Author, Robert LeLeux Guest Blogs with The Pulpwood Queens!

Dear Pulpwood Queens!!!
God bless you all, and God bless the cornbread sandwiches and buttermilk pies of Jefferson, Texas!!!
I want you to know that sometimes I return from a trip somewhere, and I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. But after Jefferson, I felt rejuvinated, although much fatter! You know, gluttony is my major sin, and I believe I ate my body weight during my visit.
Kathy Patrick, you are a light, and I can't believe what a special place, and group of people you've created. Tiajuana and Lauren and Bill and Darla, and all the rest, did we have FUN or what?
Even if we did get our hair wet in the rain.
Thank you so much for inviting me and my family down to your truly special little town. And for feeding us like show hogs. And for inviting us back for Girlfriend Weekend!!! My mother's coming, and my best friend Jessica Phillips has already planned the diet she's going on so that she can eat whatever she really wants when she arrives.
Jessica and I both commented that Jefferson felt just like going home, except without having to put up with your sister-in-law!

MUCH LOVE,
Robert Leleux

P.S. Dear Readers,
The photo is from your left to right, Michael, Robert's partner, Robert LeLeux, middle, and Robert's father, Mr. LeLeux.
Tiara wearing and Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com

The Pulpwood Queens Celebrate Pilgrimage!

Dear Readers,

Two events made me want to move and live in historic Jefferson, Texas. The first was Jefferson's Candlelight Tour of Homes which is "It's a Wonderful Life" come to life that happens the first two weekends in December. The second event was Jefferson's Historic Pilgrimage Weekend which always occurs the first weekend in May. Check out the events below and if you want to step back in time and see small town life in it's finest, come no further. We have something for everybody!

Tiara wearing and Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
P.S. For the best on Jefferson's history and folktales, purchase at the Jefferson Historical Museum, Jefferson: Riverport to the Southwest by Dr. Fred Tarpley and for the best on the ghost stories and folk tales, you may purchase all over town including my shop, Mitchel Whittington's Ghosts of East Texas! And the book I have dubbed the Gone with the Wind of East Texas, Love is a Wild Assault by Elithe Kirkland. You will not be disappointed!

RE: 61st ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TOUR OF HOMES & SPRING FESTIVAL “SWEET MEMORIES OF THE PAST”

MAY 2-4, 2008

Take a trip into the past as you step into a world of long ago but not forgotten as you enter Jefferson’s Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s “61st Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Homes & Spring Festival” on May 2, 3, & 4, 2008.

Titled “Sweet Memories of the Past”, this very Southern and genteel affair features four of Jefferson’s oldest and most beautiful homes. Festooned with fresh flowers and period furnishings each home is reminiscent of a 19^th century Jefferson.

The renowned “Diamond Bessie Murder Trial” holds this year’s performances in the historic Ruth Lester Memorial Playhouse May 1- 4. Tickets may be purchased by calling (903) 665-6075.

Special Attractions to include: Tours of the Excelsior House, elegant 1850’s hotel; Pilgrimage Parade; Tours of the Atalanta, Jay Gould’s opulent railroad car; Fine Art Exhibition & Sale and music at the Cypress Valley Center; Crafts Fair & Plant Sale in William Perry Park; and Twilight Garden Stroll.

Attractions:

v Battle of Port Jefferson Re-enactments

v Riverboat Rides along Big Cypress Bayou

v Jefferson Historical Museum

v Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum

v Living Room Theatre

v Jefferson Guard “Presentation of Colors” Re-enactment

v Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours

v Steam Engine Train Rides

v Antique & Gift Shops

v Restaurants

v Historic Churches

v Historic Oakwood Cemetery

For additional information contact: The Excelsior House Hotel

211 W. Austin

Jefferson, TX 75657

(800) 490-7270 or (903) 665-2513

Website: www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

*Press Release for Immediate Release:*
*April 30, 2008*
*Jefferson, Texas*
The Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
celebrate
Pilgrimage
in historic Jefferson, Texas!
featuring
Author,
Rosemary Poole-Carter
of
What Remains, Juliette Ascending and
Women of Magdalene
Author,
Joyce Brooks,
Author of Around the World In the Middle Seat: How I Saw the World
(and Survived!) as a Group Travel Leader and
Seven Before Seventy:
One Woman's Quest for the Seven Continents,
Rickey Pittman,
Author of Jim Limber Davis:
A Black Orphan in the Confederate White House,
and
Stories of the Confederate South
at
Beauty and the Book
608 North Polk Street
May 3rd, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Pulpwood Queens will also be hosting a
Book and Lawn Sale
on the grounds.
For more information call 903-665-7520

RE: JESSIE ALLEN WISE GARDEN CLUB’S “PILGRIMAGE CRAFT & HEIRLOOM PLANT SALE” MAY 2-4, 2008

This year’s 61^st Anniversary of the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Homes promises flowers, plants and crafts for admiring and purchase.

