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Randy Bigham

Mavis Watkins’ memories of Ennis

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Local genealogist and contributor to this page Bobbie Dlabaj befriended an elderly Ennis resident, the late Mavis Watkins, last year and in the course of their relationship interviewed her about her memories of her youth in the Bluebonnet City: Bobbie’s story begins below:

Ennis history book published 11 years ago

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All roads lead to history. At least that was the idea behind a book project that writer Laurie Wilson took on 11 years ago, together with fellow local historian Peggy Rankin.

Ennis: Images of America, the first full-scale pictorial history of the Bluebonnet City, was released in 2009 by Arcadia Publishing, which specializes in regional photographic studies.

Rankin, a longtime Ennisite whose family, the Baldridges, was among the city’s pioneers, said at the time the book was published that “I think it will be great for the city of Ennis.”

Monkey business

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Local photographer Henry (H. A.) Maresh made his mark with a popular W. Ennis Ave. studio that served this city for nearly 50 years, from 1916 to 1963. But he also provided unexpected entertainment for hundreds of townspeople who crowded around the backyard fence of his home at the corner of E. Crockett and Kaufman streets to see the family’s special pet – a monkey named Buddy.

The house that Joe built

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A stone’s throw from progress lies history. Ennis ISD’s expansion of facilities on the site of the old Lions Stadium and gymnasium almost a decade ago originally threatened the nearby Novy House but its owner, Mary Ann Lamkin, stood firm. Although in time she sold sections of her land to accommodate the current site of Jack Lummus Intermediate, she never considered selling her historic home.

Facts and stats on John Rowe

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A recurring question was asked about the namesake of the John Rowe building on Dallas Street, just off the Avenue. I have written about him before, as has Sugar Glaspy of the Ennis Historical Society. And on this page, local genealogist Bobbie Dlabaj turned up some good information not very long ago. Here is her letter in its entirety in which she discusses her exploration into Rowe:

Genealogist looks up info on Vickery

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Last week, local genealogist Bobbie Dlabaj began investigating the John Vickery story that was related by Dennis Bohanon in last Sunday’s installment of the Memories page. Here is what she has found:

Ennis centenarian remebered Lincoln

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An elderly resident of Ennis, maybe one of the oldest ever, was interviewed by the Associated Press in 1955 about his longevity. The reporter found 109-year-old Frank Fowler an “alert old fellow” more interested in arranging Christmas lights in his living room than in his otherwise oft-repeated worry that he’s “fixin’ to die.”

Bigham continues Memories page

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Since the Ennis News has cut back production temporarily and only the Sunday edition of the paper is being published now that means the food and garden columns I was writing for the Wednesday issue won’t be seen for the time being.

How to plant and enjoy roses

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     Here in North Texas, and really almost anywhere in the state, gardeners can grow roses successfully rear-round.

Delectably Czech all year 'round

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It may not be Polka Fest time but great Czech food is year ‘round. And besides, if you have to have an excuse to indulge, the Czech Music Fest is coming up, so there you have it.

These dishes really do make you think of the delicious food available at the halls during Polka Fest; that’s true. But the recipes here are so simple, even someone like me can at least attempt them.