Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

I'm taking a blog break to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends. I hope you are doing the same. We have been very blessed this year and Historic Mesquite, Inc. has many fun projects to work on in the coming year. The Lawrence Outdoor Classroom....or LOC....needs a few finishing touches on the trail and the signs will be installed when the ground dries a bit. The cabin restorer is working on an estimate to put the cabin back together and will in the missing logs. Staff is working to recondition the Florence bell to be hung once the truck can get into the property to install the bell tower. The Lawrence dolls have been restored and are wearing new clothes and will be back home soon. Soooo.....many things to look forward to in the coming year. Thank you for all your support in our preservation efforts in 2009.

Help HMI

HMI is seeking a copy of a limited edition book: "Mesquite Reflections: School Names" by the Mesquite Chapter of the American Association of University Women. The cover is gold/yellow with black. HMI would love to own a copy of this book so please call if you locate one.

National Trust Partners Meeting

In October, 2009, Charlene had the priviledge of being invited to a reception honoring Mrs. Laura W. Bush and Mr. John L. Nau, III at the National Trust Partners Meeting in Nashville. Mrs. Bush and Mr. Nau were awarded the John H. Chafee Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy for their work wtih the Preserve America program. The best part, though, was Charlene and her follow Texans all being invited to the reception and getting to hang out with the former First Lady!

Tapestry Coverlet

The 2009 HMI Tapestry Coverlet sales have been great. We have 11 left and they are packaged in a red HMI bag ready for Christmas giving. Please make sure you have yours purchased and remind your friends to buy one, too. They are $59.95 and can be purchased by calling the office at 972-216-6468.

Florence Ranch Homestead Buggy

Our pretty little "Hug-Me-Tight" buggy is back in one piece again after recieving a new shaft. Lynn Rockwood did the research to find a replacement piece for the one that was broken. Now Lynn has installed the replacement part and painted it to look good as new. These little two seater was once used for courting and such. Come view the buggy when you visit the Florence Ranch Homestead.

Lawrence Homestead Outdoor Classroom

Work has begun on Phase One of the LHOC which consists of the outdoor classroom nature trail. This portion of the project is 100% funded by: Union Pacific Foundation, Summerlee Foundation, Historic Mesquite, Inc., Keep Mesquite Beautiful, Inc., City of Mesquite Arts Council, and the City of Mesquite. I cannot wait to see this trail full of children next spring during our "Big Event" school field trips. It should be an awesome addition to the day and one the kids will really enjoy.

Dinner Under the Cedars Wrap Up!

Lots of work was done by numerous volunteers and many wonderful sponsors came forward to support the preservation work of Historic Mesquite, Inc. Although the economy continues to struggle, it looks like the bottom line for Dinner Under the Cedars will be very much like last year. Thanks for all your help. We still have a few auction items that need to be paid for and picked up and a few invoices yet to be paid but we made money in spite of tough times and even more important, we had a great event. More on the details later.

Dinner Under the Cedars Countdown!!!

The week of Dinner Under the Cedars has finally arrived. Things are moving quickly along as preparations are made for setting up for this fun event. The weather prediction looks great. The tent will be going up on Wed. Auction items are ready for bidding. Charlene and I are selling the last minute tickets. AND, we've already sold over half of the new tapestry coverlet and hope to sell out on Sat. night. If you don't already have your ticket, call asap. You don't want to miss this event.

Tapestry Coverlets.....

Have ARRIVED! If you have prepaid for your coverlet, you can pick it up in my office already packaged with your name on it. We have about 30 left of our original order of 50 and will be selling these at Dinner Under the Cedars. If we need an additional order, we can still get those before Christmas. Don't miss out on this coverlet. It feels good and looks great and has images that relate to Historic Mesquite, Inc.

Let The Bidding Begin!

HMI has posted three of our cows on the city website for pre-bidding of the Dinner Under the Cedars auction. Each cow has a $250 opening bid and email bids are being accepted. Take a look at the nice layout at www.cityofmesquite.com/hmi/

For Bid....

This pretty little painting of the Lawrence Barn will be for sale at the Dinner Under the Cedars auction. Come prepared to bid on this original artwork by Kelly Baird.

Sponsors....

