Juneteenth discussed as Historical Commission meets
by Sibyl Creasey

The Van Zandt County Historical Commission met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 19, dedicating the meeting to the historic "Juneteenth." Commission chairman Dr. Rollin Sininger presided with members Tommy Aduddell, Cheryl Vaughn, Lawrence Greer of Canton; Dorothy Wright and Mable Cook of Van; Elvis Allen of Fruitvale and Sibyl Creasey of Ben Wheeler attending.

June 19 marked the anniversary of the emancipation of Texas slaves in 1865. Although freedom from slavery was officially proclaimed in 1863, African Americans in Texas were not made aware of the liberation until June 19, 1865. The recognition and celebration of June 19 as Emancipation Day spread from Texas to neighboring states as African American Texans migrated. Today, the date is known as "Juneteenth" and is marked with festivities across Texas and the nation.

Commission members discussed two cemetery designations. The first was applied for by Betty Philips for the Boxley- Wade Cemetery. The second application discussed was from Stefanie Curtis for the Union Grove Cemetery. With minor items to be documented, members approved applications for both designations.

Both applicants will be working on applications for obtaining historic markers for the respective cemeteries. Under state guidelines, cemeteries must be designated as historic before official Texas historic markers may be applied for. Also under state guidelines, only county appointed historical commissions can approve applications for valid Texas historic markers.

Members discussed other possible designations and markers as well as future projects such as a bus tour of the Old Dallas-Shreveport Road.

The next meeting of the historical commission will be held on Tuesday, July 17 at 1 p.m. at the commission office in the county courthouse annex. The commission meetings are open to the public and visitors are welcomed.