Exploring Plainview Texas

Ruby

 

I have known Ruby Riggins my enter life, I think. She is one of my 'wisdom women,' a mentor with a servant's heart. I believe she wakes up every day knowing she can make a difference in her community, her neighborhood, and the lives of all she touches.

Look for a story about Ruby during the KCBD Community Coverage Tour news reports on TV as they come to Plainview next week. 

Ruby Riggins has done a lot in her years in Plainview. One important facet of Ruby's volunteerism is that she has served on the City of Plainview Parks board for over thirty years, representing her neighborhood park. She is an advocate for the children, teens, and young adults who play in Givens Park. She is a quiet soul with a voice of reason.

Today during the City Council meeting, Mayor Starnes presented Ruby Riggins with the Mayor Starnes "Opportunity to Reality" inaugural token.

Pictured are Ruby Riggins and Lionel Garcia, both advocates for bettering Plainview. 

 

Bowl

 

The photo below is a 1960 ad for Plains Bowl. The Plainview Bowling Center is in this same location. It is fun to bowl. In August, leagues will start up. I bowl in a ladies league on Monday evenings. It is a 3-person team, and we bowl from September through May. There are some good bowlers, and there are average bowlers; and then there are bowlers who try, like me! We all have a fun time regardless of how we bowl!

There are other leagues, as well; mixed and men's. And, there is open bowl!!! Bring yourself or your family! Bowling is fun!!!

 

 

Back to School EXCITED!

 

I am as excited as the students this year for back-to-school! I want to be the kids as they enter the new campuses and newly renovated campuses whenever it happens for them! I'm very excited that I have gotten to witness the new. The old was amazing, filled with memories to carry us a lifetime. I admit I love remembering attending College Hill back in the early 1960s. There were no hallways; the classroom doors opened directly outside. Talk about a security nightmare. I remember when they enclosed the sidewalks and made low hallways. I love my memories, and I am excited for the students to continue to make memories in facilities that meet today's school building standards!

Out with the old, in with the new, but remember the song that reminds us..."make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold." There are many changes in our educational system. I learned long ago that I may or may not agree with something I cannot control, but it is my choice to embrace the change and look for the good in every situation.

The goal is to educate our children so they will exit their PISD school years feeling successful, with direction, and able to attain their goals for life. I believe that we have what it takes. Our students are success stories in Plainview, throughout the nation and world.

I'm excited for smiles and giggles of excitement! 

 

 

The furniture is coming in...

College Hill, Hillcrest, La Mesa, Highland, Thunderbird, Edgemere, Coronado, Estacado, Ash Program, PHS, Scholars to North, Central, South, Coronado, Estacado, Ash Program, Collegiate, PHS ... all  scholars; it is time to learn. Back-to-school, COMING SOON!!!

 

Early 1900s

 

This is an early 1900s photo of what is now called 6th and Broadway Streets before the Hilton Hotel was built. Notice the Theater just south of the Citizens National bank & Hotel Ware. The windmill looks to be positioned in the street, and the gazebo was on the north corner of the courthouse square. On the right, you can see the First Methodist Church domes just behind the First National Bank building. Looking at the FNB building from above, it looks like the letter "E." I also noticed that people parked then like they tended to park before the streetscape and striping the parking spots.

 

 

Pool Rules!

 

The Plainview Country Club pool rules! It is a beautiful pool, the one where I went growing up within walking distance of our home. I love this graffiti art board leading to the pool!!!

Did you know that the PCC is also offering a Sunday brunch now! It was excellent. You can order from the menu, as well. They have new team leaders, and a few changes are happening!

It's all good!

 

 

Back to School

 

Believe it or not, it is back-to-school shopping time! School will begin on August 16th in Plainview, a mere month away! Things have changed through the years. Every year brings something new, something that goes away, educationally as well as with trending fashions.

Penny loafers were the thing many years ago. This photo is of Eva Bramlet, PHS Class of 1973, trying on penny loafers as she prepared for back to school!!! And, yes, we wore sweet little dresses to school. We did not wear pants or jeans to school until our high school days; matching sets only, no jeans!

 

A Bunch

 

I have seen this sign a bunch-a-bunch times in my life, and never did I know it was the sign that was located on Plainview's first library! Now, I know. Have you seen this sign at the library?

 

 

 

Surprise Find

 

Yesterday I got a call that some boxes of photos and scrapbooks had been stored in a closet at Lakeside, and they are preparing to level the building. We were asked if the Hale County Historical Commission wanted them, so we picked them up. They were in crushed boxes and covered in debris. We got them to the HCHC office and unpacked them. We can't possibly store everything, but we will preserve what we can. We haven't looked through all of the photos, but some real treasures are found in this collection.

 

New Business Alert!

 

Downtown has another new business that has opened at 612 Ash Street! We are thrilled to have Tonya & Loy Rice locate Panhandle Pro Products in Downtown Plainview. Stop by & shop with them for all your home, food service, business, industry, safety, janitorial, and product needs.

 

Improvements Continue

 

Building improvements continue downtown. From facade structure to paint to new signage, building owners are making the beautification of downtown a priority!