FOR MANY regular readers, “All Things Historical” has become a weekly habit, a welcome look into the unique and sometimes quirky history of our region and state.

A little more than a decade ago, then East Texas Historical Association Executive Director Archie McDonald and Lufkin journalist and chronicler Bob Bowman sat down and decided that the Association needed an outlet for its mission of recording and publicizing the rich history of East Texas.

As they talked over the various options, they came to the conclusion that a weekly newspaper column was by far the best choice. Thus, “All Things Historical” was born and with the cooperation of some of the best people in the world—East Texas newspaper professionals—the Association began to offer the weekly columns as a public service to the citizens of East Texas.

FOR MORE than 10 years, Dr. McDonald and Mr. Bowman have regaled their readers with a cornucopia of historical accounts and tales ranging from logging camps to ghost towns, from Rogers Hornsby to the East Texas connection of the Chicago “Black Sox,” and even more sensational topics such as Nazis in East Texas, poisoned wedding parties, and how East Texas helped save the French wine industry.

Through the years, “All Things Historical,” Dr. McDonald, and Mr. Bowman have more than fulfilled their intention of public service and preserving East Texas history.

THINGS DO, however, change—both Archie and Bob would certainly attest to that—and “All Things Historical” is also undergoing a change. The weekly look at the past will still remain a regular feature for readers, but the scope of the column will change.

The East Texas Historical Association will gather stories and ideas from numerous authors throughout the region, all with new tales, new characters, and new perspectives. Readers will be able to get a glimpse of East Texas from Texarkana to Beaumont, from Crockett to San Augustine, and all points in between, and all from more localized authors, chroniclers and historians.

The East Texas Historical Association is proud of its featured column and is grateful to Dr. McDonald and Mr. Bowman for offering their “blood, sweat, and tears” in producing the weekly look at East Texas history. We know that our loyal readers appreciate their service as well.

The East Texas Historical Association also invites all who enjoy the column to become members of the largest regional historical association in the state. The Association is committed to the preservation and enhancement of East Texas’ great historical heritage, primarily through our twice-yearly meetings, the publication of the East Texas Historical Journal, and other out-reach efforts such as this column.

IF YOU have an interest in East Texas history, we invite you to join with us. For complete information, visit our website: www.easttexashistorical.org or contact us directly at (936) 468-2407. We also hope you continue to enjoy our new “All Things Historical.”

The East Texas Historical Association provides this column as a public service. Scott Sosebee is Executive Director of the Association and can be contacted at sosebeem@sfasu.edu .