Photographs of historic Farmersville events, celebrities, along with stems of liatris, a perennial wildflower, native to the Texas Blackland Prairie, adorned tables at the Preservation Celebration last weekend. Courtesy Ben Cardon
Preservation advocates and local historians gathered at Farmersville High School on April 25 for the annual Preservation Celebration and awards ceremony. The Collin County Historical Commission hosted the event to honor people and groups who work to protect the county’s history.
The Farmersville Heritage Museum and the Farmersville Historical Society organized the event. Wylie’s former mayor Eric Hogue, chair of the Collin County Historical Commission, opened the program. Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector Scott Grigg offered the county welcome. Richard Holbrook led the invocation. Farmersville Boy Scout Troop 310 presented the pledges.
Guests enjoyed breakfast appetizers inspired by historic Farmersville cookbooks and specialty coffees before the program. Misty Wiebold, chair of the Farmersville Heritage Museum, welcomed attendees and set the preservation theme. Tables featured historic photographs and stems of liatris, a native Texas wildflower.
Several awards recognized contributions to preservation and education. Katie Dunham of Plano parks and recreation received the Collin McKinney Achievement Award. Lacinda Russell of the Weston Heritage Guild earned the Excellence in Historical Education Award. Tyler Hoskins of HOS Scans LLC received the Leadership in Preservation Award.
Farmersville resident Linda Hess, a member of the Farmersville Historical Society, was honored with the Living Legacy of Collin County Award. Reed Foley of the Collin County History Museum received the Young Visionaries Award. Paula Ross of the Allen Heritage Guild was recognized for her continued contributions and also highlighted for receiving the Texas Historical Commission’s John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award.
“I appreciate so much being honored with the Living Legacy Award of Collin County. When I became a member of the Collin County Historical Commission 24 years ago, I never dreamed of this day,” Hess said. “It has been an honor researching the history of sites and people in Collin County. I am so thankful that I was able to preserve a little history! It has truly been my joy.”
Keynote speaker Bryon Wiebold, former mayor of Farmersville, spoke about the people and places that shaped the town since 1873. He pointed to notable locals such as world champion bronc rider Monty “Hawkeye” Henson, jazz guitarist Herb Ellis and drill team pioneer Gussie Nell Davis. “In a small place, truly big things can happen,” Wiebold said.
He also noted the influence of Audie Murphy and the role downtown businesses played in the town’s identity. “Audie Murphy carried Farmersville with him across the world,” Wiebold said. He praised local storytelling and the press. “The Farmersville Times didn’t just report history — it lived it,” he said.
Wiebold closed by urging people to stay involved in their towns and to value local stories. “When small towns decide that their story matters … they don’t just survive. They lead. They inspire. And they endure,” Wiebold said.
The Collin County Historical Commission acts as the county’s official representative to the Texas Historical Commission. The 20-member group, appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court, supports preservation and education efforts across the county. The ceremony highlighted current work and encouraged ongoing community support for local history.
