In this heartwarming photograph, a father guides his two curious children through the captivating bird exhibit room at the Old Fire Station Museum. Nestled in a 1940 WPA-financed firestation, this museum offers a blend of permanent and changing exhibits, including the renowned Don Meredith Memorabilia Exhibit. As they learn about the birds and immerse themselves in the displays, the family discovers a treasure trove of history and culture in Mount Vernon's beloved museum on South Kaufman Street.

The Thruston House, erected circa 1868, holds its ground with captivating connections to Henry Clay Thruston, the Confederate giant of both stature and legend. This charming 2-story dog-trot dwelling embodies the essence of 19th-century Southern architecture, revealing secrets of ingenious cooling methods amidst sultry summers. Thanks to generous patrons, the restoration effort breathes life into Mt. Vernon's intriguing past, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in a compelling chapter of American heritage.

Built around 1868, the Thruston House stands proud on its original site, with intriguing ties to Henry Clay Thruston, a towering figure both in height and Confederate history. This 2-story dog-trot house, embracing the 19th-century Southern architecture, witnessed the sweltering summers and ingenious cooling techniques of the era. Its restoration, fueled by generous donors, preserves the legacy of Mt. Vernon's past, drawing visitors into an enthralling chapter of American heritage.

Embrace the serene beauty of Dupree Park Nature Center as you meander along its enchanting 57-acre nature preserve. Embraced by a lush canopy of verdant trees, the primitive, winding walking trails beckon nature enthusiasts to uncover the wonders of flora and fauna marked by informative signposts. Birdsong echoes through the air, inviting bird lovers and wanderers alike to immerse themselves in this idyllic haven. The park's pavilion adds a touch of charm, making it an ideal spot for reunions, celebrations, and cherished moments in the lap of nature's embrace.

Photograph of the text on a historic marker about Bankhead Highway, America's first transcontinental highway, which spans from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, California and passes through Texas. This image was taken in Mount Vernon, Texas, where Bankhead Highway serves as Main Street.

Annotated draft of a sidebar about adaptive reuse in Mount Vernon, Texas that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Part of a query letter regarding an article about Mount Vernon, Texas that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Text for a sidebar about adaptive reuse in Mount Vernon, Texas that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Research about Bankhead Highway compiled for an article that was published in the October 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Brochure for the Bankhead Highway Film Festival in Mount Vernon, Texas from June 25-26, 2015.

Series of educational panels containing images related to the Bankhead Highway with corresponding facts and trivia questions.

Email from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) inviting recipients to workshops in Big Spring, Weatherford, and Mount Vernon to increase tourism in relation to the Historic Bankhead Highway.

Text for an article about the Tri-Lakes area in East Texas that was published in the August 2003 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Document containing an educational panel for Bankhead Highway, titled, "No More Horsing Around by 1928," with a historic photograph and a related fact and trivia question. Each part of the panel has been labeled (clockwise from top left): Large humorous title, short narrative, historic photo, Bankhead sign, question, fun graphic, QR code, and "trompe l'oeil" frame.

Photograph of the text on a marker for Historic Roadside Park, an early roadside park built in Mount Vernon, Texas from 1939-1940.

Text about Texas roadside signs and the Route 66 Museum that was published in the "When..." section of a September 1997 Texas Highways magazine article.

Text about the Tri-Lakes area in East Texas that was published in the "Essentials" section of a September 1996 Texas Highways magazine article.

Research for an article about the Tri-Lakes area of East Texas that was published in the August 2003 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Photograph of a Gulf Refining Co. filling station in Mount Vernon, Texas, taken from a right-side angle. The building is visible in the central and right portions of the image, surrounded by a dirt lot. A sign that reads, "That Good Gulf Gasoline," can be seen to the left.

Document containing an educational panel for Bankhead Highway, titled, "Lighting the Way for Change," with a historic photograph and a related fact and trivia question. Each part of the panel has been labeled (clockwise from top left): Bankhead sign, large humorous title, short narrative, historic photo, question, fun graphic, and "newsprint."

Photograph of West Main Street in Mount Vernon, Texas. Four individuals are walking side-by-side through the snow on the left side of the photograph, between a Mobilgas sign in the center of the image and the gas station building to the left. Other Main Street businesses can be seen on either side of a snow-covered road in the background. A car is driving past the camera to the right.

Text for an article about Mount Vernon, Texas that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Research about Mount Vernon, Texas compiled for an article that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Draft of an article about Bankhead Highway that was published in the October 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.