McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1913-05-09

one of the foremen at the Walco saw
mill, the biggest mill in the state of
Arkansas, We had a pleasant stay
there. but as time is so precious on
trip like this we could not stay long.
So the morning of the 9th we left
for Texarkana. On our arrival there
we were met by our old MeNairy
friend, W. W. Massey, who enter
tanned us "a hours in the old McNairy
style. He has not forgotten any of
his old friends, in fact remembers ev-
erybody he ever knew. We had cur
autos shipped from Memphis to this
place, so Hendrix and family joined
US Monday morning and in the after
noon at 3 o'clock we all left in our
autos for 140-mile tour to Bonham.
The first 20 miles out of Texarkana
roads were fine. then we began to
find bad roads, about like the worst
in McNairy county. But having had
experience we knew exactly what to
do; "all but the Chauffeur got out
and pushed Our first stop, New
Boston, we saw u fine looking well in
Main street and all alighted to have
a fresh drink. But not one could
drink the water, SO we thought of
the good water we had left behind
and drove on. We reached DeKalb
about sun down and stopped for the
night at a very comfortable hotel,
having travelled 35 miles. Next morn
ing, the 29th, we started fresh, roads
medium, no pushing to do" but
could not make much speed for about
80 miles. We needed no introduce
tion except the number on our cars,
Hendrix car No. 9205 Tennessee;
Mitchell car No. l0640 Tennessee.
Every place we stop we find Ten
nesseans. Luckily we met in the road
Mr.. F. B. Pickett and a Mr., Garland.
Mr.. Pickett came from Chester coun-
ty in 1877, and young Garland's faith
er also came from Chester county.
They take the home papers, SO they
know every move the people are max
ling. Mr. Pickett insisted on our Wis
lifting him, said he would kill big
hen and boil ham. He is prosper
Gus farmer near Ammonia. We passed
through Ammonia but did not stop
We reached GAINESVILLE at 80, had
dinner and rested a short time. Met
several from Tennessee there. Every
body is extremely nice to US. At l
o'clock we started again. By this
time we had reached the black-land.
No hills, no mud, no gulleys; just
opened the throttle and let the cars
60. Next town was Detroit; did not
tarry there long. Next, Blossom
where Rev. Frank Hendrix of Nc
Marry" lives. He is pastor Of the
First Methodist Church. Unfortu-
nately we did not get to see him. He
and family had gone to Dallas to
some big church gathering.
Our next stop was Paris, which is
beautiful place with paved streets.
These Texas towns are mighty pretty
and clean and make you have slight
attack of Texas fever.
| Next was Honey Grove. don't
know what gave it this name for |
could see no honey nor grove either.
But possibly the honey is there and
probably the grove was there years
ago. y.
Next was Dodd City. Next, Bon
ham, our stopping place. We drove
up to beautiful residence where Mr.. |
John Hendrix and wife stood to well
come us. Tennessee people who move
to Texas know they must have big |
house to entertain their Tennessee
friends, 50 Mr.. Hendrix was prepared |
for this. We all have plenty of room
and the very best things to eat. and
their hospitality cannot be surpassed. |
Bonham is beautiful little city |
with about 10, 900 inhabitants. 1t is
the county site Of Fannin county, with
a SIS, 900 court house A stories high |
with an 8-story tower, fully equipped
with electric lights and water works,
a big cotton factory that furnishes
employment for about 500 people. al
so, an oil mill; other, fine buildings GO
ing up-government building, high |
school building, etc. Other interest
ing things might mention about the
town. Possibly I'll write again, as
we expect to visit many other points