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SA_Steve wrote:I've been a visitor and land owner in Palestine and Rusk (westside down hwy79) since the late 60's. Glad to have sold the Palestine place a few years ago, as did three different friends of mine. Still have happy friends firmly planted in Jacksonville.

Had to get out of Palestine for our own safety from crime and the stink of the local politics, judges, and lawyers was just too much. That town has turned into meth central.

Oldgringo wrote:

bortaz wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:

bortaz wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:Another reason that I'm glad that we call a rural hamlet of some 3,500-4,000 God fearin' folk home.

(The signs at the edge of town reads POP. 5,500 but some 1,500-2,000 of 'em are either in one of the prisons or the state hospital.)

Sounds like my old stomping grounds of Rusk, in Cherokee County. I surely miss it.

You nailed it, Rusk it is. Y'all come on by and sit a spell.

I was born and raised in good ol' Jacksonville, but lived in Rusk for many years...doing 8-hour sentences at the state prison there (as an employee!). Moved away to the valley nearly 11 years ago...career change etc. Still have family all over Jacksonville, Rusk, Dialville, and Maydelle. East Texas is the best place in the world. Nothing else compares.

We were sent here in '94 to build the Hodge Unit and ended up buying a house. I went on to several jobs upon completion of that prison while Mrs. Oldgringo stayed here as Main Street Manager and Asst. City Manager. We both quit working in '04 and hit the roads. Rusk is home and where we'll hang up our 'rock and roll shoes' - 6 or 700 miles from the nearest family. We have spent the past 5 summers in NW Montana. That's a great place to be in the summer but I suspect it's a little nippy up there in the winter.

Merry Christmas to your house from our house in the Pineywoods

Oldgringo wrote:

bortaz wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:Another reason that I'm glad that we call a rural hamlet of some 3,500-4,000 God fearin' folk home.

(The signs at the edge of town reads POP. 5,500 but some 1,500-2,000 of 'em are either in one of the prisons or the state hospital.)

Sounds like my old stomping grounds of Rusk, in Cherokee County. I surely miss it.

You nailed it, Rusk it is. Y'all come on by and sit a spell.

Oldgringo wrote:Another reason that I'm glad that we call a rural hamlet of some 3,500-4,000 God fearin' folk home.

(The signs at the edge of town reads POP. 5,500 but some 1,500-2,000 of 'em are either in one of the prisons or the state hospital.)