The Bonham Herald (Bonham, Tex.), Vol. 12, No. 37, Ed. 1 Monday, December 19, 1938 Page: 1 of 4
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RURAL FANNIN COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER
The Bonham Herald
SEMI-WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY AND THURSDAY
VOLUME XII
BONHAM. TEXAS. MONDAY. DECEMBER 19,1938
NO. 37
Thousands Attend Unveiling of Col. J. B. Bonham Memorial
DEATHS
BONHI GLEE CLUB PROGRAM
WAS VERY FINE EFFORT
I. W. Evans
I. W;. Evans, active vice-president
of the Bonham State Bank, who had
been ill for weeks, died at Allen
(Memorial Hospital Saturday night
at 8:15. He had been desperately
ill for days, and the end was not un-
expected.
Mr. Evans was one of the best
known men in the city—indeed he
knew many people over the county,
all of whom spoke highly of him,
and honored the man for his sterling
honesty, his unswering devotion to
uty, and the splendid view he took
of life.
Starting out as a poor boy, he at-
tained an education—his first asset
needed to make a success of life.
For years he taught school. He was
remarkably kind and considerate of
both those who went to school to
him, and to those with whom he
worked in the school room.
His work as an educator led to
the superintendency of the schools
of Fannin county, a position to
which he brought poise, a splendid
conception and attention that were
little short of devotion—indeed, he
told the writer one day that his
heart was still in the school room,
which was his first love.
Later Mr. Evans was made super-
intendent of the city schools of
Bonham. To that position be carri-
ed the same love of duty, the same
ability, and the same attention to de-
tail that he gave to the schools of
the whole county—his every thought
was to do the task in hand as well
as his ability permitted.
Banks are not blind to the fact
that a dependable man is an asset,
as well as dollars and cents, so Mr.
Evans some years since left the
school room for the call to'the count-
ing room, and that was his work
when the day was done—and life’s
task finished. He who rewards the
faithful to a trust has a crown al-
ready for this splendid gentleman,
this good, Christian man, who has
laid down the burdens of life here
for the life of immortality beyond
the pale of mortal ills, pains and
trials.
Mr. Evans was marned twice.
His first wife was- Miss Mattie
WalKfer, "df Dodd City. To them
were born two children, Kenneth
Evans, of Commerce, and Miss Idris
Evans. They, like thtir father, are
school teachers. The son teaching
in Commerce and the daughter being
a member of the teaching force in
Bonham’s public schools. The moth-
er died several years ago. A few
years since Mr. Evans married
Miss Mary Coleman, of this city,
and she and his two children men-
tioned, and his grandchildren, Ken-
neth’s children, survive.
. The funeral service was conduct-
ed at the home of Mr. Evans, 320
West Sixth street, at 3:30 Sunday
afternoon. The Rev. Hugh E, An-
derson, pastor of the First Metho-
dist church, of which Mr. Evans had
long been a member, conducted the
service*. Burial was in Willow
Wild. Music was furnished by the
aembers of church’s choir.
There were many floral offerings,
and a large number of friends and
relatives were here from a distance.
The following friends were the
pallbearers: R. L. Nunnelee, J. L.
Ware, Joe B. Johnson, Irby Carruth,
H. A. Cunningham and M. C. Spivy.
The Bonham High School gave the
following program at me auditorium
at the high school Sunday, com-
mencing at 6 p. m. Miss Mary Alice
.Pritchett directed. Tiie. affair was
very delightful, and enjoyed by all
who attended: ,
PART I ........................
PART I
Adeste Fideles .......... John Reading
Chorus
Invocation .............. Rev.. S. R. Smith
Nazareth .................. Gounod
Gregory Baker
Listen to the Lambs ............... Dett
Mary Katherine Pratt and Choir
Christmas Poems ............................
................Mrs. W. O. Harmon
PART II
Cantata: Yuletide Memories ....
............. Wilson
No. 1 ........................ Praise and Glory
Girl’s Chorus and Choir
No. 2 .......................... The Prophecy
A. P. Bolding anG Girls
No. 3 ..... Bethlehem
Mary Katherine Miller, Doris
Wolford and Choir
No 4 ................ The Midnight Choir
Lem Tittsworth and Choir
No 5 ............................ The Wise Men
..Gregory Baker and Men’s Chorus..
