This week in Canton history...
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society
Formal opening of Foster’s Clover Farm Store will be held Friday and Saturday at their new location in Canton. The store is located in the Zack More building next to the Plaza Theatre. A big affair is planned for the occasion. Glenn Foster, owner, told the press this week. Coffee is to be served all-day Saturday. Foster’s Grocery and Market was formerly located next door to Eubank Bros. The concern moved to its new location last week. Glenn Foster began his grocery career in 1933 as a clerk for A. H. Travis. In 1943 Charlie Brock bought out the Travis interest. The store became known as Travis and Foster Grocery and Market. (See newspaper for complete article.)
Miss Peggy Jean Ballard, daughter of Mrs. W. Ballard of Olney, became the bride of Joe C. Bunch of Canton, at 9 o’clock Wednesday evening, June 1. The candle light ceremony was performed at the home of Mrs. Jimmy Chafin, sister of the groom, in Fort Worth. Rev. C. Bradshaw, pastor of Magnolia Christian church in Fort Worth, officiated at the single ring ceremony. Miss Patricia Ballard was maid of honor. J.H. Bunch, Jr., of Fort Worth was best man.
Funeral services were held for John T. Waites Thursday, June 2, at Mixon Baptist Church with Rev. Coffee of Jacksonville officiating. Mr. Waits passed away at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 1 day on May 31. He was born in 1867. He had made his home in Jacksonville until 10 year ago when his wife passed away. Since that time he had made his home with his niece, Mrs. Pearl Terry, of Canton. Pallbearers were Exton Lang, Jack and Frank Waites, Billy Jack Terry, Olan Bates and Floyd Cunningham. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Interment was at Mixon.
Miss Lucille Page, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Page and Elree Smithart, son of Mrs. Bertha Smithart of Wills Point, exchanged wedding vows Wednesday evening, June 1, at the home of her parents in Canton. Reading the single ring ceremony was Rev. N.M. Robinson, of Myrtle Springs. Miss Zena Rea, sister of the groom, of Dallas, attended the bride as matron of honor. Serving the groom as best man was Raymond Patterson of Canton. (See newspaper for complete article.)
The East Van Zandt County Singing Convention meets at Ben Wheeler Methodist Church Saturday night and Sunday, June 11 and 12. This is the annual singing day here so lots of good singers are expected. Everyone is invited.
Mrs. Francis Cooper and Mrs. D.L Yantis were hostesses to the Friendship Sunday School Class at a class party held in the home of the latter Thursday night. Mrs. Tom Prestridge, Mrs. Royce Keahey and Mrs. Dale Palmer were, prize winners in the entertainment contests. Congealed salad, iced cake squares and punch were served to sixteen members and guests.
The Old Bethel Garden Club met in the home of Mrs. Opal Shatley Wednesday, May 18, at 1:30 o’clock with 24 members, one new member, Mrs. Stewart and two visitors, Mrs. H.A. Shaw and Mrs. Una Hunter. Mrs. Sammie Walker called the roll with each giving their favorite flower. “At the Cross” was sung and Mrs. Leva Stout led in prayer. All committee reports were given. The program was given by, Mrs. Corene Etheridge, Mrs. Irene Stout, Mrs. Jessie Shaw, Mrs. Merle Knowles, Mrs. Opal Shatley, and Mrs. Sally Walsh. Mrs. Una Hunter. Mrs. Vada Watkins and Mrs. Lillie Flatt received recreation gifts. High scores were made by, Mrs. Sims, Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Flowers. The hostess served grape juice and cookies. The next meeting will be at the school house, June 15, at 1:30 o’clock. Visitors are invited.
James Wilson Dodson, passed away June 1, while plowing in the field soon after returning to his work about 2:30 p.m. Mr. Dodson, better known as Wilson, around the Mount Pisgah community, was born June 6, 1886 in Alabama. He came to Texas early in life, moving with his parents to the Mount Pisgah community, where he married Arzora Jordan. Survivors include his wife, two sons, J.S. Dodson of West Columbia; and S.G. Dodson of Sapulpa, Okla.; one daughter, Mrs. Opal Creed of Fairfield, seven grandchildren, two brothers and five sisters. A host of other relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services were held Friday, June 3, at Prairie Springs Cemetery.
Personals: Miss Cretia Brooke of Haskell is visiting Mrs. Lula Sides. Mrs. George Wages has recently returned from a Dallas hospital. Mrs. A.M. Ayres is ill at her home near Red Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Alton Chaney visited their mother, Mrs. Carpenter this weekend. Bob Suling of Fort Worth spent the weekend with his mother, Mrs. Ben Pruitt. Mrs. Raymond Fincher, Farrie and Truman of Beaumont visited relatives here last week. Mrs. W.A. Carpenter and Molly Ann visited in Beaumont over the week-end. Mr. and Mrs. Jake Slaughter visited in Austin Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnie Sumner and Bonnie Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Schering of Tyler spent their vacation in New Mexico and southwest Texas.
