Ruby Jones White "When good friends get together---" a good time is had by all. Such was the case on Monday evening this week when ten friends of Ruby Jones White met her at Luby's Cafeteria for supper and later a visit out at the McCraw home. Ruby will leave this week for her job at Sam Houston State College, Huntsville. She is to be the head director at Belvin Buchannan Hall with two women assistants, and three student assistants; 287 girls are registered in the dorm. Those at the supper party were Mmes. Johnnie Williams Robinson, Mozell Glasscoe Berry, Ruby Jones White, and Miss Wilma McCraw from Greenville; Billie Glasscoe Hudson and Johnnie Jones Howard from Leonard; and Theda Compton Lacy, Elzada Baker Gibson, Ruby Blankenship Warren, and Lois Lacy Lewis from Celeste. (From "Our Town This Week..." by Mrs. Lois Lacy Lewis, August 26, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Premium Paid for First 1966 Bale of Cotton Mayor Solon Milton reports the following merchants and individuals donated $94.50 to the premium offered for Celeste's first 1966 bale of cotton. E. M. Blakemore produced the first cotton last week. Those who donated were First National Bank, $15.00; Cyanamid Farm Supply, $15.00; Celeste Insurance agency, $7.50; Bickham's Grocery, $5.00; J. R. Love Company, dress length; Compton's Grocery, $5.00; O. K. Automatic Washer, $3.00; Stewart's Mobil Station, $2.00; City Food, $1.00; Jack Ruff, $2.00; Johnny Lyon, $2.00; Henslee Hardware, $2.00; Oral Smith, $1.00; Lenna Belle Beauty Shop, $1.00; Neil Williams, $1.00; Harbert Byers, $2.00; Celeste Coop Gin, $25.00; and Opal Mae Stapleton, $5.00. (August 26, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Raymond Green Former Celeste Resident Died Raymond Green, 65, a former resident of Greenville died Wednesday, August 24, 1966, at 8:00 AM in Palestine, following a short illness. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Thursday in the Hassell-Foster Funeral Chapel in Palestine with Rev. T. D. Taylor officiating. Burial was in the Tidwell Cemetery in Hunt County. Mr. Green was born October 1, 1900, in White Rock, the son of Sherman Green and Lillian Eva Ross. He was married to Vivian Laciel and was a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Green was employed by Foremost Milk Company in Houston until he retired in 1962. Survivors include his widow of Palestine; one son, Sherman Green of Houston; one daughter, Miss Marie Green of Dallas; three brothers, Burl Green of Longview, Austin Green of Greenville, and Glenn Green of Dallas; three sisters, Mrs. Floy Williamson, Mrs. Lois Stapleton, and Mrs. Rogene Moss, all of Greenville; six stepsons, H. E. Kersh, Jr., of San Diego, California, Bobby Kersh, Harold Kersh, and Leslie Kersh, all of Houston, Don Kersh of Conroe, and David Kersh of Columbus, Georgia; three stepdaughters, Mrs. Raymond Martin of Dallas, Mrs. Harold Campbell of Houston, and Mrs.. William Carter of Dallas; four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were J. L. Gregory, Clayton McKenzie, Bill Lefewitch, Roy Green, Charles Trotter, and H. F. Bostick. (August 26, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

C. W. Green Died in Oklahoma; Local's Brother Funeral services for C. W. (Conner) Green, 65, of Duncan, Oklahoma, formerly of Hunt County, were held at the Baptist Church in Duncan at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 20, 1966. Mr. Green died early Thursday, August 18, 1966, after suffering a heart attack at his home. Mr. Green was born in the White Rock community near Celeste on July 22, 1901, and spent his boyhood days there. He left Hunt County when he was a young man and had been employed in the oil industry for many years. He was the son of the late Wayne Green and Effie Lowry Green. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Louise Green of Duncan; a sister, Mrs. Dora Taylor of Celeste; two brothers, Carl Green of Wolfe City and Vernon Green of White Rock; three nephews and two nieces, including Frances Taylor Arey and John Taylor of Celeste; and numerous other relatives in Hunt County and a nephew in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy (Buck) Green and a sister, Merle Green. Mrs. Dora Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Arey, John Taylor, Celeste; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Green, White Rock,a and Mr. and Mrs. Tip Green, Wolfe City, attended the services. (August 26, 1966, The Celeste Courier) Sarah Sue

