New member joins Linden Heritage Foundation
Sandra Westbrook Skoog is returning to her hometown and joining preservation movements such as the Linden Heritage Foundation. Skoog became a member of the foundation board of directors Saturday at its second annual membership meeting where members heard an report that included nine achievements.
The achievements cited ranged from saving an historic water tower, to launching a firehouse restoration project and playing a major role in Linden’s selection as a Main Street City for 2017, one of two towns chosen in the state. All nine accomplishments are listed below.
Skoog was elected to the board of directors to replace one-year appointee Dr. Jim Jacobs, now living in Arizona. Other members elected to continue serving are Jana Bounds, John Knapp, Ron Calhoun and Joe. B. Lovelace.
Skoog said she wants to be part of the town’s revival because she remembers its strength so well when she was growing up here. Her connections with Linden are strong. A 1974 graduate of Linden-Kildare High School, she was the daughter of Edward Westbrook, the county school superintendent during the 1960s.
“I remember how the town square would be filled with people on many occasions when there would be town happenings. Everyone really cared for one another and I know that will only happen again if we work hard and together.” Skoog said.
She pointed out that foundation membership categories and prices are $15 student, $35 individual, $100 business and $100 sustaining member.
“Join the foundation,” she suggested. “Join with us.”
Another way of contributing is by joining one of six teams., she said.
The teams are for historical research, downtown survey and architectural review, cemetery reclamation, archeological site planning, publicity and a team for membership.
The nine accomplishments were these:
1. Saved the 1934 water tower from demolition.
2. Secured a place for the 1939 firehouse on Preservation Texas Most Endangered list.
3. Launched firehouse restoration project.
4. Qualified both firehouse and water tower for National Register of Historic Places.
5. Facilitated winning application to become Texas Main Street City.
6. Clearing brush Old Macedonia Cemetery, now planning for maintenance.
7. Documenting the Jefferson and Northwestern Railway operating from 1899 to 1941.
8. Qualifying work and boundary settings for Linden’s proposal to become National Historic District.
9. Research for State Antiquities Landmark for 1856 Cass County Jail, 1856 Old Veal Brickworks, the 1861 Cass County Courthouse and other early buildings
In its meeting, the foundation also released a three-page outline of its expenditures and expenses, which shows a balance of $26,928.01 on hand Dec. 31, 2016.
The founders of the Linden Heritage Foundation in 2015 were Dr. Jim Jacob, Joe Lovelace, Sam Higdon and Sue Lazara. The foundation has more than 200 members