This Week in Wills Point History Friday, April 26, 1968
Ole! Ole! Fiesta time is drawing near. May 3 is the date and Wills Point the place for having fun at the Spring Fiesta. The Chamber of Commerce has announced that they have secured the services of the Alonzo Stanley’s Mariachi Trio, who normally play at Six Flags Over Texas, to appear at the Spring Festival, to be held on the streets of Wills Point, and will wander the streets lending a bit of authenticity to the gala celebration. Mrs. Clyde Wharton and Mrs. Roy Coomer are in charge of the food and concessions. Mrs. G.O. Barrentine is the ticket sales chairman and the publicity chairman is Mrs. Jim Longacre.
An honor of great distinction has been bestowed upon Gerald O. Barrentine, a former commander of Sam Russell American Legion Post No. 303. As a result of efforts put forth by his fellow legionnaires and present post commander, Dwayne Rohus, and adjutant R.W. Walker, Mr. Barrentine has been named Outstanding Legionnaire of the Third District of Texas, 1968. Confirmation of this honor was made known to the local American Legion Post in a letter dated April 2 from Larry Lahale, Third District Commander.
A reception honoring Mrs. Jack Riley, retiring high school English teacher, will be held on May 2, in the high school home economics department from 7:30 to 9.00 p.m. She has taught in the Wills Point School since 1939. (See newspaper for complete article.)
Troy D. Roberts, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Troy D. Roberts, and Dale Travis, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Travis are the top two honor students of Wills Point High School this year. Melissa Hallman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Hallman, Emma Tucker, daughter of Mrs. Paralee Tucker; and Ann Hollandsworth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hollandsworth were also named honor students. (See newspaper for complete article and pictures.)
Thirty-one students of Wills Point High School have made the fifth-six weeks honor roll announced Lee Pennington, principal, Friday April 19.
Felix Massey, principal of the Wills Point Junior High School, announced today the names of the students who have qualified for the honor roll for the fifth six weeks of school. (See newspaper for names of students)
The Tiger Cat: At the annual FFA banquet April 18, Leon Lester, special guest, was awarded the Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree. He was presented a plaque by Buddy Sledge president. Jimmy Langford was recognized Outstanding FFA Member for the year. Chapter Star Farmer, and best in live stock farming. Ted Deen was named Star Greenhand. Also on the program was the introduction of their parents by the boys. Bonnie Rushing, FFA sweetheart also introduced her parents.
Senior Silhouettes: one of the smiling faces of Wills Point High School is Jo Ann Shelby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Shelby. Jo Ann has been an active member in homemaking all three years and FHA treasurer her junior year.. She was also librarian her junior and senior years. After graduation, she plans to go to work.
Try-outs for the high school 1968-69 cheerleaders were presented to the student body Wednesday morning during activity period. The try-outs began with Alleen Harris trying out for head cheerleader. Girls trying out for senior cheerleader were Suzanne Hay, Pam Reid, and Velma Jackson. Girls trying out for junior cheerleaders were: Patti Allen, Susan Burnside, Diana Bunch, Debra Rushing, and Linda Sullivan.
Dietra Doyal, granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.R. Walton of Wills Point, will receive the Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary during the annual spring commencement exercises May 10 in Truett Auditorium.
Men, Women In Service: Pfc. Jimmy W. Hall husband of Sheila Hays Hall is home on furlough after finishing training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He will leave soon for Fort Lewis, Washington, and then on to Vietnam. (See newspaper for picture.)
Lance Corporal Danny Welch, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Welch, of Wills Point, arrived home Sunday, April 14, and will leave April 30, for Camp Pendleton, California and then on to his assignment in Vietnam. Lance Corporal Welch has been in the Marine Corp. for two years and the last four months he has been at Camp Pendleton.
A miscellaneous shower honoring Miss Angela Coates, bride- elect of Robert Bailey, was given in the home of Mrs. R.L. Robertson, April 3. Misses Sundy Mayfield and Alana Wilson served.
Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Chitty celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Sunday, April 21 in their home in the Turner Community. Dinner was served to 63 members of the family. Hosts and hostesses for the event were the couples eight children assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Russell Eubank. Mr. Chitty is a retired farmer who moved to this area in 1905 where he lived until he moved to DeRidder, Louisiana. He returned to Wills Point in 1945. He was born in Gilmer. Mrs. Chitty is a native Van Zandter, having been born and raised here. She is the former Iva M. Stanbery. They were married at Mrs. Chitty’s parents home, on April 18, 1918 by Brother Bill Wages. (See newspaper for complete article.)
Mrs. Robert Turner’s Cub Scout Den 4 enjoyed a field trip to Herrin Feed and Seed Company on April 18. Those attending were Jesse Albritton, Larry Alexander, Kerry Carrico, Thomas Easter, Paul Don Rose, Carlton Hogan, Mark, Kyle, Kurt and Bobbi Turner and the den mother, Mrs. Turner and Mr. Turner.
This is the 149th year of Odd Fellowship in Texas. We invite members to be there Tuesday night, April 30 to put on an initiatory degree. Refreshments will be served.
Mrs. Ellen Peery Walters, of Dallas, passed away Wednesday, April 24. Graveside services will be held Friday at White Rose Cemetery. Mrs. Walters was born December 16, 1879 in Wills Point and was the daughter of the late Charlie and Louise Henson. Survivors include her husband V.B. Walters and seven daughters.
