kilgore magazine

Issue 15Issue 15Issue 15

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MAGAZINE

It’s aS.A.F.F.E Day

in Kilgore

C NTENTS

ON THE COVER

6 Kilgore Renewal! Reprinted from the Spring & Summer 2014 Gallery Contributed by Bob Gambill

10 By: Rusty Kennedy

16 S.A.F.F.E. Day By: Johhny Bellows

21 Meet Lexi Bass By: Cindy Morris

24 50 Years of Staying Strong Contributed By: Estella Strong

Mary Ramos

Amanda Reel

Bob GamillEstella StrongJohnny BellowsRusty KennedyCindy Morris

Sean Landry - Southwest StudiosAmanda Reel

Mailing Address:421 North Center St. Suite ALongview, Texas 75601

Contact Us:

[email protected]@[email protected]

SA.F.F.E. Day is “Special Abilities Family Fun Event Day.” It is on September 20, 2014, from

events are free.

Mary Ramos

Amanda Reel

www.KilgoreMagazine.com

16

24

FEATURED ARTICLES

6

have copyright ownership. Kilgore Magazine®

21

August/September 2014

10

Visit Downtown Kilgore

and play the street piano!

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A “City of Stars” family bound by love & marriage, kinship

themselves building a rapidly growing enterprise affecting East Texas-at-large and fueling another… Kilgore Renewal!

Kilgore’s history as an oil boom town and its international reputation for stars like renowned pianist Van Cliburn and the Kilgore College Rangerettes keep this small East Texas town on the minds of people around the world. Ironically, while its reputation has grown, the city itself has suffered a lack of certain assets. Until recently, one of the major shortcomings was in housing.

But that’s changing. Rapidly. And one of the major reasons has a lot to do with a pair of brothers, who in 1983, bought a backhoe and dump truck and began doing dirt work around Kilgore, Lake Cherokee and other opportunities as they arose. Kenny & Keith Mobbs started K-K Mobbs Construction by building housing pads, constructing boat houses and took on almost any general dirt work

applications.

Sometime in 1989, the brothers began to act on an idea they shared of doing residential development. They worked the land into streets and house pads, and then sold lots to home builders. Since they had the ability, they did build homes from time to time, but mostly for family and a few close friends, with no real plans to go into building homes, as the construction and dirt business was taking most of their time.

As Kenny’s sons grew, the second pair of brothers took an interest in those few home building efforts, and found a fast desire to do more with the sideline Kenny and Keith had started. They went

long until new home building grabbed their attention as well, and soon after the June 2009 formation of Mobbs Builders, Nate and Jason were off and running.

Today, between Mobbs Construction and Mobbs Builders, there are few new building, commercial or residental, that can’t be handled by a Mobbs company. The whole family realized that

from a lack of quality, new homes. While some beautiful older

there were just too many people deciding to live in some other East Texas community, citing the lack of housing as the cause.

Mobbs Builders got busy. From doing the original dirt work, to

adding its fair share of new residents.

After a couple of years, Kenny’s wife, Charlotte, added another level to the family business. In 2011, after working in another

opened Mobbs Real Estate Group. She was ready to do more with her broker license, and her current broker (and friend) was wanting to scale down a bit. Today, her former boss is now an associate at Mobbs Real Estate Group.

atmosphere. It’s clear when you visit with any member of the various Mobbs interests, that everyone is part of the family.

Take Kenny’s sons Nate and Jason. Jason Gunn is actually a “step-son.” But don’t get caught using that term around any of the family. The bonding of both family and employees is so strong and the focus on loyalty so intense, that you are hard pressed to tell which is which.

Even during the early days as Kenny and Keith began adding

growth of the business has always been controlled and monitored, so that in slow times or economic downturns of almost any duration, avoiding layoffs has been a primary culture issue for the founders and the whole company.

Meanwhile, as Charlotte and her team began to grow, she convinced Kenny to develop a recently purchased tract of land as a new residential neighborhood instead of initially planned commercial development.

