Residents urged to clean up for 'Texas Highways'
Magazine photographer will visit here next week
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Texas Highways is coming to town, and Wharton residents are being asked to make a good impression.

Members of the area's historical commission said Tuesday a photographer will arrive in town next week to shoot pictures for an upcoming article in the well-known magazine.

Although the photographer will set his sights on high profile locales like the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, the Wharton County Courthouse, the Tee Pee Motel and Dinosaur Park, anything that catches his eye will also be fair game.

That makes it critical for area residents and merchants to spruce up their properties and set out their best, said Jeffrey Blair, a member of the local historical commission.

"We have one week to get the place 'spiffed' up. We'd be foolish not to do that," he said.

The photographer, who lives in Austin, was originally expected to arrive this week. The trip was delayed, though, to provide enough time to clear Monterey Square of the Christmas lights, trees and garland. All of that will be cleared this weekend under the auspices of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce.

"He didn't want a Christmas theme," said local historian Merle Hudgins, who plans on escorting the photographer around town.

It's unknown exactly when the pictures will be taken, though Hudgins said next Wednesday is the most likely time.

She said the weather could play a major factor in the shoot.

The pictures will accompany an article that's due to appear in Texas Highways, possibly in the April issue. Hudgins said Gene Fowler will do the piece. He was in Wharton several weeks ago interviewing area notables and compiling a wealth of information, she said.

Hudgins said the article will center on Wharton as a destination point.

"The article will be about tourism, featuring Wharton as a place to go, see and do," she said.

Hudgins and Blair encouraged area residents to do their part to help Wharton show its true colors.

"The eyes (of the state) will be looking at Wharton through the pages of Texas Highways. We want to look the best we can," Hudgins said.

"We've got a lot of people who will see this," Blair said.