Athens Retirement Ready Committee
Dear Friends,
When thinking of retirement, we all have various needs and wants. Hopefully, the contents of this packet will
show you that Athens and the surrounding area can provide the social, sporting, educational and medical facilities
YOU desire.
Athens has a historic flavor with brick storefronts and a beautiful courthouse that speak of the history of this East
Texas County Seat. The square is still the hub of activity with businesses surrounding the courthouse, just as it did
in the early years. Athens has an interesting history. It was the home of Fletcher Davis, the inventor of the
Hamburger, as well as the Black-Eyed Pea Capitol of the world.
Athens was recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture as a hard working, rural community and presented
that department’s "Shining Star Award.” In 2006, Athens became one of the first three cities in Texas to be
designated as a "Certified Retirement Community" by the Texas Department of Agriculture. It has the aura of a
small town, yet is close enough to enjoy the offerings of larger cities such as Tyler, 35 miles to the east, and Dallas,
75 miles to the northwest.
Surrounded by lakes such as the likes of Lake Athens, Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Palestine and Purtis Creek, Athens is
a boater's and fisherman's paradise. The Henderson County Fair Park Complex presents an equestrian event every
weekend – most of which are free to spectators. The East Texas Arboretum delights the nature lover and those
who wish to hike the trails.
When you visit our community, we would be happy to have one of our retirement ambassadors give you a guided
tour. Contact us at 903-677-0775 or e-mail to [email protected] and we will set it up for you.
Best Regards,
Darlene Forshage, Member
Athens Retirement Ready Committee
124 N. Palestine Street
Athens, TX 75751
PHONE
(888) 294-2847
FAX
(903) 677-0776
WEB SITE http://www.athenstxretirement.com
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Athens, Texas
Quick Facts
Population
Athens
Henderson County
2000
11,297
73,227
2010
12,336
78,923
Municipal Services
Form of Local Government: Council/Manager
Fire Insurance Rating: Class 4
Full-time Policemen: 36
Full-time Firemen: 27
Fire Stations: 2
Transportation
Major Highways: US 175, TX 19, 31, Loop 7
Interstates: I-20-32 miles, I-45 -32 miles I-35-72 miles
Rail: Union Pacific - Class 1
Motor Freight: Multi-carriers available
Air: Athens Municipal Airport 4,000 foot paved runway
Commercial Air Service: Pounds Field, Tyler, Texas 28
miles, DFW International Airport 92 miles, Love Field 78
miles
Utilities
Electric: Oncor
Capacity 22,808,000 KW, Reliability 99.95%,
69 KV, 138 KV, 345 KV transmission lines
Gas: Atmos Energy
BTU Content 1,050/cu. ft.
Water: Athens Municipal Water Authority
System Capacity - 7,500,000 GPD
Peak Demand - 4,500,000 GPD
Elevated Storage - 2,000,000 gallons
Ground Storage - 1,600,000
Pressure on Mains - 40-60 PSI
Sewer: City of Athens
Imhoff System & Clarifiers
Design Capacity - 2,610,000 GPD
Maximum Daily Use - 1,300,000 GPD
Telecommunications: Century Link
PRI ISDN, BRI ISDN, DSL, Dedicated IP, Frame
Relay, T1s, Channelized T1s, DS3, OC3, and OC12.
Climate
Average Annual Temperature - 67°
January Average Range - 35-57°
July Average Range - 73-93°
Average Rainfall - 42 inches
Average Snowfall - 0 inches
Growing Season - 260 Days
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler Street
Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617
www.AthensEDC.com
Labor Market— 2010
Radius of Labor Market - 40 miles - 6 Counties
Total Labor Force - 175,805
Total Employed - 159,710
Total Unemployed - 16,095 - 9.2%
Henderson County Unemployment Rate - 8.9%
ACCRA Cost of Living - 1st Qtr 2010
Athens/ Henderson County
Composite - 92
Grocery - 93.1 Housing - 88.1
Utilities - 103 Transportation - 91.7
Health Care - 102.6 Misc. Goods - 90.3
Retail Trade Area
Trade Area Population - 98,972
Average Age in Trade Area - 40
Average Household Income - $53,378
Total Households - 38,500
Taxes
Property Ad Valorem Total - $2.36639/$100
City of Athens - $.5185/$100
Henderson County - $.4660/$100
Athens ISD - $1.1864/$100
AMWA - .1209/$100
Trinity Valley CC - .0744/$100
Retail Sales Tax
Texas - 6.25%
Local - 2.00%
Incentives
Sales Tax for Economic Development
Foreign Trade Zone
Enterprise Zone
Tax Abatement
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Henderson County Government
Type
County Judge/
Commissioners Court
Number on County Court
5
Certified Peace Officers
77
None
County Zoning Board
Taxation
Property 2009 Rates
The City of Athens is located at 32°12’10”N95°
50’57”W32.20278° N95.84917°W and is 60 miles Taxing Entity
Southeast of Dallas and 36 miles West of Tyler.
Athens City Government
Type
Home Rule
Council/Manager
Number on City Council
5
Municipal Police Officers
36
Tax Rate per $100
Assessed Value
Henderson County
$0.466010
City of Athens
$0.51851
Athens ISD
$1.18647
Athens Municipal Water Authority
$0.12099
Trinity Valley Community College
$0.07441
Total Combined Tax Rate
$2.36639
Rate
Sales Tax
27
Municipal Firefighters
City Zoning Board
Yes
City Master Plan
Yes
State of Texas
6.25%
City of Athens
1.5%
Athens Economic Development
0.5%
Total Combines Sales Tax Rate
8.25%
Population
2010 (est.)
Year
Median Age
2000 Census 1990 Census Year
2009 (est.)
2000 Census 1990 Census
Athens
12,336
11,297
10,967
Athens
32.9
34.3
33.6
Henderson
County
78,923
73,227
58,543
Henderson
County
39.8
40.2
38.2
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no
warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Electricity
Provider
Water
Oncor Electric Delivery
99.95%
Reliability
69 KV, 138 KV, 345 KV
Transmission Voltage
120/208, 120/240, 240/480,
277/480
Service Voltage
Natural Gas
Provider
Provider
Athens Municipal
Water Authority
Lake Athens and 3 deep wells
Source
Maximum Daily
System Capacity
7,500,000 gallons
Maximum Daily
Use to Date
4,500,000 gallons
Storage Capacity
(Elevate and Ground)
3,600,000 gallons
Size of Mains
4”,6”, 12”, and 18”
Atmos Energy
40-60 psi
Pressure on Mains
1,050
BTU Content Per Cubic
Foot
6” and 8”
Transmission Pressure
300 PSIG
Distribution Pressure
Telecommunications
Provider
Century Link
Services
PRI ISDN, BRI ISDN, DSL,
Dedicated IP, Frame Relay, T1s,
Channelized T1s, DS3, OC3,
and OC12.
