Hopkins County Judge Chris Brown reads the letter he received from the State Historical Commission
naming the Hopkins County Historical Society for this year's prestigious Preservation Award, at
Thursday night's monthly meeting.

 

 

Historical Society Receives Prestigious
State Preservation Award

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Mrs. Carlie Penson, President of the Hopkins County Historical Society, accepts the award from Judge
Chris Brown, at Thursday night's meeting.

 

 

It was a night of celebration at the regular monthly meeting of the Hopkins County Historical Society, when County Judge Chris Brown announced that they had been selected for the prestigious State Preservation Award from the Texas Historical Commission. Based on a number of criteria, the local historical society received the award for their outstanding effort in preserving local history, educating the public about the local history, and countless hours of service to preserving the history of this region.

"I want to commend the Hopkins County Commissioner's Court for their support and to each of you, the members, who have worked so hard, and accumulated some 11,000 plus hours, in the 2011 year, to preserving our local history," expressed Society President Carlie Penson, as she accepted the award from Judge Brown. "It's the dedication of everyone, who come to the park to help preserve our history and to share it with others!"

 

 

Master Gardener and local horticulturalist, Barbara Stewart, presented Thursday night's program
on plants that thrive in our local area.

 

 

 

 

Following Browns presentation, Barbara Stewart, a local Master Gardener and horticulturalist, provided this month's program, that included an interesting overview of plants that will thrive in Northeast Texas and the entire state. "Probably, like many of you, I once would try to get any plant that I saw in a magazine, and many, many of the wilted and died, because they weren't suited for our climate," expressed Stewart. "But, I learned better and soon began looking for varieties that would work well in this area, with our hot weather and drought proned summers."

Stewart recommended to those in attendance to try plants that are labeled "Texas Superstars," as these are plants that are conducive to our weather patterns and do well here. She also recommended planting "Earth-Kind" Roses, that are resistant to "black spot" and do well in the extreme temperatures, here in the state of Texas. She also gave a number of native plants to the state of Texas, that will add beauty and fragrance to your local landscape, with a minimum amount of care. "I really don't know of many of us that want to spend all of our time watering and 'babying' plants all summer, just to have them die!" exclaimed Stewart.

 

 

Mrs. Stewart encouraged gardeners to look for plants that are labeled "Texas Superstars," for best
results in our local area.

 

 

 

Following her presentation, Mrs. Stewart continued to visit with those in attendance and answer questions, as the group enjoyed refreshments.

It was also announced that the Hopkins County Historical Society and the Hopkins County Genealogical Society will have a joint meeting on August 16th, in the Chapel at the Historical Park, when Mrs. Lavyn Sisco will present a program on Mrs. Blanche McMullen.

Everyone was encouraged to attend the Veterans' Memorial Dedication Service, Symphony Presentation, and Fireworks, on the downtown square, Saturday night!

 

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