1956
 

Blessing News
Mrs. Pierce Has 8 Dinner Guests; Farmers Gin Has Chicken Barbecue
By Miss Theoplis O’Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mikus and children of El Campo visited with her father, Ed Day and family over the week-end.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery were business visitors in Houston Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Earl were business visitors in Houston Saturday and are the proud owners of a new car.

Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell and Mrs. Arthur Foster visited Sunday with Mrs. Herman Powell who is in the Matagorda County Hospital. We wish Mrs. Powell a speedy recovery and hope she will soon be home again.

Mrs. A. B. Pierce had as her dinner guests last Tuesday, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Pierce also Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Pierce and daughter, Grace Lawrence, from Slough Ranch, Collegeport, and Mrs. Benjamin Pierce’s mother, Mrs. Knapp, of Bald Eagle Lake, Minn. Mrs. Knapp returned to her home in Bal Eagle Lake the following day.

Mrs. B. E. Sailor of Palacios visited Sunday with Mrs. A. P. Borden and Rev. and Mrs. Polk of Corpus Christi, the Blessing Baptist minister.

The Farmers Gin gave a chicken barbecue at the American Legion Hall Monday night.

Mrs. Herman Powell underwent surgery in Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City last Tuesday.

Mrs. H. L. Henry of Palacios attended E. L. Shaw’s funeral in El Campo, and came by for a short visit with Mrs. A. P. Borden last Tuesday. The Shaw family are old friends of Mrs. Borden’s.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Sullivan and children, of Sealy, visited Mrs. Katy Vaclavick Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Mrs. Fay Curtis of Bay City visited here Saturday.

Mrs. E. W. Miculka left Wednesday for Branson to attend the funeral of her father, who passed away Tuesday. Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Miculka in the loss of her father.

Miss Fred Grisham of Louise is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glaze.

Mr. and Mrs. John Bolling of Palacios and Mrs. A. B. Pierce Sr. of Blessing attended church services at Edna at the Episcopal church Sunday.

 Mrs. L. C. Cornelius is in the Nightingale Hospital in El Campo with pneumonia. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Feather and children of Bay City and Mrs. L. L. Chiles of Palacios were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Pierce and family Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Pete Hamelink received word Saturday that Mr. and Mrs. David Kiny of Houston are the proud parents of baby girl born Saturday.

Palacios Beacon, February 9, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Polk graduated from the University of Corpus Christi, where they both received their Bachelor of Arts degree and with honors. Mr. Polk received the highest honor that was ever given a student at the University. The address was delivered by Mr. Orbar Lee Malone an attorney of Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Polk and children are well known here in Blessing. He is the pastor of the First Baptist Church here driving up to Blessing each Saturday evening and preaching Sunday morning and night and returning to Corpus Christi. Many friends drove down to Corpus Christi Monday evening to attend the graduation services. Among those who were present were Rev. and Mrs. H. T. Walters, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Earle and children, Mrs. J. H. Powell and son, Harry Lane, Mr. Donald Earl Morton, Mrs. Herman Jager and son, Carl and Mrs. L. C. McMichel. We are all happy to have the Polk family with us, and our blessings to them wherever they go.

Mrs. Leonard Chappell of El Campo, visited with Mrs. A. P. Borden for a short time Saturday evening. This week Mrs. Chappell is attending the Democratic convention in Dallas.

Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Yockey and daughter Jeannette of Pierce were guests of Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal Saturday evening.

Mr. Lee Pierce and Mr. Melvin Lee left Blessing Tuesday morning driving Mrs. A. B. Pierce's car through for her to White Bear Lake, Minn. Mr. Pierce and Mr. Lee stopped in Kansas City, Mo., to attend a ball game on their way up to Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin of Lockhart, Texas, purchased the Schulte's grocery store and the store is now named Lonnie's Cash grocery.

Mr. and Mrs. Orville Anderson and sons of La Marque, Texas, spent Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell and Mrs. C. B. Bump. Mrs. Bump returned home with them for a visit.

Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin spent Sunday afternoon visiting relatives in West Columbia.

Mr. Pete Hamelink was ill in an El Campo hospital, but is home at this time.

Johnnie B. Swinky had a three day pass from Camp Polk, La., and visited with his mother, Mrs. John Swinky and relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Swinky and children of Bay City were also week end guests of his mother Mrs. John Swinky.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Earle and children had as their guests over the week end Mr. Earle's sister and her husband and children Mr. and Mrs. William A. Foster, of Houston.

Mrs. Robert Rickaway is ill in Hestand Clinic, Houston, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Mr. E. A. Fleury and Mrs. R. H. Roads were business visitors in Bay City Tuesday of this week.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes were visiting in Houston for a day or two.

Sgt. and Mrs. A. L. Jones are the proud parents of a baby boy born the latter part of April, name Gerald David. This is their first child, but they had an adopted son.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, Sr., went to Rockport Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Ussery, Jr., spent Sunday night and Monday with his parents in Blessing.

Mrs. A. B. Pierce and Mrs. Lee Hall left Blessing today for their summer home on White Bear Lake, Minn. We hope you both have a pleasant and comfortable stay in Minn.

Daily Tribune, May 24, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sleppy and daughter of Dayton, Ohio, visited with her brother, Mr. Norman Rupert and children and mother, Mrs. Alice B. Rupert of Blessing.

Arthur B. Foster graduated May 24, from Wharton County Junior College.

Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin made a business trip to Victoria Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Watts of Columbia, Texas, visited with her brother, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin, Monday for a short time in Blessing.

Ronnie Williams fell off an automobile Monday and injured himself slightly. Ronnie is in hospital but expected to return home Tuesday.

Mrs. Annie Lou Walsh and children Conrad and Guinetta of Ganado, were guests of her sister, Rev. and Mrs. H. T. Walters, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Earl and sons are visiting in Oklahoma this week.

Mrs. A. R. Matthews was in Collegeport one day last week.

Mrs. H. T. Walters, Mrs. A. R. Matthes and Mrs. J. H. Powell were hostess at the Blessing Hotel for a shower given for Miss Elain Rickaway. They reported over 70 people present, and Miss Rickaway received many gifts.

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fondon had as their guests Sunday Mr. Fondon's brother, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Fondon of Van Vleck, and Mr. Fondon's sister, Mrs. Ludell Deering of Houston.

Mrs. H. L. Henry took Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal to Palacios Wednesday for a visit with friends, and shopping.

Monday night was the happiest time in many of the school pupils lives when they received their diplomas at Tidehaven High School, and we wish you luck and happiness where ever you go.

Bay City also had a lovely graduation class which your writer attended and saw each pupil receive their diplomas, being the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Angel Sanchez of Bay City, for the graduation, whose daughter, Yolanda Sanchez, received her diploma.

Matagorda County Tribune, May 31, 1956
 

Blessing News
Davants Go To Mississippi To Bring Daughter Home For The Summer
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mrs. Sam Hughes, sister, grandchild and Mrs. Hughes' mother Mrs. Bowers of Palacios, spent the evening with Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fondon and children one day last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie White and family of Palacios visited relatives and friends in Blessing Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hlozek and daughter, Dorothy, went to Houston Mon. where Miss Dorothy will enter Durham's Business College. Miss Dorothy graduated from high school this semester.

Mrs. Tobie Blake of Houston was a week-end visitor of Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Logan, A. E. Schulte, Mr. and Mrs. G. K. Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Havlik, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Kopecky, Mrs. H. J. Powell, and Mrs. John Baros all attended the Terry-Barlow wedding Saturday night in Bay City.

Ronald Williams returned from the Palacios Hospital Saturday. He was injured when he fell off a car and had to have several stitches taken in his forehead.

Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Davant went to Vicksburg, Mississippi to bring their daughter, Miss Caroline Davant home from All Saints College for the summer.

Robert Smith is engaged in Army maneuvers for two weeks and his wife and two children are visiting Mrs. Smith's mother in Houston.

Carlos Vacek is home from T. C. U., Fort Worth, Texas for the summer.

Merle Washington is home on leave from the Air Force with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Guy Washington.

Mrs. Leo Neuszer is in Lockhart for a week visiting her sister. Mrs. James Rollins returned from Lockhart after spending the week with her sister who is ill. Mrs. Rollins and Mrs. Neuszer are sisters.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes and Mrs. Matthes' mother, Mrs. Della Braden of Bay City, attended the birthday supper Sunday at 5 p. m. in Houston for their grandchildren Pat and Mike Matthes. They are the twins of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Matthes.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster and Sonny gave a barbecue Sunday, and their guests were Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Cornett and sons, Robert, Jackie and Douglas, Mrs. A. M. Logan and Edwin, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin, Mr. and Mrs. Cornett, from Omaha, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery.

Mrs. Lee Pierce went to Kerrville last week to get her son Lee Hall Pierce, who was attending Schreiner and will be home for the summer vacation. Mrs. Pierce attended several activities while there at the school, Mrs. L. E. Chiles of Palacios and Mrs. Bob Feather stayed with her children.

Mrs. Lucille Grable visited her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Toloba, over the week-end.

Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Bump of St. Louis spent their vacation in Mexico City, and on their way home stopped by to visit with Mr. Bump's sister Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell of Blessing last Tuesday.

Rev. H. T. Walters preached at Vanderbilt First Baptist Church, Vanderbilt Sunday morning and night.

St. Peter's Catholic Church Blessing is holding a two weeks Summer School of Instructions, conducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame, Indiana. It started Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell motored to Denton last Wednesday and their daughter, Miss Frances Powell, returned home with them. Frances has been attending T. S. C. W. in Denton and will spend her summer vacation at home and visiting friends.

Bruce Hancock of El Campo was a Sunday afternoon guest of Mrs. A. P. Borden.

Clifford Laughlin from Vinton, Louisiana visited with Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell and Frances over the week-end.

Palacios Beacon, June 7, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell and Francis visited with relatives in La Marque Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baily and daughter, Lisa, of Dallas spent the week end and Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery.

