Oh my, where does the time go? Eck Franks, son of popular Diboll ISD teachers, Bennis and Opal Franks has retired after working 25 years at First Bank & Trust East Texas and before that, 16 years at Lufkin Federal Savings and Loan. Our daughter, Andrea Swor, has fond memories of Eck as the buyer for LFS&L when they purchased her FFA steer in 1980 at the Angelina County Youth Fair. She’s proud to say Eck has been her loan officer since that time.
What can I say about Vernon Glass this week except he’s deserving of a big “Thank You” for the fresh stoneground cornmeal he brought to the store. His cornmeal makes the best cornbread especially when using Mrs. Birdie Pate’s original recipe for Mexican cornbread shared by Nita Hurley. Vernon is somewhat like the “bunny” on the TV commercial, he just keeps going and going. An apprenticed mechanic, Vernon has ALWAYS had unique classic cars. He arrived this week driving, what he calls, his “T-Box”. A 1924 T-model with an exposed engine that will run in excess of 100 MPH. The interior is a beautiful white leather. I didn’t notice any windows and the doors have been welded making it look like a box, Vernon, somewhere near 80, is able to step over into and under the steering wheel without any difficulty. The “Ooogaa” horn is original and from a 1914 model. Vernon says this particular car has been in every Diboll Day parade for the past 50 years.
Customers of Pouland’s from Ratcliff, B’Ann and Bob Beam, took time to visit at the RT. B’Ann grew up in Ratcliff and later met Bob in Colorado and married. They lived in different places including Dallas where B’Ann taught school and Bob built bridges. They have since retired in Ratcliff where they enjoy camping often taking their horses with them. They began planning a trip in March with friends in Red Lodge, Montana who had relatives that live on a 7500-acre ranch in Douglas, Wyoming which happened to be the centerline of the recent eclipse. About 18 friends and family members met at the ranch a couple of days early and enjoyed visiting and camping in tents, teepee and campers. After the eclipse, the traffic was so bad they had to wait a couple of days before driving on to Estes Park. The Beams are already looking forward to the next eclipse in 2024 in Texas.
Jason Stuck came in with his two adorable and talented two daughters; 11-year-old Ainsley and 5-year-old Hailey, both who are experienced gymnasts in cheering. Ainsley has been training for seven years and Hailey started when she was three. Hailey, being petite, makes her a perfect “flyer” which is the team member that is usually thrown into the air and caught by teammates. Ainsley is considered a “back spot” who has the important responsibility of holding the “flyer”. Their mother Carmen and Jason are responsible for their two daughters getting to gym class two times a week.
It was good to visit with Hulen “Cotton” George and his wife, Suzanne, from Martinsville. “Cotton” has fond memories of coming to Diboll to visit his grandmother and cousins. She was affectionately known to all us as “Momma George” who worked in the school cafeteria for many years. Cotton was an Ag teacher in Martinsville while Suzanne taught math in the Chireno ISD. They presently attend Springhill Baptist church with former Diboll ISD Ag teacher Larry Poe and his wife, Judy. Their pastor is Don Chumley whose mother is Donnie Jenkins of Diboll. Hulen continues to serve as a National Director for the Texas High School Rodeo Association and they have one son, Brady George, who lives in Dayton.
James Paulette stopped by Pouland’s for corn and Andrea enjoyed visiting with him. He and his wife Pat live in Angleton now but James grew up in Lufkin where he played Little League with Butch Maddux, Sandy Bate and Bud Maddux who is now known and recognized internationally as the coach (along with Malcom Deason) for the world famous “Thundering 13”. James and Pat Paulette attended the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, PA. James was able to visit with Bud ‘through the fence’ at the game while wearing his orange Southwest World Series cap. His wife Pat even borrowed a piece of cardboard to slide down the world famous hill at the park. James also shared that his claim to sports fame came in 1966 while the Panthers were playing Nacogdoches, who at that time, was ranked 2nd in the state. James scored the only touchdown of the game to beat Nacogdoches 6-2. The Paulettes have been traveling around scratching off their bucket list that included Niagara Falls, Cooperstown and Gettysburg.
Faithful Swap Shop listeners on KRBA 1340, Gerald Drake and his daughter, Michele Shanks, made a fast trip to Diboll after hearing about Pouland’s The Everything Store on the radio. I felt fortunate to receive a 2000 Kennedy 50-cent piece from Mr. Drake who is known for giving them away. Michele was happy about finding a Christmas present in one of our showcases.
The children of Mary Lou Havard planned a special party for her 90th birthday at her beautiful ranch home off FM1818 in Beulah. Enjoying reminiscing, visiting with friends and family and a catered fajita dinner from Tome’ were: Deborah and Jimmy Cole; Brad Howes; Angie and Manuel Compos and children Kylee, Whitaker, Josh Saldana and Hailee Hargis; Mary Beth and Mike Boatner; Stephen and Kellie Sheppert and daughter Lottie Sheppert; Andrea Swor; Wayne and Janet Harris; Kathreen Chuke; Sandy Beauchamp; Bonnie Mettlin; Danny Harris; Dwight and Valerie Chisum; Ed and Debbie Chisum; Randy Chisum; Claire Harris; Keith Havard; Dana Jones; JoNell Placker; Bettie Greer; Joyce Carlton; John Ralph and Sandra Pouland.
Calling all men to participate in the 2nd Annual “Be A Hero & Walk in Her Shoes” which will be held October 21st. Registration forms are available at Library, Civic Center and City Hall. This is a great benefit for Cancer Awareness.
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