My most recent problem was when the doctor’s called me to remind me of my appointment with the dermatologist to have a skin cancer that had been developing over the past year removed. They attempted to remove all of the cancer, which has resulted in a nice little hole in my left cheek. I attempt to hide this from the people who come into the store, and as I am trying to organize and concentrate on my thoughts for the upcoming week, I lose all of my thoughts for comments.

I do have some interesting facts of history concerning the public school system. I think back to the one room log cabin that I have read so much about and the historians have described the building as open under the gables where air would come through and the school was closed during the winter months. The school was only in session three of the warmer months during the year. The only subjects taught during the beginning years of 1858 were reading, writing and arithmetic.

If you have access to the Bates, Denton County History and Reminisces, you can turn to page 56 in this history book and see the first school in this area. It was also used for the Masonic Lodge and the origination of the United Methodist Church. The church was organized in this one room log cabin that had only a dirt floor for many of its beginning years.

Dr. George Key was the organizing pastor and was encouraged with the help of Rev. A.C. McDougal who was an early day circuit rider. The log cabin group was sponsored by the First United Methodist church on Lamar Street in Dallas. While the early day pioneers were accustomed to the discomforts of the cold building and dirt floors, we enjoy our more comfortable surroundings.

This past Sunday our church was honored to have a group, Soundscape, perform and conduct our worship service. This group is a very talented group of singers. Soundscape is a small ensemble of the Women’s Chorus of Dallas. Soundscape has twelve singers and is co-directed by Lamar Sims (pianist) and Colleen Darraugh (the church’s music director).

This group has performed for the Queen of England, at the inauguration of Governor Ann Richards, in the Texas Celebration, and at Carnegie Hall. The singers of classic as well as contemporary music performed the prayer from Hansel and Gretel at the service at the Aubrey Methodist Church. They also performed "Reflections" from Mulan, a Disney movie. Mark Stamper is the director of the 100 women choir.

Colleen Darraugh is the choir director for the Aubrey Methodist Church with the assistance of Shelly Torres-West and Pat Harmon, pianist. Colleen and Shelly are leading the local choir practice that is conducted on Sunday mornings in Collins Hall of the historical church. They have extended a welcome to other singers who wish to join the group in the weekly practices which are held one hour before the morning worship service which is under the leadership of Rev. Linwood John Roberson.

After the service on Sunday morning, I forgot about my failing eyesight and the cheek cancer and now am ready to report some old news from more than 100 years ago.

On September 9, 1910 – From the Aubrey Herald – Pavilion completed at Belew Cemetery. R. H. Ezell superintended the job. It is 100 feet in circumference, nicely seated, well lighted, and ventilated with a driveway through the center.

On January 18, 1890 – J.D. Pugh has set up a brick kiln south of Aubrey and is burning excellent bricks.

On December 25, 1908 – County attorney Charles May and Sheriff Orr announced their intention to stop raffling, and also the sale of cold drinks on Sunday in Denton County. They give fair warning to all parties that from now on they intend to enforce the law which prohibits both practices.