awaits you on stage two where cloggers and square dancers will entertain you. Relive history while you visit the antique and classic car exhibit. The children’s section provides activities which are sure to promise a fun filled day for the entire family. Hayride shuttles, sponsored by the Rusk County 4-H Club, provide rustic transportation between the Depot Museum and Downtown Heritage Square. This event is free and open to all ages. For more information, call the Depot Museum at 903-657-4303.
HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL AT THE DEPOT MUSEUM NOVEMBER 11, 2023 Depot Museum Grounds, 514 N. High St., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ribbon Cane Syrup Making 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
FolkArt Demonstrations Grist Mill, Woodcarvers, Rope Maker, Flint Knapping, Blacksmith, Spinner, Weavers, Broom Making
Activities Carousel Rides: $1.00 per person Face Painting and much more. Story Tellers at the Pavilion: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saw Mill Demonstration on the hour Antique Tractor and Engine Display Tour the Cotton Gin Entertainment 9:00 - 10:00 Lee Mathis and Sheila Weaver 10:00 - 12:00 Southern Impact Band 12:00 - 2:00 New Life Worship Team 2:00 - 4:00 Hatti Bridges Alexander
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903-657-5349 980 N. MARSHALL HENDERSON, TX www.resairconditioning.net
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Nov. 11, 2023 CORPORATE SPONSORS AEP / Southwestern Electric Power Company Arnold Abstract Company / East Texas Title Companies Bane Investment Holdings Biggs & Greenslade, PC CAPCO Contractors CenterPoint Energy – Entex Coldwell Banker Home Place Realty Conterra Networks Cook & Son Roofing D.W. Maddox Electrical East Texas Professional Credit Union Eastex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Fairway Ford Henderson Gabriel / Jordan Chevrolet Cadillac Gorman McCracken VW Mazda Henderson Animal Care Hospital Henderson Federal Savings Bank Henderson Health and Rehab Howell Recycling Hushpuppies IMAGINATION/RWB Law Office of James A. Holmes PC Luminant MTC Bradshaw State Jail MTC East Texas Treatment Facility Old School Services, LLC Origin Bank Randall Dodge – Chrysler – Jeep Republic Services RES Air Conditioning Rusk County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Saulsbury Service Insurance Group Sparklight Tenaska Gateway Partners, LTD Texas Bank UT Health Henderson Walker Enterprises Wallace and Sons Wrecker Service Walmart Waste Connections West Fraser Wood Products Inc.
verabank.com folk art sponsor Blazer Electric & Satellite Gearheart & Gearheart, PLLC Henderson Quick Copy Printing IMAGINATION/RWB Kenneth Orr Construction, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Bill Preston Mr. & Mrs. Tony Wooster Phenix & Crump, PLLC Richard W Ferguson CPA, PLLC Strong – Hurt Pharmacy
COntributors Blacklands Railroad, Inc. Charles Rader Funeral Home DDM Surveying, Inc Diane Neilsen – State Farm Insurance Jason’s Plumbing & Specialty Services Velvin Oil Co. William Grant Tank & Vessel, Inc.
Sugar Cane Grown and supplied by: Doug and Kathi Ford Arrowhead Farms & Chinquapin Gourd Palace
Special Thanks 4-H Club Members & Parents Alford Investments Bonnie Geddie City of Henderson Employees City of Henderson Mayor and Elected Officials Danny Deason Depot Museum Employees Don Gage • Don Reynolds ETAB • G-Mc Produce Jo Bundrick • L4 Property Group Mark Howard Panel Truss Texas, Inc Ramona White • Republic Services Rusk County Commissioners and Elected Officials Rusk County Extension Agents Rusk County Judges Rusk County Mounted Patrol Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Speed Needs St. Mathews Episcopal Church Texas Fresh Produce Toby & Melanie Tipps • Wes Beall Randy Duke • Kolton Wallace
Syrup TEAM Sponsor Henderson Federal Savings Bank
Sugar Cane Sponsor Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home
City of Henderson Tourism Dept. Toll Free 866-650-5529 Depot Musuem 903-657-4303 www.visithendersontx.com www.depotmuseum.com
KWRD 98.5/1470
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he Heart of East Texas, KWRD, under the new ownership of Texas transplant, Ken Miller, brings you the perfect mix of your country favorites and that knee-slappin’ Red Dirt country, we all know and love. Each weekday morning, catch up on all the local adn national news, sports, local weather, Plant Talk, and Paul Harvey and “The Rest of the Story”. Also Live and local morning show with music & more with Mark McClain. With a heart for supporting everything Henderson, Miller and his KWRD crew bring you all of the Henderson Lions games live-streamed on www.kwrd985.com.
CHRISTMAS IN HENDERSON
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ou are invited to join the many City of Henderson Christmas events! We are honored to kick off the wonderful holiday season with tradition and fun events for the entire family. Beginning with the City of Henderson Downtown Annual Tree lighting Ceremony, which sparks off the festivities, held every year on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving. To the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the City of Henderson, where “Santa” makes his debut and then settles into his little red house in historic downtown Henderson in Heritage Square. The children love to visit and tell him what is on their Christmas list. With many shopping and dining options to choose from, Henderson is a great spot to stop for old fashioned fun! The City of Henderson and all of Rusk County has many wonderful events throughout the holiday season for you to enjoy! Visit www.visithendersontx.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you.
