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)
By Donna Long
If you are hankerin’ for home cooking just like grandma used to make with fresh ingredients, then look no further than Dixie House Cafe with locations in Fort Worth, Saginaw, and Euless. Dixie House, which was originally named Theresa’s Cafe after its owner, opened its first restaurant in 1983.
In the early days, it was just Theresa and one employee that ran the cafe. Between the two of them, they created mouth-watering meals from scratch using tried and true recipes. Dixie House is where the nostalgic vibe of a 60’s diner meets the charm of Southern hospitality and cooking. The portions are substantial, and the flavor is reminiscent of a time when meals were slow-cooked with families gathered in the kitchen and not hurriedly microwaved.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
I’ve recently discovered a very special place here in North Texas that combines good food, good people and on occasion, good music. Lovejoy’s On Main in Whitesboro is an elegant boutique, café and old time soda fountain all rolled into to one convenient location.
Not only is there great shopping, but when you walk in you can’t miss the wonderful aroma of real home cooking. The kind your momma used to make. Best of all, the homemade desserts are simply out of this world.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
On the weekend of April 28-30, 2023 Saint Jo will – for the 6th year – host The Real West Symposium which explores what the West was actually like in the 1800’s. Saint Jo is an authentic 1850 vintage cow town located right on the storied Chisholm Trail. With a tree covered town square and authentic 1800’s store fronts, it is the perfect place for Western History to come to life.
This year’s noted speakers include: Michael Grauer, Director of the Cowboy Hall of Fame; Dr. Jody Ginn, Director of the Texas Rangers Museum/Foundation; Dr. Richard McCaslin of the University of North Texas; Dr. Byron Price, retired Director of the Charles M. Russell Center for the Study of the American West; Art T. Burton, authority on Bass Reeves – accompanied by Ernest Marsh, a Bass Reeves re-enactor; and Michael Martin Murphey, recording artist and authority on the music of the Old West.
Friday night the 28th there will be a Patrons Dinner in the Windmill Grill & Saloon; period attire is encouraged.
Saturday the 29th will begin at 8:30 with presentations in the Saint Jo Theater. Lunch will be provided in the Lazy Heart Grill. From 4.00-6.00pm there will be a wine reception and book signing at Davis & Blevins Gallery.
Two area concerts later in the evening on the 29th include Michael Martin Murphey will perform at Blue Ostrich Winery and an area favorite, Shinyribs will perform at Red River Station in Saint Jo. For tickets to these events please see their websites at: www.BlueOstrich.net or www.RedRiverStation.com.
An authentic chuck-wagon breakfast on the actual Chisholm Trail rounds out the weekend on Sunday morning the 30th.
Individual tickets for all events are available on our website. There are also sponsorships available for $500, $1,000, $1,500 which include multiple tickets, meals, and concert performances as well as visibility on all event promotional materials.
For additional information, visit our website www.TheRealWest.org, or call 940-995-2786
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