William Perry Park located between the Excelsior House Hotel and the Jefferson Historical Museum, 211 W. Austin, will be the site where 23 vendors will offer “hand-made” items.

Reminiscent of a 19^th century Jefferson, plants, florals and herbs from this historic era will be displayed and for sale and will include such favorites as, “Rose of Sharon”, “Old-Fashioned Flowery Almond”, “White Blooming Wisteria”, “Cast Iron Plant” and more.

Dates and time: Friday & Saturday, May 2-3: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 4: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Additional information: Excelsior House Hotel

(903) 665-2513

RE: JEFFERSON “TWILIGHT GARDEN STROLL” MAY 2 & 3, 2008

Stroll leisurely through Jefferson’s loveliest gardens, May 2 & 3 between the hours of 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. as The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club offers another attraction to this year’s “60^th Annual Pilgrimage Tour of Homes and Spring Festival” aptly named a “Twilight Garden Stroll”.

View five beautifully appointed gardens in Jefferson’s historical district.

Garden locations:

203 E. Dixon (Azalea Inn)

601 E. Jefferson (Dale & Diane Vaughn)

402 E. Jefferson (Marshall & Diana Walla)

409 S. Alley (House of the Seasons)

This attraction if FREE and open to the public.

For additional information contact: The Excelsior House Hotel

211 W. Austin

Jefferson, TX 75657

(903) 665-2513

RE: WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT – MAY 1-4, 2008

* “61^st ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TOUR OF HOMES & SPRING FESTIVAL”

Friday-Saturday, May 2-4 @ 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Tickets: Excelsior House Hotel

(903) 665-2513

www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

* DIAMOND BESSIE MURDER TRIAL PLAY

Thursday-Sunday, May 1-4

Location: Historic Jefferson Playhouse

Tickets: (903) 665-6075

* TWILIGHT GARDEN STROLL

Friday-Saturday, May 2-3 @ 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

203 E. Dixon

601 E. Jefferson

402 E. Jefferson

409 S. Alley

FREE and open to the public.

(903) 665-2513

* PILGRIMAGE CRAFT & HEIRLOOM PLANT SALE

Friday-Saturday, May 2-3 @ 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 4 @ 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

William Perry Park, 211 W. Austin (Between the Excelsior House & Jefferson Historical

Museum)

(903) 665-2513

* PILGRIMAGE “FINE ART EXHIBITION & SALE AND QUILT SHOW”

Friday & Saturday, May 2-3 @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Jeffersonian Institute/Cypress Valley Education Center, 120 E. Austin

FREE and open to the public

(903) 665-3635 or (903) 665-2513

* PILGRIMAGE PARADE

Saturday, May 3 @ 10:00 a.m.

Parade Route: Henderson/Market/Austin/Polk/Broadway

(903) 665-2513

Click on above photo to see video of reenactment of Battle of Port Jefferson

* “BATTLE OF PORT JEFFERSON” CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT

Friday, May 2 @ 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Living History @ Tuscumbia Ranch (Hwy 134)

Saturday, May 3 @ 10:30 a.m. “Skirmish” Austin & Vale Streets

Saturday, May 3 @ 4:00 p.m. “Battle” Tuscumbia Ranch

Sunday, May 4 @ 1:30 p.m. “Battle” Tuscumbia Ranch

(903) 665-2672

www.jefferson-texas.com

* “BATTLE OF PORT JEFFERSON” 1864 Ladies Tea

Saturday, May 3 @ 1:00 p.m.

Location: House of the Seasons

Period Attire Required

(903) 665-2672

* SOUTHERN HERITAGE GRANDE BALL

Saturday, May 3 @ 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Location: Jeffersonian Institute/Cypress Valley Educational Center

Period Attire or Formal Dress

(903) 665-2672

* CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT “PRESENTATION OF COLORS”

Sunday, May 4 @ 10:00 a.m.