City of Athens
Other Providers
2 - North System Plant and West
System Plant
Plants
Imhoff Tank and Primary
Clarifiers
Treatment Type
Maximum Daily
Discharge Capacity
2,610,000 gallons
Maximum Daily
Use to Date
1,300,000 gallons
Loop 7 North and South
Line Extension
Expansion Projects
Under Construction
20-45 PSIG
Waste Water
Provider
Partially Looped
System Looped
Transmission Lines Size
Sudden Link and Cedar Valley
Communications
Emergency Medical Services
Operator
East Texas Medical
Center
6
Number of Equipped Units
Care Flight Helicopter
Yes
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no
warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Transportation
Education
Major Highways
Public School
Highways in Athens
Distance to Interstate
U.S 175, TX 19, 31, Loop 7
I-20: 24 Miles
I-45: 32 Miles
I-30: 64 Miles
I-35: 72 Miles
Air Service—Municipal
General Aviation Airport
Athens Municipal
Airport (F44)
4,000’ Lighted Asphalt Surface
Runway
Instrument Approach
RNAV, GPS, NDB
Athens ISD
Annual Budget
$27,318,000
# of Schools
Schools
Elementary
2
1,221
Intermediate
1
556
Middle/Jr. High
1
804
High School &
Pinnacle Early
College High
School
1
911
Special/Head
Start
1
190
100LL & JET-A
Fuel Available
Fixed Base Operators
Athens Jet Service
Dyson Aviation
Enrollment
Private Schools
Name
Grades
Enrollment
Athens Christian Academy
K-8
120
Athens Christian Preparatory
Academy
9-12
55
Commercial Service
Tyler Pounds
Regional Airport
28 Miles
Connector to DFW and IAH
Love Field
78 Miles
Colleges and Universities
DFW International
Airport
92 Miles
Trinity Valley Community College
The University of Texas at Tyler
ACCRA Cost of Living Index
Rail Service Provider
Union Pacific
Railroad
1st Qtr 2010
Class 1 Provider
Freight Carriers
Central Freight, Conway, Federal Express, Merchants
Motor Lines, Roadway, Texas National Transport,
Tex-Pack, SAIA, United Parcel Service
Composite
92.0
Grocery
93.1
Housing
88.1
Utilities
103
Transportation
91.7
Health Care
102.6
Miscellaneous Goods
90.3
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no
warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Finance
Climate
FDIC Insured Deposits
(Henderson County)
Annual Average Temperature
67.0°
Annual Average High Temperature
90.0°
Annual Average Low Temperature
41.0°
Month
Year
Deposits
June
2009
$788,682,000
Annual Average Precipitation
42”
June
2004
$644,507,000
Annual Average Snowfall
0.0”
June
1999
$541,512,000
Elevation
444’ MSL
Financial Institutions
Athens Bank, Citizens National Bank, Citizens State
Bank, First State Bank, Prosperity Bank, Southside
Bank, Texas Trust Credit Union, Woodforest Bank
Medical
East Texas Medical Center
Parks
8
Area Lakes
3
Country Clubs
4
Fitness Centers
4
Public Golf Courses
3
117 Beds
Total Doctors in City
46
Dentists in City
7
Dialysis Clinics
1
Cancer Treatment Clinics
1
Expansion Projects
East Texas Medical Center— $32 million
Houses of Worship
Anglican, Assembly of God, Baptist ( Bible Fundamental,
Independent, Missionary, Southern), Catholic, Christian,
Christian Science, Church of Christ , Church of God, Church
of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Church of the Nazarene,
Episcopal, Full Gospel, Jehovah's Witness, Lutheran,
Methodist United, Non-Denominational; Pentecostal,
Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist
Media
Daily Paper
Recreation
Movie Theater & Screens
1 (4)
Tennis Courts
12
Bed & Breakfast Facilities
4
483
Hotel & Motel Rooms
Libraries
2
Performing Arts Theaters
1
Bowling
1
Attractions
Texas Fresh Water Fisheries Center, East Texas Arboretum, Lake Athens, Athens Scuba Park, Cain Center,
Henderson County Fair Park Complex, Cedar Creek Lake,
Lake Palestine, Purtis Creek State Park
1
Local TV
Yes
Cable TV available
Yes
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no
warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Labor Force
Wage Data
Occupation Title
Entry Level
Entry Level June 2010
6 County
Wage
Wage
Region
Low ($/hour) High ($/hour) Total Labor Force
175,805
Production Classifications
Henderson
County
35,939
Employed
159,710
32,731
Unemployed
16,095
3,208
9.2%
8.9%
Assembler, General
7.25
13.87
Electrician
13.52
22.10
Forklift Operator
10.09
16.17
Janitor
7.75
7.75
Laborer, General
7.86
7.86
Machinist
12.71
19.74
Mechanic,
Maintenance
9.93
18.40
Painter
10.09
19.51
Truck Driver
10.32
17.41
Sheet Metal Worker
12.44
18.78
Employment Services
Warehouse Worker
7.25
9.80
Welder
12.90
19.18
Workforce Solutions of East Texas
205 Murchison St.
Suite 101
Athens, Texas 75751
903-677-3251
Office, Clerical, and Technical Classifications
Computer Operator
10.92
19.61
Computer
Programmer
20.95
50.40
Customer Service
Representative
8.25
11.70
General Office
Clerk
7.79
13.69
Secretarial
8.22
13.30
Accountant/Auditor
18.23
35.74
% Unemployed
Workforce Training
Vocational Training Program
Available
Yes
State Industrial Training
Program Available
Yes
State Certified Training
Organization
Trinity Valley
Community College
Incentives
Economic Development Sales Tax
Yes
Enterprise Zone
Yes
Foreign Trade Zone
Yes
Reinvestment Zone
Yes
Tax Abatement
Yes
Chapter 380 Agreements
Yes
Sales Tax Rebate
Yes
Low Cost Land
Yes
Job Creation and Capital Investment Grants
Yes
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Major Employers
Employer
Industry
Number of
Employees
Union
Affiliation
East Texas Medical Center
Healthcare
610
None
Athens ISD
Education
525
None
Henderson County
Government
426
None
Maximus
Call Center
400
None
Wal Mart
Retail
343
None
Education
320
None
Argon Medical
Medical Devices
310
None
FutureMatrix
Medical Devices
275
None
Dallas Manufacturing
Pet Products
165
None
Red Dot Corporation
Steel Buildings
160
None
Government
121
None
Air Filter
120
None
Modular Homes
119
None
Distribution
104
None
Banking
93
None
Elastomeric Bearings
90
None
Call Center
50
None
Rubber Bearing Pads
48
None
Assembly
48
None
Recycled clothing
48
None
Fishery
34
None
Mud Technology
Oil field service
27
None
Athens Steel Building
Steel Buildings
21
None
Clay Brick
18
None
Sterilization
12
None
Machine Shop
7
None
Trinity Valley Community College
City of Athens
LaPorte Industries
Athens Park Homes
Schneider Electric
First State Bank
Seismic Energy Products
Winning Strategies
Dynamic Rubber
Andrews Diversified
Texas Ragtime
Texas Freshwater Fishery
Hanson Brick
Steritech
Hydraulic Power Services
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no
warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Athens, Texas
2010 Community Profile
www.AthensEDC.com
Manufacturing Employers
Employer
Industry
Number of Employees
Union Affiliation
Argon Medical
Medical Devices
310
None
FutureMatrix
Medical Devices
275
None
Dallas Manufacturing
Pet Products
165
None
Red Dot Corporation
Steel Buildings
160
None
Air Filter
120
None
Modular Homes
119
None
Distribution
104
None
Seismic Energy Products
Elastomeric Bearings
90
None
Dynamic Rubber
Rubber Bearing Pads
48
None
Assembly
48
None
Recycled clothing
48
None
Fishery
34
None
Mud Technology
Oil field service
27
None
Athens Steel Building
Steel Buildings
21
None
Clay Brick
18
None
Sterilization
12
None
Machine Shop
7
None
National Sign
Sign Fabrication
5
None
OTE International
Medical cabinets
5
None
Medical Component Solutions
Medical Devices
6
None
Interior Doors
15
None
Cabinetry
5
None
West Pharma
Medical Devices
3
None
LeBeau & Associates
Custom Mill Work
10
None
LaPorte Industries
Athens Park Homes
Schneider Electric
Andrews Diversified
Texas Ragtime
Texas Freshwater Fishery
Hanson Brick
Steritech
Hydraulic Power Services
Nelson Overhead Doors
Purselley Cabinets
Athens Economic Development Corporation
100 W. Tyler St. i Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-4617 i www.AthensEDC.com i [email protected]
Athens Economic Development Corporation uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this profile, we make no
warranties as to the accuracy of the material. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this profile.
