My essay today is nothing like my usual. Here at the beginning, I want to remind all of you about the Museum’s new exhibit. Items from the baby exhibit are mostly gone now, and if you loaned us some things and don’t have them back yet, please come in and take them. The new Madison County Champions exhibit is in the works and should get better every day.

Madison County Museum is wrapping up its baby exhibit and moving on to a new exhibit entitled “Madison County Champions”. If we have baby items that you want back, please retrieve them or we will contact you.

Recently I found an article written by H.B. Fox, who was our Meteor’s editor from 1937 until 1945. He wrote the piece I’m sharing, entitled “Sensation is His Middle Name!” in 1947, and I calculated that year by the subject’s age mentioned below. I don’t know the publication in which it appeared; my copy does not give such information, but appears to have come from a magazine of some type. From the next paragraph onward, I’m borrowing Fox’s words, because he did a good job. As you read, keep in mind the year 1947.

At first glance it appears to be a rather silly question, but there is reason behind the madness, so first a little bit, perhaps a bit more than a little, background. The 2018 May issue of “Texas Highways” featured a very interesting story about the Woodbine Inn & Restaurant.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “mecca” as a place regarded as a center for a certain group, activity, or interest. Madison County’s Mecca community did not begin as such and isn’t that today, but it definitely was for part of our local history.

This piece came to you in a roundabout way. I found the photos first and then searched for information. Thank Heaven for Harold Gene (H.G.) Wells and his superb memory or I’d have nothing to share here except photos!

The risk for wildfires across the state has risen along with the hot and dry conditions, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. “With the recent uptick in wildfire activity, Texas A&M Forest Service has mobilized additional personnel and equipment to assist with response,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief.

First, please make note of this important fact. Recently Madison County Historical Commission set February 1, 2024, as the deadline for submissions for Volume 3 of Madison County History. When you do submit such, snail-mail it to MCHC, 101 N. Commerce, #64, Madisonville, TX 77864, or email it to stories@madisonchc.com Next, I need to apologize. Last week I stated that I hoped to share John Henry Faulk’s Christmas Story next, and now I can’t because I learned that is the property of npr which is National Public Radio and still active. Faulk recorded it in 1974 for Voices in the Wind, part of npr. I do highly recommend that you listen to it. You’ll find it if you google “Faulk Christmas story”.