“Cit f St ”f f il b d bd l & i ki hi

Reprinted with permission from the Spring & Summer 2014 Gallery

Renewal!

Written by Bob Gambill

Kilgore


They turned to their sons and Mobbs Builders got on board. So, a site for 50 homes began to take place. K-K Mobbs Construction did the land development, Mobbs Builders did the design and building of homes and Mobbs Real Estate Group marketed the homes. All of the homes were designed to compliment one another, to enhance and secure long term home values. Mobbs Builders has

in-house. This provided for a complete turn-key service, further adding value to new home buyers in the design and build process.

Not surprisingly, the demand for Mobbs Builders homes is high enough that, to date, few of the speculative homes have made it to completion before being sold. That means the home owner still

Nathan and Jason call it “semi-custom.” “We start a home, get

“The customer comes in to work with Jason just like a full custom

Jason added, “We usually start with the home buyer’s desires, dreams and ‘wants’…putting that down and starting the process of

software 3-D modeling capabilities, the home owner can see their home before we ever break ground.”

While Nathan and Jason work together through the home building process, Nathan is more of the “outside” man, while Jason is more of the “computer/design” partner.

“With 3-D modeling, there’s really no reason a person has to endure any of the doubts or fears that building a home used to carry,” Jason said. “Together we can put their ideas onto a computer model and they can make changes long before it reaches the expensive stage of tearing something out or replacing a piece of material.”

“Exactly,” chimed in Nathan. “We keep cost down because we eliminate a lot of the back and forth decision issues during the planning stage. Our home buyers save money avoiding errors.”

This “see it before you build it” process allow the home owner to

used in the home. It helps the home owner to avoid sort of “over-building” and harsh “over-budget” surprises that can wreck a home building project.

In fact, a home owner could begin the process with Mobbs Real Estate Group, locate the proper lot, and end up with the same

company or title company.

The Mobbs Real Estate Group building is a recognized site in Kilgore, sitting on the corner of Highway 259 Business and East

There is a synergistic energy between the three companies that

want to build. So we take them to Mobbs Builders and begin the process,” Charlotte reported.

“Other times,” agreed Jason, “people call us thinking they want a new home, but while they describe what they are looking for, we

their needs perfectly.

All of this is possible because of the family ties between the construction business originally started by brothers Kenny and Keith, the home building business now run by brothers Nathan and Jason… and the real estate group run by “mom” Charlotte. Names and titles don’t mean much at the Mobbs Companies, as everyone is valued the same and all are expected to do whatever is necessary to serve and satisfy the customer. Where stand-alone companies in real estate, home building or construction are in a competitive battle, the Mobbs Companies are only focused on customer satisfaction.

This allows opportunity for a special brand of integrity, since each member of the team is intimately involved with the workings of all the other areas.

Self-imposed standards of customer service and accountability are watched constantly by everyone, because whether the last name is Mobbs or Gunn or Gorman… it means the same as Price, Melton,

Williamson.

Today, the Mobbs Construction team is a bit larger than when it was just Kenny & Keith. And the equipment is a bit more sophisticated. Like the GPS controlled bulldozers that are digitally monitored and controlled.

And while the business aspects of the family are important, we can’t forget the primary focus and purpose was to build a better Kilgore, and by virtue of their success, a better East Texas.

To read the complete article visit www.KilgoreMagazine.com

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September 13th 7:30 pm Lone Star Speedway

Rusty Kennedy, White Oak Education Foundation President, had this to say about the step they took to achieve their goals.

How do educators face the growing need for more funds for equipment and supplies in a time of reduced budgets and increased student population? The board of the White Oak Education Foundation is working to provide an opportunity for their district’s teachers and staff to have an answer to this problem.

established in 2001, to promote quality education in White Oak schools. The Foundation invites people from all sectors of the community to become involved in linking the White Oak community and alumni resources with the needs of our school to complement and enhance the mission of White Oak ISD. All support is given in cooperation with the school administration.

The Foundation strives to promote the understanding that everyone in the community is responsible for the creation of a quality educational system.

