I would like to submit a story...perhaps to a reporter.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram did a story on it on Monday, 9-5-11. http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/09/04/3337134/downtown-nocona-is-undergoing.html My father, Dan Fenoglio, is currently leading the pack in revitalizing the downtown area of Nocona, TX. The buildings are amazing. I can send photos but do not know if you want them. There is no other town, especially one of 3,000 people, that are doing something like this.
Below is an article a local wrote, just to give you an idea of what is going on.
Municipal Metamorphosis
August 9, 2011 written by Larry Carter.
If you have not recently traveled the historic ribbon of asphalt that parallels the Red River’s journey across North Central Texas, you may be unaware of the rebirth of community pride and architectural renovation that dominates Highway 82 in Nocona.
A newfound sense of enthusiasm and purpose is reshaping the historic structures bordering the hand-laid bricks of Clay Street on its path northward towards the Red River Valley.
The varsity team of Dan Fenoglio and Pete Horton are major players in the revitalization of Nocona’s historical business district. Dan and Pete are both local products for the futuristic plans of structural integrity and renovation.
Nocona’s legacy lies not only in the past insight of the world-famous Justin Boot family and their development of the industry standard for western style footwear , or in the historic American made products of Nocona Leather Goods, or in the proud spirit that formed this century old community from hostile frontier Indian Territory.
Nocona’s best days lie in the future, in the manifested architectural achievements and dreams of downtown merchants under the aggressive leadership of Mayor Robert Fenoglio and City Manager Lynn Henley.
Centrally located within an hour’s scenic drive from Dallas/Fort Worth or Wichita Falls, Nocona is poised to be the next tourist destination for fun-loving Texans in their quest to explore a week-end of traditional Texas music and big city cuisine. Nestled midway between the Indian casinos of Interstate 35 and Interstate 44, Nocona is destined to rival the Ft. Worth Stockyards or Fredericksburg for historic adventure and entertainment.
Several building renovations have already been completed while several more are under immediate construction. Daddy Sam’s Saloon was the first to receive Dan’s architectural reconstruction...It’s now host to numerous private and corporate gatherings including promotional photo shoots for name-brand western apparel, masonic celebrations, Dallas restaurant conventions, private parties and many more noteworthy visitors.
Next the kindled flames of renovation spread south to the neighboring structure. Transforming the skeletal remains of previously owned commercial bricks and mortar into a compatible neighbor for Daddy Sam’s Saloon, aptly entitled Gertie’s Dance Hall. Gertie’s place is home to the monthly assembly of musical enthusiasts known as ” Nocona Nights “, managed by the guitar picking school superintendent from Prairie Valley, W.R. Tucker. Area bands from the Fort Worth Stockyards often provide traditional Texas music within the western atmosphere of Gertie’s Dance Hall.
The Honorable Mayor Robert Fenoglio likewise joined the frenzy of restoration by converting a former nursing home into a modern motel and r.v. park under the licensed trademark ” The Veranda ” , located on Hwy.82 across from the areas newest and most authentic western museum.
Other local merchants have joined forces to change the appearance of down-town Nocona as well.. Those ambiance improvements include the recent birth of “Times Forgotten” steakhouse from the imagination of Harold Reynolds. Tyler Thomas’s renovation of the “Edward Jones ” office building , Rusty and Carolyn Fenoglio’s remake of their New Orleans style Drug Store, and Jimmy Tompkins surgical conversion from Stone’s Mens-wear to a theatre also breathes new life into the aging inter-city buildings..
Last but certainly not least is the monumental undertaking of Pete and Barbra Horton, owners and operators of PEBA Oil and Gas. They are in midstream reconstruction of the entire west side of upper Clay St. A complete and detailed project reproduction featuring New Orleans style architecture.
The Nocona natives are constructing a new corporate empire within the patina covered walls of past enterprises. Amid massive ornate beams, archways, cathedral ceilings and hidden passages, just down the block from the total reconstruction of the sixties era Lipscomb Dry Goods. It will serve as a place to store and display Pete and Barbra’s automotive collection.
One block east from their automotive museum, the detailed duplication of a fifties era Texaco Service Station is being assembled inside another historic enclosed store-front, for additional classic car housing and display.
Be careful when walking the scenic sidewalks of down town Nocona, you could easily trip over exposed enthusiasm and plunge headlong into a state of excitement and unified purpose.
Thank you for your consideration.