8/20/2010
Significant Happenings in Athens History
1850
1850
1856
1973
1881
1885
1899
1899
1904
1913
1920
19291930
1933
1946
1948
1954
1958
1959
1962
1963
1970
1981
1983
1984
1984
1985
1985
1988
1989
1992
1993
1996
1998
1999
1999
Texas Legislature established the town of Athens (formerly known as Alfred)
Athens established and became the county seat of Henderson County
Pottery industry began in Athens by Levi Cogburn
The Athens Bulletin became the first newspaper printed in Henderson County
Hawn Lumber Company opened. Became the oldest continuous business in Athens
First issue of the Athens Review printed on a Washington hand press
First bond election passed to build a public school building ($5,000)
City of Athens successfully incorporated
Uncle Fletch Davis introduced his creation, “the hamburger”, to the world at the St. Louis World’s Fair
Current Henderson County Courthouse built; refurbished in 1965 and again in 1986
Cotton Palace served the Henderson County area as agricultural fairgrounds
Athens High School won the final two National High School Basketball Tournaments held annually for
many years at the University of Chicago
Old Fiddlers gathered on the downtown square for the first Old Fiddler’s Reunion (officially begun in
Bethel, the group moved to Athens in 1933)
Henderson County Junior College began educating Texas students (now Trinity Valley Community
College)
Henderson County Memorial Hospital opened
Athens Municipal Airport opened
Athens boasts the first Dairy Queen in Texas to offer an inside dining room
Texas Legislature established the Henderson County Historical Commission
Lake Athens was constructed offering quality water and recreational opportunities
The Spanish Trace Inn opened for business on the same day the nation loses it President
First Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree held to celebrate the farming industry in Athens
Ground-breaking held for a new 4,000 seat coliseum at the Henderson County Fairgrounds
The Cain Center opened as a state-of-the-art civic and community center
First Annual Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger Cook-off was held
Athens Central Business Association was formed
East Texas Medical Center opened new modern facility on South Highway 19
Texas Department of Transportation approved creation of a loop around Athens
Keep Athens Beautiful was formed
Athens Economic Development Corporation was formed to aid in bringing new business to Athens
100.38 acres were purchased to develop the East Texas Arboretum
Community leaders organized the Athens Visitor Initiative Program to further promote the Athens
Community
Texas Governor George Bush cut the ribbon to officially open the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, a
major cooperative effort for Athens and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Trinity Mother Francis Hospital opened the Emergency Care Clinic
The County moved administrative offices to a newly renovated annex building across from the
courthouse
Expanding tourism outreach, the Athens Visitor Initiative Program officially opened the Athens Welcome
Center on the downtown square
History of theHamburger
THE HENDERSON COUNTY HAMBURGER
by Frank X. Tolbert
as written in Tolbert’s Texas
It took me years of sweatneck research before I finally determined, at least in mine and in some other
Texas historian’s estimation, that Fletcher Davis (1864-1941), also known as “Old Dave” of Athens, in
Henderson County, Texas, invented the hamburger sandwich.
People who helped me most in my research were Clint Murchison, Jr., of Dallas and Kindree Miller, Sr.,
a fifth-generation potter in Athens. Fletcher Davis was Mr. Miller’s uncle.
A reporter for the New York Tribune wrote from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair of a new sandwich
called a hamburger, “the innovation of a food vendor on the pike.” By “pike” he meant the World’s
Fair midway.
Clint Murchison, Jr., had sent me a big picture of the 1904 World’s Fair midway with “Old Dave’s
Hamburger Stand” marked apparently by Clint’s grandfather, John Murchison, an Athens banker.
About ten years ago, Clint told me that his grandfather said that the as yet unnamed sandwich, the one
now called hamburger, was served at an Athens lunch counter in the late 1880s.
Grandfather Murchison had vivid memories of the 1880s sandwich but recalled the name of the
innovator only as “Old Dave.”
Grandfather Murchison said the hamburger pioneer’s little café was next to the J. J. Powers
drugstore (later Stirman’s Drug) on the north side of the Henderson County courthouse square.
The sandwich was described as the classic greasy hamburger except that it was served with just-out-ofthe-oven slices of home-baked bread rather than on a round bun.
Banker Murchison had traveled over much of the United States in the late 1880s and 1890s. He said he
never saw another sandwich similar to Old Dave’s. He said Athens folks were so intrigued that they
raised a sum of money to send the sandwich virtuoso to the World’s Fair.
Now “Hamburger University,” the McDonald’s food chain research organization, has apparently
worked hard on the history of the chain’s principal product. And Hamburger University’s conclusion is
that an anonymous food vendor at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair was the first to introduce the
sandwich to the public and was probably the innovator.
History of theHamburger
My problem was with the lack of memory about Old Dave’s full name, in the case of Grandfather
Murchison, and the sloppy reporting done by the 1904 New York Tribune writer who apparently just
wanted to express his relish for the sandwich and to hell with the guy who made it.
I thought that there might be something about Old Dave being sent by the citizenry to the fair in 1904
editions of the Athens Review, which in 1904 was a weekly. Dick Dwelle, boss of the Review, turned
over his 1904 files to me for about a week.
