Staff Writer *1889—1939* This is the final installment of excerpts from this major edition of what was to later become
The Forney Messenger. I was not alive when these “everyday” events were taking place, but I have heard the “old-timers” of our LITTLE TOWN recount them, many times with details added or changed as the years and “storytellers” came and went! And while the “good ol’ days” of Forney were the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and maybe the ‘80s from my perspective, and the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s from many who were “main Forneyites” but maybe not born here, the “good ol’ days” are different for each group or generation. I love my “flip phone” and hate that my “razor phone” burned up, and younger folks, including my own family laugh and laugh at me for not having “technology” as they call it. (Actually, technology is any type of phone or communication device, etc.; what they mean is MODERN TECHNOLOGY! …..off my “soap box” for the rest of this article.)
N. E. SHANDS: Son of the late Dr. N. E. and Julia C. Shands (Forney residents), N. E. began school in Forney and finished at San Marcos High, Coronal Inst. in San Marcos, and Southwestern University in Georgetown. He moved to Mesquite and established Mesquite’s 1st electric light plant, later selling out to Texas Power and Light Company. While in the U. S. Army (1918), he spent a year in France and Germany. Later, he was employed by 1st National Bank of Cleveland, Texas, and in the mid-‘20s he became President of 1st National Bank of Mesquite and was involved in numerous local boards, councils, and clubs.
Kaufman County was credited by Legislative Enactment in early 1848 and named after Davis S. Kaufman.
The 1st Sheriff of Kaufman County was Silas Estes, who was employed by a cattle shipper, living in Shreveport in 1868.
T&P Railroad and the interest it brought to the town initially known as BROOKLYN made land that in the area had sold for often less than 90 cents per acre begin to rise until it often brought as much as $15.00 to $20.00 per acre after the post office of FORNEY had become official in December of 1873, because it was then profitable to ship farm products to markets. Open ranges began to decrease!
Among Forney’s pioneer citizens, Farmers National Bank has three patrons who have been CONTINUOUS CUSTOMERS during the bank’s 50 years of service— Sid Drake (Forney, 1887), George Riter (Forney, 1880), and L. L. Lindsey (Irish Ridge, 1877) *dates they arrived*.
The SO-SO CLUB had a game and sewing party in the home of Mrs. Roy Taylor with sandwiches, chips, pie, and coffee served to guests, Mrs. Nora Bramblett, Mrs. Herman Yates, Mrs. Pat Zarafonetis, and Mrs. McKinley Mills, by the hostess.
L. G. Cook, Graham High School—1922 graduate, North Texas State Teachers College—1935 graduate, and former Assistant County Superintendent and County Superintendent— Supervisor of Young County, is the PRINCIPAL of Forney Grade School and considered one of the town’s outstanding faculty members. He is also Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School.
Mrs. Otto Lanham hosted an Easter Party for her daughter, LADY ANN, and featured a mirror-reflected table with lavish Easter decorations, games, ice cream and cake (Mrs. Joe York serving), and an Easter egg hunt. The party lasted from 3:00—5:00, and attendees were the following: Jane Keely, Sally Blanche Moore, Linda Joe York, Vivian Kearney, Ruby Linn Yates, Edna Mae Hickson, Billy Jean Rhodes, Betty Braggs, Walter Lynn Zimmerman, Tommy Chritzberg, Al Smith, Jr., and the honoree.
Notes from Office of Superintendent (nowhere named in the article)….. Teachers and pupils are all busy again making preparations for the six weeks term quizzes. We have but seven more weeks of school for this year. It may be interesting to know that this is the 50th anniversary of the 1st public school building, devoted exclusively to school work. In 1889, a 2-story building was constructed on the land now occupied by the new high school building to take the place of the 2-story building, erected in 1874 (land donated by Mrs. Hannah Self, member of the Christian Church) to be used as a “union church,” Masonic Hall, and an educational institute. The good school pupil in 1889 studied to prepare himself for life’s problems and to better fit himself in ideals and understandings needed during his day. The pupil of today, 1939, has been doing these same things. The homes of that day wanted their boys and girls to grow into worthy manhood and womanhood that the family could feel proud to call their own.
JOE ELLIOTT arrived in Forney on New Year’s Day of 1913 to manage the G. W. Owens Lumber Company, in which Mr. Owens and Mr. Elliott were partners. One year later, it was known as the J. T. ELLIOTT LUMBER COMPANY. About 1916 fire destroyed the Jim Dozier house and barn and part of the lumber yard as the result of sparks from the coal-burning T&P engine! Terrell and Dallas fire companies had to be summoned to extinguish the fire, as Forney had city water but no “ pumper.” One of the oldest present-day businesses, it has employed the original owners and also T. P. Mills, Albert Spillman, John Voss, and now Dick Farmer.
*Words of Wisdom* Achievement with the struggle to achieve spells HAPPINESS.
A. A. HINTON, who has worked “from the ground up,” president and general manager of Forney Ice and Water Company, came to Forney in 1917, married Miss Cleo Farmer (now Postmaster) in 1923, and is a member of the Lions Club, Dallas Commandery #6, K. T., and Masonic Lodge.
Mrs. George Riter, author of FORNEY HISTORY, wife of George Riter, and mother of Mrs. B. B. Hulsey and Mrs. Robert Abernathy, obtained historical information concerning Forney and its citizens from various sources and received recognition here and abroad.
David L. Yandell (LON YANDELL, born and reared in Forney) is the “genial” owner of Lon Yandell Grocery and Hardware, one of the most modern equipped stores in Forney. He began working in a grocery store after school and on Saturdays as a young boy and spent 7 years after graduating from F. H. S. in 1925, working in the E. M. Riggs Hardware Store. He has been assisted by hometown salesmen—Jack V. Venner, Robert Futrell, Harry Richman, and Hugh Simms.
O. B. Powell, Superintendent of Schools, has served in this position for 6 years and is completing his 28th year as a “school man.” He is a native Texan from Hood County and a graduate of John Tarleton College and Denton Normal Colleges……and a Masters Graduate of Southern Methodist University. His 1st school experience was in a two-teacher rural school in Lubbock County!
Something Fishy— MACK DAUGHERTY, for reasons unknown, was absent from the Terry Drug Company Wednesday, taking the whole day off to celebrate— something “fishy” about the holiday!
Always a Good Show— STAR THEATRE—Forney, Texas: “Lawless Valley” ….. ”Everybody’s Baby”….. “Café Society”….. “Lone Wolf Spy Hunt” (If you saw any of these features in 1939, please contact me so that I may interview you! Thanks!)
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