Our sponsors are awesome! First State Bank is once again our Title Sponsor. Thank so much for all you do for HMI. Our Media Sponsor this year is neighborsgo.com. Thank you so much for your help in advertising our event. The City of Mesquite is a Trailblazer Sponsor this year and White Properties and State Senator Bob Deuell are joining as Founder Sponsors. Town East Heating and A/C Co. follows as a Settler Sponsor and our Pioneer Sponsors at this time are Stephen A. Leake, CPA, David Beal, DDS, Emily & Terry Tosch, and Mike & Charlene Orr. AND, we have room for more if you are interested. Thank you to everyone for helping with our event.

Tickets, Tickets, Tickets!

Please buy your tickets now for Dinner Under the Cedars! We are expecting lots of fun at this year's event. Come hear Sen. Bob Deuell play drums in his band, the Bois d'Arc Dixieland Band as you eat that wonderful meal catered by Eddie Deen. Join us and be sure to bring lots of money.....or your credit card.....for the auction!

Tapestry Throw 2009

This is the Historic Mesquite, Inc. 2009 fundraiser that is currently in production. The artist proof is very accurate but I will post a pic of the real thing as soon as the sample is back in my office. It's currently being shown around town and I sold the first throw yesterday. The tapestry throw is selling for $59.95.

Holiday Update.....

It was so nice to have a restful holiday because HMI has so many projects going on right now. We have been selling tickets to Dinner Under the Cedars and collecting auction items and we need lots of help with that right now. Our new tapestry throw is awesome and is currently in production. We will have 50 for sale at Dinner Under the Cedars with the ability to order more for Christmas delivery. This morning, we booked our first school field trip for next spring and are working hard to encourage more schools to get those booked asap. The bid process began today for work on the nature trail and Charlene and Jessa are working with the Master Gardener Program in hopes that they will provide a farm garden at the Lawrence House. So, as you can see, things are moving quickly at HMI these days. Call if you want to volunteer to help with any of these projects.

Home from the Hospital

The Doll-ee Hospital that is. These sweet thangs came out of the Lawrence House years ago. I must say, the after shots are amazing. The lil girl on the left is about 90 years old. Her friend on the right is over 100 and is in need of some new clothes....that look really, really old.

Their two bear friends are very old, too, but very sweet and made of mohair. Please ignore the missing ears on the girl bear. The fabric just simply could not be matched.

Back to the Beginning......

The journey began Monday night with a trip to the Cow Wash. There were a few stares, which I didn't understand at all. What? You've never seen a life size cow standing on a vintage surfboard ....looking at a computer monitor...surfing the net? My family helped mooooooo-ve the cow into Tosch where she joined all the other beach theme decowrations. When we left, the cow was covered, resting up for her big debmooooo the next day. We are hopeful that MISD can provide some press about our loan and mention Dinner Under the Cedars and our auction.

Tosch Partnership

The students at Tosch Elementary were surprised with a guest yesterday morning, but this is what they found. Their principle gave them clues throughout the morning and they were supposed to guess who their guest was and what she was doing. HMI partnered with Tosch in order to encourage the students with their year long theme, "Surf to Success".

Pretty Little Vanity

Save your money now to bid on this pretty little vanity at the Dinner Under the Cedars auction. This piece was donated to Historic Mesquite, Inc. but it does not fit the time period of either house since this was probably popular around 1930. Our loss can become your treasure. Just plan on bidding at Dinner Under the Cedars.

Let me just say.....

The sample tapestry throw came today. I want one.....and you will too.

The Outhouse

This cute little outhouse is actually a garden tool storage shed. When complete, it will be decoratively painted and sold in the auction at Dinner Under the Cedars. I can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks, Lynn.

Caterer, & Permits, & Auction Items, Oh My!

It all adds up to preparations for Dinner Under the Cedars! Sponsorships have started arriving, Eddie Deen's is on the menu, and ticket sales will begin soon. Auction items are being gathered and special entertainment has been secured to make this year's event the best ever. Please save the date, Oct. 24, and make plans to invite your friends and family. You might even see my lil pumpkin there.

Pleasant Find

These Bluebells (Eustoma grandiforum) were recently spotted growing on the grounds of Opal Lawrence Historical Park in an undeveloped area. Bluebells are disappearing from the Texas landscape but the park grounds hold a lot of secrets of nature if we just take the time to look around.

Austin

Charlene and I did our best to help Keep Austin Wierd on Monday as we traveled to the Collection Managers Committee workshop. The meeting was held at the French Legation Museum built in 1840 to represent France in the Republic of Texas. The three speakers attempted to teach us about "bringing history to life through a furnishings plan". Again, we did our best. We did LOVE this gate.

