Anti-gun violence protests were held in multiple cities across the state over the weekend, while the state has imposed additional measures designed to strengthen school security. Texas State University’s Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program will be provided to all Texas school districts.

Last week, Earl Wayne Parten came into the Museum carrying a tattered and yellowed newspaper article about the Madison Hotel and Mrs. Ida Brown. Ads on the back proved it came from an old Meteor. An accompanying photo includes Budgie Burke, Bonne Hendrix, Lynda Breeding, Patricia Stephenson, Mary Ann Caldwell, and Ann Richie, all holding signs that say “This building matters” and standing in front of the Madison Hotel, probably between 1995 and 2005. The caption states that group was with the Madison County Historical Commission at that time.

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Education Agency to ensure school facilities are made safer in the wake of the killing of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary in Uvalde.

On Sunday afternoon, May 31, 1931, Carl Harper came home reeking of liquor. He stumbled to his room on the second floor, lay on the bed, and muttered, cursed, and dozed. Later that afternoon, their son, Paul, came to visit after a lengthy absence.

Through the years, Madisonville has suffered great losses from fires, most often at businesses. One legendary home that burned was the Harper house on Halloween, 1965. It had been unoccupied since June, 1931, but it always attracted attention. It was built by local architect and builder John Douglas Brownlee, for Carl Thurston Harper and Jennie Webb Harper and at the southwest corner of the intersection of Woodrow and Magnolia streets. I haven’t been able to find any good photos of the home, either in its prime or as the aged wreck it became. It had a story, so let me take you back. Folks came before the house.