The Most Thoughtful Gift of All

SUNDAY August 2, 2020

We're all feeling a little out of our element these days, or as one friend puts it, "in a warped other dimension." It's important to hold your friends and family close and realize they're way more important than missing a few parties.

Embrace the "Pandemic Pause" we find ourselves in and dig deep for worthwhile activities and most importantly, build meaningful memories with those you love and a few kind strangers that share the gift of their time along the way. Maybe something here in this issue will inspire you.

Have fun and be safe as you enjoy the beauty of the Upper East Side of Texas. Find our extensive library of articles, events, and things to do on our website . If you aren't already signed up for a free subscription to the COUNTY LINE WEEKLY you can do that HERE.

"Secretarybirds" by Cheryl Medow. See more of her work in a current online exhibit at PDNB Gallery.

FEATURE

Take a Step Back in Time

Walking into City Shoe Shop in downtown Palestine is like stepping back in time. The scent of new leather permeates the air and the clickity-clack, clickity-clack of the sole adhesive machine takes visitors to a place not commonly experienced in today’s world with online and large store shopping.

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

Photographer Captured Life in East Texas in the 1940s

American photographer John Vachon took a series of photographs — including images of rural schoolchildren in San Augustine County, Texas — for the Farm Security Administration in 1943. The collection of photos are unglamorous, everyday, and often out of focus a bit, but they show East Texans what life in war-time America was like in the small towns and rural communities during that era.

Initially a novice photographer, Vachon's work paved the way for him becoming a photographer with the popular Look magazine from 1947 to 1971. Perhaps his most celebrated photos were a series of photos for Look of iconic American actress Marilyn Monroe on the movie set for the film River of No Return (1954).

Read more in this article from the County Line archives.

DESTINATION COUNTY LINE

These Activities Get Voters' Approval

Check out this list of fun things to do in the region per County Line readers who voted them “Best” in the region. Getaway to Enoch’s Stomp Winery & Vineyard in Harleton, explore the tiny artists hamlet of Edom, see wildlife from your car at the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari in Jacksonville, browse through the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, take a nature walk at the East Texas Arboretum in Athens, and get nostalgic at the Mineola Historical Museum.

THIS TIME OF YEAR

Austin singer-songwriter Carrie Rodriguez performs online for the Blue Rock Studio series this Thursday night.

Let's See A Concert!

It’s hot and there’s a pandemic going on, so thank goodness we’ve got quality live streaming concerts to see! Here are our picks this week to enjoy from the safety of your home.

In concert today are Shelley King at 2 p.m., Mount Vernon Music at 2:30 p.m. and Patrice Pike at 7 p.m. On Monday, the Sequestered Songwriters (about 30 of them) pay tribute to Hank Williams starting at 6 p.m. The Band of Heathens entertain starting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesday, not to be missed, is Max & Heather Stalling at 7 p.m. This week’s performance from Blue Rock Studio is Carrie Rodriguez at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Also on Thursday at 8 p.m. is Patrice Pike. Saturday, enjoy an Irish group of talented musicians with Ulla Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and the always entertaining Kevin Russell of Shinyribs has a show at 9 p.m.

Find links to all the streams on the County Line Calendar and keep checking back as we add new things to do every week and if you have live streaming suggestions, please feel free to let us know.

ARTS AND CULTURE

T he Blue Man: Photographs by Keith Carter

The “Blue Man” series is held in the Tyler Museum of Art's Permanent Collection and now on exhibition through August 30. Rooted in documentarian tradition, Carter’s images capture the ordinary as well as the unimaginable subjects found around East Texas that make the region unique. Entry is $5. Learn more at www.tylermuseum.org .

Covering the Arts Across the Upper East Side of Texas

FOOD & DRINKS

Healthy Choices, Healthy Bodies

Being cooped up for months because of the Covid-19 quarantine led some people to make less-than-stellar food choices. Eating out of boredom is never a good idea. It’s time to reset and refocus with some lifestyle adjustments to help lose a few of those unwanted pounds..