Afghan Project

I am pleased to announce that HMI will be introducing a new tapestry afghan at Dinner Under the Cedars. There are nine design elements so it's been quite an ordeal to get the details just right but we are finally close to a final approval. This coverlet will be made with 20 colors which will provide tapestry detail to our design. Included in the design are stuctures owned and maintained by HMI along with a few other items. I can't WAIT for you to see it! Start saving your money now because you are going to want one for yourself.

Thanks a Latte!

Thank you to all who attended the HMI Annual Member and Volunteer Reception last night. There was plenty of good food and good company and it was a pleasure to recognize all those that give so much to HMI during the year. Hope you enjoyed your coffee!

We LOVE them. Try it sometime.

Cowabunga Dude!

This photo does not do this cool cow justice. Meet www.e.cow our final installment in the HMI herd. The e-cow represents the "no-bull" nature of the Internet and what it has done to our lives. She is surfing the net on a vintage eleven foot Dextra surfboard. Cowabunga Dude!

Bell Stand Project at FRH

HMI has a Florence Family bell that has made it's way back home. It has turned into quite a project to get this bell hanging again but, work continues. An architect donated his time to draw the bell stand. An engineer attached his stamp of approval. Another company has been involved building the six foot stand. Last week, this concrete pad was poured and now, we can begin the process of putting the pieces into place. One day, visitors to the Florence Ranch Homestead will be able to ring the old bell again. Come back later for an update on this project.

Many Moo.......

Amooity Cow joins Moo-ty Fruity and Mother Moose as the HMI herd continues to grow. This is one beefy bovine and that aint no bull.

Cool Down!

Stay cool with a good book! We offer good reads that include history, antiques, and architecture. Find help for your conservation or research project. Check us out during office hours, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 to 5:00.

More Mooooooo.........

This pretty lil cow is named Mother Moose and was created to honor all the children in the world and their joy in learning and reciting finger plays and rhymes. Mother Moose is currently corraled with her sister Moo-ty Fruity and is hoping for a new home come fall. You can learn more about Cow Parade online. The HMI cows are originally from Houston.

Unevent 2009

The Historic Mesquite Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to manage funds donated to historic preservation in the city of Mesquite. The funds are carefully invested and managed by the Board of Trustees and the principal is maintained into perpetuity. The interest earned is spent each year on various projects at the Florence Ranch Homestead and the Opal Lawrence Historical Park. The third annual fundraiser, Unevent 2009, has raised just under $3,000. Thanks to all the community support! If you would like more info.....just leave a comment or call.

Moooooooo........

Meet Moo-ty Fruity! She was donated to HMI recently and will be auctioned at Dinner Under the Cedars. Save the date....Oct. 24....and also start saving your moo-lah for the auction.

Blazin' a Trail

Historic Mesquite, Keep Mesquite Beautiful, and the City of Mesquite are Blazin' a Trail at the Opal Lawrence Historical Park. The project is being funded by grant money received by HMI and KMB. The trailhead will be marked by our old cabin and will end one day at an amphitheater.

Charlene and Jessa are putting their creative minds together on this project!

Work continues......

Work continues on the infrastructure at Opal Lawrence Historical Park in front of the Noah Range House and the barn. Take a look as you drive by!

This old well was exposed during excavation.

Field Trips 2009

This spring, Historic Mesquite hosted five schools on four different days for our "Big Event" field trips. There were 19 volunteers, 4 staff members, and over 600 guests that enjoyed interactive learning activities and tours of both properties. We worked through less than great weather, last minute changes, and crazy transportation challenges. We continue to enjoy a great partnership with Keep Mesquite Beautiful and are thankful for the hard work of their volunteers. This was our first time to host a school outside of Mesquite ISD but all 220 of the Crandall ISD third graders came to visit. Staff is in the process of fine tuning the tour booking process and MISD has assured us that we will remain on their approved field trip list.

Quilting Bee

Historic Mesquite was included in Quilt Mania II this past fall and spring. With the help of faithful volunteers, we were able to keep the Florence Ranch Homestead and the Opal Lawrence Historical Park open regular hours each week. The six months long event ended with a quilting bee at the Lawrence House on March 21, 2009. Quilters accepted blocks and the sewing began. The finished quilt will hang in our offices. Kelly Baird gave a wonderful talk about her personal quilts and how they have effected her life.