No 6 ............................. Glory to God
Mary Katherine Pratt, Sue Anna
Fletcher and Choir
No. 7 ....... Hallelujah
Choir
Benediction .... Rev. W. O. Harmon
Accompanists—Mrs. H. A. Cun-
ningham and Miss Mary Ann Peter-
son.
VISITORS FROM MANY TOWNS AND CITIES
WITNESS UNVEILING OF STATUE TO ONE OF
THE ALAMO’S HEROES HERE SUNDAY
■111
H. D. COUNTY COUNCIL
CHRISTMAS PARTY
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IS
HIGHWAY 77 FROM COAST TO
COAST 2.500 MILES LONG
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BONHAM
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Charles J. Leslie, cashier of the
Bailey First National Bank, is an
enthusiastic good roads man. He is
a director of Highway 77, which
comes through Texas via Naples.
Texas, and l\ailey. On December
16, a banquet is going to be given
at Naples, with reference to this
road, and Mr. Leslie is in receipt of
a letter asking him to attend.
This Highway 77, it is proposed,
will be run from Wilmington, N. C.
to San Diego, California, and will be
a line far enough south to miss the
heavy sleet and snow storms, mak-
ing transportation quicker from
coast to coast. The road is not too
close to the Gulf of Mexico, so in
case of invasion by military it would
not be in much danger.
This would make the line inval-
uable in time of war. and while
(there is no war is the time to pre-
pare for one—wars will come. His-
tory proves that.
Another feature of this proposed
road is the fact that it can be used
in times of peace as well as war, for
commercial purposes.
There is a peculiar feature about
the road, and that is the fact that it
will miss most of the big towns, it
not being the idea to enter any con-
gested section with the highway.
The distance from Wilmington to
San Diego is estimated to be 2.250
miles. It has been agreed that this
line be not more than 2,500 miles
long.
The County Council held their an-
nual Christmas party. Saturday aft-
ernoon from 2 until 4 o’clock at the
Criterion Hall in Bonham with 150
members and guests registering.
Corsages of mistletoe were presented
the ladies upon arrival. In the re-
ceiving line were Mrs. O. A. Moore,
Ravenna, outgoing Council Chair-
man, Miss Oleta Yarbrough, home
demonstration agent, and Mrs. Avery
Young, Honey Grove, new Council
Chairman.
After all had gathered, the group
was led in singing Christmas songs
by Mrs. Leon Parker of Ivanhoe. Mrs.
A. S'. Broadfoot then 'very beautiful-
ly told the Christmas story. Gifts
were then distributed to members and
guests from around a beautiful
Christmas tree. The Council pre-
sented Miss Yarbrough, home agent,
with a leather brief case, Mrs. O. A.
Moore a hand painted picture, Mrs.
Jno. P. Hale, two electric lamps for
her new home, Miss Billie (Barnette,
gown, and Mrs. V. G. Henegar, hose
and slip.
Refreshments of spiced tea,
cookies, mints and nuts were served
with Mrs. Jno. W. Palmore, Mrs. Loy
Owens and Mrs. John Dodson pour-
ing tea.
The English club had charge of
decorations, Augle club furnished
cookies, Ravenna Club furnished pe-
cans and had charge of reception,
and Arledge Ridge as in charge df
the gifts.
H. D. CLUBS
Ector
The home demonstration club en-
joyed a lovely Christmas party in the
home of Mrs. W. A. Tidwell Wed-
nesday afternoon. Christmas deco-
rations were used. A tree laden
with gifts was placed in the living
room. Christmas songs were sung,
and a Christmas story told by Miss
Beulah Skipworth after which each
one present received a gift. Mrs. E.
G. Gilley received birthday gifts. A
short business session was presided
over by Mrs. Joe Huffaker. Mrs. E.
E. Parker was named kitchen demon-
strator; Mrs. Edwin Miller, parent
education and child development.
Refreshments were served to
Mmes. Tom Gaines, B. F. Butts, G.
D. Crayvford, Joe Huffaker,, U. L.
Steadman, G. L. Withrow, E. C. Par-
ker, Bert Finnell, Edwin Miller, E.
B. Fleming, Tom Hodges, Collie
Hodges, W. H. Gilley, E. G. Gilley,
3 visitors, Mrs. Gene Clayton, Mrs.
John H. Whitehead, and Miss iBeulah
Skipworth.
THIRTY
FANNIN STUDENTS
HOME FROM DENTON
-
. ..':H
Harold Jefferson Cole.