Mr. and Mrs. Sid High of Houston were over night guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes Thursday.

Mr. Dick Powell and Frances were in El Campo on business Tuesday of this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim McDonald and Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Upton attended the funeral of Mr. James Burnes Kidd in Palacios. Mr. Kidd was the brother of Mrs. Billy McDonald of Victoria.

Mr. and Mrs. Alois Ledwig of El Campo visited her cousin Mrs. Bobby Upton one day last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Swinky of Bay City visited in Lake Charles Louisiana and visited Johnnie Swinky at Camp Polk, Louisiana. Their children stayed in Blessing with their grandmother, Mrs. John Swinky.

The Rev. and Mrs. A. W. McGregory, the assistant pastor of the Lindale Baptist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas, preached both morning and evening at the First Baptist Church, Blessing, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola and Mr. and Mrs. I. G. Tobola attended the regular Feast Day at St. John, Texas, Sunday June 17th.

Mr. Don Lawson of Houston, Texas, is spending a few weeks here at the Blessing Hotel.

Mrs. John Polk of Ft. Worth, Texas, is visiting friends in Blessing, this week.

The Daily Vacation Bible School will close Wednesday. They have had a good attendance.

Ronnie Williams went to San Antonio, Texas to spend his vacation with his father.

Mrs. H. L. Henry of Palacios, Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal spent the afternoon Wednesday of last week in Palacios.

We have had several good rains here in Blessing the past few days which we are thankful for.

Matagorda County Tribune, June 21, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Dr. and Mrs. Fred Matthes and children of Houston, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes. Mrs. Della Braden and Dr. and Mrs. Russell Matthes and family spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes.

Dr. Fred Matthes has completed his year of internship at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston,. He began a 2 year residence in pediatrics July 2.

Mr. Arthur Foster and Sonny made a business trip to Schulenburg Saturday afternoon.

The Blessing Bluejays played Peterson's Cafe Tigers team at the Blessing New Diamond Monday at 5 p. m. and the score 8 to 3 in favor of the Blessing team.

Mr. Wiley Roberts expects to leave the hospital July 7, after several weeks following [an] auto accident.

Dr. Donald Earl Morton is in the Matagorda General Hospital, in Bay City. He had an accident Monday night June 25, while working on a truck. He will be in the hospital about six weeks. We all hope you a speedy recovery Mr. Morton.

Rev. and Mrs. H. T. Walters, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Neuszer, Miss Tommie Ray Epperson, Miss Regena Butler, and Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Brown all attended the Baptist Encampment July 2, and they said that 1000 people have already signed up for the encampment.

Dr. Bettis, Rev. and Mrs. H. T. Walters all attended the ordination of Mr. V. A. Richardson, Sunday at Collegeport. Mr. and Mrs.. Melvin Smith were also present.

Mrs. Chester Gloeckner, Bay City, came for Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal last Thursday and took them to her home to spend the day. Mrs. Gloeckner gave a surprise tea for Mrs. Borden, and invited several of Mrs.. Borden's old friends. Those present were: Mrs. Amos Lee, Mrs.. J. D. Yancey, Mrs. Thomas Lewis, Mrs. R. H. Minton, Mrs. Mary McClure, Mrs. Virgil Fetters, Mrs. W. C. Lloyd, Mrs. B. F. Curry and some children were present. Mr. and Mrs. Gloeckner drove Mrs. Borden and Miss O'Neal home after dinner arriving home around 9 p. m.

Mr. Roger Spring from the Blessing Hotel spent the week end with his sister in Galveston.

Mr. Abner Ussery, Jr., from Luling, spent Monday in Blessing.

Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth spent Sunday with her mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, Sr., were business visitors in McAllen over the week end. They stayed at the new Fairway Motor Hotel, and made two visits across to Reynosa.

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Upton visited Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Koch and family of Palacios, Friday evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim McDonald visited with Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Kidd of El Maton Sunday morning.

Mr. Jack Upton of Houston is visiting a few days with his mother, Mrs. H. T. Walters.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell and daughter motored to Houston Sunday where Frances caught a plane for New Jersey, where she will vacation for a month.

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Perin of Big Springs, Texas, is spending a few days with her grandfather, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Hamilink.

Mrs. Carmen Wheeler returned from Huntsville where she has been the guest of Mrs.. Fred Bobbie for the past week.

Mrs. and Mrs.. A. B. McDonald and daughter Billy Sue of Victoria, Texas, were visitors in the Jim McDonald home Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fondon and children attended the revival at Wadsworth, Friday night. They also drove by to see the home where Mr. Fondon was born, known as Boggs [Boggy?]School Community in those days. The place is owned by the Baylor Orphans Home.

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Upton attended a barbecue Sunday afternoon given them by Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Koch, also present was Miss Lena Koch, Raymond Koch and Terry Harvey. Mrs. Genell Sims and children and friends of El Campo were visitors in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Upton Monday evening.

Daily Tribune, July 5, 1956
 

Blessing News
Mrs. Sue Jones Flies To Visit Parents; Adams Move Into New Home July 4
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell visited Mr. and Mrs. Bill McClintock in Tivoli Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster visited Donald Earl Morton Monday evening at the Matagorda County General Hospital, Bay City.

Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Matthes and children and Mrs. Della Braden all of Bay City visited with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes Sunday.

Mrs. A. E. Schulte spent the week-end with her daughter Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cowger, of Clemville.

John William Fondon spent last week with his uncle J. A. Harper, of Deutschburg, Texas.

Mrs. John Swinky and family spent Sunday with her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Melton Vavra, of El Maton.

Benny Fondon spent the week-end with his uncle Jim Fondon, of Van Vleck.

Dr. Bettes, William McGregor of Corpus Christi, and Rev. H. T. Walters called on Donald Earl Morton Sunday afternoon who is ill in the Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City. We all hope you a speedy recovery Donald Earl.

Miss Mary Ludell Fondon of Houston spent the week-end with her brother Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fondon and family.

Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Montgomery of Brazoria spent July 4 with Mrs. W. A. Sanford.

Mrs. A. S. Schulte spent Monday with her sister Mrs. Mary Bunk of Bay City.

Mrs. A. R Matthes made a business trip to Bay City, Tuesday.

H. T. Walters, went to Houston July 10, to get her daughter Mrs. Sue Upton Jones and children who are flying here from the State of Washington. Welcome home Sue.

Mrs. B. R. Trull and Mrs. W. A. Sanford visited in Angleton with the Houston family.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Adams moved to their new home here in Blessing July 4.

Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal will spend a few days in Houston starting July 12. We may not be home for next week in time to collect the news.

Palacios Beacon, July 12, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Tomasek celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary Sunday. They were getting ready to go on out for the day and guests and family began to arrive before 11:00 a. m. It was a big surprise to the celebrants.

The family and guests were Father Vaclav Bily and his sister, Miss Ludmila Bily, Blessing; Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Vacek, Jr., of Blessing; Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hickl and four sons, Louis, Jr., Bobby, Kenneth and Dennis and daughter Caroline, of Palacios; Mr. Jerome Vacek and Mr. Jim Vacek of El Maton, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Orsak and daughter, Rose Marie of Palacios; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Orsak and son of Palacios; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jensen, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Skutca and Walter, Jr., and two daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gurecky and family, Mr. and Mrs. George Orsak and family all of El Maton; Mr. and Mrs. James Svetlik and family, Bay City; Mrs. Emil Sliva of El Maton; Miss Helen Sellers, Bay City; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hlosek and family, Blessing; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Tomasek and son, El Maton; Mr. Mansvert Foster, El Maton; Mrs. Mary Berdecka, Blessing; Mr. Albert Tomasek of Cameron, Texas.

Refreshments were served at 11 a. m. consisted of sandwiches, cakes, cookies, pies, coffee, and punch.

They received many gifts.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway are the proud parents of a baby girl named Jeannette Sue, born August 10, at 6:30 a. m. and weighed 7 lbs. and 11 ounces, at the Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Butler are the proud parents of a baby boy born at the Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City, August 10.

Mr. Clifford Allen, and three children, Suzan, Bruce and Ned of St. Louis, Mo., all visited Monday afternoon with Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal. Mr. Allen is a prominent St. Louis banker and business man.

Rev. H. T. Walters, preached Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Louise.

Mrs. Walter Clements was in the hospital in El Campo over the week end due to a fall.

Mr. and Mrs. Ivin Kana and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kana, parents and brother of Mrs. Mary Bartosh, visited in her home for Mary Ann's birthday dinner.

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Idenback and children of Bay City, are staying with the Walter Clements for a few days.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Swinky and children of Bay City spent Sunday with his family, Mrs. John Swinky and children.

Mr. Jack Upton was in Corpus Christi, a few days last week.

Rev. and Mrs. H. T Walters, and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rickaway attended a Sunday School and Training Union twin meeting at the First Baptist Church in Palacios Monday night.

Mr. and Mrs. I. M. Pierron, and daughter Anita have moved from Blessing back to Houston.

Mrs. J. E. Anthony of Wharton and her daughter, Mrs. O. R. Lundy and Suzanne, of El Campo were guests of Mrs. A. P. Borden, Mrs. Roy Paton and Miss Theoplis O'Neal Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Anthony is here of the Red Cross work in Wharton.

Mrs. W. A. Sanford, and grandson, Ronnie Williams, visited in Palacios Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Trull.

Pat and Mike Matthes have returned to their home in Houston.

Mr. W. H. Lindner has been in Houston visiting her mother who has been ill.

Lt. and Mrs. Leo Neuszer returned to Charleston, S. C. Wednesday. They were here to attend the funeral of Mrs. Neuszer's grandfather, Mr. Harney, who died in Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. Homer Phillips and Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Rickaway attended the funeral of Mrs. Tom Davis in Bay City Monday afternoon. Mrs. Davis was a sister of Mrs. F. H. Rickaway.

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ackerman made a business trip to Galveston, and also visited relatives and brought Mary Ann Miska home with them for the week end.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster drove to Victoria Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Homer Morris and Mrs. H. L. Wheeler made a business trip to El Campo Monday morning.

