Highway 190 Livingston to Jasper - part 3

Suzanne and I once again took to Highway 190 in deep East Texas. As the afternoon began to wane, we looked forward to taking a break and relax a bit. Our next stop was the Belle-Jim Hotel, a 1910 historic bed and breakfast location on the Jasper square. Arriving at the bed and breakfast hotel exhausted, we were tickled pink to find out our room was on the first floor. Our hosts were friendly and gracious. They treated us like family.  With domino games going on in the dining room after dinner, it felt like a Saturday night at grandma’s house!

The next morning Suzanne and I were refreshed from a great night’s sleep. With the lure of fresh brewed coffee in the dining room, we slipped silently down the hallway and sat down at an empty table. Almost immediately, a happily smiling gentleman (the owner) brought us some coffee to kick off our day. A home cooked breakfast was soon to follow. What a great way to start off our adventure! Talking to our hosts after breakfast, we learned that General Patton and General Eisenhower once frequented the Belle-Jim Hotel back during pre-World War II training exercises.

With new found energy and caffeine induced awareness, we jumped back on Highway 190 and headed toward the rising sun. Our next adventure leads us to Newton, a very small town close to the Louisiana border. Up north from there we checked out the even smaller town of Burkeville. Driving through the forest along small winding roads with the windows down was very invigorating and refreshing, but it was time to head home.

On the way back, we had one more stop to make in Jasper, the Jasper County Historical Museum. This small museum on the courthouse square brings local history to life. Two very outgoing ladies offered any assistance or information needed to make our tour of their museum exceptional. To our surprise, the first thing we saw was a model of the battle of the Alamo. Who would have thought we would see this in East Texas. Other items of note include battle sabers, Texas revolutionary era muskets, an excellent rock and gem collection; World War II military items, and even early bass fishing tackle. The most unique display was the office of Joe Halbert Tonahill, an American trial lawyer who was Jack Ruby’s defense lawyer after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Mr. Tonahill’s office was truly Texan in décor! Included in Tonahill’s collection were the hand sketches by a trial illustrator.

Suzanne and I left the museum a lot more knowledgeable about Jasper and the surrounding area.  Driving back home was as joyful as the ride out. Traffic was light and conversation about our visit memorable. While Lake Sam Rayburn and fishing may be the big draw to this area, it’s the warm and friendly people we met along Highway 190 that left a lasting impression on us. So when you are looking to get away from the big city, don’t forget to include East Texas. Beautiful lakes, towering pine forests, rolling hills and country fresh air will engulf your senses as you see Texas Thru My Back Door!