Historical Figure, Blanche McMullan, Will
Be "Brought to Life," August 16th

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Another "stout" woman in Hopkins County history, will greet those attending the annual joint meeting of the Hopkins County Historical Society and the Hopkins County Genealogical Society, on August 16th, in the Chapel at Heritage Park, as they meet Mrs. Blanche Weigers McMullan.

Blanche Weigers McMullan, who moved with her family to Hopkins County, from Jefferson, Texas, where she was born, became an integral part of Hopkins County history. Noted for her accomplished mastery of the piano and organ, and a love for "good horse flesh" and riding, it was only natural that "Miss Blanche" would meet and marry Irishman, Tom McMullan.

 

 

"Miss Blanche" was a lover of music and
an accomplished musician.

 

 

Tom McMullan was the owner of an early mercantile store, that he and his partners operated, as well as a 30,000 acre ranch, stocked with "whiteface" cattle, at Alpine, Texas. Tom, several years Blanche's senior, took her to the "Sour Well" where she "downed" a full cup of the bitter liquid, in "one gulp," proving that "Miss Blanche" was a "keeper," and promptly proposed.

He secretly built her a new home on Water Oak Street and presented it with all of its splendor, as a "glowing," lantern-lit wedding present. And, "thank heavens" it had an abundance of bedrooms, as they quickly went about "making babies" and had 12 children. Tom died of pneumonia, suddenly in 1925 (or from fathering so many children) and left Blanche to oversee the family. She died at the "ripe old age" of 93, in 1963, and was noted for her influence in the Roman Catholic Church, in Sulphur Springs, as she had been one of the founding members.

Those who have attended before, know the outstanding job that Mrs. Lavyn Sisco does with her portrayals of historical women, and for those interested in the history of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, it is a real treat, to attend one of these annual events. This year's event will take place at the Chapel in Heritage Park, beginning at 7:00 p.m., on August 16th. Following the very interesting program, refreshments will be served in the Atkins House. Mark your calendars!

 

 

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