COUNTY LIFE

Feisty ‘Nina’ reflects on her 100 years

Published

8 years ago

03/30/2019

*Juanita Crenshaw Uselton Robertson has fun an at earlier party birthday. (Courtesy photo)*

By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Juanita Crenshaw Uselton Roberson celebrated a milestone this week as she turned 100 years old.
Born at Red River Station her roots run deep in Montague County growing up on ranch land that only 40 years earlier had rumbled as cattle passed on the Chisholm Trail.
Family and friends will celebrate Juanita with a party from 1 to 3 p.m. March 30 at Bethel Baptist Church, Nocona. Those wishing to share in the festivities are welcome.
Juanita may appear fragile and near her birthday year, but speaking with her you can’t miss that bright sparkle in her blue eyes and a mischievous crooked grin that reflects the feisty spirit that helped her survive as the third of six children, raising three children of her own and create not only one, but two strong loving marriages.
Family roots
Juanita was born on March 26, 1919 at Red River Station on the Crenshaw Ranch to Lionel Preston “Pug” and Cecil and Miles Crenshaw. Her grandfather, Lee Crenshaw born in 1865 was a pioneer rancher who established the ranch in 1891. The ranch grew to more than 7,000 acres when he expanded to Belcherville in 1902.
In 1919 the world was coming to terms with the end of World War I. The Treaty of Versailles that officially ended it was not signed until June 28, 1919.
Dial telephones were introduced in 1919 and the cost of a first class stamp went up from two cents to three cents. Felix the Cat made his first appearance in the fall. A pound of apples cost 11 cents, while three pounds of steak cost 60 cents and one pound of bread was five cents.

Juanita grew up on the ranch with her five siblings, Lee, Jack, Bonnie, “Tooter” and Cecil Bay “Sassy” Crenshaw, who have all preceded her in death. Their family raised cattle and cotton.
She says “we didn’t have nothing much,” as they all worked at a variety of chores. The youngster learned much of her work ethic from her mother whom she called “quite a woman.”

Read the full feature in the weekend Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

‘Officer Bob’ retires after 34 years

Published

2 hours ago

11/05/2026

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Bob Blackburn has fondly been called “Officer Bob,” for many years and it is a moniker he is happy to carry, spending more than 30 years working with the schools through local law enforcement.
Officer Bob has a heart for service he has shared through a total of 34 years in law enforcement, a lengthy career that comes to an end Oct. 30 as he retires after 25 years with the Bowie Police Department. He will continue as a reserve with the BPD and also wants to substitute teach.
“It’s time. I want to enjoy my kids and grandchildren, picking them up at school and going to games. I have loved working here and there has been an honest effort to get me not to retire, but I am in a good spot,” explains Blackburn one week from retirement.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

(Top photo – Bob Blackburn hugs Mayor Gaylynn Burris as he receives a Bowie Knife plaque at his retirement party Oct. 30.)

COUNTY LIFE

Councilors approve park path project

Published

2 hours ago

11/05/2026

bowienews

The Bowie City Council approved a $950,000 project to improve the walking path at Pelham Park on Oct. 27.
Bowie Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Janis Crawley said the upcoming project will repave 26,277 square feet of pathway in concrete, spanning about 0.6 miles in length.
The work covers the trail section northeast of the Blade, curving past the soccer fields and toward the swimming pool.
Another section goes around the pool and sport courts, then back down toward the Blade. The project will also widen the trail section to eight feet and add a new 36-foot bridge.

Read the full story in your Thursday Bowie News.

COUNTY LIFE

Veterans Day events set

Published

3 hours ago

11/05/2026

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Bowie High School will honor veterans at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 in the high school gym. Staff and students invite area veterans to join them for a veteran’s breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a ceremony where each veteran will be recognized for their service to the country.
Veterans are asked to register at: https://bit.ly/VeteransDay2026RSVP.
The staff of the Montague County Veteran’s Service office is partnering with the American Legion Post 220 for its Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the post home at 801 W. U.S. 82. Veterans and their families are invited to join a complimentary lunch.