HISTORICAL COMMISSION PARTICIPATES IN
OLD RIVER-WINFREE FOUNDER'S DAY CELEBRATION

Several members of the Chambers County Historical Commission participated in the Old River-Winfree Founder's Day Celebration on July 24th and July 25th. Members present were Bob Wheat, Chair; Kay Willcox, Secretary; Pudge Willcox, Publicity Chair; and Pat Dryer who is a native of Old River. During the event, the members talked with many of the visitors that showed a keen interest in the history of the area. The event allowed the Commission to raise funds with the sale of historical afghans, books and other items.

The celebration recognizes the founding of the incorporated City of Old River-Winfree and plans are to make it an annual event.
It was organized by Colleen Fontenot who is a member of the City Council. Several vendors were present selling food, cold drinks and crafts and a large water slide was popular with the youngsters. An auction was conducted to sell pies and cakes and the antique car show was enjoyed by all. The community building also contained a large collection of historical artifacts, all collected in the vicinity of Old River.

One of the main features of the celebration was the enactment of the original settlers arriving in Old River. The enactment was narrated by Bob Wheat and was performed by Billy Wallace and a group with black powder muskets. Their camp was being harassed by nomadic Indians that roamed along the river but several shots from their muskets drove the hostiles away.

Article and Photo by CCHC Publicity Chair Pudge Willcox
July 26, 2009