Preservation Garland, Inc. celebrated its fifth anniversary Saturday, Sept. 22 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Garland.
Mayor Lori Dodson, District 4 Council Member Jim Bookhout and District 2 Council Member Deborah Morris attended the event. The organization’s chairperson, Cleo was joined by other board members including vice chair Ron Hobbs, treasurer Barbara Boyden, acting secretary Margaret Lancaster and directors Darrell Lancaster and Dave Hester. Members of PGI, along with other community members were also on-hand.
Attendees enjoyed several speakers.
Josh Medlock, director of missions and student ministries at FUMC, provided a history of the church. FUMC Garland was organized before Duck Creek and Embree merged to form the city of Garland. Medlock recognized the late Bill Holmes for documenting the church’s history.
Ron Hobbs, whose architectural firm is currently renovating the Granger Recreation Center at Central Park, described repairs and improvements being made. He talked about the impressive historic value of the building design.
Bertha Wallace, vice president of the Carver Alumni Programs and Services group, shared information about the CAPS organization. She also talked about a book that is being written about the history of African-Americans in Garland.
Bookhout shared information about the Dallas County Pioneer Association.
The keynote speaker was Cecil Williams, a member of one of Garland’s pioneer families, who shared a collection of photos and stories about his family.
Telva Gale Wallace, accompanied by a pianist and piccolo player, entertained the group with a song.
The members of PGI were instrumental in saving the Tinsley-Lyles House, one of the oldest houses in Garland. The organization raises funds for the restoration of the structure.
Mission: Preservation Garland’s mission is to educate the people of Garland and vicinity in the history of their community and to encourage civic pride in that heritage by publication and distribution of educational materials, presentation of informative programs, lectures, workshops, news, publicity, conducting local history tours and marking historic buildings and sites.