Larry Hazal Will Teach at A&M Larry Gene Hazal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gene Hazal of Celeste, will be a student teacher at Texas A&M College while working towards a PhD in entomology. He left Wednesday for A&M. A 1959 graduate of Celeste High School, Hazal received his Masters degree at ETSU last week. He is a grandson of Mrs. Virge Hazal of Celeste and Mrs. Lou Smith of Whitewright. (September 9, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Homecoming at Hogeye a Success The Hogeye Homecoming held Sunday, September 4, 1966, brought scores of former residents and their families to the Community Center for a catered barbecue dinner and the visitation and business session later. Approximately 200 registered with a count of 130 for the dinner served under the arbor and on tables in the Center. President of the organization, George McGee, recognized special groups, including the Mulkey families, who were greatest in number with the Aven families following closely behind. Hubert Shields, the last teacher in the Midway School before consolidation with Celeste, recognized Mrs. Lola Jones Mallow of Lawton, Oklahoma, Mrs. Carter Fletcher Woolridge, Grand Prairie, and Ex-Postmaster Monroe Compton, former teachers in the earlier years of the school. Mrs. Mallow's term was 1913-1914 and Compton's terms of two years were in the early twenties. Mrs. Woolridge taught from 1929-1932. Mrs. Velma Holland of Commerce was the oldest visitor of the homecoming. She announced her birthday as "Tomorrow, September 5th, when I will be 87." Mrs. Holland is a sister of Mrs. Alyne Aven Ruff of Celeste. Coming from California were Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Tunstall of Visalia, and Navy Man BM3 Billy Ramsey, 5466278, c/o FPO San Francisco. Ramsey's parents, who were present, are Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Ramsey. Credit for the success of the homecoming arrangements go to the community people. Among those were the president, McGee; Jack Ruff, who sold tickets in town; Mrs. Gladys Linton, secretary who did the correspondence; Mrs. Ralph Evans and Mrs. Jack Ruff, who assisted in registering; and Glen Compton, present early for the arrangements and dinner tickets. The Hogeye Homecoming is held on the even numbered years. (September 9, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

George McGee Rites at Greenville Friday Afternoon George McGee, 68, died at 7:40 AM Wednesday in a Dallas hospital after an illness of several months. Born March 30, 1898, in Ben Franklin, Texas, the son of Leo P. McGee and Kate Benthul McGee, he had been a resident of Hunt County since he was five years old. A long-time Celeste resident, he was a farmer and mail carrier. He was a member of the Kingston Church of Christ, the Celeste Lions Club, and was chairman of the Hogeye Community Center. He was married in April of 1925 to Katie George in Wolfe City. He is survived by his wife; one son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby McGee, Corsicana; one daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Gale of Richardson; three sisters, Pearl Cone, Wichita Falls; Nina Sumrow, Dallas; Dessie Weatherford of Cash; and five grandchildren, Terry Gale and David Gale of Richardson, Kathey McGee, Susan McGee, and Gary McGee of Corsicana. Funeral service were held at 2:00 PM Friday in the Sorrells and Sons Chapel in Greenville. C. H. Sorrells was the officiating minister. Burial was in Celeste Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lonnie Linton, Joe Reed, W. A. Berry, Edwin Blakemore, Dave Bickham, and Harbert Byers. (September 9, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Most Work Complete at Football Field by Improvement Committee The recently organized Celeste Football Field Improvement Committee, a group of interested patrons and citizens, notes success in present plans, the fencing of the field and a new scoreboard. Both projects are in the completion stage, the restraining chain link fence is completed, the scoreboard, a four by seventeen foot affair, will be in place by the season's opening game, Friday night, September 9, when the Celeste Blue Devils host the Bells High eleven. An advertisement, to be renewed annually, is at the base of the scoreboard. The four foot chain link enclosure fence