Historic Marker Ceremony Slated for Saturday in Main Street District
PALESTINE- Palestine Main Street will join the Anderson County Historical Commission, Sat., May 12, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. and then again at 1:30 p.m. for two unveiling ceremonies in the Main Street District.
Markers for Don “The Knife Maker” Hastings and Homer Garrison, Jr. will be unveiled in two ceremonies on Saturday.
Don Hastings produced knives that were works of art in his shop which was located in the Old Town area of Palestine. Mr. Hastings’s family will be in attendance for the unveiling of the marker in the area between Oxbow Bakery (215 E. Crawford) and The Ranch House (305 E. Crawford) at 10:30 a.m.
Homer Garrison Jr. was a Palestine native and played an important role in law-enforcement. He was a leader at the Texas Department of Public Safety and is memorialized in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. Garrison will be honored with a marker at the Anderson County Courthouse Annex (703 N. Mallard) with that ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m.
“Main Street is honored to partner with the Anderson County Historical Commission to unveil markers for Don Hastings and Homer Garrison, Jr.,” stated Laura Westgate, Main Street manager for the City of Palestine. “Old Town Palestine, within our Main Street District, was the center of commerce and life for many years and Mr. Hastings knife works is an interesting point in our history.”
Main Street boasts a number of historical markers which are sprinkled through the district. All markers are researched by the Historical Commission, and go through a rigorous verification process before being accepted as State Historical marker.
“Local Historical Commission members spent hours documenting and preparing the markers, and we’re pleased to support their efforts and offer historic sites as venues. The preservation of our history is a primary goal of Main Street and we are pleased to support the efforts of the Historical Commission within the Main Street District,” concluded Ms. Westgate.
The unveilings of the two historic markers are free and open to the public. For more information please call the Palestine Main Street office at 903-723-3014.