Old Dave’s trip to St. Louis wasn’t reported in 1904 in the Review. But then Kindree Miller heard of my
quest through one of his friends, Albert Rierson. Athens had been famous for pottery since the 1860s,
and Miller pottery works has been in Athens for a century. I met Kindree Miller in his office at the
pottery works. And he told me:
“Old Dave was Fletcher Davis, by trade a potter. He came here from Webster Groves, Missouri,
near St. Louis. He wrote to my father for a job and he got off the train somewhere between Dallas
and Tyler and he walked all the way, more than fifty miles, from the railhead to Athens. For some
reason people here called him Old Dave at the start although he was still in his twenties when he
got here in the 1880s. We called him Uncle Fletch after he was married to my mother’s sister,
Recinda (Aunt Ciddy) Allison.
“Uncle Fletch was a tall, athletic fellow. He was a turner in our pottery works but he would volunteer
for jobs on the side. No one else wanted to tear down the old Henderson County jail. Uncle Fletch did
it almost alone. When we got our first paved road in the country here, from Athens to Murchison,
volunteers were asked to paint the middle stripe in that ten-mile road. Uncle Fletch was the only
volunteer. He put cotton-picking pads on his knees and painted that center stripe. He played baseball
on Athens town teams and then worked as an umpire when he got a lot of age on him.
“He was a natural and imaginative cook. He usually did the cooking at pottery picnics. The pottery
business got slow in the late 1800s. And Uncle Fletch opened that little lunch counter next to the
drugstore.
“I remember eating what was later called a hamburger at Uncle Fletch’s café before I event started
in the first grade.
“I never heard that story that the townspeople got up a pot to send him to the 1904 fair. It could
have happened. But I think they just went up there on their own.
“When I was ten years old I went with my parents to the 1904 fair and to visit with our
relatives. Uncle Fletch and Aunt Ciddy had rented a large house in Webster Groves, a St. Louis
suburb. We stayed with them for maybe two weeks and we went to the fair almost every day and
lived on hamburgers when we were there. Uncle Fletch had a good location, across the midway
History of theHamburger
from a show featuring famous Indian warriors who had been talked into going on exhibit, including
the old apache, Geronimo.”
Kindree said the sandwich was named during the fair. And both he and Grandpa Murchison said that
Fletcher Davis was “interviewed by a fancy dan reporter for the New York Tribune who also asked
about the fried potatoes served with thick tomato sauce.” Mr. Davis told the reporter that the
sandwich was his idea but he learned to cook the potatoes that way from a friend who lived in Paris,
Texas.
Clint Murchison, Jr., quoted his grandfather as saying: “Apparently the 1904 reporter thought Old Dave
said Paris, France, in referring to the way the potatoes were cooked. For the New York Tribune story
on the hamburger said the sandwich was served with french fried potatoes.”
James A. Cockrell, a longtime editor of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, thinks that scornful persons of
German descent in St. Louis named Fletcher Davis’ sandwich. Mr. Cockrell wrote me:
“I read the McDonald’s hamburger researchers’ story that the hamburger sandwich was innovated
by an unknown food vendor at the 1904 fair. And it annoyed me that the New York Tribune
reporter neglected to give the name of the innovator. What kind of a newspaperman was that
guy?
“There are many people of German descent in St. Louis. I think these St. Louis Germans, or maybe
only one of them, can be blamed for misnaming the magnificent Texas culinary creation - which
deserves more a precise and flattering title.
“In St. Louis I’ve heard from person, whose parents or grandparents came from the southern
regions of Germany, say that northern Germans in the city of Hamburg were much given to eating
ground meat, even in the distant past. Other Germans disapproved of the Hamburg ground meat
freaks, especially the Hamburg types who liked raw ground meat. So the St. Louis Germans may
have named the sandwich hamburger as a derisive gesture toward the barbaric, ground-meat
gobblers in the city of Hamburg. It is certain that the people of Hamburg never got around to
making a ground-meat sandwich. If they did it never caught on over there.”
In 1974 the New York Times ran a story in which one Kenneth Lassen claimed that his grandfather Louis
Lassen “invented” the hamburger sandwich in 1900 in a small café in New Haven, Connecticut. And
Kenneth Lassen complained that “the birthplace of the American hamburger, a tiny restaurant called
Louis Lunch, was in danger of being replaced by a twelve-story medical complex. . .”
The New York Times story admitted that “a serious challenge to the title is a theory supported by the
McDonald’s Corporation, the nationwide hamburger chain. McDonald’s historians have researched
the problem and claim the inventor was an unknown food vendor at the St. Louis Fair in 1904.”
History of theHamburger
After this New York Times story was published I got a letter from a New Haven native, Neil E. Shay, now
of Dallas. He wrote:
“A pox on the New York Times for bulldozing honest facts out of the way. Let me state that Looie
(Louis Lassen) sold one fine steak sandwich but it was never a hamburger. “Up until I left the City of
the Elms and New Ideas, New Haven, circa 1933, Louis Lassen was still serving this steak sandwich never a hamburger. It was probably beef off the rump, cut in thin slices. And it was really
something to take to bed with you around midnight after a social event.”
When he heard about the New Haven Preservation Trust having plans to declare “the dimly lit, twelveby-eighteen, Louis Lunch building a historic landmark,” Clint Murchison, Jr., told me:
“Let’s face it: if we let the Yankees get away with claiming the invention of the hamburger sandwich
they’ll be going after chili con carne next. The New Haven claim as the birthplace of the American
hamburger is a phony one, and the quicker they tear down that old building and raise the medical
complex the better.”
Mr. Murchison is now planning a historic plaque at either Fletcher Davis’ grave in the Athens cemetery
or at 115 Tyler Street on the Henderson County courthouse square where the first ground beef was put
between two slices of bread, garnished with, according to Grandpa Murchison, ground mustard mixed
with mayonnaise, a big slice of Bermuda onion, and sliced cucumber pickles.
“When Uncle Fletch and Aunt Ciddy returned from staying the duration at the World’s Fair there were
several cafes making the new sandwich. So Uncle Fletch went back to firing pots in our pottery. He
would cook hamburgers at picnics but he never reopened his little hamburger joint on the north side of
the courthouse square,” said Kindree Miller. “My uncle was proud of making the first hamburger
sandwich but he never thought of commercializing on it.”
History of the Black-eyed Pea
Like most folks in the South, Athenians have been eating Black-Eyed Peas longer than anyone can remember.
The modern age of the black-eyed pea euphoria began around 1909, when the late J. B Henry, an Athens
businessman, decided to grow the pitch-peepered legume in large quantity. As J.B.’s granddaughter Nancy Duff
tells it, "He discovered the dried black-eyed pea when he was experimenting with ways to rid the pea vine of
weevils and dried them out in an oven on East Tyler Street." Long after J.B.’s death in 1940, folks still spoke of
him as the "Black-Eyed Pea King of East Texas."