Harold Jefferson Cole, 81 years
old, died at his home in Ector last
S^urday, at 2:30 p. m. He is sur-
vfllfcl by the following.
Three sons, Thomas W. Cole, Dal-
las; J. M. Cole, Ector; Leeman Cole,
DS(lld(St
There are alsb eight daughters,
Miss Pearl Cole, Ector; Mrs. Frank
Smith, Whitewiright; Mrs. Ellihu
Green, Ector; Mrs. A. H. Smith,
jioney Grove; Mrs. R. L. Hance,
Jjimmitt, Texas; Mrs. Lewis Mc-
Cormick, Detroit, Texas; Mrs. J. C.
Wjhite, Tucson, Arizona: Mrs. Frank
Honea, Prescott, Arkansas.
Rev. A. L. Rideout conducted the
funeral service for Mr. Cole at the
Baptist church in Ector at 3 p. m.
Sunday. He was assisted by Rev.
Cummins, of this city, and Rev.
Randolph, of Ector.
The following were the pallbear-
ers: S. E. Kemp, C. Withrow, G. L.
Armstrong, E. F. Fennell, E. E. Oh-
mert and R. Smith.
RAYBURN VISITS
FSA OFFICIALS
Dallas, Texas—Congressman Sam
Rayburn, Bonham, visited the region-
al Farm Security Administration here
last week, conferring briefly with
Regional Director C. M. Evans and
other FSA officials.
A prominent state livestock breed-
er, Mr. Rayburn served as house ma-
jority leader in the recent congress,
which passed several important
pieces of farm legislation. He was
accompanied by W. R. Poage, Waco,
11th district congressman.
SHERIFF’S FORCE AT WORK
Henry Dent Wolfe
The remains of Henry Dent Wolfe,
who died at Hugo, Oklahoma, were
brought to Bonham fo(r interment
in Willow Wild cemetery Sunday
afternoon. Mr. Wolfe was 86 years
old. Nothing else could be learned
of deceased, and what facts The
The sheriff’s force, in spite of the
fact that he is gone out of town,
has been at work. Three drunks
were arested last week. Two of
them were plain, and the other had
the added frills and thrills of driv-
ing a car while drunk. Another par-
ty was lassoed who had been
charged with theft from person.
the permit for removal of the body
from Hugo to Bonham.
T. H. Crenshaw
Mrs. T. H. Crenshaw, mother of
Mrs. O. L. Couch, of this city, died
at Tallequah, Oklahoma, according
to a message to Mrs. Couch. Ow-
ing to her health Mrs. Couch could
not attend the funeral.
Mrs. Crenshaw had often visited
Herald did1 get were gleaned from [in Bonham, and was a splendid lady.
Sometimes men live, perform their
deeds, die, and are forgotten—over-
looked for all time. Then again,
they are either good press agents,
or have them, and make the first
page of history early. They, too,
are not what a real hero should be.
Then there is the man who lives,
has his being, plays his little part in
life’s drama, makes his exit from
the stage, and his acts here lie dor-
mant for decades, only to be remem-
bered in after years—and full credit
given.
Such was James Butler Bonham,
lover of liberty, right hand; man of
Travis in the Alamo, and finally
given his just dues Sunday when a
monument to his daring deed of en-
tering the Alamo, to try to help the
little garrison, only to lose his life,
along with the rest was unveiled.
Sunday, while a bright sun and
thousands looked on, a monument to
the memory of the man for whom
Bonham was re-named, was unveiled
with approjiriate ceremonies in the
southeast corner of the court house
yard.
The ceremonies incident to this
undertaking were indeed: appro-
priate, dignified and worthwhile.
Mayor Joe B. Hrdlicka presented
Judge H. A. Cunningham, a native
of Fannin County, and a citizen of
Bonham for many years, as the
chairman of the occasion, who then
asked the Rev. S. R. Smith, pastor
of the First Baptist church, to pray
The judge spoke for a few moments
to the subject, his remarks being
very good. He then introduced Bil-
lie Magar, chairman of the program
committee, which was composed of
Judge J. E. Spies, W. E. Newton,
president of the Chamber of Com-
merce, Mayor Hrdlicka and Percy
lnglish. Mrs. Edgar Wade was al-
so presented, and likewise Mrs.
Rosa McDade, both distant relatives
of James Butler Bonham. Mrs.
