Smithville Chapter #374 Order of Eastern Star Installs Officers

March 15, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Officers of the Smithville Chapter #374 Order of the Eastern Star for the ensuing year assumed their new positions during an installation ceremony Saturday at the meeting hall on Market Street.

Dr. Robert R. Atnip was installed as the Worthy Patron and his wife Guylene is the Worthy Matron of the Smithville Chapter.

Other members assuming new leadership roles in the Chapter were Katherine McKeown, Carolyn Williams, Joel Dawes, Patricia Wilt, Mary Gottlied, Louise Knowles, Patricia Tallent, Becky Cowan, John Gottlied, and Wanda Gard.

During the ceremony, Carolyn Williams served as Installing Officer and Van Mathis of DeKalb #488 was the Assisting Installing Officer.

The theme of the Chapter for the year is “Celebrate 2020 Vision in OES” with a motto “to think about a plan for a future with imagination and wisdom” based on Biblical scripture from Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he”.

Following the ceremony, members and guests shared fellowship and a meal.

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women of all faiths may belong. Only men who are Masons are eligible and only women with specific Masonic affiliation may be members. Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with deep religious convictions and spiritual values reflecting the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good. It gives them the opportunity to give a part of their time to many projects that benefit mankind.

March 15, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DCHS Tiny House is still available for sale.

The Board of Education had hoped to award a bid for the sale of the Tiny House during the regular monthly meeting Thursday night but after a month of seeking sealed bids none were submitted.

The board has decided to extend the deadline for accepting sealed bids until the April 9th board meeting. Any bids received will be opened at 7 p.m. that night at the Ernest Ray Education Center.

The Tiny House was recently completed by students in the DCHS Residential and Commercial Construction Class. It is located near the Vocational School.

The minimum bid has been established at $22,600.

The 8’ x 24’ Tiny House stands up to 13 feet and 6 inches and sets on a modified trailer that can be anchored or moved from place to place.

Accommodations in the Tiny House, although compact include a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping space.

Specific features are as follows:

● Mobility by use of a trailer
● Central heat and air unit
● Cooktop
● Solid wood cherry cabinets
● Loft bedroom
● Cherry laminate flooring
● Bathroom with shower
● Metal roof
● Cedar wood siding ( stained and finished)
● 200 square feet including loft

Meanwhile, in his monthly personnel report, Director Patrick Cripps announced that Jodi Lester has been employed as secretary at DeKalb Middle School to replace Doris Graham, who has resigned.

Kelly Huling and Tina Paschal have been granted a leave of absence as requested.

Susan Hinton will be retiring as of June 30.

March 15, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Family and friends joined in the celebration of the 94th birthday for WW II Veterans Edward and Edsel Frazier (twins) Friday at the Smithville First Baptist Church.

State Senator Mark Pody and State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver presented Edward with a state proclamation in honor of the twins adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly. Edsel, who is a resident at the Webb House Retirement Center, was unable to attend

Food and refreshments were served up as well as a birthday cake.

Edward and Edsel were born to Hassie Pearl Hubbard Frazier and Robert Lee Frazier in the Dry Creek Community of DeKalb County on March 13, 1926.

The Frazier brother twins were inducted at Camp Forrest, Tennessee during World War II at 18 years of age. Edward and Edsel both started in the 99th Army Infantry Division and served with General Hodges and General George Patton while crossing the Blue Danube. The twins walked across the bridge at the landing of Normandy in the icy cold water. Their boots were frozen along with the rest of them.

Both have stories about the extreme weather conditions and surviving the war with Edward even going into an old farm house to stay next to a cow to try and get warm. Edward still credits that cow with saving his life after he was separated from the others in his platoon. The other soldiers in the company that night thought he was dead when he turned up missing, but had a good laugh when he finally caught up. These are a few of the memories they love to share, but there were many memories too painful to relay. Edward always talks about seeing so much hunger and to this day has trouble seeing people throw their food away wastefully. Both of the guys couldn’t wait to get back to their home state of Tennessee after the war and to roam in the hills of Dry Creek where they were both born.

Their Rank: Private 1st Class; Edward was recommended for Master Sergeant at the end of the war, but was too anxious to return home to stay in the army. He recalls the joy when told the war was over and everyone was returning home.

Edward and Edsel earned various medals including two battle stars, I Eastern Rhine, 1 European Theatre-medals, along with other awards. During the war, Edsel was hospitalized while Edward’s troop moved on so the guys were separated briefly during the war. The men were discharged in Fort Logan, Colorado in Denver at the end of the war.

A reporter talked to the guys and Edward laughingly told him that they were named by their father who loved his old Model T so much he named them after the Ford’s, Henry Edsel and Henry Edward. This was picked up by the AP Wire and sent all across the U.S. about the Ford Twins.

Through the years, the guys have both contributed much to the community with Edward being active in politics and serving on numerous county committees as well as being elected Mayor of Smithville for two terms. Edsel was a U.S. Postal employee and retired from that position and is also a member of the Shriners. Both have played key positions with their local VFW and American Legion organizations with Edward serving as Commander for many years.

Edward’s daughter and Edsel’s niece Susan D. Frazier Hinton prepared the following remarks for the occasion .

“You can talk to almost anyone in our town and they have a special story to tell about these guys. Edward and Edsel. You hardly hear one name without the other. They looked so much alike when they were young; it was very difficult to distinguish one from the other. In fact, it gave them many opportunities to swap jobs, duties, or even girls.”

“These men have led very interesting and exciting lives and continue to inspire many around them. They have not lost their zest for life, their smiles, or love for others around them.”

“Both served in World War II and both have worked hard all their lives. They were farm boys before they left for the war and helped their father in the fields. Neither had any real toys so they made them out of old wood or whatever they could find lying around.”

“Both married and had a girl and a boy-in that order. My uncle Edsel married first and he had Margaret. My dad married later and had me (Susan), and then my uncle had a son-Eddie B., and my dad had a son a few years later, Edward, JR.”

“Uncle Edsel lost two wives to cancer, but he cared for them until they passed and picked up the pieces. Both these guys lost their only sons who were both found dead in cars in our town. They carried on with hurt in their hearts, but they never became bitter or mad at God, They just missed their sons and went on.”

“My uncle later lost his only daughter, Margaret, to cancer, but he kept on and encouraged those around him. Both of these guys worked until they could work no more because of their health.”

“Now, it is with great joy and happiness I want to wish these two men, my dad and my uncle, a very happy birthday. When I was told to call Hospice a few years ago when my dad had a debilitating heart attack, I just told them, “Thanks, but no thanks for now.” Maybe the time will come when we have to have some help and will call them, but we will know. As most of you know, my dad broke a hip earlier in the year, but he went through his therapy like the champion he is and he never gave up.”

“My uncle was not well during part of last year, but he has come back and is getting to church and visiting his friends, and enjoying his time on this earth.”

“I want to say how proud I am of both of you. You have both loved me throughout my life unconditionally, and you love your friends.”

“You are happiest when you have visitors and you always find something to smile about. My birthday wish for both of you is to cherish the friends who are here today to congratulate you and continue to hold your head high and face every day head on like you always have.”

“Depression twins-You have made it to the other side and we are so glad, Love you both and Happy 94th birthday,” concluded Hinton.

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