Historic Dogwood Trails Jars, A Piece of Palestine History for Sale

PALESTINE- Own a piece of Palestine history and support the beautification efforts of the Palestine Main Street Department.

The Main Street Department is extending the sale of their historic Dogwood Trails pint jars until April 15^th. Found last year tucked into the back of a local warehouse, the jars were produced in 1985 and feature a spray of dogwood blossoms on one side and “Texas Dogwood Trails, founded 1938, Palestine Texas” on the other.

“Due to popular demand, and because this year is the 75^th anniversary, the Main Street Department will keep the jars out for little while longer,” said Main Street Manager Laura Westgate. “We have sold almost all of them, but still have approximately 250 jars left and I would love to see them go to a home where they can be displayed.”

Jars are available at the following locations:

Palestine Visitor Center

(Mon. – Fri., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

825 W. Spring St.

Artifacts Vintage Finds

(Wed. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

400 N. Queen St.

Charles E. Dickens Fine Jewelry

(Mon. – Fri., 10 am. – 5:30 p.m.)

100 W. Oak

These collector items were produced at the former Palestine Glass Plant which began life as a Knox Glass Bottle Company in July of 1941. A news report of the time stated that the plant was built in a former cotton field off what is now West Oak Street. Boasting a 90-ton furnace and the most modern glass making equipment of the time, it produced containers for soft drinks, foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, extracts, wines, liquors, fruit, beverages – if you could think of it, they could make it.

Each hand-carved iron mold was made by artisan glass worker Jimmy Cheatham, with a new mold crafted each year of production (1980 – 1985). A true artist, Mr. Cheatham would sculpt the design in “reverse” so that the image displayed correctly after molding.

“This is not only a part of history,” offered Jean Mollard, Main Street board chair, “They are a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. I know that Knox glass is widely collected and this would make a great addition to any collection, and a lovely memento of Palestine.”

All proceeds from the sale of the historic jars helps with revitalization projects in the Main Street district. One project fully funded by the jar sales was the purchase of one-of-a-kind metal art banners. There are currently six installed from the courthouse through the downtown area, with six more scheduled for this fall.

For more information on the local Main Street program visit facebook.com/palestinemainstreet, or call (903) 723-3014.