Henry Shenkenberg, of Dallas, was
recognized by the chairman, also
Webb Roberts, who represented the
Board of Control, at Austin, which
sponsored the movement of a monu-
ment to' Bonham, and spent the fed-
eral funds to obtain it. Miss Allie
Tennant, who made the model from
which the statue, (which is eight
feet high,) was asked to stand. So
was Donald Nelson, the capable
architect of the project. These two
artists supplied the ideas for the
whole thing, when it came to the
actual building. Mrs. Anna Bon-
ham Halliday sent a telegram of re-
grets for not being able to be pres-
ent. She is also a distant relative
of Col. Bonham, as well as Mrs.
Wade. Judge Cunningham intro-
duced Judge Jake Loy, county judge
of Grayson county, as one of the
foremost county judges of the state
—a compliment fully deserved.
Mrs. Shenkenberg, who is president
of the James Butler Chapter, of
Dallas, spoke a few words, and Mr.
Roberts made an address, in which
he formally presented the monument
to Bonham and Fannin County.
Judge J. E. Spies responded in a
speech of acceptance.
Perhaps Judge Cunningham Lakes
no preater pride or honor in present-
ing a speaker than he does his long-
time political and personal friend,
Congressman Sam Rayburn, who
was the principal speaker of the aft-
ernoon, the program having been
staged for 2 p. m. Sunday.
Mr. Rayburn was not in good
voice, because he was suuffering
from a cold. He wore his overcoat
during the speech, but no matter.
Sam’s friends over the district lis-
ten to him with his overcoat on,
with a coat on ,or in his shirt sleeves
—and he never disappoints. His
speech showed that he had studied
the life of Bonham, and had come
prepared to tell his hearers of that
patriot leaving the Palmetto State,
to cast his fortunes with Travis,
Bowie, and the rest of the little
handful of men who gave creation’s
most precious gift—life— that Tex
as might gain her independence.
His speech, like the others, was
given attention from about 3,500
people.
The Bonham high school band
had played several numbers previous
to the exercises and it played as
Joe Hrdlicka led the vast crowd,
while the first stanza of “America”
was sung.
School children from James Dun-
can and Bailey lnglish schools sang
“Texas”, and as the words floated
out. over the lawn, Mrs. Wade un-
loosed the cords—and the monument
stood out in bold relief, to tell the
yrorld, that after 102 years had
flown by Texas had honored one of
its heroes in a manner calculated to
last for ages—a monument of
bronze, set on Texas granite from
Burnett, Texas, the same sort of
stone the capitol is made of, and
which rests on a foundation of con-
crete that is far down in the ground.
The Rev. W. O. Harmon, pastor of
the First Christian church, gave a
benediction, and the event was over.
There were people here from all
over the county, and there were oth-
ers from counties adjoining, to say
nothing of those who came from
Dallas and other cities, who were in
the crowd, but not on the platform.
To William Magar much of the
credit for getting people here is
due. Not only did “Billie” work on
the program, but he wrote many
letters to people, urging them to at-
tend the unveiling.
Mayor Hrdlicka and W. E. New-
ton, also Judge Spies, all officials,
and Percy lnglish, worked with a
will to make the matter a great suc-
cess—so did everybody who had a
hand in it.
It is our monument, whether we
were born in Texas, or have adopted
this state as our own—with that
Thirty Fannin County students
are among the more than 2,500 Ter-
,as boys and girls enrolled this fall
at the North Texas State Teachers
College who will make their annual
visit to their homes during the
Christmas holidays, Dec. 22-Jan. 2.
Fannin County representatives
are:
Bailey—Lindell Dozier.
Bonham—Oscar Bales, Manuel
Brent, (Margaret Carver, Raymond:
Morris Dobbs, Robert Edward
Dorough. Hellen Lucille Edwards,
Elizabeth Kincaid, Robert Kincaid,
Robert A. Leslie, John Meade, Lura
McKelva, Elizabeth Palmore, Billy
Phillips, Robert Ramsey, Dorothy
Saunders, Richard Taylor Saunders,
Jr., Leon Schillings, Evelyn Vernon.
Ivanhoe—Lila Dale Sanders, Mar-
garet Marie Windle.
Honey Grove—Harry Black, John
Black, Lloyd Yeager.
Leonard—Evelyn Brock, Cara Dee
Davis, Velma Golden, Annie Man-
kin.