Mr. Paul Wheeler is spending part of his vacation in Houston.

Mr. and Mrs. John Ackerman went to Galveston to take their granddaughter, Mary Ann Miska, home.

A nice rain fell in Blessing Monday morning,  but we need much more rain.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 16, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

The First Baptist Church of Blessing is having a revival. It will run from September 2, to September 9. Everyone is invited to attend, and bring his friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Rodrick Paton of Houston visited with his mother Mrs. Rodrick Paton, Saturday and also took Mrs. Paton, Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis O'Neal to Palacios for dinner.

Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Vacek and Carlos attended a birthday party Monday night given in honor of her sister, Mrs. Marie Popek at El Maton.

Mr. Weldon Popek arrived home from Germany, where he spent 20 months in the Army. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Popek of El Maton, and the nephew of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Vacek, Blessing.

Frank E. Rickaway, Sonny Foster and Carolos Vacek went to Galveston Sunday and on the way back stopped at Sugar Land to visit Carlos' aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vavrecka, and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell had as their guest, Mrs. Powell's brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bump and mother for the past week.

Mr. Tony Sanchez of Bay City visited with Mrs. A. P. Borden, Mrs. R. Paton and Miss Theoplis O'Neal, Friday.

Mr. Jimmy Uroda from Galveston spent the week end with Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell and Frances.

Mr. Paul Wheeler and mother, Mrs. H.L. Wheeler, went to Matagorda, Texas, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Fondon of Van Vleck spent... with Mr. and Mrs. J....suffered a stroke...and has been recuperating at home, but will soon be around again.

Mrs. Viola King...and Mrs. B. F....City were guests Monday...of Mrs. A. P. Borden...and Miss Theoplis O'Neal.

Mr. and Mrs. ...and family went to...reunion in Goliad, Texas,...

Mrs. Dupe M. Green of Palacios visited with Mrs. A. P. Borden, Saturday evening.

The Tidehaven football team is starring football practice Thursday Aug. 22. The Boosters Club is sponsoring an ice cream and cake social afterwards.

Blessing News of last week reported the wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Thomasek as 24th. This was in error as it should have read 25th. In the guest list Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Vacek and son, Junior, were present and not Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Vacek, Jr. We gladly make this correction.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 23, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

A big barbecue was held at the American Legion Hall Sunday.

Blessing baseball team played the Palacios All Stars Saturday at 5 p. m. on the Blessing field. The score was 13 to 1 with Palacios team being the winner.

Pat and Mike Matthes are visiting their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes for another week. Their mother, Mrs. Fred Matthes, is with her parents Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Gordon, Bay City, while recuperating from a recent operation. Dr. Fred Matthes was in Bay City Sunday for a few hours.

Mr. J. E. Cornett and Mr. A. R. Matthes were the Blessing delegates at the Matagorda County Democratic Convention in Bay City on Saturday.

Miss Barbara Gene Williams spent the week end with her parents Mr. and Mrs. George Williams.

Mr. George Williams made a business trip to Houston Sunday night.

Mrs. Lucile Grable who is nursing Mr. J. A. Williams in Bay City, was in Blessing spending the week end with her daughter and her husband Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, spent Friday afternoon in Houston.

Sonny Foster visited friends in Houston over the week end.

Mrs. P. C. Chaudoin and daughter, Miss Ethel Chaudoin of Lockhart are the guests of her son and his wife Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin.

Bill Hardenbrock of Richmond, California, is visiting with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Chaudoin.

Miss Frances Powell has returned home after several weeks visit with relatives in New Jersey.

Mrs. Frank Ahrendt and Mrs. Tommy Moore and children are visiting at the Blessing Hotel with their husbands, who are working on the new road at Francitas.

Francis Ann Swinky left Monday for Houston to visit with her sister, Emily Harren.

Pfc. Johnny Swinky is home from Camp Polk, Louisiana for a few days visiting with his mother Mrs. John Swinky.

Mr. Donald Earl Morton is home from the hospital and is getting around real well.

Patsy Swinky was in the hospital in Bay City for a few days last week, but is home at present.

Mr. Ed Watzslavic spent a few days in Oklahoma the first part of the week.

Mr. Norman Rupert, his children Sandra, Jimmy, Sentha and Gary and his mother all had a nice vacation in Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona, and Mexico.

Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Epperson had as their guest for the week end Mrs. Epperson's sister, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Spain and girls.

Mrs. Mary Bartosh and children spent Sunday in Midfield with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kana.

Mr. Sam Barey and Miss Selma Harmon of Houston were the guests of Mrs. A. P. Borden and Mrs. Roy Paton and Miss Theoplis O'Neal Thursday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lee Rickaway and children were visiting with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rickaway and Mrs. Her-...

Peggy Allen and little Debby Guynes visited friends in Blessing, Saturday afternoon.

Mr. T. O. Allen who is confined to the John Sealy Hospital in Galveston is feeling much better this week. Mrs. Allen is staying in Galveston to be near Mr. Allen.

Mrs. H. L. Wheeler made a business trip to El Campo last Wednesday.

Miss Sylvia Gentry, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Gentry and Mrs. M. B. Cunningham all of Rosenberg, Texas, visited Sunday afternoon with Mrs. A. P. Borden and Mrs. Roy Paton and Miss Theoplis O'Neal and all had a nice drive to Palacios.

Daily Tribune, September 1956
 

Blessing News
By Mrs. Andrew Jones

Mrs. Sue Jones and children have moved from the Blessing Hotel to Palacios.

Mrs. Archie Earle and Mrs. D. M. Glenn are sponsoring a hay ride and wiener roast in LeTulle Park Monday night of this week for the Blessing Baptist youth of the First Baptist Church, Blessing, Texas.

Rev. Millard N. Demy from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois was a visitor in Mrs. A. P. Borden home, September 25, in the afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway, daughter Stella Ruth and Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth spent Sunday afternoon with Mr, and Mrs. A. L. Rickaway in Jones Creek, near Freeport, Texas.

The October Town Meeting at the Blessing Community House, will be on the 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p. m. October 9th. We are to have two guest speakers, Mr. Eli Mayfield of Palacios, a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee who will make a report on the State Meeting in September.

Judge J. J. Spurgeon will explain the proposed amendment to the State Constitution No. 4, dealing with Teachers Retirement benefits. The committee hopes for a large crowd to hear these good speakers.

Mrs. W. G. Clements returned on Sunday from the El Campo Hospital, where she has been confined for several days following major surgery.

Matagorda County Tribune, October 4, 1956
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Harter's daughter, Dana Karen, celebrated her second birthday Saturday with a big birthday party at her home with 20 children present.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Herreth and children of Bay City visited over the week end with his mother, Mrs. A. C. Herreth and sister, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and her family.

Mr. Adolph Genzer and Lesley Smith celebrated their birthdays together Friday night in Blessing, Mr. Genzer's daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Hall Bruner, Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith and children, Mr. and Mrs. J. B Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Smith.

Mr. Kirk Richardson of Bay City will be the song director at the First Baptist Church, Blessing.

Mr. A. R. Howard, Corpus Christi, Texas, Public Relations Department of the University of Corpus Christi, was in Blessing Sunday taking pictures of the First Baptist Church.

Miss Clara Matthes and Miss Edna Matthes of Houston, spent week end with their brothers in Blessing, Mr. A. R. Matthes and Mr. F. E. Matthes.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rickaway, and Frank E. Rickaway attended A. & M. - University of Houston football game in Houston Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Smith of Bay City spent the week end with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes entertained with dinner on Saturday evening Dr. and Mrs. H. C. Matthes of Bay City, Mrs. Della Braden, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Matthes and Misses Edna and Clare.

Daily Tribune, October 18, 1956
 

Blessing News
Kirk Richardson of Bay City New Blessing Baptist Church Song Leader
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Rev. A. W. McGregor, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Blessing, was made very happy Sunday morning as they had in their Sunday School 131 people. How about 140 next Sunday?

Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Harter's daughter, Dana Karen, celebrated her second birthday Saturday with a big birthday party at her home with 20 children present.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Herreth and children of Bay City visited over the week end with his mother, Mrs. A. C. Herreth and sister, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and family.

Adolph Genzer and Leslie Smith celebrated their birthdays together Friday night in Blessing with Mr. Genzer's daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Hall Bruner and Mr. Smith's family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith and children, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Smith.

Kirk Richardson of Bay City will be the song director at the Blessing First Baptist Church.

A. R. Howard of the University of Corpus Christi Pubic Relations Department, was in Blessing Sunday taking pictures of the First Baptist Church.

Miss Clara Matthes and Miss Edna Matthes of Houston spent the week end with their brothers in Mrs. F. E. Matthes, Misses Edna Matthes.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rickaway and Frank E. Rickaway attended A. & M. and the University of Houston football game in Houston, Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Smith of Bay City spent the week end with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes entertained with dinner on Saturday evening. Present were Dr. and Mrs. H. C. Matthes of Bay City, Mrs. Della Braden, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Matthes, Misses Edna and Clara Matthes.

Billie Lindner of Blessing is in the hospital in El Campo. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Johnnie Ackerman passed away Sunday evening October 14, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City. Funeral from Catholic Church in Blessing, October 16, at 9 A. M. Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ackerman and family.

Palacios Beacon, October 18, 1956
 

Blessing News
Mrs. Pierce and Mother Return; Vaceks Are Guests At T. C. U. Game
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Washington had as their guest Travis Washington. Travis is attending Texas University and was home over the week-end.

The A and B teams of Tidehaven High School baseball squads played Van Vleck High. The score of the B game was 42-5 in favor of the Tigers, and 66-11 in favor of Tidehaven also.

The Tidehaven Tiger Band participated in a pageant in Edna in October 27. There were 10 other bands at the pageant. The show was given to raise money for a district wide marching and playing contest.

Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Vacek, Sr., and son E. R. Vacek, Jr. were guests of their son and brother, Carlos, who is a student at the Texas Christian University on Saturday, Oct. 27, as it was "Parent Day" at the TCU-Miami football game. The parents of the members of the football squad were guests at a dinner that afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes attended the funeral of Mrs. Henry Rugeley in Bay City.

Mrs. H. T. Phillips and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway attended Mrs. Phillips' sister Mrs. Ed. Sampson who underwent surgery at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City, October 29. We hope you a speedy recovery Mrs. Sampson.

The annual Hallowe'en Carnival and chili supper at Blessing Community House on Saturday night, October 27, was well attended. This is a project of the Blessing Elementary School and the Parent Teachers Club.

Arthur B. Foster from San Marcos spent the week-end with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sanford.

Mr. and Mrs. Billy McDonald and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Upton spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Jim  McDonald.

Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Wallace has as their guests over the week end Mrs. Wallace's parents Mr. and Mrs. Coal from Conroe, Texas.

Beeler Lindemood is in the Palacios hospital. He should be out about next Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. G. Sifford took Mrs. John Swinky and daughter, Patsy Swinky, to John Sealy Hospital, Galveston, Thursday to have Patsy checked. Patsy started to school Monday.

Mrs. H. T. Walters' grandson Everett Lee Jones spent the week end with her, and Kenneth Upton spent Sunday night and Monday with Mrs. Walters. He left Monday evening to go to Cameron.

Jack Upton spent the week end in Houston.

Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Upton have moved to one of the Pierce apartments.

Mr. and Mrs. Mobley had guests from Victoria over the week end.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Earle had as their guests over the week end Mrs. Earle's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Major of Houston, and Mrs. Earle's grandmother, Mrs. Foster, returned to Houston with Mr. and Mrs. Major.

October 25, Mrs. Louis Hough and son O. Louis Hough, Mrs. A. P. Borden and Miss Theoplis were dinner guests of Mrs. L. B. Outlar in Wharton.

Mrs. Louis Hough and son, O. Louis Hough, returned to their home in Denver after an 8-day visit with Mrs. Hough's sister-in-law and O. Louis Hough's aunt, Mrs. A. P. Borden.

Lee Pierce went to St. Paul last week and drove his mother's car home. Mrs. A. B. Pierce and mother, Mrs. Lee Hall, will be home October 30. Welcome home Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Hall. You will not know Blessing with all the new homes that have been built while you were away for the summer.

Palacios Beacon, November 1, 1956
 

Blessing News

Mrs. Harry Cowger and Mrs. Bunny Heller of Clemville, gave a dinner May 15 at the Blessing Community House, honoring Tidehaven seniors, James Nelson Cowger, and Wallace Heller. Those attending were Mrs. A. E. Schulte, N. W. Terry.

Mrs. L. M. Pierce, Mrs. Jerry Hlozek, Mrs. Emitt Monis and Mrs. A. B. Pierce, Sr., entertained Tidehaven seniors May 16, with a barbecue supper at the American Legion Hall, honoring Michael Pierce and Bobby Hlozek. Dancing was enjoyed after the supper.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster drove to Freeport and San Luis Beach Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. W. T. Brooks, Mrs. Jerry Hlozek and Mrs. John Swinky made a business trip to El Campo Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes and Mrs. Della Braden were guests Sunday at Bay City Country Club [guests] of Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Matthes and children.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Daehne and children of Portland, visited with Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Brooks and family over the week end.

Mrs. A. R. Matthes  attended the annual birthday meeting Women of the Church at the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City Thursday morning at 9:30.

Daily Tribune, May 22, 1957
 

Blessing News
By Miss Theoplis O'Neal

The close of school program of the Blessing Elementary School was held at 1:30 Friday afternoon with many parents present. The graduating class was seated on the stage which had been beautifully decorated by Mrs. Frank J. Hurta, president of the Parent-Teacher Club.

The welcome was given by Juanita Cornelius and the valedictory address was given by Jeroline Pesak. Jeroline, with an average of 94.71 and Juanita with an average of 94.68 had been declared co-Valedictorians of the 1956-57 graduating class. Kathryn Hale was Salutatorian with an average of 93.87.

The Class Prophecy was read by Mary Ann Hickl and the Class Will by Kathryn Hale. Several musical numbers were rendered in honor of the graduates.

Honor roll certificates were given to the pupils who had not made less than a "A" during the entire year. Those receiving these awards were:

First grade: Mina Ruth Akins, Sandra Marie Bauman, Joyce Marie Günter, Patricia Ann Kana and George Bennett Phillips.

Second grade: Carol Jo Decker and Jackie Stewart Cornett.

Third grade: Jimmie Ardell Cornelius.

Fourth grade: Jo Lynette Skutca and Caroline Decker.

Fifth grade: Emilia Pesak and Suzanne Saha.

Eighth grade: Juanita Cornelius.

Those receiving perfect attendance certificates for having been neither absent nor tardy during the year were: Mary Ann Bartosh, Patricia Ann Kana, Michael Gene Merta, Kenneth Ray Knebel, Dianne Marie Hahn, Edgar Charles Beyer, LaVerne Hurta, and William Ray Dannels from the first grade; Jackie Stewart Cornett, Earl Truman Fondon, and Johnnie Lee Thompson, second grade; Richard Frank Hahn and Arvid Roy Smith, third grade; Wyona Zapalac, Bernadette Hlozek, Dolores Kosarek, Shirley Stephens, LaVerne Fondon, Phyllis Elaine Lehner, Samuel Lee Hurta, and Mildred Dornak, fourth grade; Susie Hurta, fifth grade; Benny Glenn Fondon and Anthony Jurek, sixth grade; Donald Hlozek, Frankie Joe Hurta and Jerry Washington, seventh grade; Juanita Cornelius, Leona Dannels, Kathryn Hale, Edward Lee Hlozek, and Edwin Hurta, eighth grade.

The eight grade graduation exercises were held in conjunction with Markham Elementary School and Tidehaven High School at the Tidehaven High School Friday, May 24. The following students were awarded diplomas by Earl R. Adams, Jr., Blessing Principal: Dorothy Jane Biskup, Gerald Burnett, Juanita Louise Cornelius, Leona Ruth Dannels, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Kathryn Hale, Henry Lee Havel, Lorene Ann Henkes, Doris Marie Hickl, Johnnie Hickl, Jr., MaryAnn Hickl, Edward Lee Hlozek, Edwin Hurta, Jr., Priscilla Jean Hurta, Mitchel Jager, Curtis Hugh Jensen, Margie Kacer, Bertie Lousie Magee, Rose Marie Morris, George William Orsak, Jeroline Marie Pesak, Cynthia Rupert, Lee Eva Smith, Margaret Jean Swinky and Louis Tomasek, Jr.

The school is proud of several accomplishments for this school year. The first, of course, is the group of students who have been on the honor roll during the year; then those who have had perfect attendance; the three district championship trophies won in athletics--boys' basketball, boys' softball and girls' softball; the beautiful new set of stage curtains; and no school accidents during the year.

Mrs. A. B. Pierce Sr., and Mrs. Lee Hall left for St. Paul. Minn. this morning for the summer.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery went to Luling, Sunday to visit Mr. Ussery's mother.

Miss Frances Powell of Houston spent the week end with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell.

Mrs. W. T. Brooks, Tommy and Gayle were shopping in El Campo, Monday afternoon.

The Vacation Bible School started at the First Baptist Church Monday at 8:30 a. m. and closes at 11:30 a. m. It will run through Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week, and all the children in the vicinity are invited to attend school.

Mr. John McGregor of Corpus Christi accompanied his brother, Rev. A. W. McGregor to Blessing Saturday for the week end, and Rev. McGregor fill his regular appointment at the Baptist Church here.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Earle and sons were visiting friends in Blessing over the week end.

Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Cobb, of Bay City, called on Mrs. A. B. Pierce, Sr., and Mrs. Lee Hall Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. H. E. Powell made a business trip to El Campo, Monday afternoon.

Mr. Barney Westfall spent several days in the Matagorda County hospital, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, May 29, 1957
 

Blessing News

Mr. Frank E. Rickaway flew to Augusta, Georgia last week and drove his sister, Mrs. Henry Day (Elaine Rickaway) home. Mrs. Day has been with her husband who has been stationed in U. S. Army in Georgia for the past few months. Mr. Day arrived in Ft. Lewis, Washington October 21, and will leave for Korea, some time around November 1, or November 10. Welcome home Mrs. Day.

Rev. B. J. McKee, of Fort Worth, preached at First Baptist Church, Blessing Sunday morning and evening.

Ronald Williams, who is attending school in Dallas, spent a few days here visiting his grandmother, Mrs. W. A. Sanford, Sr. Ronald will return to school Oct. 21.

Mrs. A. R. Matthes attended County Federation Meeting at Midfield, delegate of Blessing Library and Community House.

Mrs. Robert Rickaway, Mrs. Leo Neuszer and Mrs. Guy Washington attended a leadership training school for Baptist Youth at El Campo, October 21.

Miss Clara Matthes of Houston spent the week end visiting her brothers, Arthur Matthes and Frank Matthes.

Tidehaven Home Demonstration Club will be at the home of Mrs. Robert Rickaway, in Blessing on Friday, October 25.

Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Westfall and Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola are visiting Mr. Westfall's mother in Los Angele, California and other relatives. They reported having a wonderful time, but that it rained on them nearly all the way to Los Angeles.

Mr. Lee Pierce, left October 21, by train going to St. Paul, Minn. to get his mother's car. Mrs. A. B. Pierce and her mother, Mrs. Lee Hall are expected home around October 26.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Adams, Jr. and son had as their guests over the week end Mr. and Mrs. Bridges. Mr. and Mrs. Bridges are Mrs. Adams' parents.

Mrs. A. R. Matthes attended Brazos Presbyterial meeting in Freeport at First Presbyterian Church October 16 and 17.

