Published: January 21, 2008 12:54 pm            

Avera brings love of history to museum

Local historian Carl Avera can trace his love of history back to his days as a school boy — spending time on his great-grandmother’s knee and on the porch of former Palestine residents to hear stories of people and days gone by.

“I used to have my great-grandmother tell stories of my family’s trek to Texas from Mississippi,” Avera said in a recent interview. “While growing up in west Palestine, I used to walk to the Lamar School every day and was fascinated by all the old homes there.

“I often visited with Mrs. J.H. Grant, who would tell me stories about local families and the old homes that I walked by each day.”

One of Avera’s high school teachers, Jessie Wood, also kept Avera’s interest in history going. Wood was the school’s Junior Historian sponsor and a descendant of Palestine’s Gooch family.

“She told us stories about Palestine’s founding and took us on field trips,” he said. “I once told her she should write a book about Palestine, and she told me that I should.”

Avera took Wood’s advice to heart, writing his first book on the history of Palestine, “Wind Swept Land,” in 1964. Less than 10 years later, in 1976, Avera was commissioned by bank founder Tucker Royall to write a series of radio spots celebrating the country’s bicentennial.

“Those spots were compiled into a book called ‘The Centennial Notebook,’” Avera said.

In 2004, to mark the 40th anniversary of “Wind Swept Land,” Avera wrote a series of four more books about Palestine’s history — a project that took him two years.

The first book was about the Dilley family and Silk Stocking Road; the second, about the Doran family; the third, about the Bower family and South Magnolia Street; and the fourth, about John H. Reagan.

“John H. Reagan is my Palestine hero,” Avera said. “I wish I could have known him.”

Avera is currently working on two more books, one about the Jewish presence in Palestine, which is almost complete. The second book is about Palestine’s history from 1846 to 1861.

“I am also working on some histories of old Palestine homes, as requested by families,” he said. “That is an ongoing project I do.”

The time it takes to complete a historic book varies, Avera said. His book about the Jewish presence in Palestine, for expample, has taken about two years.

“My primary source for historical research is the Anderson County Courthouse,” he explained. “I look at deed records, mechanics liens, probates for wills and marriage and birth records.

“I also use the library for my research — looking up newspaper articles and historic books there,” he added. “Kate Hunter’s materials at the library have been a great resource.”

The Museum for East Texas Culture’s archives, the Internet and, of course, descendants of the families involved also serve as Avera’s sources.

“While I know that I know a lot about Palestine’s history, I also know there is a lot I don’t know,” Avera said. “I am still in the learning phase, and I have never lost my fascination for this town.

“I have met a lot of wonderful people who have guided me here throughout my life.”

Avera was born in Mart, a small community in McClellan County, and moved to Palestine with his family at the age of 2. His father worked for the railroad, and brought his family to Anderson County.

“I spent most of my childhood here,” Avera said, “But I moved away for several years, coming back on occasion to do research.”

Avera earned his bachelor’s degree in history and English from Sam Houston State University, receiving his librarian certification from Prarieview A&M. He also took a few classes at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

“I was in the school business for 35 years as a teacher and a librarian,” Avera said. “I retired in 2004 and came back to Palestine. I started working for the Museum for East Texas Culture in 2005.”

At the museum, Avera’s shares responsibility of running the museum office with Palestine resident Elizabeth Mason. He, with the help of museum archivist Lizzi Langenkamp, also is charged with setting up the museum’s exhibits and displays.

Avera is a member of the Palestine Landmark’s Commission and the Anderson County Historical Commission.

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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com

        

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