The many honors and awards that our district receives each year in district, regional and state achievements in all areas

our school teachers, staff, and administration are doing an outstanding job.

In the present business climate in White Oak, a primarily neighborhood community, the WOEF realized that creativity was needed. If the Foundation was to become the source of funding that would be required to meet the challenges that these exceptional teachers presented, dreams would have to be big. Big dreams often involve big risks. That was just what the Monster Truck Fall National sponsorship was: a big, exciting, costly risk that might produce big results. Thankfully, from

many things possible. These funds, along with the gifts of generous businesses and individuals, have made many needs a reality.

Since 2001, the WOEF has funded $245,800 in teacher and site grants, has supplied $76,000 for playground equipment and the implementation of a nature center, and has contributed $14,000 to improve our community library. The Foundation has provided benches for walkways, uniforms for students and improvements for the auditorium. Deserving Seniors have

WOEF is nearing the $500,000 mark in returning funds to our district while keeping a permanent endowment fund intact.

Help support a worthy cause. Enjoy the Monster Truck Fall Nationals on September 13th at the Lone Star Speedway.

For more informationwww.MonsterTruckFallNationals.com

www.WhiteOakEducationFoundation.comwww.Facebook.com/monstertrucktexas

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By: Rusty Kennedy, President Of White Oak Education Foundation



Monster Truck’s Coming September 2014

2014 GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the

wisdom the Master decided that each of His creations should be unique with different abilities. After His work was complete God observed what He had done, smiled, and said, “It is good.”

The Kilgore Fire Department recognizes that different is a good thing and has a special day that celebrates these differences in people for anyone with special needs and abilities allowing them to come together to become the normal for a day. In it’s third year S.A.F.F.E. day has become a huge success. S.A.F.F.E. is an acronym for Special Abilities Family Fun Event which is a day held annually in September for people with special needs and their families to enjoy.

The day begins with Brothers Keepers making a grand entrance on their motorcycles, followed by the Kilgore and Longview Fire Departments Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums presenting the colors. After a short dedication the fun begins with games, events and food that is all free to participants and their families.

The community comes together for this rewarding event. Along with the 150 volunteers you can observe

Longview, Sabine, Crimms Chapel, Overton, Lufkin are present to assist with the family fun.

Upon arrival, the special visitors are welcomed to the World’s Richest Acre by the towering downtown oil derricks to a full day of fun and festivities. Commerce Street is closed for guests and their families many of whom travel from out of State. There is no cost involved for the attendees as they visit the carnival-like atmosphere with games, exhibits, demonstrations, rides, shows, food, face painting, clowns, balloons, and much more. All activities are designed so that anyone with a special need can participate.

S.A.F.F.E. day is a blessing to all that attend, volunteer, and participate. To look at the smiles on the faces of everyone brings about emotions of tears, smiles, and laughter, leaving you with a day that will long be remembered and cherished. To quote Olympian, Scott Hamilton, “The only disability in life is a bad attitude”. S.A.F.F.E. day is supported by donations to make the event free to the participants and families.

• Anyone interested in making a donation, contact Josie Atchley at 903-988-4119

SPECIAL ABILITIES FAMILY FUN EVENT

KILGORE FIRE DEPARTMENTDAY

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude”- Scott Hamilton

SAFFEDAY SPECIAL ABILITIESFAMILY FUN EVENTBy: Johnny Bellows, City of Kilgore Fire Chief


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Chamber Announces Tourism Manager!

Lexi Bass

“I am thrilled to venture into the tourism world and utilize my communication and marketing skills. I am very eager to get started in promoting Kilgore through the upcoming Baseball,

Balloons & Root Beer event at Driller Park on July 30th. I Can’t wait to see ya’ll there!”

“I am excited about this opportunity to promote and sell Kilgore,”

- Lexi Bass.