Out of town visitors are: Mr. Ronald Williams, Fort Worth; Mr. R. E. Crawford, Palacios; Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Rowe Spokane, Washington; Mr. and Mrs. O. O. Mixon and son, Palacios; Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Feather and children and Mrs. J. B. Feather, Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Rowe, of Spokane, Washington have moved to Blessing and a warm welcome greets them.

Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Doyle, Connie and Cindy have moved here from Houston.

Many of our people here in Blessing have been ill some in the hospital and some are home.

Anyone having any news for the paper please sent to Theoplis O'Neal in Blessing.

Daily Tribune, October 24, 1957
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

(Too late for late week)

The ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Powell was the scene on Saturday night of an open house to honor Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell on their 25th wedding anniversary. The refreshment table was laid with a beautiful lace table cloth and centered with a beautifully decorated cake in white and silver. Mrs. A. Foster served the cake and Mrs. C. G. Tobola presided at the coffee service. Mrs. E. W. Miculka and Mrs. A. R. Matthes assisted Mrs. Powell with hostess duties. Mrs. John Louderback registered the guests. The guests were welcomed by Mrs. Herman Powell, the honorees, and the Powell's daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Witham of Houston. The Powells were presented with a silver service by their many friends.

Leonard Orsak is home from Ft. Bliss, El Paso on a nine-day leave.

Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Ussery visited their son Abner, Jr., in the hospital in Luling, Saturday.

The Intermediate G. A.'s of the First Baptist Church had a Christmas party Friday night at the home of Mrs. Martha Perry. Refreshments of cupcakes, tuna fish sandwiches, Christmas candy, and hot chocolate were served. Sponsors were Mrs. Joyce Morton and Mrs. Perry. Present were: Peggy McMichiel, Lee Eva Smith, Barbara Smith, Mary Lou Smith, Gale Smith, Karen Harkreader, Cindy Rupert, Sunshine Fondon, and Judy Crabb. The party was enjoyed by all.

Mr. and Mrs. Travis Washington and Debbie, of Austin are home for the Christmas holidays.

Miss Sandra Rupert is home for the holidays from Ft. McClellan, Alabama.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Meadows are spending the holidays with Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hamelink.

College students home for the holidays are Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fricke, Regina Butler, Bonnie Kay Rollins, Lawrence Morris, Bobby Hlozek, and Arthur B. Foster.

The Woman's Missionary Union of the First Baptist Church held its annual Christmas party December 18th. Following a short devotional by Mrs. H. T. Phillips and an impression of what Christmas means and a prayer by Mr. H. T. Walters, gifts were exchanged. After the singing of some Christmas carols, refreshments of cookies, candy, hot chocolate, and coffee were served.

Mrs. S. M. Rickaway, Jimmy, and Stella Ruth, and Mrs. Henry R. Day shopped in Bay City Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bartosh and Terry are spending the holidays with Mrs. Mary Bartosh and family.

Lee Hall Pierce and Lawrence Bartosh are home from the service to spend the holidays.

Mrs. C. B. Barlow, Marilyn, and Joel Edward, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Rickaway and boys, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Herreth and family, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Herreth, Jr., Diane and Abbie, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and family, Mrs. Henry R. Day, Miss Betty Lou Fitzgerald, and Miss Wanda Neuman were Sunday dinner guests of Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth.

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Elmore, Jim and Belinda are visiting with Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Adams.

The First Baptist Church had its Christmas program Monday night. The Junior class gave a short pro...

Palacios Beacon, January 1, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mrs. Gooding is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Foster, and is living with them while her husband is stationed in Greenland with the Air Force.

The Tidehaven boys were defeated Tuesday night in their first district basketball game of the season. The Tigers were defeated by a score of 55-50 at Weimar. In the second district game of the season, the boys won over Industrial by a score of 54-37 Friday night. The same night the girls beat Industrial by a score of 34-20.

Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway, and Stella Ruth, Mrs. Henry R. Day, and Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth visited relatives in Bay City Sunday.

Mrs. Katie Emma Vaclavick of La Coste spent last week with Mr. and Mrs. John L. Sullivan and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rickaway and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cole visited with the Rev. and Mrs. B. J. McKee in Kosse Sunday. The McKees are the proud parents of a baby daughter, Terry, born January 6, and weighing five pounds.

Mr. Frank Everett Rickaway attended the Philco Open House in Houston , Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Rickway and family visited Saturday with Mr. Frank H. Rickaway.

Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Herreth and family of Lolita were Saturday visitors of Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth.

Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Phillips and David visited in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Noel Phillips in Bellville, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Epperson and Ginger spent the week-end in San Antonio with Mrs. Carl Spain and daughters and Tommye Raye.

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Earle and boys from Lopeno spent several days with the D. M. Glenn family.

Walter Allan Sanford made a business trip to Houston Saturday.

The Deutschburg school house was the scene of a party given Saturday night by Mrs. Joe Johs for Josephine and Sonny's birthday. There were a number of teenagers there. They all enjoyed dancing and refreshments were served.

Matagorda County Tribune, January 15, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Sp/4 Henry R. Day returned home Wednesday after serving a 15-month tour of duty in Korea. He received separation papers after serving a 21 1/2 month term in the army.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Powell were week-end visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Powell.

The Blessing Altar Society is having a chili supper Wednesday, January 23 at St. Peter's Hall in Blessing. Serving will begin at 6 o'clock.

Sonny Johs, Josephine Johs, Priscilla Hurta, and Elizabeth and Jim Hurst were in Houston Sunday enjoying the sport car racing. After the races were over they went to Galveston for supper.

A baby boy, Gregory Allan, weighing 7 lbs, 7 ozs., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Watzavick, Jr. of Carthage, January 8. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Watzlavick Sr. of Blessing are the grandparents.

Mrs. Archie Witham of Houston spent last week with her parents, the Dick Powells.

Mrs. W. A. Sanford is confined to the Nightingale Hospital in El Campo.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster and Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brod in El Campo.

Mr. and Mrs. Pete Chanack of Houston were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell.

Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Phillips were honored with a surprise silver wedding anniversary reception at their home Sunday afternoon. The hosts and hostesses for the occasion were Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Simpson of Bay City and Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Pettigrew of Old Ocean. Refreshments were served by Jane Eads and Edna Earle Pettigrew.

Out-of-town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Pettigrew and family of Old Ocean, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Walker and Terry of Aldine, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Eads, Jane, and Mrs. Blanche Eads of Velasco, Mr. and Mrs. August Rickaway of El Campo, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Autrey and family and Michael Stevens of Brazoria, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Davis of Houston, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry McIntyre and family of Lack Jackson, Mrs. Charles Krueger of Palacios, Mr. and  Mrs. E. T. Phillips and Keith of Francitas, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Simpson, Linda, and Judy; Jonelle Bucek, and Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Hagaman, all of Bay City.

Those attending from Blessing were the Rev. and Mrs. Walter Crabb, Mrs. D. M. Glenn, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Walters, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway, Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey Rickaway, Mrs. Jim Tobola and children, Mrs. John L. Sullivan and children and F. H. Rickaway.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Day left Friday for Carlsbad, N. M. Saturday they visited the museum in White's City, and they toured the Carlsbad Caverns Sunday. On Monday the Days went through the Big Bend National Park in West Texas.

Matagorda County Tribune, January 22, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Posey and girls of Houston, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Tyler and daughter of Houston, and Mr. and Mrs. K. O. Griffith were week-end visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Brown.

Mrs. Katie Schulte spent the week-end in Clemville with her daughter, Mrs. Grace Cowger.

Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Epperson and Ginger spent the week-end in San Antonio with relatives.

Mrs. Billie Lindner's sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Green of Houston, visited with her Sunday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Watzlavick and Mr. and Mrs. Victor Watzlavick of Sweeny visited with Mr. and Mrs. Albert Watzlavick, Jr. in Carthage, Texas, over the weekend.

Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Westfall, Mrs. I. G. Tobola, and Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola attended the wedding of Miss Charlene Shimek in La Porte, January 17th.

Rev. V. J. Bily and the following men attended a deanery meeting for Catholic men Sunday at Hillje: Ernest Krenek, Frank Gaas, Joe Hickl, August Braden, Ed Dornak, Robert Merta, Ivan Kana, Edward Lezak, Jim Kosarek and Ben Kasper.

Mrs. W. A. Sanford returned home Wednesday from the hospital in El Campo.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zacek from St. John moved in with Mrs. I. G. Tobola to stay. Mr. Zacek will be employed by H. T. Phillips.

Mrs. Lucille Grable and Glenn Larsen visited with Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola, Sunday.

Arthur B. Foster was home between semesters from Sam Houston State College in Huntsville.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and family ate an Italian dinner Monday night and Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Barrett in Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Herreth and family and Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Rickaway and family were Sunday visitors of Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Day were in Bay City Friday on business.

Donald and Joyce Morton, Tom Lee and Carl Jager, and Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Adams went bowling at the Fiesta Lanes in Bay City Monday night.

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Walker are now staying with F. H. Rickaway.

Joe Matlock of California visited with Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Walters Saturday night. Mr. Walter's daughters, Edith and Doris of Houston, visited with him Friday night.

Mrs. H. T. Walters visited with her daughter, Sue Fritz, in Palacios Monday afternoon.

The Eastern Star Chapter No. 125 of Palacios honored their Worthy Matron, Mrs. T. B. Butler, with a birthday party Friday night in the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Adams. Mrs. Butler received some lovely gifts.

Mrs. H. T. Phillips, Mrs. Walter Crabb, and Mrs. Guy Washington attended an Associational W. M. U. Conference at the Emanuel Baptist Church in Wharton, Monday.

Jocelyn Glenn celebrated her 6th birthday Monday afternoon at 3:00 with a party. Twenty-one children attended the party. Those attending from out-of-town were Marianna and Hank Sheeran and Kenneth Kastrop of Palacios. Refreshments of ribbon birthday cake, ice cream, cup cakes, and soft drinks were served. Favors of balloons, whistles and hats were given to all the children.

