On behalf of the Linden Heritage Foundation, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our recent event, “Downtown Linden Live – Music on Main Street.”  To have over 100 people of all ages show up in July heat is amazing!

The response to our third event exemplifies the spirit of optimism that is in the air and that the citizens and friends of Linden support opportunities to gather in our beautiful, historic downtown, socialize, and listen to live music.

Judging by the popularity of “Downtown Linden Live,” we plan to host more events in the future, so check our Facebook page or website, www.lindenheritagefoundation.org for news.

Better yet, join us in our mission to preserve the architecture and cultural heritage of Linden by becoming a member (info on website) and joining one of our committees.  We take our charge very seriously, but we also have fun!  Since its inception, our group has secured a place for the 1939 Firehouse on Preservation Texas’ 2016 List of Most Endangered Places and obtained competitive grant funding from Texas’ prestigious Preservation Trust Fund toward professional planning work on the Firehouse restoration.  We have much work ahead of us, and we need your help.

Many thanks to the following individuals who donated time and talents for our event:  Johnny and Janet Points, Phil Cox, and friends for sharing their musical gifts; Bob Swisher, city manager, for logistical support, and Ben Wood of The Cass County Sun for publicity and photos.

Several individuals performed special songs with the band including Jerry Arnold, Cathy Cox, Jim Barron, Brett Peek and John Knapp.  Johnny played in Mickey Gilley’s band at Gilley’s in Pasadena before it burned. Later he played with Loretta Lynn.  Johnny and Janet play with another group of musicians on Tuesday night at Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant in Hughes Springs from 6:00 to 8:00.  They accept no pay for this but have blue donation buckets around and all donations go to St Jude’s Hospital for which the band as raised over $40,000.00.

The band includes – Johnny Points – keyboard and vocals -Janet Points – vocals – Phil Cox – lead guitar – Donnie Lowry – drums – Randee Turner – bass guitar – Scott Venable – rhythm guitar – Janice Turner and Vickie Carver –  vocals..

Again, please consider becoming a member of the Linden Heritage Foundation—we need you!  A quote from William Murtagh, first keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, best sums up our mission:

“It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.”  God bless and here’s to the future of Linden!

Sandra Westbrook Skoog

Linden Heritage Foundation

Vice President for Marketing and Development

sandra.skoog@lindenheritage.org