The Greater Onalaska Heritage Society Inc. is a
non-profit corporation organized in 1991 for the
purpose of historical research, acquisition, restoration
and preservation of historical sites, buildings,
and artifacts, accumulation of historical data and
publishing of historical books and articles, and
other activities associated with the history of
the Greater Onalaska Area of Texas, in Polk County
whose officers and directors are public spirited
men and women of the Area serving without pay and
contributing of their time and judgment to the end
that this institution may best serve the purposes
for which it is designed.
Originally the Society was given
the old First Baptist Church building built in 1906.
We had the building moved across Beaumont Street
to its present location. As we have learned, it
is quite expensive to maintain let alone restore
this building. The plans for the building, now named
Heritage Hall, and grounds is to be converted into
a Multi-Functional Community Service Center. It
seems especially important to address the needs
of the citizens of the area with a way and means
to focus in and on and learn of civic and cultural
matters, with exposure to the arts, history, and
genealogy, music and theater.
A broad purpose community service
center could help encompass, aid and abet these
needs with a meeting place for local organizations,
and civic clubs, music study groups and recitals,
little theater, museum, etc.
There are fund raisers throughout the
year. Such as helping the Apalachicola Band of Creek
Indians with a Food Fest on the grounds of Heritage
Hall. In the past, some of our local talent has
participated in a “Grand Ole Opry” for
everyone’s enjoyment.
Additionally
we have traditionally entered a float in the Easter
parade, participated in the 100th Birthday Party
for the Onalaska Area, and are restoring a Karma
Ghia. The Karman Ghia and preserves sales are our
fund raisers.
We encourage any and everyone
to join our Society in our efforts to preservation
of ‘Times Gone By’. You can get more
information by contacting City Hall at 936 646-5376
or just drive by 517 South FM 356 and take a look
for yourself. If you feel the need, it’s OK
to pull a few weeds from the flower beds.
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