The state historical marker for the East Texas Serenaders from Smith and Wood Counties was dedicated Monday afternoon on West Commerce Street in Mineola, complete with comments from Mayor Jayne Lankford, City Manager Mercy Rushing, Landmark Commission Chairman Jim Phillips and Main Street Manager Doris Newman.
And in fitting style, the event included the band Skillet Licorice striking up their instruments for a lively street performance of “Mineola Rag” and “Combination Rag.” The band is from California and offered to participate in the dedication after learning about it from the Wood County Monitor. They are playing a concert at Select Theater this evening, Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
Mayor Jayne Lankford welcomed the group and talked about the importance of Mineola’s history. Mr. Phillips talked about the East Texas Serenaders and City Manager Mercy Rushing spoke about Mr. Phillips’ hard work and dedication to historic preservation. Newman introduced the Mayor.
The marker was unveiled by a member of the band and Sue Wisdom, whose father worked at the post office with one of the members of the band, Pat Bogan. The Serenaders were skillful musicians who played for a decade from 1920 to 1937. They sometimes performed in Hainesville on the back of a trailer, but also played at the Adolphus and Baker Hotels in Dallas, as well as in Houston and Oklahoma.