SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
It has not been easy to feel happy during this period immediately following Thanksgiving. After the "twin" cities met and approved a plan for funding the Texas State Railroad, the world had begun to look better. The city leadership of Rusk and Palestine should be commended for their steps forward in plans for the operation of the Texas State Railroad. Almost two years have been dedicated to creating a plan for the future of our beloved train, and the labor goes on.

While enjoying our season for giving thanks, several major turning points in the history of Rusk and area have arisen. These were decision making events which could have gotten local folks up in arms. What do you think happened when the decision was made to choose a county seat town? I do not know that story, but I don't doubt that there was one.

As a community of citizens - friends, family, strangers - Rusk had about 14 years to bring it together. Even without the benefit of news giants like NBC, CNN and others, the news filtered into Cherokee County about the possibility of a fracas between the North and the South. And the world would never be the same. Was that good or bad? Take your time and think.

Whatever its effect on Rusk and area citizens, life moved forward. The spirit of the people here has never ceased to amaze me. It took a few years to get state and national government reorganized. And if nothing else, the war must have turned local thoughts to iron. The war effort used iron in its machinery, and Cherokee County was richly blessed with the raw material. Abundant resource, cheap labor. What to do with the growing numbers of prisoners? Establishing a prison here must have been seen as a combination prayer answered.

While the battle between the North and South ended in 1865, the next 35 years saw the emergence of industry. We moved slowly from agri-business to a future which became "economic growth and development, tourism." And 142 years later, we are still pursuing some of the same goals.

Between the bonding of our iron ore with the men who had the money and know how, we got off to a great start in the manufacture of iron goods. One of our many, best known secrets is this: some of the iron columns in our state capitol were manufactured in Rusk. That's the handsome colonades, so tall and majestic; shorter supports on winding and graceful stairways. Look for the iron at our Capitol and be proud of Rusk's contributions.

In between the discovery of iron ore and finding a use for it, new people arrived. Our citizens were charmed and awed by the stately Southern Hotel during a visit from the distinguished first native born governor of Texas, James S. Hogg. As a youth of 16, he combined work at this newspaper with seeking an education. Do you ever look around you and fix your gaze on a young person in our midst and wonder, "Is this the next governor, or president?" It is mind stretching to think Jim Hogg grew up in Rusk, studied hard but didn't get smart enough. He feared northern interests that wanted to finance "the New Birmingham Iron Queen City of the South." His fear set us back, only to become a challenge in the future.

Before a chamber of commerce had been created, something similar existed in Rusk. This group touted its nearby resort center, called Chalybeate Springs. Mineral baths were especially appealing to people who had less than great health. The location is the highest point between Texarkana and Galveston. Guess that's how '"above the fever line" became a part of the ad pitch to get folks to visit the property located on U.S. Highway 84 East.

These historical thoughts have been enough to make me wish I had gotten here sooner. My confession: I am envious of all of you natives of Rusk. But thank you, very. very much for allowing me to share so many happy years with you. How blessed we are. Keep smiling.