For many years, some southerners and many northerners viewed the black-eye, or cowpea, as mere livestock
feed, but Athenian efforts did much to change that. A 1919 Farm and Ranch magazine article titled "The Humble
Cowpea" stated that "the whole population of Athens, seemingly, and then some," was busily loading sacks of
black-eyed peas onto wagons, "rushing around that square like bees around a hive in springtime when the
honeysuckle crop is gathered."
Several canning plants opened in the late 1930s and early 1940s and the Home Folks brand of black-eyed peas
became one of the town’s largest businesses. For many years, the company marketed a specially labeled brand
called Good Luck Peas for New Year’s Day, and Neiman Marcus carried Home Folks’ pickled black-eyes as "Texas
Caviar" as late as 1971. Home Folks owner Frank Dorsey closed the plant in the early 1970s, but Henderson
County agricultural extension agent Rick Hirsch says a lot of the area farmers and backyard gardeners still grow
the peas, though current production runs less than in past decades.
To memorialize the black-eyed boom days, in 1971 Athens unveiled the first-ever Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree.
Categories in a cook-off have utilized black-eyed peas in green Jell-O, pizza, enchiladas, "peachyssoise," quiche,
"every kind of cake and pie you can think of", and even black-eyed pea wine. The late Bill Perryman, an Athens
oil man, invented a perennial jamboree favorite, the peatini. "It’s a martini with marinated black-eyed peas
instead of olives," says Mary Ann Perryman, Bill’s widow. "The recipe is in the Dallas restaurant’s Routh Street
Cookbook. We even patented the peatini logo."
Most pea historians trace the good luck image of pigmented legumes to the pharaohs of Egypt. The late Elmore
Rural Torn of Taylor, Texas, founder of the International Black-Eyed Pea Appreciation Society and father of actor
Rip Torn, said that certain Asiatic, African, and European cultures ate black-eyed peas to protect them from the
Evil Eye. Local Athenian, Mary Lou Williams points out that southerners ate more cowpeas than usual during the
Civil War out of necessity, then continued the ritual each New Year’s Day as a gesture of humility. The tradition
must have declined a bit at some point, however, as Frank Tolbert (whose Dallas newspaper column focused on
Athens so much that one reader accused him of running for town mayor) often credited Elmore Torn with
revival of the good-luck meal in this country.
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Athens Area Accommodations
MOTELS:
America’s Best Value Inn & Suites
716 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.americasbestvalueinn.com
903-675-5173
800-488-5173
Best Western – Royal Mountain Inn & Suites
1814 Hwy. 31 East
Athens, TX 75751
www.bestwestern.com
903-799-8500
Budget Inn
305 Dallas Hwy. 175
Athens, TX 75751
www.budgetinn.com
903-675-5194
Holiday Inn Express
1119 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.hiexpress.com
903-675-2500
LaDonna Motel
611 W. Corsicana Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-2279
Super 8 Motel
205 Dallas Hwy. 175
Athens, TX 75751
www.super8.com
903-675-7511
Quality Inn
2050 Hwy. 31 East
Athens, TX 75751
www.qualityinn.com
903-675-9214
Victorian Inn
1803 Hwy. 31 East
Athens, TX 75751
www.victorianinn.us
903-677-1470
Athens Area Accommodations
BED & BREAKFASTS:
The Inn at Tara
Patrick & Susan Pierce, Owners
8603 CR 3914
Athens, TX 75751
www.tarawinery.com
903-675-7023
Meadowlark Fields Country House
Stacy & Bruce Peil, Owners
7185 FM 1615
Athens, TX 75751
www.meadowlarkfields.com
903-677-1117
903-681-1676
Oak Creek Bed & Breakfast
Randy & Marilyn Tarin, Owners
9004 CR 2800
Athens, TX 75751
www.oakcreekbnb.com
903-675-5509
Oak Meadows Bed & Breakfast
Joe & Gwen Mills, Owners
2781 FM 2495
Athens, TX 75751
www.bbonline.com/tx/oakmeadow/
877-675-3407
903-675-3407
CAMPING & RV HOOKUPS:
Athens Scuba Park
903-675-5762
500 Murchison Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.athensscubapark.com
Primitive camping sites available with onsite showers and bathrooms. Park features
include a 7.5 acre, spring-fed lake, 11 entry docks, training platforms, air fill/rental gear
and underwater wrecks.
Athens Area Accommodations
Henderson County Fair Park Complex
903-670-3324
Hwy. 31 East
Athens, TX 75751
www.hendersoncountyfairpark.com
Facilities include: 85 RV hookups, all of which can accommodate extra wide recreational
vehicles. 50% have 30 amp electrical service, while the remaining 50% have 50 amp
electrical service. Showers and toilets are provided as well as two dump stations.
Lake Athens Marina & RV Park
903-677-7490
FM 2495 @ Lake Athens
Athens, TX 75751
www.lakeathensmarina.com
This facility is located adjacent to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on the shores of
Lake Athens. 50 sites are available with electric, city water and sewer service. The Lake
Athens Marina Restaurant is located on-site and is opened Tuesday – Sunday.
Purtis Creek State Park
14225 FM 316
Eustace, TX 75124
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/purtis_creek
Managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the park is located where Wichita
and Caddo Indians once roamed. Activities include: camping, picnicking, fishing, boating,
swimming, hiking, bird watching, nature study, nature programs, canoe tours, and
geocaching. The park rents paddle boats, rowboats, kayaks, and canoes.
Staway Ranch
888-324-4477
Route 1 Box 66 RV
903-469-4477
Murchison, TX 75778
www.stawayranch.com
This park has over 160 sites with electric (30-50 amp), water, sewage, sewer and cable
TV plus access for telephone hookups. In addition, there are three clubhouses including
amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, a laundry, and meeting room.
Windsor Place RV Estates
903-477-4001
1506 Corsicana Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.windsorplacervpark.com
Facilities include: gated entry, 46 sites with full hookups including City water and sewer,
electric, phone and cable/internet service; covered parking for 2 vehicles; 1 outdoor
pavilion; and a clubhouse.
