PCHGA and Old Jail Library

10/22/2026

At the tender age of almost 120 years, Carthage may not have the oldest book club in Texas, but we have the best! Kudos, ladies; keep up the good work creating social connections and social bonds.

10/22/2026

This is just a few items for this sale. A lot of people have donated for this fundraiser. If you love vintage items you need to come. Hope to see you there.

10/22/2026

Marion J. Williams 1831-1898. Civil War Veteran buried at Sugar Hill Cemetery. If you are related to him let me know in the comments.

10/22/2026

Here's one of the treasures in our Old Jail library. Mr. Williams served in the Mexican War and the Civil War. Originally from Georgia, he settled in Harris Chapel, Panola County. Over the decades, he wrote many letters to family, friends, and editors of Panola County newspapers about his beliefs, family, and life experiences; thus, the contents of this publication. See extended family photo in first comment.

10/21/2026

Panola Watchman 1935.

10/20/2026

Thanks to Donna Austin Marler, a PCHGA member and volunteer, for this photo of her grandmother's brother, James Bowlin Welch. (Bowlin, written on the back of the photo, has been spelled differently, but it seems his sister knew how her brother's name was spelled.) The postcard photo is most likely circa 1920. He was born in 1890 and died in 1980. A few years ago, his daughter Norma Welch Wright Simmons's children placed a marker at his grave in Rockhill Cemetery. His first wife was Mary Etta Briggs. She died young and left him with several children. He later married Lela Katherine Brown, who had children of her own, and they made their home on E. Elm Street in Carthage. During World War II, this blended family had more sons serving than any other family in Panola County.

10/20/2026

He was never a great war hero, local politician, or businessman, but hundreds of us remember William Atkerson. He was a renowned character who endeared himself to his community in many ways, whether he was delivering the Yellow Sheet or borrowing a quarter to buy a hamburger at a local cafe. Please share your stories so we may preserve them.

10/18/2026

Did you know that in Panola County, Texas, an incredible 7% of our community - 1,722 individuals - have bravely served our nation? That may not sound like much, unless YOU are one of those 7%, but think about it.
Our Veterans Day Ceremony is Nov. 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church. Come and honor those who honored our country, who honored YOU and your personal future. Bring your children and grandchildren. It is a teaching moment. (There's lots in interesting Panola County population information on this website.)

Explore U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Panola County, Texas. View current, authoritative statistics on population, demographics, income, housing, and business.

10/16/2026

We have a good turnout attending our online workshops today. Others may drop in later since there is a new session each hour. Scroll down to view schedule.

10/16/2026