Gilmer

Carved out of the virgin East Texas forest in the early days of Texas statehood, Gilmer has a diverse and rich history, evolving from a center of cotton production to a town enjoying a lumbering boom at the dawn of the 20th century. Many associate the city with its well-known fall festival-the East Texas Yamboree-celebrated annually during the third weekend of October. Created to publicize the production of sweet potatoes in the sandy soils of the county, the Yamboree has adapted to changing times as it continues into its eighth decade. Proud of their traditions, the people of Gilmer and the surrounding Upshur County face the challenges of the 21st century with confidence in what they have accomplished.

A native of Gilmer, author Mary Laschinger Kirby has both a bachelor and master of arts degree in history from Southern Methodist University. Having spent 10 years with the Historic Upshur Museum, she has accessed her personal collection of historic photographs, the files of the Gilmer Mirror, and the Hays Collection for this book. A member of the East Texas Historical Association, Kirby has also contributed to several publications, including Early Days in Upshur County and Reflections of Upshur County Texas.