Apartments & Townhomes
APARTMENTS:
ATHENA GARDENS APARTMENTS
900 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-9062
FAIRVIEW APARTMENTS
160 Gibson Road
Athens, TX 75751
903-677-2277
MANOR TERRACE APARTMENTS
400 Lila Lane
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-9581
NEW HAVEN APARTMENTS
714 Jonathan
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-7115
SPANISH TRACE APARTMENTS
732 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-4052
SUMMIT APARTMENTS
Hwy. 31 East
Athens, TX 75751
903-677-1288
TOWNVIEW APARTMENTS
401 S. Carroll Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-1860
VICTORIA PLACE APARTMENTS
900 Barbara Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-677-9060
VILLAGE APARTMENTS
201 Flat Creek Road (FM 2495)
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-5422
WEST HYLAND APARTMENTS
737 West College Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-1483
Apartments & Townhomes
TOWNHOMES:
ATHENS TOWNHOMES
215 Wood Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-2828
GARDENS OF ATHENS TOWNHOMES
314 N. Wood Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-264-8500
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
NURSING HOMES:
BETHANY PLACE
305 S. Palestine
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-2046
GREEN OAKS NURSING HOME
500 Valle Vista
Athens, TX 75751
http://www.swltc.com/green-oaks.html
903-677-3434
PARK HIGHLAND NURSING & CONVALESCENT CENTER
711 Lucas Drive
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-8538
SOUTH PLACE NURSING CENTER
150 Gibson Road
Athens, TX 75751
http://www.spsnf.com/
903-677-5830
WEST PLACE NURSING CENTER
Hwy. 31 West
Athens, TX 75751
http://www.wpsnf.com/
903-677-5929
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES:
LAKELAND HOUSE ASSISTED LIVING
213 W. Cayuga
Athens, TX 75751
http://www.alcco.com/residences/
903-677-1272
OAKWOOD PLACE ASSISTED LIVING
603 Wood Street
Athens, TX 75751
http://www.oakwoodplace.com/
903-675-2002
Area Real Estate Agencies
BETTY GRIESING REAL ESTATE
723 Belmont
Athens, TX 75751
903-677-7487
CENTRAL REALTY
2725 CR 4908
Athens, TX 75751
www.smartsellerplan.com
903-675-3085
CENTURY 21
801 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.century21tumlinsonrealty.com
903-675-5701
ECHOLS REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES
901 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.echolsrealestate.net
903-675-7575
EXCITE REALTY
100 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
www.exciterealty.com
903-677-4077
JOHN C. CAIN REALTY
102 W. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-7554
McATEE REALTY, INC.
600 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.mcateerealty.net
903-675-5658
RANCH REAL ESTATE
517 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-670-3385
STACEY ARNOLD REAL ESTATE
315 S. Palestine Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.staceyarnold.com
903-677-7475
Area Real Estate Agencies
STEVE GRANT REALTY
406 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
www.stevegrant.com
903-675-3503
UNITED COUNTRY REAL ESTATE
415 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
www.east-tx-real-estate.com
903-675-5606
Athens Utility Providers
ELECTRICITY
In today’s world we are operating under a deregulated electric environment. When someone wants new
service and there is an existing meter or meter base with meter removed, they must call a Retail Electric
Provider (unless they are served by an electric cooperative which does not fall into the deregulation
category). The best way to choose an electric provider is to go online to www.powertochoose.org and plug
in the zip code. You will get a list of providers for the zip code area, review the terms and offerings of each
retailer, select a rate plan and call the retailer to apply for service. If by chance the address is not listed with
the retailers then it is probably served by an electric cooperative such as Trinity Valley Electric Coop and the
customer would then contact the coop for new service.
In cases where no wires or poles are present, the customer will have to determine whether a coop or Oncor
serves the area in question and then contact the appropriate company to meet with a designer to discuss
new service to the land. Once lines and poles are installed to serve structure, the customer must apply for
metered service through a retailer or coop depending on who serves the area.
ONCOR/TXU ELECTRIC DELIVERY
No local office
800-242-9113
TRINITY VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
206 Hwy. 175 West
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-5688
ATMOS ENERGY
No local office
800-460-3030
GAS
TELEPHONE
CEDAR VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS
214 S. Palestine Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-4055
CENTURYLINK
No local office
800-788-3500
SUDDENLINK COMMUNICATIONS
Residential Services
518 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
www.suddenlink.com
877-794-2724
Athens Utility Providers
WATER
CITY OF ATHENS
508 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
Deposits required:
· Residential, $25.00
· Commercial, $40.00
Service Fee: $30.00
903-675-5131
BETHEL ASH WATER SUPPLY COMPANY
801 N. Palestine Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-8466
CRESCENT HEIGHTS WATER CO-OP
9430 Hwy. 31 West
Athens, TX 75751
903-667-3946
DOGWOOD ESTATES WATER CO.
3100 FM 317 E.
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-6894
LAKESHORE UTILITY, INC.
106 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-4316
VIRGINIA HILL WATER SUPPLY, INC.
707 E. College
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-7487
TRASH
ALLIED WASTE MANAGEMENT
800-678-7274
Fees:
· Residential: $9.62 (2 times/week and 1 time/week yard waste)
· Commercial: $41.00 to $98.00 (2 yard to 8 yard size containers with 1 to 5
times/week collection)
· Industrial: $42.50 to $193.50 (20 yard to 40 yard containers)
Athens Utility Providers
INTERNET/DSL PROVIDERS
SUDDENLINK COMMUNICATIONS
518 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-5917
CENTURYLINK
No local office
www.sprint.com/high-speed
866-228-1362
SATELLITE/CABLE PROVIDERS
KERRY HARRIS SATELLITE
Authorized Dealer for:
·
DirectTV
·
Dish Network
·
HughesNet Satellite
903-677-9522
SUDDENLINK COMMUNICATIONS
518 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-5917
800-280-4388
888-825-2557
877-797-7446
Area Churches
A Sinner’s Hope Baptist Church
Abundant Life Community Church
Allen Chapel AME Church
Ash Baptist Church
Athens Christian Center
Athens Community Church
Athens Holy Temple
Athens Life Fellowship
Athens Praise & Worship Center
Bethel Christian Church
Bible Way Family Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church
Calvary Temple Assembly of God
Central Baptist Church
Central Church of Christ
Christian Science Society of Athens
Church of God
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Church of the Living God
Cornerstone Baptist Church
Crescent Heights Baptist Church
Dogwood Baptist Church
Eastern Hills Church of Christ
El Angel Fuerte
Faith Church of Athens
Faith Fellowship
Fellowship Baptist Church
First Assembly of God
First Baptist Church of Athens
First Christian Church
First Church of God
First Church of the Nazarene
First Presbyterian Church of Athens
First United Methodist Church
God’s Vineyard
Grace Community Church
Heavenly Gates Community Church
Highland Hills Baptist Church
House of Deliverance
House of Mercy Community Church
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Rt. 5 Box 5031
1008 Mill Run Road
512 Underwood Street
8613 FM 1616
607 N. Prairieville
1600 Rocky Ridge Road
617 Old Tyler Highway
1600 Patterson Road (*)
4905 NE South Loop 7
10888 CR 3817
1009 3rd Street
1125 E. Corsicana Street
2181 US Hwy. 175 East
200 S. Prairieville
1500 Cream Level Road
208 Madole
599 Robbins Road
814 Belmont
511 Chase
3710 NE Loop 7
5127 CR 1221
6467 FM 2494
1200 E. Corsicana
103 McGee Street
901 Mission Avenue
5330 US Hwy. 175 East
2619 Loop 7
1400 S. Palestine Street
105 S. Carroll
900 Robbins Road
1504 S. Palestine
509 Robbins Road
306 E. Tyler Street
225 Lovers Lane
710 Stirman Street
West Larkin Street (*)
