For more information, contact:
Stephanie Fontenot
Nacogdoches CVB Marketing Director
(936) 564-7351
In addition to launching her book “Saving the Oldest Town in Texas” during a reception Thursday at the Charles Bright Visitor Center, author Dr. Linda Thorsen Bond also will officially introduce another recent addition to the oldest town in Texas – the center’s new pressed penny machine.
During the launch, which will occur from 4 to 7 p.m., Bond will make the first ceremonial crank on the machine, which includes four Nacogdoches designs.
“The event presented a unique opportunity to highlight both,” said Sherry Chaney Morgan, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are honored to host Bond, whose historical novel highlights rich Nacogdoches history. It’s exciting to have an event that highlights both our city’s past and present.”
“Saving the Oldest Town in Texas” is based on a true story. When Col. Benjamin Wettermark emptied his own bank and skipped town in 1903, he left his wife, his children and his Nacogdoches mansion behind. The search for the former East Texas mayor made headlines in every newspaper in the United States, as he broke the economy of the oldest town in Texas and the hearts of his family.
Dr. Bond, a former Nacogdoches resident herself, combined history with a modern-day tale of restoring a deteriorating mansion. Bond won two Telly awards this year for a television production of her work, and wrote and produced historic events for the Old University Building, scripts for living history tours at Oak Grove Cemetery and was on the board of Friends of Historic Nacogdoches.
Historians who helped with research for the novel also will be present during the event. A map of the locations featured will be available.
The Charles Bright Visitor Center is located at 200 E. Main Street in downtown Nacogdoches. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the novel, go to www.lindathorsenbond.com.
