Discover Van Zandt County Historical Commission's History
Van 2nd Graders Get Learn about History of Van
Van 2nd grade students got an in-depth look at the history of Van on May 16, 2025, at the Van Area Oil and Historical Museum. Volunteers from the Oil Museum, the city government, Van Kiwanis Club, Van Fire Department, BASA Resources Inc., the Van Economic Development Board, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, and of course the dedicated teachers of the students, helped to make the event a great success.
Tammy Weidman, City of Van Events Coordinator and Executive Director of the Van EDC, organized the event, now in its third year. She was on hand to ensure all went smoothly, which it did. John Beall, President of the Board of the Oil Museum, also was there to greet the kids. Lisa Mays-Gonzalez of the Historical Commission showed the students interesting facts about Van history and about the two historical markers at the Oil Museum: the “Pure Oil Company Camp” and the “Railroad Spur Line to Van Oil Field.” Jeff Hudgens, Interim Van City manager, told kids about the old log cabin at the museum, and assured them that it is not haunted!
Glenn Moore of the Van Kiwanis Club told of the work of this club in the community. Luke Hudgens and Lane Schlottman of the Van Fire Department showed the students a fire engine and the equipment fire fighters use to protect the public. Mark McClanahan, of the Oil Museum board, showed the kids the old farming equipment that farmers used, and how important farming was to the area.
Van’s deep history in oil production was a key feature of the day. BASA Resources oil company employees Reed, Dalton, and Zach provided a fascinating look at one of the oil pumpers on the site and how it works. Volunteer Johnny Thomas showed students the oil derrick at the museum and how drilling took place.
Van teachers played a vital role in making sure the students were in the right places during the event. And the students were impressive! Congratulations to their families.
New Historical Marker in Van, Texas
Van 2nd grade students got an in-depth look at the history of Van on May 16, 2025, at the Van Area Oil and Historical Museum. Volunteers from the Oil Museum, the city government, Van Kiwanis Club, Van Fire Department, BASA Resources Inc., the Van Economic Development Board, the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, and of course the dedicated teachers of the students, helped to make the event a great success.
Tammy Weidman, City of Van Events Coordinator and Executive Director of the Van EDC, organized the event, now in its third year. She was on hand to ensure all went smoothly, which it did. John Beall, President of the Board of the Oil Museum, also was there to greet the kids. Lisa Mays-Gonzalez of the Historical Commission showed the students interesting facts about Van history and about the two historical markers at the Oil Museum: the “Pure Oil Company Camp” and the “Railroad Spur Line to Van Oil Field.” Jeff Hudgens, Interim Van City manager, told kids about the old log cabin at the museum, and assured them that it is not haunted! Glenn Moore of the Van Kiwanis Club told of the work of this club in the community. Luke Hudgens and Lane Schlottman of the Van Fire Department showed the students a fire engine and the equipment fire fighters use to protect the public. Mark McClanahan, of the Oil Museum board, showed the kids the old farming equipment that farmers used, and how important farming was to the area.
Van’s deep history in oil production was a key feature of the day. BASA Resources oil company employees Reed, Dalton, and Zach provided a fascinating look at one of the oil pumpers on the site and how it works. Volunteer Johnny Thomas showed students the oil derrick at the museum and how drilling took place.
Van teachers played a vital role in making sure the students were in the right places during the event. And the students were impressive! Congratulations to their families.
62nd Birthday
The Van Zandt County Historical Commission celebrated its 62nd anniversary on Monday, January 20, at its regular public meeting at the Sarah Norman Public Library in Canton, Texas. It was a quiet celebration, after regular business had been conducted.
Commission members Linda Mays and Lisa Mays-Gonzalez donated the festive anniversary cake enjoyed by all. Members reminisced about the Commission’s many accomplishments and challenges in recent years—including the Covid pandemic, which never stopped the group from meeting and working. Effects of Covid and other matters did delay the Commission’s 60-year celebration, which would have taken place in early 2023. The Van Zandt County Historical Commission was created on January 19, 1963, and has worked to tell the story of the county’s past since then.
Elvis Allen, Chairman of the Commission, noted that the group is looking to the future. “We are focusing on outreach, in person and through our website and our Facebook and Instagram pages. We’re continuing our work on getting historical markers approved in the county, recognizing historic businesses and finding historic cemeteries. The Commission is not alone in preserving county history: We’re working with the many history museums and associations in the county to make sure as much of our past is preserved and available for future generations to enjoy.”