Mrs. Herman Powell and Mrs. Evelyn Miculka were in Houston Friday.

The Tidehaven High School boys basketball team won the consolation prize in a tournament in Eagle Lake Friday and Saturday. Kenneth McKissick placed on the first all-tournament team and Jimmy Rickaway placed on the second all-tournament team.

The Blessing Redbirds won the consolation prize in a basketball tournament held Friday and Saturday in Damon.

Palacios Beacon, January 29, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mrs. H. E. Powell made a business trip to El Campo Monday.

Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth visited in Newgulf Sunday with Mr. and Mrs.. Lee Weber Sr. and Alex Gavender.

Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Witham spent the day Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell.

Mr. and Mrs. John Ackerman went to Bay City on business Saturday.

Mrs. D. M. Glenn and Jocely spent Sunday and Monday in Kosse visiting with the Rev. B. J. McKee and daughters.

Mr. and Mrs. John Merck observed their 60th wedding anniversary Saturday. A dinner was held for them Sunday at the Alfred Kopecky home in El Maton.

Mrs. Walter Crabb and Patricia Elizabeth and Debbie visited in Kosse Sunday and Monday with Mrs. Crabb's mother, Mrs. Jim Owens, and Mr. and Mrs. David Crabb.

Theresa Leona Allen, infant daughter of Iris Allen and the late Jot Allen, was baptized Friday at 8 p. m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Walleck were sponsors for the child. Mrs. Bertha Allen, mother of Joe Allen, was also present at the baptism.

Jimmy Rickaway was honored with a surprise party on his 18th birthday Saturday night at the Deutschburg schoolhouse.

Miss Tommye Raye Epperson and Mrs. Carl Spain and daughters of San Antonio were week-end visitors of the W. M. Eppersons.

Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway were Miss Wanda Neuman of Houston and Miss Betty Lou Fitzgerald of Midfield.

Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and Mrs. Henry Day made a business trip to Bay City Saturday.

Linda Louderback celebrated her 8th birthday Jan 27 with a party at the Community House. Twenty-five children and 15 adults attended  the party. Among adults present were Linda's grandmothers, Mrs. A. E. Louderback and Mrs. Ermine Stewart of Palacios.

Stella Ruth Rickaway, Gale Smith, and Paul Jensen represented the Blessing Elementary School band Saturday in a regional band contest held in Vanderbilt.

Matagorda County Tribune, February 12, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

(Too Late For Last Week)

The Tobola Snack Shop was opened on February 4th. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Tobola are the new operators.

Margaret Ann Matthes of Bay City spent Friday and Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Trojcak from La Ward spent Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. A. Foster.

Mrs. W. G Clements went to De Leon, Texas, to visit her father who had an accident.

Mr. and Mrs. Travis Washington and Debbie returned to their home in Austin after a visit with the Joe Johs family.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner N. Ussery, Sr. visited Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Ussery, Jr. in Luling over the week-end.

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Holt of El Campo became the new proprietors of the Blessing Hotel on Feb. 9th.

Archie and Frances Witham spent the week-end with Mrs. Witham's parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell.

The Tidehaven Tigers defeated the Moulton Bobcats 44-40 in a game Friday night in the Tidehaven gym. The Tigerettes were outplayed by the Moulton girls with the score ending 61-45. The basketball sweetheart named was a senior, Geneva Kopnicky of Blessing, and the basketball beau was also a senior, Kenneth McKissick of Ashby. Runners-up for the sweetheart were a senior, Ann Richardson of Midfield, and a junior, Rebecca "Becky" Butler of Blessing. The beau runners-up were a senior, Harry Lane Powell of Blessing, and also a senior, Carrol Dean Magee of Midfield.

Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Adams spent the week-end in Baytown with Mr. and Mrs. James C. Elmore and children. Miss Louise Jacobs also went with the Adams as far as Texas City and visited a friend there.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Dornak and Mildred visited Mr. and Mrs. August Dornak and baby son in San Antonio over the week-end.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Herreth and family, Lois Barlow, Marilyn Barlow, Jonelle Gibbons, and Judy Simpson were all Sunday visitors of Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith and family of Alice visited with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith Sunday and Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Owens and family of Texas City visited in the home of Rev. and Mrs. Walter Crabb and family, Saturday.

The First Baptist Church is holding a soul-winning study course beginning Monday, February 16th. Classes for all ages will be held.

The Junior Department of the First Baptist Church Sunday School had a Valentine party Monday night at the church. The class also celebrated the birthday of one of their members, Beverly Crabb.

Palacios Beacon, February 19, 1959
 

Blessing News

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brod of El Campo and Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and family attended a dinner at the Pentecostal Church in La Ward, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Wallace are the parents of a daughter born on March 9th. The infant weighed 9 lbs. 6 ozs.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes attended the Shrine Crippled Children's pageant at the service center in Bay City, Saturday night.

Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Matthes went to Pasadena Sunday to take her daughter Mrs. Mildred Payne, back home. They also visited in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Art Thurmond of La Marque.

Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Tobola, Martin, and Gene attended the Houston Fat Stock Show, Thursday.

Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and Stella Ruth, Mr. F. H. Rickaway, and Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Walker were visitors Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rickaway and family in Tivoli.

Twenty-four young people and their sponsors from the First Baptist Church attended the young people's fellowship in Newgulf Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Day and Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth and Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and Stella Ruth visited Sunday in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Herreth and family in Lolita.

A week of prayer and visitation is now in progress at the First Baptist Church in preparation for a revival beginning March 15 An all-night prayer meeting will be held at the church Saturday night.

Tommye Raye Epperson and a friend from San Antonio were week-end visitors of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Epperson.

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cole and James Arnold visited Mrs. Cole's parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Howell and her brother, Arnold, in Corpus Christi, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Phillips and David visited the C. E. Simpson family in Bay City Saturday night.

Thirty-eight ladies from St. Peter's Catholic Church attended a meeting for Catholic ladies Sunday at St. Anthony's Hall in Palacios. There were 193 ladies all present from the respective parishes.

Week-end visitors of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Adams were Mr. and Mrs. James C. Elmore and family from Baytown.

The Blessing Junior High volleyball team defeated the El Campo girls' team Monday night in an "A" game and a "B" game Monday night in the Blessing Elementary School gymnasium. The "B" team won two games straight, as did the "A" team.

Miss Ann Rickaway spent the week-end in San Antonio visiting Tommy Winters, who is stationed with the Air Force there.

Mrs. W. Wiltshire returned home Wednesday after spending a few days in Beaumont visiting her three daughters.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, Jr. spent last Monday with Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Ussery, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Meril Washington are the proud parents of a 7 lb. 2 oz. son, Eugene Meril, born February 26 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City. The father is stationed in Korea with the Air Force.

The Woman's Missionary Union of the First Baptist Church is now observing the week of prayer for home missions.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hester of Houston had their daughter, Debra Ann, baptized Wednesday at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Debra's sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Jurek of Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner spent Tuesday and Wednesday at Sonora.

Sonny Foster was home from college visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster, over the week-end.

Mr.  and Mrs. H. E. Powell attended the Fat Stock Show in Houston, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Strunk of Port Lavaca were visitors in the V. J. Tobola home, Sunday.

A revival will be held at the First Baptist Church beginning March 15th. The song service will be led the first week by Guy Washington Sr. of Blessing and Jimmy Lively of Calvary Baptist Church in Bay City. Kirk Richardson from Bay City will lead the song service the second week of the revival. The Rev. Walter Crabb, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Blessing, will serve as the evangelist in his own church.

Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Bailey and Lisa, from Austin, and Mr.. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, Sr. visited Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, Jr. in Luling, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Day and Ed Day visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Dillard and family in Deutschburg.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Foster spent Sunday afternoon in El Campo visiting Mrs. Foster's brother, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brod.

The Rev. Joseph Till of San Antonio visited the Rev. V. J. Bily and Lillie Bily over the weekend.

Mrs. Katie Emma Vaclavick and Mrs. J. F. Tobola attended the funeral for Henry Vaclavick in El Campo Saturday.

In observance of public school week the Blessing Elementary School had a program Monday night at the school. Both elementary school bands played. Some of the students did accordion and piano solos. Each grade participated, and seven of the eighth grade students presented a short play. Also, in observance of public school week, the Tidehaven High School band, under the direction of James Pennington, presented a concert Tuesday night at the high school gymnasium.

Matagorda County Tribune, March 12, 1959 & Palacios Beacon, March 12, 1959
 

Blessing News

Miss Barbara Trull of Palacios has been visiting with her grandmother, Mrs. W. A. Sanford, while her mother is away on a trip.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes attended dedication services Sunday at the new Methodist church in Ganado.

Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Rhodes left Tuesday for California to spend two weeks with their son, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Rhodes and family.

Mrs. Bob Pesak is confined to the Nightingale Hospital with a case of pneumonia.

Miss Gale Smith celebrated her 13th birthday Saturday night with a party at her home.

Mr. Frank Swinky has returned home from the hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lindemood spent the Easter holidays in Dallas with Mrs. Lindemood's daughter and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith, Patsy Ruth and Michael of Alice visited over the weekend with Mrs. Ruth Jenkins and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith.

Mr. and Mrs. Alfons Jurica and son from El Campo visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Tobola.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zacek spent the weekend in Schulenburg.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Day visited in Bay City Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Simpson and family.

Mrs. Dolores Hamquist from La Marque visited Friday afternoon with Mrs. Maurine Tobola.

Mr. and Mrs. August Rickaway from El Campo moved into their new Medallion home here last week.

Miss Wanda Neuman of Houston and Miss Betty Lou Fitzgerald of Midfield were Sunday dinner guests of the S. M. Rickaway family.

Miss Frances Swinky was honored with a miscellaneous bridal shower Sunday at St. Peter's Hall in Blessing.

All committees are meeting this week to report on plans for the annual Blessing barbecue which will be May 3. New porches have been built onto the Community House this year and the new barbecue pit is almost completed.

