SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
Past. Present. Future? I tend to shift my thoughts from the past and then go forward.

Recently I remembered the birth date of a memorable person in our community's history. Jewl Bagley Coupland was born Dec. 14, 1890. She lived to see her l02nd birthday. This year she would have been 117. She was quite remarkable in that she arrived at a time when many first things happened. She was born in the same house that Gov. James Stephen Hogg was born in, a property that her father purchased after the Hogg family relocated. A replica of it stands today at the Jim Hogg City Historical Park on U.S. Highway 84 east. She was the first woman in Rusk to drive a car in Rusk, the first woman to own her own business. A hat store (millinery) for ladies.

Her family lived in a house built by her father at the corner of Sixth and Lone Oak just off the square of downtown Rusk. Mr. J.E. Bagley was a leader. He built numerous buildings around the square, some of which stand today. Their home was among the first to receive running water from the city. As time passed, a son was born to Jewel and her husband, Frank. He was named Frank Polk. Time for him passed, too. He finished high school and subsequently entered the military service. He became a remembered veteran at his death. Frank spent most of his latter years at the highway department. His sister, Addie, was the wife of the well known Dr. T. H. Cobble. One of their daughters, Mary, became the wife of our friend Knox Ray, whose men's wear store continues today under the ownership of another friend Mike Crysup. In her later years, Jewel accompanied Gene Gregg Meyers when bus tours were conducted for visitors to the East Texas Regional Arts and Crafts Fair. Jewel probably had more knowledge of the various properties around here than anyone. She was also the person responsible for flowers each Sunday at the Presbyterian Church. The area of flowers and garden shows was her love and passion. Her culinary skills included her specialty, mahogany cakes. She would be so pleased today if she could drop in for a visit in her beloved home, so beautifully maintained by Dr. and Mrs. Charles Plyler.

Why this space to remember one woman? Because she was one, but there were many. And it is on their labors of yesterday that we enjoy the great life in Rusk today. Our labors today will predicate the yet-to-come for generations tomorrow.

Now to the present. It doesn't get any better for one team of athletes than it did Saturday for the Alto Yellow Jackets. Winning a state championship is quite commendable. Winds estimated at 40 to 50 miles per hour blew out of the north. Running against the wind, the Alto Jackets gave everyone an "all Alto" afternoon of play at Midlothian. A second, consecutive state championship trophy is an earned honor by these young players for their school. All of Cherokee County and East Texas can share in the pride that comes by way of the great athletes in Alto, their coaches, family, friends, fans.

Now to the future. Let it be said that this area has never looked more promising. How much is accomplished will depend on us.

What are we going to do with our blessings? We must apply knowledge and strategy embedded in teamship. If we believe "together we can," then we will manage to leave this world a better place. I look forward eagerly to this challenge. May we count on you?

Please look on pg. 8A for a schedule of local programs to be rebroadcast Christmas Eve on KTLU-KWRW radio stations. It is our endeavor to share the "sounds of Christmas." The last issue of your newspaper for this year will be mailed Wednesday, Dec. 26.

May you continue to be surrounded by Angels. Listen quietly and you may hear them sing. Keep smiling.