10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO
100 YEARS AGO…
Interest in the celebration of Rockdale’s Golden Anniversary, as suggested by The Reporter, was becoming widespread. All the old-timers who had heard the suggestion were enthusiastic in their endorsement of the plan. The letter below was a sample of the interest being manifested by former citizens:
Dear sir, I see where the people of Rockdale are going to celebrate Rockdale’s 50th anniversary. I feel very much interstte3d in the affair for the reason that I was the first male child born in Rockdale, and in the first house, that being the 14th day of January, 1974.
(Editor’s note: 1874 is the year Rockdale incorporated as a city. The Reporter was started in 1873.) My father at that time had ox and mule teams doing grade work and hauling ties for the I&GN railroad which was building there at the time. My father’s name was George A. Brown. A family by name of Ackerman built a sawmill and also a small house, it being the first house, and where I was born. I feel you are your citizens of your good city would be interested to know the above facts. I would very much like to be present at your celebration but circumstances are against me. Nevertheless, I congratulate you and your citizens for the wonderful city you have, and I wish you all the prosperity and happiness that the world has to offer, and sincerely hope nothing will block the way for a successful celebration. Yours truly, Isaac Brown, San Antonio, TX.
Despite rain and gloom, members of the club and guest responded to Mr. Vance’s invitation to her party. The rooms were all aglow with lights, flowers and warmth. The living room was lovely in decoration of red roses and ferns, bowls and baskets of yellow chrysanthemums were used most effectively i n t he dining room. Five tables of guests enjoyed 42. The table prizes were “hanky puffs” exquisitely embroidered, the dainty handiwork of the hostess. The lucky ones to draw the prizes were Mrs. B.A. Coffield, Mrs. Robert Simms, Mrs. Van de Venter and Mrs. J.W. Coleman from Cameron. An elaborate twocourse luncheon was served. Mrs. Vance was assisted in serving by her mother, Mrs. B.A. Coffield. Everything was in keeping with the season, turkeys decorated the score cards and were used as plate favors.
40 YEARS AGO…
Mike Korenek was named the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department’s Fireman of the Year for 1983 at the RVFD’s annual Christmas Banquet. Making the presentation was fire chief Earl Whitmore who praised Korenek’s dedication and service to the RVFD. The banquet also featured a number of other awards. Speaker was Gus Coelho and Santa Claus also made an appearance with gifts for the children of firemen and guests.
20 YEARS AGO…
University of Texas mascot Bevo the Longhorn paid Rockdale a visit, for a fill up of his custom trailer at TETCO. His handlers, members of the Silver Spurs organization at UT, were taking Bevo to College Station for the annual football battle between the Longhorns and the Texas Aggies.
10 YEARS AGO…
They’re ready to try it again. After this spring’s search for a new superintendent for the Rockdale ISD led to a selection—and an 11th-hour rejection—the school board would gear up in January for a second attempt to fill that position.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.