The dedication of the Gainesville "Great Hanging" monument took place on Saturday, October 18, 2014, a beautiful fall day in Texas. And, it was a memorable day for those of us who were able to attend.
We started the event with an excellent luncheon at the Lions Field House of the North Central Texas College in Gainesville. The luncheon was provided by the Texas State Historical Association and the Lone Star Chair in Texas History. I was able to meet and visit with many people who previously I had only had the chance to correspond with.
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| Luncheon |
After the luncheon, we attended a theatrical reading called "October Mourning" at the Center for Performing Arts on the NCTC campus. “October
Mourning” was a 45 minute theatrical reading of the events of
that terrible October in 1862, by local actors portraying historical characters connected to the events of the hanging. We were able to hear the story of the Great Hanging from the perspective of those
who were there. The program helped all of us better understand the feelings, emotions, and fears of the time from both perspectives.
Following the reading, Dr. Richard B.
McCaslin answered questions from the audience about the Hanging.
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| Dr. McCaslin answering questions |
After the program, everyone met at the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park for the monument dedication. The monuments were covered when we arrived. Most took the time to check out the names on the pavers that were placed next to the monuments.
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| Checking out pavers prior to unveiling |
Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Richard "Rick" McCaslin. Gainesville Mayor, Jim Goldsworthy, gave the welcome address and then we heard from guest speakers.
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| Mayor Goldsworthy at podium |
There was a reading of the names and bell ringing for all the men who died during the "Great Hanging."
Finally, the unveiling of the Monuments
I wish to Thank the committee for all their hard work to make the memorial a reality.
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