BONHAM PROGRAM
ON STATE NETWORK
H. D. Christmas Party
Members of the Ivanhoe Home
Demonstration Club and their hus-
bands met Friday night at the home
of Mrs. Ruby Parker for their
Christmas meeting. Throughout the
evening of delightful games each
person had1 to be called by his given
name and those who forgot had to
pay forfeits.
Refreshments of hot chocolate,
cookies and candy were served aft-
er which Santa Claus came with his
pack containing gifts for everyone
present. Special gifts were present-
ed by the Club to the retiring presF
dent Mrs. Green and the secretary-
treasurer, Mrs. Wells.
Attention was called to the next
meeting which will be the first Fri-
day in January when the new offi-
cers will take charge. Each member
was urged to be present and to
bring a new member.
Bailey
The home demonstration club met
December 7 at the home of Mrs.
Hugh Leslie for our Christmas party.
We sang Silent Night, followed by
prayer by Mrs. H. S. Ward. Seven-
teen answered roll call by what we
want for Christmas. Most of the
mothers want their children to be
well and to be at home with them
during the hodidays.
After a short business session we
all received a nice little gift.
Mrs. H. S. Ward brought us a
splendid Christmas story. We ad-
journed to meet the first Wednesday
in January for an all day meeting.
All bring a covered dish. Delicious
refreshments were served by the
hostess.
The Texas State network of 23
radio stations throughout the state
will broadcast a program dedicated
to Bonham on Thursday morning,
December 22 from 11 to 11:15, ac-
cording to information received by
C. R. Jones from Station KRRV,
Sherman.
KIDWELL—DALE
Word has been received here c
the marriage of James T. Dale t
Miss Mary Jo Kidwell of Midland.
James is the youngest son of Mr.
and Mrs. W. D. Dale, who live south
of town, and was born and reared
here. He is employed by the Bomer
Creamery in Midland, Texas. He has
many friends here who wish him and
his bride a happy and successful mar-
ried life.
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE
The Herald carried an item some
time since stating that a new school
house was to be built at Brotherton,
east of Bonham. The old house has
been torn down, and the foundation
are being set on concrete a foot
thick, and the blocks, themselves,
are set down in the ground 3 feet.
The building will cost around $7-
000.00 and when finished, which the
superintendent, S. F. Beard, said
would be about February 1, 1939.
will be very good. It will have am-
ple playground, as well as rooms
and other equipment.
Mrs. J. W. Alexander and daugh-
ter of Dallas are here to spend the
holidays with Mrs. Alexander’s par-
ents, Mr. and Mrs. James Agnew, and
other relatives and friends.
Joe Risser, who is a student in Tu-
lane University, New Orleans, is
home for the holidays.
adoption goes our claim to an inter-
est in Col. Bonham, and the splendid
etatue made by Miss Tennant, which
will be where it is, barring earth-
quakes, for ages, if not longer. No
>cyclone is liable t> throw it down;
no tornado ‘ can blow it from f its
foundation, and no political upheav-
al is liable, whereby it might _ be
pulled down—it is there for all time.
Let us cherish it and keep the grass
green about its base, and teach our
children that we are a liberty-lov-
ing people, who gladly honor our
patriots who have given us the
priceless boon of freedom-—present-
ing their lives a living sacrifice,
that liberty might not perish from
the earth.
SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT
Following is the reported attend*
ance at Bonham Sunday schools:
First Baptist .....
...... 307
333
Firth Methodist
..... 282
250
First Christian ..
....... 167
168
Nazarene .............
...... 97
122
Church of Christ
....... 112
109
-Calvary Baptist
...... 127
109
Presbyterian .......
...... 48
72
Clark Memorial,
M.
E... 80
70
1220
1233
Rev. and Mrs.
B.
D. Hall,
of
\
Clarksville, have been in the city as
the guests of Rev. and Mrs. R. L.
Ely Thursday. Mr. Hall is pastor
of the First Methodist church in
.Clarksville.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gustine of
State Bark, have/ gone to Madison-
.ville to be at the bedside of Mr.
Gustine’s father, who is critically ill.
Rev. W. B. Reaves and wife and
daughter, Ann and son, Ben, of
Brjookstjbn, were Bonham visitors
Saturday.
Mrs. Ralph Shipley has gone to
Sherman to spend several days with
relatives and friends.
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Newby, G. R. The Bonham Herald (Bonham, Tex.), Vol. 12, No. 37, Ed. 1 Monday, December 19, 1938, newspaper, December 19, 1938; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth647802/m1/1/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Fannin County Historical Commission.