This week in Canton history...
CANTON HERALD, Aug. 25, 1949:
On Friday night, Aug. 5, the third district Commander of the American Legion, Department of Texas, Willis Jarrell, served as installing officer and placed the local post of the American Legion in command of the following officers for the coming year: Weldon E. Norman, commander, Arnold Paul, adjutant, A. O. Loughmiller, finance officer; J. N. Dennard, historian and Cecil Tawater, sergeant-at-arms. Another officer, who could not be present for the installation ceremonies but who will serve as hold over officer as first vice commander is O. B. King.
Sixty-eight year old graduate to fill an ambition. William L. Oliver of Van who first started to college 45 years ago will realize his life’s ambition when he receives a degree from East Texas State College on Sunday, Aug. 28. He will receive the Bachelor of Science degree on his 68th birthday.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 23, for Dave Clay Thompson of the Myrtle Springs Baptist Church. Rev. N. M. Robinson officiated. Mr. Thompson passed away at the age of 54 years, being born April 10, 1895 and passing away Aug. 21, 1949. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emma Thompson; three sisters, Mrs. Lorene Flowers, Mrs. Annie Irwin, Mrs. Ula Foster; five brothers, Luther, Buck, Perry, Will and Mike Thompson; five children, Mrs. Cleo Jarrell, Mrs. Lurline McBeth, Mrs. Christine Tutt, Kenneth Thompson and Mrs. Juanita Smith.
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Palmer are the parents of a 7 pound 15 ounce baby girl born Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Phillips are the parents of an eight pound girl born Aug. 13.
Sunday was a happy day for the J. S. Lambert family as they met for their annual reunion. Six of seven children were present, 18 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren were present. (more on this article on microfilm)
P. S. Smith, program chairman, has announced that the annual Rice school reunion will be held at the Myrtle Springs Park on Sunday, Aug. 28. The Rice school functioned at Myrtle Springs about 60 years ago.
Gene Zuber. 28, of Van Buren Ark., was named assistant coach of Canton High School. Zuber comes to Canton by way of East Texas State College in Commerce.
Mrs. Homer Lide and baby son were brought home Monday from Terrell hospital by Hilliard and Son Ambulance.
Dr. T. R Keahey is in a Dallas hospital where he underwent an operation for varicose veins in his leg.
Complimenting Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ray Bass, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Etheridge entertained with a wedding shower Friday night, Aug. 19, at their home. The bride is the former Miss Oma Etheridge.
Mrs. Opal Shatley entertained her daughter, Judy, on her ninth birthday Friday, Aug. 19. The guests were Barbara Gene Flatt, Sherrell Stout, Dell Hargrove, Sue and Lynda Flowers, Mary Lou Stout, Barbara and Anna Etheridge, Bill Shaw and Yvonne Shatley.
The Geddie reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Alexander Sunday, Aug. 21. (more on this article on microfilm)
These articles have been extracted from original copies of the Canton Herald and may be viewed on microfilm at the Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History, located in the courthouse annex in Canton.
