Publisher’s Pen

We had a good visit with HHS graduate Gene Sims this week. He knows so much local history and we love to visit with him. Gene has made several donations to the Hughes County Historical Society and we really appreciate it. We are working on a story about the C.A. Sims Grocery Store, which was owned by his dad. I remember so well as a kid selling my pop bottles for 2¢ at his store and then using the money to buy penny candy. I also remember it was a major place for hunters, trappers and farmers to come and buy and sell….Our friend Robert Babb was by the office Monday. Usually, when we see him he is hauling one of our cars to the garage. We really appreciate his service to this community. No matter when you call him, he will come quickly to provide assistance. I also know he is realy smart because he and I agreed on everything we talked about…..Our good friend Bud Lawson is driving the most beautiful new pickup I have ever seen. He has only had one problem since he bought it and that was a vicious vulture attacked his headlight. I told Bud that headlight cost more than my first car. Speaking of Bud, his wife Arlene was honored with a surprise birthday party recently and all the family attended. Bud and Arlene are dear friends and a blessing to so many…… Our friend and neighbor Fran Cook is now out of the hospital but still needs your prayers. She is battling several major health issues. Despite her health she continues to research county history and put it on her website. If you haven’t read the information on her site I believe you would really enjoy it….. Ron and Charlotte Miller were by the office this past week to renew their subscription. We had a great visit. They also told us that this year’s “Nashville Now” in Lamar has been cancelled. Also, the Senior Citizens Center in Lamar is closed, but you can still pick up your meals at the site. The same goes for all other county sites…… My friend and classmate Lou Jean Tampleton was by the office Tuesday. We have been life-long friends and grew up together in the Holdenville Church of the Nazarene. She recently heard from another classmate of ours, Esther Clark. Her folks were Gene and Vera Clark. Vera was my Sunday School teacher for many years and I still miss her. Lou Jean also had heard from Joe Bowers. Joe is a retired Marine. His grandparents Amos and Violet Bowers raised him and his brother Jimmy and sister Barbara. Violet was one of the finest Christian ladies I ever knew. Those growing up days in the church were great days and I often think about them…..I visited with Carl Pinion recently. He is doing much better after some really tough health issues. I often think back to when he owned a local drive-in. It was located where Sharon Cummings liquor store is now. Carl’s Drive-In was a favorite place for high school students to hang out and the food was delicious…..especially his “secret recipe” hamburgers…..For the first time in a long time I got to visit with Don and Beverly Branum Vannoy. They are like part of my family. It was so great to see them…..