Mark Tobola celebrated his 4th birthday with a party at his home Sunday. Sixteen children enjoyed the party refreshments of cake and ice cream. Bubble gum and balloons were given as party favors.

Mrs. Charles Barlow and Marilyn and Judy Simpson were Sunday visitors of Mrs. E. Herreth.

Mr. and Mrs. Grover Klaus of Ira Joe?, Miss Annie Schlitzkus, and Mrs. J. Klaus, of Lolita, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Klaus and Virginia of LaWard, Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Cairnes and Ronnie of Lolita, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Yearwood, Diane and Craig, and Mrs. Charlie Klaus, visited Sunday with the August Rickaways.

Daily Tribune, April 7, 1959 & Palacios Beacon, April 9, 1959
 

Blessing News

Mrs. W. H. Lindner and Mrs. Emily Weakly from Freeport spent several days with Mrs. Lindner's son, wife, and children of Devine, Texas.

The week-end of April 3, Mrs. A. B. Pierce, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Pierce, Jr. of Houston, enjoyed a trip through a part of the dogwood and bluebonnet trails--visiting new schools at Liberty and Port Arthur before turning north to Silsbee to see the new office building of the Kirby Lumber Company. Visiting historical homes, churches, and other old buildings at Anderson, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and Columbus, made this a delightful drive. Miss Adelaide H. Pierce spent the week-end with her great-grandmother, Mrs. Lee Hall at the Pierce home in Blessing while the family were sightseeing.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Nye Ryman of Houston, formerly of Matagorda, stopped for a very short visit at the Pierce home last Tuesday on their way home from the valley.

Mrs. A. P. Borden, Mrs. J. E. Anthony and Miss Theoplis O'Neal of Wharton, were Sunday afternoon visitors of Mrs. Lee Hall and Mrs. A. B. Pierce, Sr. in Blessing.

Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Herreth, Jr. of Bay City were Sunday visitors of Mrs. A. C. Herreth, Sr.

Mrs. D. M. Pettigrew and Marilyn of Old Ocean were Thursday visitors of Mrs. A. C. Walker.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rickaway and Mrs. Walter Johnson of Tivoli and Mrs. Katie Emma Vaclavick of La Costa were Sunday visitors of F. W. Rickaway.

Doris and Johnny Elliott spent last week in Lake Jackson with their grandmother, Mrs. Emmie Elliott.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Foster and Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Ussery enjoyed a drive to Post Lavaca, Sunday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes attended funeral services for Luther Hill in Palacios, Saturday.

The people of Blessing wish to invite everyone to their 4th annual picnic, which will be held May 3rd on the community house grounds.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Crisson and daughter of Van Vleck had Sunday dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Beeler Lindemood.

Mrs. Henry R. Day visited her cousin, Miss Marilyn Barlow, in Bay City, Monday night.

Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and Stella Ruth visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barlow and family in Bay City.

Miss Tommye R. Epperson spent the week-end with her parents and sister, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Epperson and Ginger.

Lee Eva Smith, Ginger Epperson, and Judy Crabb attended revival services at the Markham Baptist Church Monday night.

Jimmy Rickaway spent the week-end in Houston with his brother, Frank E. Rickaway.

Norma Glenn, Viola Rickaway, and Mary Washington shopped in Bay City, Tuesday morning.

Mr. and Mrs. Duke Glenn attended a family reunion of Mr. Glenn's family in East Texas, April 7th. Mr. Glenn saw his sisters from California, whom he had not see in 15 years.

Mrs. Flossie Winters of Markham visited Sunday with Mrs. Fred Rickaway and Ann.

The Tidehaven Senior Class were honored Thursday night with a springtime banquet given by the W. M. U. of the First Baptist Church. The menu consisted of ham, potato salad, peas and carrots, relishes, hot rolls, tea, and apple pie topped with whipped cream. The room was decorated with various floral arrangements and a vase of roses centered each individual table. Jimmy Lively of Bay City was the guest speaker for the occasion.

Mrs. W. Wiltshire spent several days in Shreveport, Louisiana with her mother, who is ill.

Mrs. August Rickaway, Mr. F. H. Rickaway, and Mrs. Alvin Walker visited Louise Barker and other relatives in Tivoli, Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Phillips and David had Sunday dinner with Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Henning in Wharton.

Mrs. E. I. Chiles of Palacios visited friends here Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bump, who has returned to the states after 19 months in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, visited with his sister, Mrs. Dick Powell, last Saturday morning.

Mr. and Mrs. Foster Voncannon of Inez and Mr. and Mrs. Van Crabb of Houston visited with the Rev. and Mrs. W. D. Crabb and family Sunday.

The Rev. and Mrs. W. D. Crabb, Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Glenn and Mr. H. T. Walters attended the associational Sunday School meeting at the First Baptist Church in Ea...

Palacios Beacon, April 16, 1959 & Matagorda County Tribune, April 16, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and Jeanette attended a postmasters' meeting at East Bernard Sunday.

Mrs. Ada Eads of Velasco and Mrs. C. E. Simpson of Bay City visited F. H. Rickaway Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Trull of Palacios entertained Ronnie Williams with a birthday luncheon Sunday on his 21st birthday. Walter Allan Sanford and Mrs. W. A. Sanford also attended the luncheon.

Victor Tobola is in the Matagorda General Hospital under observation.

Misses Edna Matthes and Clara Matthes of Houston spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and Jeanette shopped in Palacios Saturday.

Daily Tribune, May 1, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mrs. Duke M. Glenn, president of the Blessing Library Assn. wishes to express her thanks to each member of the various committees for their help in making the fourth annual Blessing barbecue a success.

Mr. and Mrs. Abner M. Ussery Sr. met Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Bailey and Lisa, from Austin, in Luling Sunday morning and they had a nice visit with Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery Jr. They also visited Mrs. Bettie M. Ussery, 91, who is ill.

Roger Lovel and daughters of Pearland visited the D. M. Glenn family Friday.

Billie Lindner is confined to the Nightingale Hospital in El Campo with pleurisy in the lobe of his left lung.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Weber Sr. of New Gulf visited Monday with Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth and Alex Gavender Sr.

Mrs. Annie Longuet and son, Ray, from Rosharon, were Sunday visitors of the Henry Smith family.

Mr. and Mrs. Endirst Rhinehart from Houston were here for the Blessing barbecue Sunday.

Raymond Wheeler of Argo, Ill., is visiting his mother, Mrs. Hattie Wheeler and his brother, Paul Wheeler.

Mr. and Mrs. Art Hurmond and family of Dickinson were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Matthes.

Mrs. Hilda White of Corpus Christi visited friends in Blessing and relatives in Danevang over the weekend.

J. E. Cornett, member of the county commissioners' court, went to Washington to attend the Colorado River feeder channel hearings before House and Senate Public Works committees.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Witham, Mrs. M. O. Maxwell and daughter, Sarina Lazarine, Mr. and Mrs. Barnett Bump and Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Farrow and children from Houston visited the H. E. Powells and attended the Blessing barbecue Sunday.

Lee Hall Pierce is home on leave from Ft. Benning, Ga.

Regina Butler and Lawrence Morris were home from college over the weekend.

Mrs. Gaylon Harvey and daughter, Debbie, from South Dakota, are visiting with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Orsak.

Palacios Beacon, May 7, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

The junior class of Tidehaven honored the senior class with a prom Friday night, May 1, at the National Hall in El Maton. Decorations were carried out in the theme of Disneyland.

A baby son, Paul Alan, weighing 8 pounds, 1 1/2 ounces, was born to Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Piwonka Saturday, May 2.

Mrs. Carmen Wheeler of El Campo visited Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth Sunday.

Miss Mary Lou Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin R. Smith of Blessing, was named valedictorian of the Tidehaven senior class with a four-year average of 94.6. Miss Judy Crabb, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. W. D. Crabb, was named salutatorian with an average of 93.4.

Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Earle of Lopeno visited Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Glenn Tuesday.

Mrs. A. P. Borden, Miss Theoplis O'Neal and Mrs. Clara Anthony, executive secretary of the Red Cross, all of Wharton; Mrs. C. A. Lucas of Houston; Mr. Roy Roome of Louise, and Mrs. Roy T. Phillips of Palacios were among the old-timers who attended the annual Blessing reunion Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Walter L. Skutca Sr. are the new proprietors of the Blessing food market.

Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Bridges of Center spent several days last week with their daughter and family Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. Adams Jr.

Tribune, May 8, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Wallace L. Rickaway came home from the hospital Monday after undergoing an operation.

The Blessing and Markham 8th grades went to Houston on a picnic and sightseeing tour, Saturday. They visited the Herman Zoo and the San Jacinto Monument also the Battleship Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. Travis Washington and Debbie of Austin spent the week-end with relatives in Blessing.

Archie and Frances Witham spent the week-end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell.

A. Foster and Regina Butler spent Mother's Day at home with their folks.

Mrs. Lindsey Rickaway, Ronald, and Jeanette had dinner Sunday in La Ward with the John C. White family.

The Tidehaven Senior Class of '59 spent Saturday through Monday at the Flying L guest ranch in Bandera, Texas.

Rev. W. D. Crabb, Mrs. Henry R. Day, Mrs. D. M. Glenn, Mr. Guy Washington, Mrs. A. C. Harter, Mrs. L. B. Laslie, of Blessing, and Mrs. Ermine Stewart of Palacios were among the group of 290 attending the Colorado Associational Bible School Clinic at the First Baptist Church in El Campo, Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Herreth, Martha, and Mike, of Houston spent Mother's Day with Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth. Also visiting her was her daughters, Mrs. Charles Barlow and daughter, Marilyn of Bay City.

Jody and Linda Simpson and Marilyn Barlow visited with Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and family Thursday night.

Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola spent Mother's Day in Clemville with her mother, Mrs. Lucille Grable.

