Community Action
We are OUT and ALL ABOUT our Community!
PCHGA believes in the power of community engagement. Our organization is committed to involving local communities through our Old Red Review Newsletter, our website, our Facebook page, and various avenues for community involvement. Just look at how involved we are! Feel free to drop us an email to explore how YOU can support US or how WE can assist YOU! (NOTE: Due to PCHGA's limitation of 12 listings here, we must drop one to add a new listing, which is quite unfortunate.)
Potlatch Festival 2026
Potlatch Festival 2026 in Carthage was a success. Hannah is modeling one of our popular Southern Charm jackets, perfect for cool East Texas days and evenings. The good news is that we haven't sold out yet!
Sizes are M-3X in a variety of colors. They are hand-sewn and made from quilted fabric in a variety of colors. Sleeves can be rolled up to the desired length, and the jackets provide adequate coverage from top to bottom.
Many Dresden quilt tickets (see below) were purchased - $5 each or five for $20. Tickets will be on sale until December 12, 2026. You have to see it to appreciate it truly. What a bargain!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to shop and learn more about PCHGA.
For more information, call 903-693-3388 or email pchgaoldjail@google.com.
This Beautiful Dresden Quilt Could be Yours
Isn't this fabulous! A dedicated PCHGA volunteer donated this stunning piece to help raise funds for ongoing improvements and operating expenses.
It combines beautifully done Dresden plates made with vintage fabric and a modern background print that reads like a romantic love letter. It would look good on any bed. Of course, it is perfect for cuddling on the sofa and having a good read on a cool fall evening with your favorite pumpkin spice drink.
Tickets are only $5 each, or you can get five for $20! People are eagerly purchasing them because this prize is undoubtedly a charming keeper.
This Dresden quilt will be on display around Carthage, at the Potlatch Festival, the Henderson Syrup Festival, and the Carthage Community Trail Garage Sale until the drawing on December 12, 2026.
For more information, call 903-693-3388 or email pchgaoldjail@google.com.
211 N. Shelby St., Carthage, TX
Squares of Heritage Quilted Wall Hanging Could be Yours
Isn't this fabulous! This stunning piece was handcrafted by a dedicated PCHGA volunteer whose talent shines through, all to help raise funds essential for ongoing improvements and operating expenses for PCHGA.
Tickets are priced at $20 each or you can get six for just $100. People have eagerly purchased them because the prize is undoubtedly a beauty.
Throughout the coming months leading up to August, you may spot our enthusiastic volunteers selling tickets in the community. If you miss them, you're welcome to visit the Old Jail or LaGrone Annex from Tuesday to Thursday, and every third Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Come see this wall hanging beauty for yourself—it's truly a keeper!
211 N. Shelby St., Carthage, TX 903-693-3388
CISD 4th Graders Invade PCHGA!
In May, Carthage ISD 4th graders enjoyed an educational tour of the Veterans Museum, Old Jail Museum, and the Veterans Memorial.
The procession was very orderly, as over 150 students, along with teachers and parents, took their turns to view exhibits, listen to guides, and ask questions.
PCHGA volunteers warmly welcomed the students, expertly guided their tours, provided valuable information, and answered as many questions as time allowed.
Interested in organizing a group tour? Contact us. We're ready to assist!
Veterans Day Ceremony 2025
Howard S. Teer III, a resident of Gary in Panola County, Texas, spoke at the Panola County Veterans Day Ceremony. He is a proud Air Force veteran who received several commendations during his service, including the Medal with Valor, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, among many others.
Currently, Teer serves as an Air Force firefighter and is a Civil Service Retiree. He actively supports Veteran causes and proudly represents the Panola County military community.
Teer and his wife, Angel, from Carthage, plan to return to Panola County after their retirement in Florida, and the community looks forward to welcoming them back home.
"The Panola County Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony was honored to recognize Howard S. Teer for his dedication and service to our country," stated Panola County Veterans Service Officer William Morris.
PCHGA Volunteers Set Up Booth at Community Garage Sale
PCHGA volunteers, Linda from Carthage, Diana from Tatum, and Carolyn (not shown) proudly represented the PCHGA booth at the Annual Carthage Community Garage Sale on October 18, 2025.
Their efforts led to the successful sale of numerous tickets for a chance to win a beautifully crafted multi-colored comfy quilt, graciously donated by local quilter Suzi Evers.
In addition, attendees eagerly purchased our book, "Panola County, Texas Moonshiners, Bootleggers, and the Law." These books are available for purchase on our website or directly at the 1891 Jail Library & Museum, open Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, priced at $15.00.
PCHGA also wanted to highlight this upcoming special event: On December 6, 2025, Carthage's own three-term Texas State Historian, professor, and prolific author Bill O'Neal will present a program at the Leila Belle LaGrone Annex at 3:00 PM titled "Tragedy at a Texas Courthouse." This courthouse is located in Carthage, Texas! No reservations or fees are required. Join us to hear this captivating story of robbery, greed, and vigilante justice.
PANOLA COUNTY TEXAS MOONSHINERS, BOOTLEGGERS, AND THE LAW
We are excited to announce that our first publication will be at press and available for purchase starting October 14, 2025. This project, titled "Panola County Texas Moonshiners Bootleggers and The Law," is a collaborative effort by the Panola County Historical and Genealogical Association. It draws on articles from The Panola Watchman newspaper, the Gary School project Loblolly, as well as numerous analog and digital resources accessible to the PCHGA in Carthage, Panola County, Texas. To secure your copy, please call us at 903-693-3388 or email pchgaoldjail@gmail.com. You are also welcome to visit the historic 1891 Jail from Tuesday to Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 17, 2025 FREE FAMILY HISTORY PROGRAMS FROM WACO-McLENNON GENEALOGY LIBRARY
Join us for FREE to watch via the Internet your choice of one or all five engaging programs offered by PCHGA in the Leila Belle LaGrone Annex at 210 N. Shelby St. in Carthage. Most programs are designed for beginners, so if that describes you, now is the perfect time to get started on your family history journey.
9:00 a.m. From Names to Narratives
10:00 a.m. Family Trees Get Smart
11:00 a.m. All in the Family; Using Collaborative Research
11:50 a.m. Lunch on your own
12:50 p.m. Stories of Your Lives: Beginning Your Family History
2:25 p.m. Research Road Trips: Fun for You and the Family
Feel free to attend one or all of these sessions!
For more information, call 903-693-3388 or email pchgaoldjail@gmail.com.