Lucky Strike

By Editor | October 20, 2025 |

SUNDAY October 19, 2025

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THIS TIME OF YEAR

Remembering Janice Jarratt

Janice Jarratt, known as the Lucky Strike Girl, was born on October 19, 1914, in Jacksonville, Texas, Cherokee County. Her father was C.D. Jarratt of Craft, known for shipping the first carload of tomatoes from Cherokee County on June 14, 1897.

Jarratt grew up in San Antonio, and later became the “Sweetheart of the Texas Centennial” at the StateFair of Texas in 1936. The Los Angeles Times reported her arrival in Hollywood that year to arrange a contract with Universal Studios. The article noted she carried a rifle in a leather case.

Jarratt became one of “The 1936 Flash Lighter Starlets” a group which also included Rosina Lawrence, Cecilia Parker, and Barbara Pepper. She also achieved fame as the “Lucky Strike Girl” because she posed for many ads for the cigarette brand. At one time, she was dubbed the “most photographed model in the world” in a newspaper photo of her and actor Clark Gable.

In April 1937, Jarratt became engaged to FBI agent Melvin Purvis, announced with the headline, “Janice Jarratt gets her G-Man, Melvin Purvis.” Purvis led manhunts for notorious outlaws, including Baby FaceNelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, and John Dillinger. The engagement did not last, however, and the two never married. Jarrett died Sep 29, 1991.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

October 19

The Melodies of Nature. Greenville Chamber Music Society. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com.

October 21

The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy. Tyler. UT Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org

October 24

Tuxedo Cats. Longview. Heritage Plaza. www.visitlongviewtexas.com

NEEDTOBREATHE. Tyler. UT Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org

Wine in the Pines. Palestine. An adults-only train journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas while enjoying local wine samples, a moonlit ride, and dinner under the stars at the Rusk Depot. Complimentary appetizers, a keepsake wine glass, and a variety of beverages available onboard. www.texasstaterailroad.net.

John Conlee. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com.

October 24-25

Fall Feral Hog Festival. Ben Wheeler. The official Wild Hog Capital of Texas with a hog queen’s pageant, parade, live music, cook-off, kids zone, pig races, hog calling contest, and more. This year’s them is Sow Wars: The Pork Awakens. FB/FallFeralHogFestival

Herrington Memorial Rodeo. Palestine. The Herrington Memorial Rodeo brings thrilling rodeo action, live music, and exciting contests. Anderson County Youth Livestock Arena. www.andersoncyla.com.

Hot Pepper Festival. Palestine. The 46th annual event brings live music, food vendors, car show, chili cook-off, and the famous pepper-eating contest. www.palestinechamber.org.

October 25

Uncorked Food & Wine Festival. Mount Pleasant. Caldwell Park. www.mtpleasanttx.com.

Fall Fantasy Faire. Greenville. A Library Renaissance Festival. W. Walworth Harrison Public Library. www.facebook.com/greenvilletxlibrary.

The Spooky Special. Palestine. Adults-Only Halloween Costume Party on the Rails with appetizers, a champagne/cider toast, a catered dinner, dessert, and dancing to a live DJ at the Rusk Depot. Costume contests, spooky tunes, and drinks available for purchase. Texas State Railroad. www.texasstaterailroad.net.

Corvette Show. Sulphur Springs. www.facebook.com/sulphurspringscorvetteclub.

World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest. Sulphur Springs. Teams compete in a campsite atmosphere with gingham, denim, and calico-clad men and women stirring simmering pots and stoking glowing campfires. Buford Park. www.sulphursprings-tx.com.

THEATRE

Dracula and a Feminist Revenge

Trinity Valley Community College Theatre Department is proud to present its Fall 2025 production, Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really, a daring and darkly comic reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic tale. Written by acclaimed playwright Kate Hamill, this imaginative production flips the script on the familiar story, infusing it with sharp humor, social commentary, and a powerful exploration of predators, gender, and survival. READ MORE

MUSIC

Bob Mauldin Releases New Album

East Texas based singer-songwriter Bob Mauldin recently released his new album, Peony Prairie Fire, a bold blend of heartfelt storytelling, vivid imagery, and raw Americana energy. Available now on all major streaming platforms and in select record stores, the album marks a new chapter in Mauldin’s musical journey. READ MORE