will be partially completed this week. The overall improvement, a $3,200.00 outlay, is underwritten by twenty-two men of the committee, patrons, and business people. Substantial pledges were the initial support. Fund Raising Project Greenville, Wolfe City, Leonard, and Celeste businessmen are generous in support of the fund raising project, vinyl covered soft seat cushion with advertising and the school insignia silk screened on them. The completion of the sale of these decorative cushions will net $720.00, according to promoter, Mrs. Johnny Myers. These cushions are suitable souvenir items, the sponsor finds. Orders may be called or sent to Mayor Solon Milton or the above sponsor. Local backers cleared the field of the old unsightly fence and debris, installed the scoreboard and sign, and moved a concession stand from a nearby Little League Field. Bob Felty, speaking for the ambitious group, said, "We hope to pay for the project this year. We have plans to build a joint field house and concession stand next year." On September 16, the second home game of the Blue Devils, there will be a drawing for a Shetland pony. Pony tickets are available from O. L. Nichols, Jr., Van King, or Herbert McGee. (September 9, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Miss Linda Justus to Make World Tour "Crusade for Christ" Miss Linda Justus will be leaving soon for Abilene Christian College, Fort Worth (?), entering her junior year there. Miss Justus is spending two weeks vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hutcheson, and her sisters, following two and one-half months work as a Personal Counselor in Camp Shiloh, near Mendhan, New Jersey. This was the second summer the worker has spent in camp. Shiloh is a long established project of the Churches of Christ of the United States, with aid from other subscribers. The work was originally for the underprivileged child, but has expanded to care for children in need of camp life. Miss Justus, a 1964, Celeste High School graduate, is one of a select group of young people chosen from the church schools of the country to make the "Crusade for Christ" world tour, a year long study on missions on other continents. The trip beings next June. Following the project trip and senior year later in college, Miss Justus will accept missionary work in any field for which she has a call. "I have said from high school days, I want to enter Red China as a worker in the church, if that is possible at the time of my assignment," Miss Justus commented. (September 9, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Mrs. Hazel Marie McClanahan Leinart Services Sunday Mrs. Hazel Marie McClanahan Leinart, 49-year-old wife of Tolbert R. Leinart of Greenville, died Saturday morning in a Greenville hospital after a lengthy illness. Funeral services were at 3:00 PM Sunday at North Baptist Church in Greenville with the Revs. Ben Smith and Cecil E. Vaughn officiating. Burial was in Memoryland Memorial Park under the direction of Coker-Mathews-Peters Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Ronnie Lumpkins, Larry McClanahan, James R. Williams, Jack Sawyer, Sammie Rackley, and Butch King. Mrs. Leinart was born February 6, 1917 in Hunt County, the daughter of J. C. McClanahan and Gertie White McClanahan. She married Mr. Leinart on April 9, 1932 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Survivors include her husband, Tolbert R. Leinart; parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. McClanahan; and son, Danny Leinart, all of Greenville; two sisters, Mrs. Jimmie Harples of Fort Worth and Mrs. Guy McClanahan of Greenville; two brothers, O. T. McClanahan and J. C. McClanahan, both of Greenville; a number of nieces and nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by an infant brother. (October 14, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Nell McRoberts Sketch Told at Thursday Club Meeting Sketches of lives of three personalities, "We Grew Up In America," was the subject of the Celeste Thursday Club in the recent meeting with Mrs. Charles Dupre, Jr., hostess, in the home of Mrs. Charles Dupre, Sr. Speakers gave reports about a Celeste native, Mrs. Nell Puckett McRoberts; a woman athlete, Mildred (Babe) Didrikson Zaharias; and comedian and philanthropist, Bob Hope. " 'A Distinguished American Institution' is the universal title given Bob Hope," Mrs. J. E. Norris reported. "Hope