"Keeping it local, Henderson local." 12 | TOURISM 2023-2024
GASTON MUSEUM
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he Gaston museum, an educational and historical museum, is in Joinerville, approximately 6 miles West of Henderson. The museum’s exhibit building gives visitors a glimpse of Life in the East Texas oilfield from the 1930s to 60s including memorabilia from the boom era. Family history and artifacts of the earliest rural school in the world in the 1930s, the original Dixie service station, and an original tent house complete with an escape encounter. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday and by appointment year-round. For more information call 903-722-9016 or visit us at Facebook.com/Gastonmuseum or our website gastonmuseum.org
TATUM
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atum has a longstanding history in Rusk County. Located 21 miles northeast of Henderson the town settled in the 1840s by Albert and Mary C. Tatum. The Tatum family established a plantation, which is now the City of Tatum. The city produced an abundance of resources that were a successful business enterprise. In 1882, after the Santa Fe Railroad passed through Tatum on the way from Longview to Beaumont, the place became a boomtown. Hotels were built, mercantile businesses thrived and farmers and sawmills could easily get their goods to the higher priced markets. Tatum saw disaster in the early 1900s and World War I and II affected the community tremendously with many families not returning to the area after the war. Oil and gas was later discovered in the area and Martin Creek Lake was built in the early 1970s when the Texas Utilities Company moved to Tatum. Tatum continues to hold onto its charm with the spirit of its early settlers. The town houses more than 1,300 and is home to the Tatum Eagles and a portion of the town is served by Beckville Independent School District. The town is home to unique shops, restaurants and the Pecan Pie Festival every April. Martin Creek Lake State Park is located four miles southeast of Tatum and was deeded to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by Texas Utilities. Since its public opening in 1976, the park is known for its fishing, camping, wildlife observation and photography. The park is a popular campsite and a great place for the
whole family. Activities in the park include picnicking, canoeing or boating, water skiing, swimming, backpacking, hiking and many other programs. During the winter months, the lake is home to many fishing tournaments. For more information, visit www. tpwd.texas.gov.
Gaston Museum
6562 TX-64, Joinerville, TX 75658 | 903-722-9016 Hours 10am-4pm Fri-Sat and by appointment year round. Facebook.com/Gastonmuseum or our website gastonmuseum.org TOURISM 2023-2024 | 13
MT. ENTERPRISE
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he city of Mount Enterprise, located south of Henderson in rural Rusk County, is home to around 450 people. The city was named for a small elevation near the town and for the business enterprise of the Vinson brothers, who settled it in 1832. The town owes its existence to the presence of promising iron ore in the area. The Vinson’s real enterprise came from manufacturing and retailing wagons, buggies, furniture, plows, caskets and a patented churn. Lumber was also a large industry in the city. In 1880 the town had three sawmills, a hotel, two cotton gins, a school, three churches, and a population of 150. In 1894 the Caro Northern Railway was chartered to operate as a logging road between Mount Enterprise and Caro, in Nacogdoches County. The railroad, which connected Mount Enterprise with the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, came to within a mile of Mount Enterprise and the town then moved to the railroad. The city is home to multiple unincorporated communities and is served by Mount Enterprise Independent School District, a rural 2A school that serves approximately 400 students.
Future Visitors & Potential Future Citizens of Mount Enterprise, The City of Mount Enterprise will break ground on a new city hall and a new city park. The park will include new playground equipment, walking trails, half basketball court, and more. MEISD Fine Arts Department is hosting Christmas in the Park slated for December 14, 2023. They will have live performances from the band, elementary music, and theatre departments. Vendors will be invited to set up at this event. Our local library offers many activities for children including story times, book clubs, and more! Passing by or visiting Mount Enterprise? Try some of our eating establishments including Free Cookies Smokehouse, Jaimes Rancho, MayMay's, Mr. Tacos, Whataburger and more. We invite you to Mount Enterprise, see the growth, and feel the small-town charm. Sincerely, Mayor Jim Reese Visit us and subscribe to receive local updates at www.cityofmte.gov 14 | TOURISM 2023-2024
NEW LONDON
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ew London, a small community in Rusk County, is home to around 1,000 people and like most towns in East Texas, is rich in history. Originally known as “London,” this city grew as East Texas became crowded with oilfield workers and their families. However, as the U.S. Post Office had already established a station at London in Kimble County, the town changed its name to “New London” in 1931. The City of New London is served by the West Rusk Independent School District. The city is known for its history and tragedy of the worst school explosion in history on March 18, 1937, where 294 people were killed. As a result of the disaster, Texas passed a law requiring natural gas to have an odor. The London Museum is dedicated to all those who died in 1937 and to those who survived that fateful day. The museum is housed in the historic McConnico’s Drugstore building that once served the students of the London School. Most of the exhibits tell the story of the exploHenderson Health & Rehab is an Approved Outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy Facility.
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903-657-6513
sion using items donated by the families of victims. The museum features a variety of artifacts from the London School and 1930s, including letter jackets, the flag that flew over the school the day of the explosion, school furniture and more. The museum’s tearoom features an old time soda fountain. For more information, call 903-895-4602 or visit www.newlondonschool.org.
Visit the museum dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the 294 who died on March 18, 1937 in the world’s worst school disaster.
London Museum
10690 S. Main St. (St. Hwy. 42) (903) 895-4602 • New London, Tx Museum & Soda Fountain: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (March - August) Cafe: Mon - Fri 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Tickets $5.00 Adults • Children $3.00 Please call ahead for large groups. www.newlondonschool.org The Cenotaph commemorates the New London School Explosion, displaying in granite all the names of children, teachers, staff and visitors who lost their lives.
TOURISM 2023-2024 | 15
W E ’R E O P E N F O R B R E A K FA S T L U N C H & D IN N E R
“Like No Other One”
EXPERIENCE THE HEART OF HOMESTYLE COOKING! Join us at Herschel’s for mouthwatering comfort food that’s made with love.
/herschelshendersontx /herschelstexas
1607 US-79 Henderson, TX 75654
(903) 657-7811