Collierville, TN

Located only a few miles from Memphis, Collierville, TN, is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway, family vacation, group tour, or meeting. You can take a stroll through the historic Town Square that prides itself on its excellent service, quality of merchandise and hometown atmosphere. With its beautifully renovated historic buildings, the square offers a mix of antique stores, for which Collierville is famous; restaurants; gift and specialty stores; clothiers; and an array of professional services.

For those people who either live in Collierville or grew up there, an excellent gift idea for any occasion is a limited-edition print of Collierville. This 16" x 20" print sells for $45.00, plus $7.00 for shipping and handling. For details see http://www.villageprints.com/tncollierville.html

Cochran, GA, Tapestry

A beautiful woven afghan featuring the Cochran, GA, drawing, would make an excellent Christmas or birthday gift for someone who either lives in Cochran or grew up there. If you are interested in purchasing a woven afghan featuring the Cochran drawing, please call 256-767-0422. Only two of these afghans, measuring 36 inches by 54 inches, are still available at $100.00 each. The picture here shows the framed drawing, but the afghan looks identical to the drawing, omitting the frame. The afghan is woven in colors of black, off-white, and beige.

Jasper, AL Color Original

Jasper, Alabama, is located in Walker County, and once ranked among the world's leading producers of coal. The town, named in honor of Sergeant William Jasper, was incorporated in 1888. Famous television and movie stars call Jasper their hometown. Included among the famous are Polly Holliday and George Lindsey, who played Goober on the Andy Griffith Show. Other notables include singer Sandy Posey; U.S. Senator John H. Bankhead II; former speaker of the House William Brockman Bankhead; Alabama millionaire James Stanley Freemand and his son, famed World War II admiral James Shepherd Freeman; and the late Congressman Tom Bevill, who is known for making the first 911 emergency call. The late actress Tallulah Brockman Bankhead lived for a while as a child at her father's home in Jasper. One of the fictional characters from the television show, James "Sawyer" Ford, was originally from Jasper, Alabama.

Anyone who would like to either own a memento of Jasper or give someone else a present commemorating the town of Jasper can do so by purchasing a signed and numbered, 20 inch by 24 inch, hand-pulled, eight-color silk screen original of the town by clicking here.

Camilla, Georgia

Camilla, Georgia, is a lovely town located in southwest Georgia. During 2007 the town celebrated its sesquicentennial; the town was incorporated in 1858. For those people who are looking for that special Christmas or birthday gift or a retirement gift for someone who either grew up or now lives in Camilla, Georgia, a limited-edition print of a composite drawing of Camilla would be a fine selection. These prints preserve the memories of bygone days for people who have a connection with Camilla. To order a Camilla print, please click here.

Camilla is located in the center of one of the most efficient irrigated agricultural production systems in the world. A myriad of crops and products such as peanuts, pecans, pine trees, poultry, cotton, cattle, and vegetables are grown in the fertile fields surrounding Camilla. Camilla has a proud history and a great future.

Many of the beautiful landmarks of Camilla, including many antebellum homes, a historic courthouse and businesses, line Broad Street. Several of the landmarks of Camilla are located on the Village Prints drawing of Camilla.

Lady Bird Johnson, Marshall, Texas, High School Graduate

The world lost a beautiful lady today, July 11, 2007--Lady Bird Johnson, who grew up in Marshall, Texas, and graduated from Marshall High School. She was the wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and was beloved by all Americans. We cannot drive down a highway in the United States in the springtime or summer without remembering this lovely lady whose mission was to beautify the highways and byways of her country. Lady Bird got her nickname from a family maid who said she was as cute as a "Lady Bird." Lady Bird became famous for her work to encourage the planting of wildflowers along our nation's highways (see www.wildflower.org) This sweet Southern lady will long be remembered and revered by her country.

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope, a vibrant and livable Southern city, began over a hundred years ago when an adventurous group of people sought their personal utopia. Come and visit today, and find out why people say they instantly felt at home in this city of 12,000 residents where newcomers are welcomed and friendships are easily forged.

With its location high on the bluffs of the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope has long been known for its lovely parks, rich with moss-draped live oaks, its sweeping panoramic views of Mobile Bay, and its charming and vital downtown where visitors and locals alike find reasons to shop, stroll, and dine. Many famous writers, musicians, and artists have called Fairhope, Alabama, home.

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is the third most populous city in the state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. The city's name is derived from the presence of the Mobile Indians in the area at the time of founding. Mobile is the only saltwater port in Alabama. Located along the northwest shore of Mobile Bay, the city began as the first capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702. Over the past 300 years, Mobile has officially flown six flags, including France, Britain, Spain, the Republic of Alabama (1861), the Confederacy, and the United States.

The Village Prints drawing of Mobile captures the elegance of this fair city.

Springville, Alabama

Historic Springville, Alabama is located 30 miles north of Birmingham adjacent to Interstate 59. With a population more than 3,000 citizens, the town continues to grow because of its friendly people, outstanding schools, and beautiful countryside.

Springville hosts many events throughout the year. These events include cruise-ins featuring antique cars, concerts, firework shows and "Homestead Hollow."

The Village Prints drawing of Springville, Alabama, depicts a church, a section of the historic downtown area, the old depot, the old high school, and the town hall.

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Henderson-ville, North Carolina, depicted in a Village Prints drawing, is a wonderful place to visit. The various landmarks depicted on the drawing include several historical homes, a number of churches, the dome of the courthouse, the old depot, the old high school and the post office. Hendersonville is located in Henderson County, North Carolina, 22 miles southeast of Asheville. It is the county seat of Henderson County. Like the county, the city is named for 19th-century North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Henderson.

