Attractions
The Firsts of Justin, Texas
By Jessica Crabtree
Every town originated with a story, leaving plenty of “firsts.” The Denton County town of Justin had its share of firsts. The first automobile in Justin, Texas, a two-cylinder roadster, was owned by J.A. West. The first general store was opened Christmas day of 1883. The first depot agent in Justin was Dick Mitchell. The first drug store was opened by Handy Bush. The first postmaster was John Berry in 1888. The first hotel was built by a Mr. Riley. The town’s first newspaper was published in 1904 by M.R. Morgan.
The first blacksmith shop was owned and operated by George Miles and Nick Barnes. Walter N. Shofner was the first president of the Justin State Bank. The town of Justin’s first doctor was William Henry Pennington in 1888 and the first bank was opened in 1905, which William Henry Pennington had a hand in.
Pennington was a man of spunk, and his ability as a doctor earned him great favor amongst the area he served. The Pennington name was seen throughout history and revered highly.
The Pennington family arrived in Justin in 1880. John Evans Pennington was born in 1828 and married Willmirth Caison, born in 1837. She was known as “Willie.” Together the two had one child, a son named William Henry Pennington born in 1855. The family first traveled to Rusk County before Denton. William Henry was called “Little Willie” by his mother and “Buck” by his father.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2017 NTFR issue, To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Dr. Pennington, the first doctor in Justin, Texas. (Photo courtesy of George Seals)
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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