703 W. Tyler Street
201 W. Cayuga Drive
406 S. Joseph
3373 US Hwy. 175 East
3650 NE Loop 7
903-677-3536
903-675-1223
903-675-2425
903-677-5644
903-677-5759
903-677-6222
903-670-3487
903-681-5734
903-216-6752
903-675-1334
903-675-5317
903-675-7634
903-675-1833
903-675-3028
903-675-0291
903-675-7397
903-675-4971
903-677-1883
903-675-5375
903-677-5407
903-675-3904
903-677-3185
903-675-3975
903-675-2059
903-675-7331
903-677-3034
903-675-7331
903-675-3646
903-675-5135
903-675-3730
903-675-3222
903-675-1415
903-675-3530
903-675-5161
903-675-1497
903-675-0033
903-675-7726
903-675-2445
903-670-3475
903-675-4488
903-677-8959
Area Churches
Lake Athens Baptist Church
Landmark Missionary Baptist Church
Living for the Brand Cowboy Church
Living Stones Fellowship
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
New Life Baptist Church
Northside Church of Christ
Primera Iglesia Bautista
Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana
Primera Iglesia Pentecostal Unida
St. Edward’s Catholic Church
St. John Lutheran Church
St. Matthias Episcopal Church
St. Stephen’s Angelican Church
Sand Springs Baptist Church
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Shady Oaks Baptist Church
Sonfire Ministries
Touch the Heart, Feel the Hurt
Tri-City Baptist Church
United Pentecostal Church
Victorious Praise & Worship
Wesley United Methodist Church
Willow Spring Baptist Church
(*) Denotes temporary location of church
3270 CR 4807
1313 S. Palestine
902 NE Loop 7
2921 NW Loop 7
611 MLK Blvd.
6382 CR 3918
8758 CR 3704
501 Maple
607 N. Prairieville
604 York
910 W. Cayuga Drive
110 N. Erwin
800 E. Tyler Street
1401 E. Corsicana
205 Willowbrook
2101 E. College
FM 1616
1114 FM 1616
9536 FM 59
8719 CR 1405
5176 CR 1503
10201 FM 753
101 McArthur
6390 SH 19 North
FM 753
Hwy. 59
903-675-4008
903-675-5329
903-675-9177
903-677-8663
903-675-4103
903-675-1210
903-469-3622
903-675-7170
903-675-7311
903-677-2201
903-677-2207
903-677-2141
903-675-2509
903-675-9598
903-675-3210
903-675-1639
903-675-4387
903-675-1382
903-675-9300
903-675-5897
903-677-3536
903-675-2664
903-675-1244
903-677-0100
903-675-6658
903-677-3672
Athens Financial Institutions
ATHENS BANK
609 S. Palestine
Athens, TX 75751
www.fsbbrownsboro.com
903-675-4600
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK
739 E. Tyler
Athens, TX 75751
www.cnbtexas.com
903-675-0011
CITIZENS STATE BANK
713 E. Tyler
Athens, TX 75751
www.mybankcsb.com
903-675-1522
FIRST STATE BANK (2 locations)
www.fsbathens.com
130 E. Corsicana
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-5165
and
1114 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-6662
PROSPERITY BANK (2 locations)
www.fnbathens.com
125 N. Prairieville
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-8511
and
617 S. Palestine
Athens, TX 75751
SOUTHSIDE BANK
807 E. Tyler
Athens, TX 75751
www.southside.com
903-677-8511
903-677-2222
Athens Financial Institutions
TEXAS TRUST CREDIT UNION
808 S. Palestine
Athens, TX 75751
www.texastrustcu.org
903-675-9221
WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK
1405 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
www.woodforest.com
903-677-8700
Athens Financial Advisors
ALLSTATE INSURANCE John Trent, Agent 605 S. Palestine Athens, TX 75751 EDWARD JONES Cliff Barrett, Advisor 101 W. Corsicana Athens, TX 75751 EDWARD JONES Colin Barrett, Advisor 1414 E. Tyler Street Athens, TX 75751 EDWARD JONES Dan Weber, Advisor 813 S. Palestine Athens, TX 75751 EDWARD JONES Tony Kalawe, Advisor 601 E. Corsicana Athens, TX 75751 FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES Lee Montgomery, Investment Representative P. O. Box 471 Athens, TX 75751 GUESS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. Charlene Guess, CFP, CLU, ChFC 8570 CR 3715 Athens, TX 75751 PROSPERITY FINANCIAL SERVICES Kristi Tomlinson, Financial Advisor 125 S. Prairieville Athens, TX 75751 903‐677‐3240 903‐677‐2534 903‐675‐8583 903‐675‐9271 903‐675‐0245 903‐676‐1935 512‐466‐3229 903‐676‐2019 Athens Financial Advisors
STATE FARM FINANCIAL SERVICES Lona Mauk, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF 710 E. Corsicana Athens, TX 75751 WELLS FARGO ADVISORS Mitch West, Advisor 2209 S. Loop 256 Palestine, TX 75801 WILSON MONEY MANAGEMENT Richard J. Wilson, Advisor 629 S. Palestine Athens, TX 75751 903‐675‐5543 903‐670‐2513
903‐677‐2119 Community Organizations
If you’re currently a member of a community service organizations, chances are the organization will
have a club in Athens. The following is a listing of service clubs and other organizations that work
toward the betterment of our community.
ORGANIZATION
Athens IOOF Lodge #691
Athens Chamber of Commerce
Athens Economic Development Corp.