is a man who hears from presidents when he is ill. His self sacrifice in entertaining overseas service men is unparalleled. He has given 562 service benefits since the bombing of Pearl Harbor," the speaker recounted. Miss Allegra Byers reviewed the activities of Babe Didrikson from public school athletics through her career with a Dallas Independent basketball team, that once played an exhibition game with a Celeste team here, to her achievements in national and international golf. She died in 1955. Mrs. Leon Norris, in the absences of Mrs. Bill Barnard, gave a reading of the Nell McRoberts story told recently by a Dallas columnist. Mrs. McRoberts is in counseling and reception work in the Wadley Clinic, Dallas. Mrs. George McGee told of the personal consolation and help the former Celeste lady gave her husband in past months and to many others. Mrs. Ruby Warren in roll call told of the honor bestowed on Jones Pearce, Richardson ISD superintendent and former head of schools here. Seventeen members and honorary members, Mrs. Bill Davis, Mrs. R. C. Denny and visitor, Mrs. Rankin Roach, were present. The next meeting, October 20th, is a covered dish luncheon at 12:30 in Howe with Mrs. Albert Click hostess. (October 14, 1966, The Celeste Courier) In the same issue, Mrs. Lois Lacy Lewis wrote in her "Our Town This Week..." the following: Our Home Town people make the news real often. Recently Nell Puckett was written up in "The Dallas Morning News" for her work in Wadley. Then on the Women's Page, Ruth Norris Fox was described along with her move to a compact apartment from a rambling home occupied by the family many years. She had used her collection and some furnishings to make a decorator's dream. I recall a peg board with copper bottomed pots and pans. Then Amy Ward Bolding of Lubbock had a review of her book, "Please Give a Devotion for Young People" presented at a Lubbock Baptist Book Store. We have had devotionals given from her first book, "Please Give a Devotion." That book is in its seventh printing. And no wonder. It has wonderful material. Amy Ward lived here when her father, the late B. J. Ward, was pastor of the Baptist Church. Her mother lives in Lubbock. Her husband, J. T. Bolding, is assistant pastor of the First Baptist Church, Lubbock. Then Jones Pearce left here in 1946 for Richardson to be superintendent of the school there, the town and school about the size of Celeste he left, but he and the town have grown. Pearce was honored with a J. J. Pearce Day with 1,000 educators, including state leaders, at a banquet. Fourteen speakers lauded the work of the superintendent who led the school from sixteen teachers and 351 pupils to a setup with 22,000 pupils, seventeen elementary schools, four junior high buildings, and three senior high campuses. The investigating man should have been here this week. One hundred new boxes went in to the Celeste Post Office. (October 14, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Captain Dick Saye Will Go to Viet Nam; Family Will Reside in Greenville Captain and Mrs. Dick Saye and sons, Richard and Danny, home from two and one-half years in Villefranche, France, are establishing a home in Greenville for Mrs. Saye and sons while Captain Saye does tour of duty in Viet Nam. During the ten and one-half years of Marine enlistment, Saye and family have been stationed in Quantico, Virginia, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and the recent base on Riveria, France. As commanding officer of a Marine detachment of fifty enlisted men of USS Springfield (CLG-7), the flagship of the 6th fleet, Saye has seen duty in the Mediterranean during the month long cruises. European land travel was enjoyed by the family during the intervening time-off periods. Mrs. Saye, along with other Marine wives on occasion, "followed the ship" meeting schedule stops at ports, including most of the seaport countries from Denmark to all southern port cities. Mrs. Saye, the former Mary Dee O'Dell of Greenville, had a busy life. She had a class in hula dance, the students coming mainly from service families. She learned French, "a necessity for contact in trade, for shopping was impossible without a command of the language," she explained. The sons, Richard, 7, and Danny, 4, easily learned conversational French from contact in the French schools where no English is spoken beginning at the age of two for Danny in