For most East Texas school districts, a new school year has either just begun or is about to. Last year was as trying as any in recent history, particularly for our school teachers, faculty, and administrators. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation, as they have worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare for our children to return to the classroom. Please don’t forget to thank our educators and administrators for all they do to prepare our students for a bright future.

I hope you recall that Musings now appears on behalf of both Madison County Museum and Madison County Historical Commission. The latter is aiming at publishing Volume 3 of Madison County History. To do so, we need stories from you. You may send by email to stories@madionchc.com or paper copies to Madison County Historical Commission, 101 N. Madison, #64, Madisonville, TX 77864.

On August 2, 1832, Texas settlers refused to surrender their arms to the Mexican Army in Nacogdoches, escalating into The Battle of Nacogdoches, which is often referred to as the opening salvo of the Texas Revolution. James Bowie marched with the Texian Militia and initialed a siege on the Mexican Garrison, eventually capturing the Old Stone Fort and other vital locations. The Mexican soldiers attempted to retreat to San Antonio, but a detachment of mounted Texians, including Bowie, ambushed them the next day after a running fight along the Angelina River. The Mexican battalion lost forty-seven men, and three Texans were killed.

Have you and your family received the COVID inoculation? Please, please reconsider... do this for yourself, do this for your family, do this for your neighbor, do this for your community...

As the month of July comes to an end and the Olympic games begin to heat up, I hope you are rooting for the red, white, and blue every step of the way. An athlete to keep an eye on is fellow East Texan, Mackenzie Brown, of Flint. As the lone East Texas Olympian, Mackenzie has advanced to the round of sixteen after wins in her first two individual archery matches against competitors from Germany and China. The two-time Olympian grew up bowhunting with her family, and she found a love for competition as a teenager. Here’s hoping Mackenzie will bring a medal back for the United States, and specifically those of us in East Texas.

If you noticed the title change, let me explain. My Musings began over six years ago on behalf of the Museum but will henceforth continue for the Museum AND Madison County Historical Commission. The latter has several goals, including a new book of local history, Volume 3, and I feel like history is history, it’s hard for me to split.

As we approach the month of August and the start of another school year, I hope you and your family enjoy the remainder of the 2021 summer vacation. In preparation for the first day, I would like to remind everyone that Texas will host Tax-Free Weekend from August 6-8. Tax-Free Weekend provides an excellent opportunity to get our children ready for school while saving money on tax-exempt items such as clothing, shoes, and school supplies -- mark your calendars, as this is a great opportunity to save money.

Mackie shares that the Bedias Library will resume regular hours the first week of August. If you would like to volunteer to help keep the library open and active, please give Mackie a call, 936- 355-0642. Please go to www.facebook.com/BediasLibrary. home for more information and updates.

With COVID restrictions lifted statewide and summer vacations still an option before school gets started next month, I sincerely hope you and your family will consider making the trip to Austin for a history and civics lesson at your State Capitol. And with the Legislature in the midst of a Special Session, there’s no better time to see your government in action. As a reminder, my Capitol office is always open to you, and my staff is more than happy to show you around. We can arrange for a tour of the State Capitol or even give recommendations of places of interest in the area, such as the Governor’s Mansion, Texas State Cemetery, or the Bob Bullock State History Museum. Hope to see you soon!