Athens Genealogical Organization
Athens Kiwanis Club
Athens Rotary Club
Athens Welcome Center
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 343
Bridge Club Studio
Better Business Bureau
C.A.S.A. of Trinity Valley
Cain Center
Central Business Association
Children’s Crisis Prevention Network/Dogs Against Drugs
Daughter’s of the American Revolution
Disciple’s Clinic of Athens
Dottie Pirkle’s Bridge Studio
East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society
East Texas Crisis Center Outreach
ETMC Hospital Auxiliary
Family Peace Project
Friends of the Library
Girl Scouts of the USA
Henderson County 911
Henderson County A&M Club
Henderson County Art Club
Henderson County Beef Cattle Committee
Henderson County Fairpark Complex
Henderson County Farm Bureau
Henderson County Food Pantry
Henderson County Garden Club
Henderson County Girl Scouts, #412
Henderson County HELP Center
CONTACT
James Curtis
Beth Flach
Brian Malone
Jana Shumate
Athens Country Club
Athens Country Club
Darlene Forshage
Robert Kaufman
Ginger Rhamey
Kay Robinson
Lee Ann Millender
Pat Gresham
Derek Daniels
Barbara Petticrew
Gail McCool
Layton Holt
Ginger Rhamey
Teresa Glasgow
Tiffanie Loden
Betty White
Marlena Taylor
LaVonne Adams
Patty McCleary
Don Houston
Susan Laird
Anne Moye
Randy Teague
Wayne Carrell
Connie Lovelady
Karen Whitten
Karen Bassett
Teresa Mooney
Beth Cain
PHONE
903-675-4643
903-675-5181
903-675-4617
903-675-2448
903-675-3911
903-675-3911
903-677-0775
903-675-7792
903-675-4655
800-443-0331
903-675-7070
903-677-2001
903-675-2043
903-677-3220
903-675-1627
903-677-3605
903-675-4655
903-675-5630
903-675-2137
903-676-1000
903-677-9177
903-675-8780
903-451-3894
903-675-3911
903-677-2945
903-677-4729
903-887-4111
903-670-3324
903-675-5654
903-677-1600
903-670-3478
903-432-9312
903-675-4357
Community Organizations
Henderson County Historical Commission
Henderson County Historical Society
Henderson County Horse Committee
Henderson County Horticulture Society
Henderson County Humane Society
Henderson County Literary Club
Henderson County Livestock Committee
Henderson County Medical Society Auxiliary
Henderson County Peace Officer’s Association
Henderson County Performing Arts Center
Henderson County Retired Teachers Association
Henderson County Senior Citizen’s Center
Henderson County Wildlife Committee
Henderson County Women’s Club
Keep Athens Beautiful
The Litter Box
Meals on Wheels Ministry
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
NAACP
Non-Denominational Adult Singles
Pea Pickers Square & Round Dance Club
Pinnacle Women’s Club
Singles Support Group
Texas Agri-Life Extension Service
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Mary Ann Perryman
Sarah Jane Brown
Rick Hirsch
Joe Mark Lewis
Norma Lambert
Sandra Price
Danny Davis
Cathy Carney
Kyle Bridges
Dennis Gilmore
Dorothy Wasunyk
Gladys Bowman
Renee Keeton
Bobbie Hawkins
Carol Morton
Senior Citizen’s Center
Sam Whitten
Jeffery Enoch
First Baptist Church
Jim & Gwen Haynes
Gail Benson
Anita Spears
Rick Hirsch
Mona Farmer
PLEASE WRITE IN ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
903-677-7269
903-677-3611
903-675-6130
903-469-3594
903-677-7387
903-675-7524
903-677-1474
903-675-2449
903-432-9312
903-675-3908
903-451-2515
903-677-6353
903-675-6130
903-675-1216
903-675-7961
903-675-3824
903-675-8577
903-675-8220
903-675-3515
903-675-9281
903-675-1665
903-451-5054
903-675-8271
903-675-6130
903-670-2228
Area Golf Clubs
ATHENS: ATHENS COUNTRY CLUB 500 Park Lane Athens, TX 75751 www.athenscountryclub.org 903‐677‐3844 CLOSE TO ATHENS: CEDAR CREEK COUNTRY CLUB 18392 Country Club Drive Kemp, TX 75143 www.cedarcreekcountryclub.com COUNTRY OAKS GOLF CLUB 8801 CR 1119 Athens, TX 75751 www.cogc‐athens.com 903‐498‐6761 ECHO CREEK COUNTRY CLUB 6790 Ann Drive Murchison, TX 75778 www.thegolfcourses.net/golfcourses/TX/3836.htm GARDEN VALLEY GOLF RESORT 22049 FM 1995 Lindale, TX 75771 www.gardenvalleytx.com INDIAN OAKS GOLF CLUB 7574 Lee Lane Kemp, TX 75143 www.indianoaksgolfcourse.com 903‐852‐7094 KING’S CREEK GOLF CLUB 6025 Club Drive Kemp, TX 75143 www.kingscreekgolfclub.com 903‐498‐8888 903‐489‐3325 800‐443‐8577 903‐498‐3564 PINE DUNE’S RESORT & GOLF CLUB 159 Private Road 7019 Frankston, TX 75763 www.pinedunes.com 903‐876‐4336 Area Golf Clubs
PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB 200 Pinnacle Club Drive Mabank, TX 75156 www.pinnaclegolfclub.com 903‐451‐4653 TWIN LAKES GOLF COURSE 1003 Van Zandt CR 4207 Canton, TX 75103 www.twinlakesgolfcourse.com 903‐567‐1112 With Seniors in Mind
HENDERSON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
3344 Hwy. 31 East
Athens, TX 75752
903-677-6353
This building is open daily to the seniors of Henderson County. During the week, you can always
sit in on a hand of cards or shuffle a few dominoes at the Center. Meals on Wheels is available
Monday – Friday at a cost of $3.00/person. Activities at the Center include live music and
dancing every Monday during the day and Wednesday evenings. Other senior dances are
offered monthly during the evening. The Pea Pickers Square and Round Dance Club meets at the
Center on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
CAIN CENTER
915 S. Palestine Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-677-2001
The Cain Center hosts a variety of programs for seniors including:
· Silver Sneakers Fitness Program
· Fitness Plus (low-impact aerobics)
· Yoga
· Jazzercise
· Racquetball
· Weight Watchers
· Pea Pickers Dance Club
DOTTIE PIRKLE’S BRIDGE STUDIO
219 E. Tyler Street
Athens, TX 75751
903-675-4655
Located near the downtown square, the Bridge Studio invites bridge players of all skill levels to
come and enjoy fellowship and competition. The facility is open Monday, Tuesday, and
Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m. While there are no membership fees, players are asked to pay
$6/game played ($5 for game and $1 for various charities). Membership comes from being to
the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League). Interested parties may play and not be a member
of ACBL, but points won will not be applied to Life Master standings. Monday and Thursday are
OPEN games with Tuesday reserved for novice competitors.
Area Berry Farms
By the pint or by the bushel, there’s nothing better in summer than fresh, sweet berries.
Typically, berries are best from late May through July; however, there are a number of factors
that affect harvest times, so it’s always best to call before visiting any of the berry farms noted
here.
BLUEBERRY BASKET
903-677-3448
12462 FM 2588
Larue, TX 75770
http://www.berrypicknfun.com/
Pick your own blueberries or purchase already picked berries
Directions: From Athens - Proceed East on 175 to Larue about 13 miles, the Larue
metro-plex consists of a gas station on your left. Continue about a half mile and turn
right on Farm Road 2588. The Farm is about 3 miles down and on your right. The
reception building is well marked.
BLUEBERRY HILL FARMS
903-852-6175
10268 FM 314
Edom, TX 75756
www.blueberryhillfarms.com
Pick your own blueberries or purchase already picked berries.
Directions: From Athens – take Hwy. 31 towards Tyler. Pass through Murchison and
head into Brownsboro (total of approximately 13 miles). Turn left onto FM 314 north and
travel approximately five miles. The farm is on the left and will be marked with signage.
ECHO SPRINGS BLUEBERRY FARMS
903-852-5277
7235 FM 607 North
Murchison, TX 75778
www.echospringsblueberryfarm.com
Pick your own blueberries or purchase already picked berries.
Directions: From Athens - Hwy. 31 East to Brownsboro. Right on FM 607. 4 miles on the
right.
SUN TEX PRODUCE
903-849-5174
19780 CR 3404
Chandler, TX 75758
Organic, pick your own blueberries
Directions: From Athens - Hwy. 31 East to FM 317; Go right and continue to CR 3408; Go
left for one block, then left on CR 3404.