kindergarten. Mrs. Saye spoke of the leisurely life observed in the native customs. "Shopping is done daily in separate markets for every kind of food needed. The businesses, the supermarkets, are rare and prices are high." Captain Saye was impressed with the crowds of strollers. "The sidewalks would be crowded with French people out for the evening walk. Any old car seem sufficient for ownership for many residents, as there were not long distances to go. Promenading was a way of enjoying life," he said. Mrs. Saye told of work done in the Missionary and Military Church, a Protestant non-denominational church and Sunday School sponsored by the Trans World Raid of Monte Carlo. Mrs. Saye was superintendent of the base Sunday School, now in its fourth year, the only such organization on the Riveria. One hundred fifty was the average attendance. Saye, who was a 1953 Celeste High School graduate, Arlington State college and East Texas student, is certified for promotion to the rank of major. He will leave in mid-October from Camp Pendleton, San Diego, for thirteen to fifteen months duty in Viet Nam. The family will be at home at 1802 Gibbons Street, Greenville. Mrs. Joe O'Dell and the late Mr. O'Dell of Greenville are the parents of Mrs. Saye. Parents of Captain Saye are Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Saye of Celeste. (October 14, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Celeste Recreation Program Ends This Week with Tennis Tournament The Celeste Recreation Program at Celeste High School ended this week with a tennis tournament among the boys and girls. Those participating in the boys division were : Mike Prather Mark Davis Mike Armstrong Phillip Davis Steve Armstrong Happy Cawthon Steve Armstrong defeated Phillip Davis 6 - 3, 6 - 1 in the finals. Those participating in the girls' division were: GROUP I Martha Sumrow Glenda Burnett Brenda Burnett Linda Weatherley Martha Sumrow defeated Linda Weatherley 4 - 6, 6 - 4, 6 - 3 in the finals. GROUP II Pam Duncan Ouida Thorp Debra Davis Doris Gibson Becky Perkins Sue Davis Evangelyn Jordan Shirley Hampton Debbie Henslee Debbie Henslee defeated Pam Duncan 6 - 4, 6 - 2 in the finals. GROUP III Debbie Statzer Carolyn Gay Gail Davis Kim Morton Janet Gilliam Oleta Davis Debbie Allen Debra Rubarts Bobbie Cole Bonnie Davis Marianna Floyd Debbie Statzer defeated Marianna Floyd 6 - 0, 6 - 1 in the finals. Joe Tillerson was the coach. (July 22, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Celeste Athletes Feted at All-Sports Banquet The school colors of blue and white were featured at an all-sports banquet honoring the participating athletes in the Celeste School's sports program this year. This banquet was sponsored by the Booster Club and was attended by some one hundred and forty fans and athletes. All sports of the school's program were represented somewhere in the gym as the walls of the gym represented scoreboards for each of the sports. These followed the theme of the pep song "Hang Another Victory on the Blue Devils' Line." In all sports victories outnumbered by far the losses. Pennants with CELESTE BLUE DEVILS 1963-1964 spelled out on them were hung directly in front of the bleachers on either side of the gym. Blue and white streamers and balloons featuring every sport of the schools program were hung from over head. These created a completely all-sports atmosphere above the tables. The banquet tables were covered with white and blue runners down the center of each. The Celeste Blue Devil, stenciled in white on blue paper, was depicted on each program. These programs also served as place cards as each person in attendance had his name on one of these programs. The table decorations of the head table included a blue and white chrysanthemum centerpiec! e and the outstanding trophies that Celeste had won this year. The other tables had representatives of each sport on them as centerpieces. Miss Linda Cardwell, football sweetheart of 1964, acted as Mistress of Ceremonies for the program. Mr. Charles Dupre gave the invocation. The president of the Blue Devil Booster Club, Mr. C. J. Childress, welcomed the speaker and other guests. Responses to his greeting were given by David Pruitt, football tri-captain, and Nancy Stapleton, Head Majorette. Coach Jimmy Felty made a few comments for himself and Coach T. B. Weatherley, Jr., about the past football and girls' basketball