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rickaway and Jimmy attended a showing of the new Frigidaire Frost-Proof freezers and refrigerators at the General Motors Training Center in Houston, Tuesday night.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Rickaway and family spent Mother's Day with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rickaway.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glaze and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ackerman gave the 6th grade band a barbecue Monday night. Those present besides the 12 band members were Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Pennington and Andy and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Adams, Jr. and son Mark.

W. M. Epperson, Barney Westfall, and Cecil Cole attended Sam Godsey's funeral in Conroe, May 8.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Nevill and daughter Colleen and Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Courts and family of Beaumont spent the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. W. Wiltshire.

Frank E. Rickaway of Houston was home visiting his parents, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Partee from Indiana and baby son visited last week with Mrs. Partee's mother, Mrs. A. G. Schumaker.

Palacios Beacon, May 14, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fondon and family had as their guests Sunday two of her sisters, Mrs. J. __ Harper and family of Palacios, and Mr. and Mrs. Charley R. Kyle and family of Madisonville, also, Mr. Fondon's nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Fondon and Gail of Van Vleck.

Mr. and Mrs. James Rickaway and Diane of Houston and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rickaway of Tivoli visited relatives in Blessing, Sunday.

Alvin Walker and F. H. Rickway spent the day Sunday in Tivoli with Mrs. Louise Barker and Mrs. Leonna Newman.

Mrs. Alvin Walker is staying with her daughter, Mrs. Wallace Stephens and family, in Aldine.

Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey Rickaway and family enjoyed a fish supper May 18th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Barrett in Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Childress of Corpus Christi were Tuesday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. John Ackerman.

Mrs. A. M. Logan and Mrs. A. E. Schulte visited Mrs. Mary Bunk in Bay City, Saturday night.

Mrs. E. I. Chiles of Palacios spent the week with her daughter, Mrs. Lee M. Pierce.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Foster attended graduation exercises Sunday at Sam Houston State College in Huntsville. Arthur B. Foster was one of the students receiving his degree.

Mr. and Mrs. John C. White Sr. of La Ward were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey Rickaway and family.

John Ackerman underwent surgery Tuesday morning at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.

Mrs. W. A. Sanford and Walter Allan, Mrs. L. C. Cornelius, Mrs. George Cornelius and son, and Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Phillips attended the Stell Yeatts Pierce music recital in Palacios, Friday night.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell visited Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Witham in Houston and Dr. and Mrs. Byron Baird in Pasadena on Sunday.

Miss Mary Ann Miska of Galveston spent May 16-17 with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Ackerman.

Mr. and Mrs. Homer Phillips and David visited Mrs. and Mrs. Ned Phillips and Dennis in Bellville Sunday. They brought Mrs. S. V. Phillips home with them to stay for a time.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw, Ricky and Bart, of Dallas spent Saturday and Sunday with the John L. Sullivan family. Mrs. Katie Emma Vaclavick of La Coste also visited the Sullivan family Thursday of last week.

Miss Tommye Raye Epperson spent the week-end at home with her parents, the W. M. Eppersons.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rickaway visited their son and family, the A. L. Rickaways in Brazoria, over the week-end.

Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Rickaway and Stella Ruth, Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Day, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rickaway attended a Masonic picnic Sunday held under the historic Masonic Oak in Brazoria. After the picnic the Days and the Rickaways paid a short social call on Mrs. A. L. Rickaway and sons.

Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Ussery spent Sunday in Luling with their children, Mr. and Mrs. Abner Ussery, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Bailey and Lisa of Austin.

Mr. and Mrs. Julius Tobola of Sweet Home spent one day last week with Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Tobola.

Mrs. A. R. Matthes, Mr. and Mrs. John Ackerman, Mrs. L. P. Neuszer, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ackerman and children attended the festivities held at Collegeport, Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Sowell and Vint of Edna visited with the Donald Glaze family Friday through Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Tobola, Mrs. T. O. Allen, Mrs. Forrest Green, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mienke, Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Westfall, Michael Pierce, Billy Jalufka, Bonnie Kay Rollins, Franklin Vavra, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Jurek, Virginia Ackerman, Gay Akins, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Braden, Rose Mary, and Betty Jo, Mr. and Mrs. W. T Brooks, Mrs. Jerry Hlozek, Bennie Swinky and Doris, Margaret, Geraldine and Patsy Swinky all attended the wedding of Miss Frances Swinky and Ray Dusek, Saturday at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard.

Rev. V. J. Billy, Lillie Bily, and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Krenek attended the Knights of Columbus convention Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at Laredo. They then went on to Monterrey Mexico, and returned Saturday night.

Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Pierce, Mrs. A. B. Pierce, Mrs. Lee Hall, and...

Palacios Beacon, May 28, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fredrickson of Florida spent last week with Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Cornelius.

Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and children enjoyed a trip to Bird Island, Sunday.

Mrs. V. J. Tobola is confined to the hospital in Port Lavaca.

Kenneth Upton arrived home from Germany, Thursday, after receiving his separation papers from the Army. Mr. Upton spent 17 months in Germany.

N. E. Rupert and his children and mother have just returned home from a trip to California.

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Payne of Pasadena spent the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Matthes.

Homer Morris has gone to work for the Pecos Petroleum Company. The Morris family will live in Orla, a small town close to Pecos.

Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Butler and family have recently moved to Robstown, where he is employed by the Coastal Transmission Company.

The H. D. Garner family have moved from their house in town to the Delhi Pipeline Company camp.

Mrs. Lillian Chaudoin is at home improving slowly from her illness. ...

Palacios Beacon, June 18, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brod of El Campo and Mr. and Mrs. Ab Ussery were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. Foster.

Mrs. F. E. Matthes, along with her daughter, Mrs. Glen Payne of Pasadena, left here Friday en route to Pennsylvania where they will attend the wedding of Mrs. Matthes' grandson, Benny Claud Payne.

Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Rhodes and daughters, Genevieve and Jorene of Freeport and Mrs. Floyd Howell of Old Ocean were here Tuesday for the funeral  of Mrs. R. H. Rhodes' sister, Mrs. Fred Powell of Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gresham of Louise spent the day Friday with Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glaze and family.

The Blessing Community will participate in the Mother's March of Dimes for polio on Monday night, August 24th. Contributions for this worthy cause may also be made through the churches.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and children took a trip to Port Alto and Tivoli, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill McClintock and son, Tommy, of Tivoli were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell. Mr. and Mrs. Archie Witham were also week-end company of the Powells.

Jimmy Rickaway spent the day in Houston Sunday with his brother and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Rickaway.

Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth went to Galveston Sunday to visit her grandson, Joel Barlow, who is in John Sealy Hospital. Mrs. Herreth also visited her son, Lawrence and his family in Houston the same day.

Mrs. G. C. Baker and Eugene Dukes left Saturday for West Palm Beach, Florida.

Mrs. Flossie Winters of Markham visited with Mrs. Steve Rickaway Saturday afternoon.

A Little League appreciation dinner will be held Thursday night, August 20th, at 7:30 p. m. at the community house. Everyone attending is asked to bring their own covered dish. The trophy to the team and the individual awards will be awarded.

Mrs. M. O. Maxwell of Houston spent Tuesday and Wednesday last week with her sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Powell.

Mr. and Mrs. William Archie and family of Houston were Tuesday visitors of Mrs. E. Herreth.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Fraser and boys, Donnie and Roy of Brunswick, Georgia, en route to Mexico, visited with Mr. and Mrs. V. J. Tobola last week.

Eleven young people and two sponsors from the First Baptist Church attended the youth retreat Friday and Saturday at the Baptist Encampment in Palacios.

Mrs. Mary Bunk and A. C. Herreth, Jr. of Bay City were Wednesday visitors of Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth.

Mrs. A. E. Schulte and James Nelson Cowger spent the week-end in San Antonio visiting with Mrs. Lizzie Cusack and other relatives.

The annex of the First Baptist Church was the scene of a baby shower Friday night honoring Mrs. Kerry Griffith. Refreshments of lime sherbet with ginger ale, cake,...

Palacios Beacon, August 20, 1959
 

Blessing News
By Elaine Day

Mr. and Mrs. August Rickaway, F. H. Rickaway, and Mrs. Robert Rickaway visited relatives in Tivoli, Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. George Guynes and family of Premont were weekend visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Guynes and Mrs. T. O. Allen.

Mr. and Mrs. James Rickaway and family of Houston were Sunday visitors of the H. T. Phillips family.

Mrs. W. A. Sanford and Walter Allen spent Sunday with the R. B. Trulls in Palacios.

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Mikus and family of Houston spent the Labor Day week-end with Ed Day and David.

Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Rickaway and children took a trip to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, over the week-end.

Dr. and Mrs. Fred T. Matthes and family of Bay City spent Labor Day with Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Matthes. They all attended the boat races in Palacios in the afternoon.

Mrs. J. H. Powell visited Mrs. Harold Brown and family in Port Lavaca, Thursday.

Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Rickaway spent Saturday through Monday with the S. M. Rickaway family.

Mrs. Elizabeth Herreth spent Saturday and Sunday in Houston visiting with her two sons, Lawrence and Walter, and their families. Lawrence Herreth, his wife, and children brought Mrs. Herreth home Sunday night and spent Labor Day with her.

Rev. Walter Crabb took his daughter Judy to Corpus Christi Monday where she will be attending the University of Corpus Christi. Mr. Melvin Smith also took his daughter Mary Lou to Corpus where she will also be attending the same college.

Twenty-five children helped Robert Cornett celebrate his 8th birthday at a party at his home on Monday, August 31st. The children enjoyed refreshments of cake, cold drinks, ice cream, and candy and balloons as party favors.

Rev. B. D. Vanderslice of First Baptist Church in El Campo filled the pulpit at the First Baptist Church in Blessing, Sunday night, speaking on church finances.

Nelson Parker from Madisonville is spending the week with the W. C. Browns.

Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Powell and Mr. and Mrs. Archie Witham went to Indianola, Sunday.

Miss Martha Ann Wheeler left Tuesday for Fort Worth where she will be attending the Texas Christian University.

Palacios Beacon, September 10, 1959