2014 | www.KILGOREMAGAZINE.com | www.facebook.com/KilgoreMagazine 2014 | www.KILGOREMAGAZINE.com | www.facebook.com/KilgoreMagazine

“May our family unity be an example of a labor of love for other families to see and emulate; and may the toil of our hands; the sweat of our brows and the bend of our backs bring forth through the grace of our GOD, 50 more years of

STRONG FAMILY REUNIONS.”

In the year 1862, when the great civil war was heating to a furor in the South - Georgia was in the middle of it all. Three young white couples decided to move away to escape

the impeding catastrophe. These couples were given two slaves

a male and female to help them in their travel. These couples being conscientious objectors to the war and against slavery agreed to take the slaves along and promised to free them as soon as they had reached safety. The slaves turned out to be the ancestors of prominent families sprinkled throughout the Kilgore-East Texas area.

They left the plantation to begin a new life. Although, other family slave members traveled with this entourage, many of them settled in other cities along the way to Texas. Peter’s brother settled in a place know as Big Head Creek in Henderson, Texas – The connection to this family has not been established.The couples that left Georgia were Mr. & Mrs. John Seals and their slaves Embry and his sister Rebecca, Mrs. & Mrs. Hugh Strong and their slaves Peter and his young sister Mary and Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Adkins and their slaves Nick and his young sister Martha.

After traveling many months and arriving in East Texas, these three pioneer families were freed as the young white couples had promised and the former slaves began their new lives as married couples. Rebecca Seals became the bride of Peter Strong. Mary Strong became the bride of Nick Adkins. Martha Adkins became the bride of Embrey Seals.

The young black couples purchased a farm in what is now called the North Chapel Community. They attended the Cumberland Church, organized by Rebecca and other ladies where everyone, Baptist and Methodist all worshipped together. As the families

grew, they decided to build their own Baptist church. Rebecca named the church - Mount Calvary and it still remains in its original location to this day. In 1932, the Peter and Rebecca Strong family decided to build a church that would service the North Chapel Community. They wanted to keep the same name since the church was named and organized by Rebecca Strong. It was decided to name it New Mount Calvary and rename Mount Calvary to Old Mount Calvary.

Being brought up as house maids, Rebecca Seals S t rong , Mar tha Adk ins S e a l s and Mary Strong Adkins were literate and saw to it that all of their children could read and write. These great ladies conducted

the community.

Peter Strong was born in Georgia in

50Years of Staying Strong

The S

trong Family

Contributed By: Estella Strong



1811 and died in Kilgore, Texas, January 18, 1894 at the age of 83. Rebecca Seals Strong was born in Virginia in 1836 and died in Kilgore, Texas, June 14, 1893, at the age of 52. They were prominent owners of real estate located in the Kilgore area.

After numerous gatherings of funerals and sad occasions, the family made the decision to override these occasions by establishing a purposeful time to come together for joy and

Strong Family reunion was held for one day on July 25, 1964, in Kilgore, Texas, on the property of Mary Lee and Collie B. Strong, son of Coleman Strong, grandson of Peter and Rebecca. More than 250 family members from across the Unites States came for work assignments and family presence in leadership roles. It was agreed at that time that the reunion would be held annually on the 4th Saturday of July in Kilgore, Texas.

Strong, Sr. – Chair -Dr. Arberenia Malone, Mrs. Anna Mae Parker, Mrs. Flora Moorehead, Collie B. Strong, Mercy Lee Strong, Alvin N. Canida, Jr., Arils Dale Williams and Cleveland Gray.

From 1965 until 1977, this committee oversaw the growth and direction of the reunion moving it from the family property to the (segregated) West Point Community Center to provide better facilities which included banquet space, professional kitchen, and air conditioning, fenced playground with merry-

pits. In 1977, Arlis Dale Williams was named Chairman after

The second reunion in 1965 was held over two days and a Fish Fry was added on the Saturday evening with games for the youth and adults during the day. The men of the family (especially

meat for the Sunday meal. Sunday activities included attending a morning worship service at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, a banquet meal at West Point Community including a formal program with a family speaker and theme to encourage the family. Family members were asked to bring a covered dish and dessert to supplement the Sunday meal and young high school ladies in the community were asked to serve the family during meal time.

reunion’s growth and created many far-reaching impacts.

