Community Action

---

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.)

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

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, 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.

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.

Potlatch, Panola County's Fall Festival, draws thousands of visitors looking for tasty food, engaging entertainment, and numerous displays by vendors that cater to the entire family. At this vibrant festival, PCHGA showcased a booth featuring a variety of items, including books, handmade creations crafted from vintage artifacts, unique Panola County trivets, and much more. Every dollar raised went directly to support our Matching Funds initiative.

Nicky Parker (far right) loves interacting with children and their parents on the Square, where he hands out candy to the kids along with information about the PCHGA to their parents. As a dedicated member volunteer, Nicky generously contributes his time to support the Old Jail.

The Panola County Historical and Genealogical Association participated in the Piney Woods Annual Quilt Show. As part of this event, PCHGA volunteers handcrafted unique "Wagon Dolls" to sell as a fundraiser. These dolls, created from scraps of fabric and other materials, echo the historical tradition of making children’s toys during frontier crossings, where they became known as "Wagon Dolls" or "Wagon Train Dolls." In the background, you can see a quilt that serves as a pictorial representation of the rich history of Panola County.

Panola County pays tribute to its Veterans at the Veterans Memorial, an event that attracts attendees of all ages, both young and old.

In September 2024, PCHGA member volunteer Donna Marler presented a program on the rich history of the Fairplay Community to the engaged youth of the Fairplay 4-H Club. At PCHGA, we strongly believe in community engagement, and our programs are thoughtfully designed to uplift local communities through education and valuable resources. We truly have a heart to serve.