season. Mr. G. W. Tillerson, coach of the boys' basketball team, expressed his appreciation to the fans who followed him and his team to Austin and the State Tournament and presented twelve of the boys gold basketballs as awards for winning the regional championship. Those who received the gold basketball were Lloyd Lanier, Howard Roach, Jerry Weatherley, Ronnie Clinton, Mark Hackney, Monty Blakemore, W. S. Giles, Larry Martin, Joe Rodriguez, and Guille Seigler. Joe Tillerson and David Pruitt also received a gold basketball, but a special honor went along with these for them as Mr. Tillerson announced that these two had been selected on the 43-B All-District Basketball First Team. Marsha Gilliam was named to the girls' All-District Team. The guest speaker, Mr. Floyd Gass, athletic director of Austin College at Sherman, made a very interesting talk about athletics and school and community. The banquet was adjourned as everyone stood and sang the school song. (March 27, 1964, The Celeste Courier)

Kingston 4H Club Program on Gardening The Kingston 4H Club met Monday, March 16, 1964. The meeting was called to order by the president, Jimmy Steed. Tommy Lamm and Paula Harless led the song, "Sic Little Ducks." Jackie Hackney led the motto and pledge. Debra Rubarts gave the devotional. The secretary, Jo Ann Farmer, read the minutes and called the roll. The program was a film on "Gardening" given by Steve Wheeless. Tommy Sue Creed led the 4H Prayer. Refreshments were served after the dismissal. Those present were members: Tommy Lamm, Paula Harless, Jackie Hackney, Debra Rubarts, Tommy Sue Creed, Beverley Stapleton, Jo Ann Farmer, and Jimmy Steed. Others present were the guests: Steve Wheeless, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lamm, Mrs. Steed, and Mrs. Rubarts. (March 27, 1964, The Celeste Courier)

Mayor Solon Milton Commends Fire Department for Progress and Improvements The Celeste Volunteer Fire Department completed 1965 with a record of steady progress and improvements. This is especially true in the areas of individual training and in maintenance and condition of equipment. In the course of twenty-four regular two-hour drill meetings during 1965, each member has become proficient in the operation of trucks and equipment. During the same period, thirteen members completed the Red Cross First Aid course and were awarded certificates. Sixteen members attended more than three-fourths of the regular drill meetings: M. D. Babers, Jesse Bishop, Johnny Myers, Farrell Arey, Doug Armstrong, Haskell Biggs, Bobby Compton, Ted Daniels, Jimmy Felty, Albert Granberry, Johnnie Lyon, Doug Milton, Larry Rowell, Ronnie Lumpkin, Ted Cole, and John James. The fire trucks are in better condition than they have been in years, and the fire alarm system has been improved by the installation of five additional telephones. There were only three grass fires and one structural fire within the Celeste City limits during 1965. This may be partially luck; however, I believe that fire prevention training in our schools, improved fire prevention inspections by the Fire Marshall, and greater awareness and caution on the part of all Celeste citizens have been the reason that we have had such few fires. To the Fire Department, schools, and all citizens: Congratulations and please keep up the good work. J. Solon Milton Mayor City of Celeste (January 7, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Mary Eastwood called attention to a notice in the Dallas obituary column that will recall the residence of two ladies here. The report was the death of Miss Willie Weithington of Dallas. She was buried at Farmersville Wednesday, this week (January 5, 1966). Mary recalled that Miss Willie and her sister, Minnie, ran a millinery shop here. The latter was not listed as a survivor. She married Anson Cunningham. ("Our Town This Week..." by Mrs. Lois Lacy Lewis, January 7, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Better Opportunity--Better Living is Motive for Families Moving to Texas Mrs. Jesse (Jessie) Rodriguez of Greenville, RR 3, the former Marcelina Ramirez of Celeste, was asked her feelings on seeing the last of her eight children start his senior year in Celeste High School the past September, she answered in her soft, beautifully spoken English, "I felt very sad in one way, but happy for the accomplishment." Accomplishment is the word associated with the Rodriguez