Published: May 28, 2009 03:01 pm      

Chisholm Trail marker dedication, Saint Jo

The City of Saint Jo and the Saint Jo Historical Preservation Society announce the dedication of the first of the Chisholm Trail markers to be installed in Montague County. This dedication will take place on June 5 at 5pm on Saint Jo’s historic square. Join us for this celebration of our western history.

Billy Cate, professional cowboy singer and president of the Johnson County Historical Commission, will officiate the dedication. He will be accompanied by Eagle Scout Zack Interrante. Zack has earned his Eagle Scout honor by working on the maker project. The Chisholm Trail Marker project has been Mr. Cateís passion and he has funded the markers that he is dedicating all along the Chisholm Trail.

The Saint Jo Riding Club accompanied by the Montague County Mounted Sheriffís Posse will do the presentation of the colors. Montague County Judge, Ted Winn will say a few words about the pride of Montague County. Junior Class President, Maria Schoppa will speak about the importance of the history of the Chisholm Trail to her age group at the event. Saint Joís own John Glaze will have Tales from along the trail.

The Saint Jo Community Choir will perform a selection of folk songs.

Billy Cate, a Texas singer, songwriter, musician will be performing some of his original songs. Born in Texas, Billy is a true Texas cowboy. His career as an entertainer began about the age of eight with a Gene Autry guitar and a twenty-five cent songbook. He built his career singing at popular clubs and private parties throughout the Southwest United States. He performs at these venues but also keeps the Old West and cowboy music alive by performing in his own western setting called Chisholm Town. He and his wife, Carolyn, built Chisholm Town on the Old Chisholm Trail in central Texas. They now live in a log house there on the trail near the river where cowboys camped and bedded the cattle down for the night.

Beans and cornbread will be served by the Century Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Come and help us celebrate this unique way of commemorating Saint Jo’s place on the Chisholm Trail.