Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
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- Do you know of a museum that boasts of their own cat? How about a museum that has a cat who keeps bugs and mice at bay? Do you know of a museum that offers cat accompanied tours of the facility?
If you answered no to these questions, then there is a museum you must see! The Culberson County Historical Museum Association’s Clark Hotel Historical Museum proudly boasts of ‘Elley’ the museum cat.
‘Elley’ showed up at the museum one day last fall when the owners of ‘Eleanor,’ the museums Model T, came to pick the car up to take it to a Veterans Day parade in El Paso.
And, she has remained until this very day. She has made herself at home and loves people and showing off the museum.
Robert and Nada Stuckey, the museum curators, told the Advocate that ‘Elley’ follows visitors around like she is showing off the museum. She especially likes showing off ‘Eleanor’ the Model T.
Robert Stuckey further commented, “Every morning when we get here, she is waiting for us to show off her catches for the night. She’s proud of the bugs and mice she nabs during the night.”
Stuckey also said, “She jumps up on tables or chairs to be closer when visitors come in. It’s as if she knows they are there to visit and she wants to do her part to make the visit memorable.”
‘Elley,’ like most cats has a routine and every afternoon around 2 p.m., she heads for her special chair and a well deserved nap.
And, while ‘Elley’ has become a much loved fixture at the museum, and well loved, the museum needs some “TLC” (tender loving care).
The museum operates on bare bones funds because it has no continuing means of support. The City Motel Tax funds the museum annually, but these funds basically cover repairs to the aging facility.
Museum directors have embarked on a community-wide fund raising campaign to generate operating capital as well as funds for continuing projects.
They are asking community members, as well as those who live outside of Van Horn, to make a donation to help keep the history of this pristine area alive and ongoing through this museum.
Oft times, we simply tend to forget about our unique history until it is too late. Did you know that the Clark Hotel Histroical Museum was the very 1st Culberson County Courthouse? That’s right. And today, it’s the only remaining 1st courthouse in the county.
So, if you’re reading this and have a special place in your heart for our history and want to see it kept alive, may I urge you to make a tax deductible donation to the Culberson County Historical Museum Association.
The Association is an IRS approved 501c organization which means your donations are tax deductible. And, no financial gift is too big or too small.
Simply make your donation gift out to: Culberson County Historical Museum Association and mail it to P.O. Box 231, Van Horn, Texas 79855-0231. In a matter of days, you’ll receive your recepit for the tax deductible gift. And, don’t stop with one gift. Give as oft as you can to keep our museum operating.
And, your gift will keep ‘Elley’ on the job welcoming vistitors to our most unique Clark Hotel Historical Museum, a designated National Historical Site.
Column One
By Dawn Simpson
My Mother always taught us that if we didn’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything. Well, the last two weeks I couldn’t really think of much positive to say, hence no column. I’ve let politics at every level of government, especially at the national level, really get to me. In fact, just mad is probably the word for it. I’m just looking forward to November. It seems our voices won’t be heard until then. Now I realize that all of you don’t agree with me and you are totally happy with what is taking place in Washington. You, also, will be able to make your wishes known in November. That’s the great thing about our system of government.
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It was good to see Elaine Carrasco last week. She was here for a short visit with her parents, Sally and Henry Carrasco. Elaine is living in Madrid, Spain and is employed by EDP Renovaveis, a world leader in renewable energy and the world’s 4th largest wind energy company. Elaine has had the opportunity to do extensive traveling around Europe, which she has really enjoyed. She is in Human Resources and will remain in Spain for at least another year. Talking to her just a few minutes made it easy to understand how she has attained much success in her career. Another Van Horn local to be very proud of for sure!
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Luis Corral is also home on leave from Afghanistan for a few weeks. Enjoy your time with your family and friends, Luis. Wish you were home to stay, but maybe soon you will be. It seems like you have certainly done your share of assignments in the war zones. We’re all proud of you and appreciate your service to our country so much.
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Congratulations to Vince Lujan on his completion of studies at UTI in Phoenix. There was a little mis-information in the article on him in last week’s paper. His degree was in Automotive, Diesel and Industrial Technology. However, Vince has higher aspirations. He has been accepted at Texas Tech and wants to study to become a Mechanical Engineer. Good Luck, Vince.
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We never enjoy having people move away from Van Horn, but in the case of Sherry Hargis we have to be happy for her. She is moving to San Angelo, where she has family. That’s important and I know she will enjoy some of the things that San Angelo has to offer. You will be missed though, Sherry.
Sherry and I had children who grew up together and there are lots of fun times to remember from those years. Her son, Wayne and Sondra were very good friends. One of the things we always have to laugh about was when Wayne had come over to the house much after curfew hours when Sondra was supposed to be in bed. He was on the front porch talking to her through the screen door when he accidently leaned on the door bell. To say the least, he made a fast exit, before her Daddy could get up and see who was calling at that time of night!
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I wonder how many parents out there are aware that your teen (or even pre-teen) could be involved in “Sexting”. Evidently it is becoming a serious danger. Sexting is the practice of teens sending sexually explicit messages or images electronically, primarily between mobile phones.
Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott, offers these five tips before pressing that ‘Send” button on your phone:
1. Do not assume anything sent or posted is going to remain private.
2. Anything sent or posted in cyberspace will never truly go away.
3. Do not give in to the pressure to do something that causes discomfort, even in cyberspace.
4. Consider the recipient’s reaction.
5. Nothing is truly anonymous.
The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is (866)331-9474 or www.loveisrespect.org.
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Thought for the Week… “The reason why some people are dog-tired at night is because they’ve growled all day.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
March 18th - Trustees of the Culberson County-Allamoore ISD are scheduled to meet this evening at 6 p.m. at the District Administration Building. Members of the Van Horn Volunteer Fire Department are slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at the Firehouse.
March 19th - The Van Horn Junior High track teams run in the Presidio Relays today in Presidio. The Van Horn Eagle baseball team opens district play this evening when they take on the Marfa Shorthorns in Marfa at 5 p.m.
March 20th - The Van Horn Lady Eagle softball team willl play the Marfa Shorthorns here this morning at 10 a.m.
March 21st - Attend the church of your choice today.
March 22nd - The Van Horn Eagles play a district baseball game here this evening at 5 p.m. against the Ft. Hancock Mustangs. Members of the Van Horn Lions Club are scheduled to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at Mija’s Restaurant.
March 23rd - The Van Horn Rotary Club will meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant. The Van Horn Lady Eagle softball team plays Ft. Stockton here today beginning at 5 p.m.
March 24th - Nothing scheduled at press time.