family, father and mother, Jesse and Marcelina Rodriguez and their eight children. In thirty-one years of married life, the parents have reared and educated the five daughters and three sons. When Joe, the youngest, becomes a high school graduate in June 1966, he will follow the other seven in advanced learning. The parents will give encouragement, the brothers, already college trained, will help as been the custom of each one as he or she completed his academic college work. The next one in line received financial and encouraging aid from one or more of the working family members. What is the background of these worthy citizens? When questioned as to why the families, the Rodriguez and Ramirez, left their homes in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and came to Texas almost fifty years ago, Mrs. Rodriguez stated, "For a better opportunity--for better living." The two families, unknown to each other in Mexico, settled in neighboring communities in Hunt and Collin counties. But, in time, two members, Jesse and Marcelina met, fell in love, and were married in a small Catholic Church in Kaufman County in 1934. Farming has been their occupation and for the past twenty years, they have lived in a modest farm home as tenant farmers on the land of H. H. Bennett one and 1/2 miles off US Highway 69, north of Greenville. Growing field crops and producing onions and other vegetables for sale in the downtown markets have kept the entire family cooperating in the task of farm work--and in the equally important business of getting an education through high school and college. The mother, Marcelina, at the age of seven came with her parents, the late Thomas and Bonita Ramirez and two older brothers from Mexico. In a few years, she found opportunity to help her family by taking housework in the home of the late Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Bickham in Celeste. Mrs. Bickham, sensing the ambition of the young girl, conferred with then school superintendent, J. Garland Roach. Marcelina, then twelve years old, entered the school nearby with Miss Bess Stevens, first grade teacher. Mrs. Rodriguez, in remembering those years as she lived with the Bickham family, helping with housework as she attended school said, 'I thought of the Bickhams as my second parents. With their help and the teachers being so nice, I passed the eleven grades in seven years. Miss Ophie Everett helped me at night and in the summers." Roach, now a near neighbor to the family and proud of the progress made by its members related, "Because of Marcelina's unusual IQ, eagerness, and application, she made four grades the first year, three the next and soon was with her age group." Roach remembers her radiant look as he presented her diploma and attested to her accomplishment. With such a heritage, it is little wonder a later superintendent of the Celeste school, Clyde Heflin, now of Klondike said, "The Rodriguez children acquitted themselves excellently. Some participated in sports and all participated in various school activities while maintaining better than average grades." The older children, Carmel, Modesto, and Teresa, graduated during Heflin's tenure here. Heflin knew the family since 1946, was influential in getting the transfer of the children to this district. He commented, "I was impressed on a visit in the home with the well organized home, farm and family, and the sharing each member did in the responsibly of the home." Haskell Biggs, veteran school bus driver, has transported each and every one of the eight children on the long haul to and from school. His sentiment was, "Without doubt or question, the Rodriguez children are the best behaved, courteous, and respectful." Living one and one-half miles on a country lane, the children walked to the highway to the bus during muddy weather. Since college work has been in ETSC, Commerce, and commuting is the method of meeting classes, the handicap, poor outlet road, has not deterred them. They meet classes. An aunt and an uncle, Sue and Frank Ramirez, in Celeste have helped by sharing their home to assist in continuing school attendance despite bad weather. G. W. Tillerson, present Celeste School Superintendent, having seen the last five of the Rodriguez family through their high school years, said of Mary, Mickie, Tommie, Jesse Junior, and Joe, "They are very fine students, have good attitudes, and apply themselves