50th Anniversary Celebration of the Peter and Rebecca • Seals Strong Reunion •

Celebrating 50 continuous years of Strong Family pride, strength and unity, on July 26-27, 2014, the Strong Family hosted the largest ever contingent of members from Rebecca’s brother’s family, Embrey Seals. Since learning their connection to Rebecca Seals Strong in the early 2000’s, the descendants of Embrey Seals (Rosie Seals Brown) have consistently joined the Strong family at each reunion. The 50th reunion kicked off Saturday morning at the Kilgore Community House with reminiscing and games for all ages. More fun and games will be held at Olivia Hilburn Community Center during the day. Saturday evening includedd monumental gala celebration

program included dance performances, acknowledgements, and presentations. A special banquet closing ceremony included singing the family song “Light the Candle.”

The after-dinner celebration featured entertainment by family members who are instrumentalist, musicians, songwriter, producers, poets and operatic singers. In a lighter atmosphere the families enjoyed a dance contest for couples age 50 +, a jazz set, singing, tributes to Ruby Dee, Maya Angelo and others.A special sacred memorial service was held on Sunday morning at the grave of Peter and Rebecca Strong in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Kilgore, Texas. Before leaving Kilgore, many family members visited the historic Strong Family Memorial Cemetery.

Sunday Reunion Program - Highlights include recognition of 2014 Strong family member graduates (high school, college and post graduate) with special remarks by Strong Family Reunion Scholarship recipient at Sabine High School , Ms. Haley Stuart, who is the scholar ship recipient of the Strong Family scholarship.

The “Strong Family has been Standing Strong 50 Years Long.” They are bound by the strength, the zeal, the will, and the tenacity of one another to continue each year together. They persevere, despite the obstacles through our ancestral bond. Many other families have started and stopped their reunions over the years, but all of the descendants of Peter and Rebecca

individually, then to one another and to the families to keep the bond of unity and family reunions and legacy alive – from generation to generation.

To learn more about the Strong Family Reunions read the full article at www.KilgoreMagazine.com

Peter & Rebecca Strong’stombstone in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Darnetta Strong &

Allyson Williams1977 Reunion


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The Gregg County Historical Museum is preparing for the 15th annual Landmarks of Longview home tour. Five beautiful homes will be open to the public in the Huntington Park

subdivision located off McCann Road in north Longview. Tour dates are Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st from 1:00 to 5:00 pm both days.

The original event was pioneered by the museum’s dedicated board Member, Dr. W.D. Northcutt, III and has since become an annual event the public, homeowners and the museum eagerly anticipate each year as it approaches. Proceeds from the ticket sales as well as donations from local sponsors help to keep this event one of the year’s most highly anticipated functions for the museum.

Originally the tour was in widespread areas throughout the city, but over the last 5 years, the Landmarks committee has chosen to

the homes easier and giving it that old fashioned “neighborhood get-together” feeling. Many of the museum volunteers serve as docents in the homes and are able to point to interesting facts about each house as well as homeowner artwork and collections that are unique to each home.

Presale tickets are available for $20 prior to the event at the Gregg County Historical Museum and at several merchants in Longview including Johnny Cace’s, Barron’s, Horaney’s, Louis Morgan #4, The Blue Door Antiques/Pen and Company, Texas Bank and Trust and Citizen’s Bank in downtown Longview. Tickets may also be purchased at one of the homes on tour days for $25 or online.

The Gregg County Historical Museum is located in downtown Longview at 214 N. Fredonia and is open from 10am - 4pm Tuesday thru Friday and 10am - 2pm on Saturday. When you purchase a ticket at the museum you’ll also receive a complimentary museum tour while you’re there!Tickets may also be purchased online at www.GreggHistorical.org

This program made possible in part through a grantfrom The City of Longview

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kilgore magazine

Documents

building homes

cover6 kilgore renewal

pair of brothers

kilgore college rangerettes

city of stars family

home building efforts

small east texas town

dirt business