Location: Christ Episcopal Church

(903) 665-2672

* BULL DURHAM PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS:

“BATS IN YOUR BELFRIES” Comedy/Melodrama

Friday & Saturday, May 2-3

Dinner: 7:30 p.m.

Play: 8:00 p.m.

Tickets & information: (903) 665-6481

www.bulldurhamplayhouse.com

* AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT

Thursday, May 1: “Scott Campbell” (Ballads/Guitar) @ 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Friday, May 2: Karaoke @ 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 3: “Dennis Ross & the Axeberg Brothers” (Southern Rock & Roll) @ 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

(903) 665-7121

* SCARLETT O’HARDY’S GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM

Thursday-Friday, May 1-2 @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 3 @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

(903) 665-1939

* THE GROVE (HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR)

Saturday, May 3 @ 5:00 p.m.

(903) 665-8018

* * Call to confirm dates and times

* HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY

Friday, May 2 @ 9:30 p.m. (Ghost Train)

Saturday, May 3 @ 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Day Excursions); 9:30 p.m. (Ghost Train)

Sunday, May 4 @ 12:30 p.m. (Day Excursion)

(866) 398-2038

www.jeffersonrailway.com

* HOUSE OF THE SEASONS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

Daily @ 11:00 a.m.

(903) 665-8000

* * Call for reservations

* VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

Saturday, May 3 @ 1:00 p.m.

(903) 665-3938

* * Call for reservations

* MCKAY HOUSE HISTORIC HOME TOUR

Daily @ 11:00 a.m. or by appointment

(903) 665-7322

* BIG CYPRESS COFFEE HOUSE

Friday & Saturday, May 2-3: Karaoke, etc. @ 7:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight

Additional evenings by request

(903) 665-1665

* * Call for details

(903) 665-6655

* JEFFERSON GHOST WALK

Thursday-Saturday, May 1-3 @ 8:00 p.m.

(903) 665-6289

* * Call to confirm dates and time

* THE HAUNTING OF URQUHART HOUSE OF ELEVEN GABLES

Friday & Saturday, May 1-3 @ 10:00 p.m.

301 E. Walker

(903) 665-6289

* * Call to confirm dates & time

* LIVING ROOM THEATRE ONE WOMAN PLAY “TEXIAN WOMAN”

Friday, May 2 @ 8:00 p.m.

(903) 665-2310

* JEFFERSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Open daily – 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

(903) 665-2775

* JEFFERSON CARRIAGE CO.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Historical Tours of Jefferson by Horse and Carriage

Specializing in Weddings

(903) 399-8882

* * Call to confirm hours of operation

* “LONE STAR CARRIAGE COMPANY OF JEFFERSON, TEXAS

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Historical Tours of Jefferson by Horse and Carriage

Specializing in Weddings

(903) 926-8216

* * Call to confirm hours of operation

* JEFFERSON MULE DRAWN WAGON TOURS

Thursday-Saturday

Additional tours by appointment

Historical Tours of Jefferson by Mule Drawn Wagon

(903) 930-7224

* EXCELSIOR HOUSE HOTEL & JAY GOULD RAILCAR

Tours daily @ 2:00 p.m. or by appointment

(903) 665-2513

* JEFFERSON RIVERBOAT TOURS

Tuesday-Friday, April 29-May 2 @ 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 3 @ 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

(Weather permitting)

Closed: Sunday & Monday

(903) 665-2222

* * Call to confirm tour times

* “JEFFERSON BICYCLE COMPANY” BICYCLE RENTALS

210 W. Austin (Across from Jefferson Historical Museum)

Each Thursday-Sunday @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

(903) 930-7862

* * Call for reservations or stop by

* H & D EXOTIC DEER FARM & OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS

359 P.R. 5730 & Hwy 729

Open: Sunday-Friday (Closed: Saturday)

Tour times: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

(903) 665-9625

* * Reservations required

* JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Monday-Tuesday @ 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

(903) 665-8911

* * Free Internet Access

Additional tourist information & tours:

Marion County Chamber of Commerce

118 N. Vale

Jefferson, TX 75657

(903) 665-2672

www.jefferson-texas.com