well, are ambitious, will assume obligations, and attend school regularly." H. H. Bennett, Greenville insurance man, commented, "My wife and I knowing Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Rodriguez and their children for twenty years as they lived on our farm of 112 acres, have learned to love and appreciate them as though a part of our family. They are resourceful, courteous, and excellent farmers. In fact, the class of people who are an asset to any community." The young people are in the business world, successful in their careers. Carmel, Mrs. J. H. Sanez, a former teacher, lives with her husband and three children in Amarillo. She lived on the campus of ETSC and worked as a librarian. Modesto, a teacher for several years, now lives in Greenville and is employed at LTV Electronic Systems. Teresa teaches physical education in South Covena, California. Mary and Mickie teach in the San Antonio Public Schools. Tommie is in Amarillo in the American School of Nursing and will be a graduate nurse in May of 1966. Jesse Junior, remaining at home as the others did, commutes to ET for his second year. The Bennetts call Junior "The Farmer" as he helps long hours in the crops because of the ill health of the father. Joe, the Celeste senior, maintains the fine qualities of the seven above him. Mrs. Rodriguez commented concerning her and Jesse's plans, "It will be a proud day when Jesse and I find time to go to Dallas for our naturalization. We have had the papers several times, but circumstances were never possible for us to go through with it. It will be a fine day for us." It was a fine day when the Rodriguez came this way. (By Mrs. Lois Lewis, January 7, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

N. B. Duncan N. B. Duncan, 73, of Dora, New Mexico, passed away in Clovis Memorial Hospital, New Mexico, December 29, 1965. Funeral services were December 30, 1965 in the Dora Baptist Church with Rev. G. W. Fine, pastor, officiating, assisted by Eugene Stone. Burial was in Rest Lawn Cemetery at Portales, New Mexico, under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Olean West Duncan and eight children, T. Z. Duncan of Causey, New Mexico; Mrs. O. H. Jones, Dora, New Mexico; Rev. Earnest Duncan, pastor of Fairview Baptist Church, Grand Prairie, Texas; Oscar Duncan, Dora, New Mexico; Mrs. Eugene Stone, San Diego, California; Mrs. J. C. King, Artesia, New Mexico; Mrs. Buck Smith, Toledo, Ohio; Mrs. Don Thorp, Littlefield, Texas; several grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. E. L. Alexander of Celeste. Also a half-sister of Lubbock, Texas, several nieces and nephews also survive. Mr. Duncan was born in Alabama and lived in the Celeste community for some time before moving to New Mexico in 1936. Those attending the funeral from here were Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. Gaston Alexander, B. T. Alexander, Irving; M. N. Alexander, Whitewright; Mrs. Herman Compton, Celeste; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Evans, Celeste; Mr. and Mrs. Garland Merrial, Wolfe City; Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Walker and Joe Duncan, Duncanville; Oscar and Edwin West, Celeste. (January 7, 1966, The Celeste Courier)

Mrs. W. L. Lewis Died Saturday After Short Illness Mrs. W. L. Lewis, long-time resident of the Celeste area, died early Saturday morning , January 1, 1966, in Allen Memorial Hospital in Bonham following a brief illness. Funeral services were at 2:00 PM Sunday in Coker-Mathews-Peters Funeral Chapel in Greenville, with the Rev. Bob Layman and the Rev. Bill Davis officiating. Burial was in Forest Park Cemetery, Greenville, with pallbearers including Byird Glasscoe, Carl Lacy, Albert Granberry, Jacque Bickham, Tom Mulkey, and Ralph Evans. Mrs. Lewis was born March 17, 1876 in Fairmont, Georgia, the daughter of Asberry Collins and Louise Collins. She came to Hunt County in 1902 and she lived in the Celeste and Lane areas since that time. She married W. L. Lewis in 1902. He preceded her in death in 1953. Survivors include two sons, C. E. Lewis of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma and Howard Lewis of Celeste; two sisters, Mrs. Mitt Cook of Atlanta, Georgia and Mrs. George Finley of Americus, Georgia; one brother, E. C. Collins of Birmingham, Alabama; two grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. (January 7, 1966, The Celeste Courier)