The city has an exceptionally beautiful small-city downtown comprised primarily of boutiques, antique shops, and tourist attractions. Its architecture reflects the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hendersonville is also well known for the North Carolina Apple Festival that takes place on Main Street every fall.

Lincolnton, North Carolina

Lincolnton, North Carolina, is depicted in a Village Prints pencil drawing. Included on the limited-edition prints are several historical buildings, including a church, the old high school, the court house, and other significant landmarks.

Lincolnton is the county seat of Lincoln County. Lincolnton, a former textile mill town, is located in central North Carolina, northwest of Charlotte. The community was named for Revolutionary War Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. Gaston College is located in Lincolnton.

Kannapolis, North Carolina

The Village Prints drawing of Kannapolis, North Carolina, depicts several historical buildings such as the old Cannon Mills, the courthouse, city hall, an old movie theater, one of the churhes, etc.

In 1906, James William Cannon bought several farms to build Cannon Mills Company. Under the guidance of James Cannon's son, Charles, Cannon Mills became the world's largest producer of household textiles and a household name. Kannapolis was built as a mill village of small craftsman style homes. The mill employees lived in the homes for a low rent and enjoyed free maintenance, low cost utilities, and free garbage collection and disposal while paying no taxes. The Cannon's also provided a YMCA, a hospital, a police department, scholarships, loans and jobs.
In 1982, California financier David Murdoch took over Cannon Mills. Murdock merged the mill in 1985 with Fieldcrest Mills Inc. creating Fieldcrest Cannon. In 1984, the citizens of Kannapolis voted to incorporate making the largest unincorporated area in the United States the 16th largest city in North Carolina. The Pillowtex Corporation purchased Fieldcrest Cannon in 1997. The City prepared for the day the mill would close. In the mid-1990's, 10 square miles of land to the west of Kannapolis was identified as a growth area and annexed to the city.

Concord, North Carolina

When the new county of Cabarrus, North Carolina, was formed, there was controversy over the selection of the county seat. Finally, a compromise was reached and a new city was formed in 1796. The city was to be located on a 26 acre site and was to be called Concord, which means harmony. The founders felt the name appropriate since there was a coming together of the two factions to create the city. Concord was incorporated in 1806.

The Village Prints drawing of Concord depicts several historical landmarks such as the old court house, the old mill, the post office, the old high school and other buildings.

Concord is located in the Piedmont. Gold was discovered near Concord in 1799, sparking the North Carolina gold rush. The city was the filming location for the 2001 movie, "Shallow Hal." Well-known residents have included William "Billy" Goodman, baseball player.

Attractions in Concord include the Concord Motorsport Park, the Lowe's Motor Speedway, and NASCAR Speedpark.

Jacksonville, Texas

Jacksonville is a city in Cherokee County, Texas. The town is located in an area of rolling hills in East Texas, north of the county seat, Rusk, and south of Tyler, in Smith County, on U. S. Highway 69. Area production and shipping of tomatoes gained the town the title "Tomato Capital of the World". The impressive red iron ore rock Tomato Bowl, built by WPA workers during the Great Depression, is home to the Jacksonville High School Fightin' Indians. The Village Prints drawing of Jacksonville, Texas, depicts several landmarks of the town including the famous "Tomato Bowl" stadium, the Library, the old high school, historical homes, etc.

Annual events include the "Tomato Fest" celebration in June, and the "Tops in Texas Rodeo", held in July. It is the hometown of country music singers Lee Ann Womack and Neal McCoy, Detroit Lions Quarterback Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Luke McCown, Jacksonville Jaguars' punter Toby Gowin, and former New York Jets Tight End and Defensive End Pete Lammons.

Jacksonville began in 1847 as the town of Gum Creek. Jackson Smith built a home and blacksmith shop in the area, and became postmaster in 1848, when a post office was authorized. Shortly afterward, Dr. William Jackson established an office near Smith's shop. When the townsite was laid out in 1850, the name Jacksonville was chosen in honor of these two men.

Monroe, North Carolina

My wife Marie and I recently enjoyed a visit to the beautiful town of Monroe, North Carolina. Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed meeting people like Helen Thomas of the First Citizens Bank, who is also president of the Breakfast Rotary Club. Matthew Sganga, chef/owner of Stone Table Cafe and Catering in Nottingham Plaza (704-225-7675) fed us so well that our mouths are still watering when we think of all of his delicious creations.

Beginning on Sunday, April 8, 2007, our limited-edition prints of Monroe are now being advertised in the Enquirer Journal . The prints are $45.00 each if purchased online. If an organization such as a bank, corporation, church, real estate agency, etc., would like to purchase multiple copies for their stock holders, employees, members, and new home owners, they can purchase as many as 10 prints for $20.00 each. If a family is having a reunion, these prints would make excellent mementoes of their days in Monroe. We will not charge for shipping for this special promotion. Since this is a limited edition, the copies will go fast. Order yours today. Remember to check out the Enquirer Journal each day during April for an image of the prints.

The pencil drawing was done by our daughter, Michelle, whose work has been published in national civic magazines. She has been called "one of the South’s most prolific artists in capturing small town Americana." Her interest in art was sparked while she was a small child looking over her father’s shoulder as he was drawing. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in graphic design, soon afterwards she began working with her father Tommy Thompson, also known for his sketches of Southern towns. The artist's composite pencil drawings reveal a meticulous attention to detail, which gives a delicate quality to the overall print. Her prints have often been used for fundraisers, raising money around the country and receiving greater prominence through features in national magazines. She also produced drawings of the homes of the late record producer Sam Phillips and late author Alex Haley.

Ennis, Texas

Ennis, Texas is famous for the bluebonnets that blanket the hills around the town every spring, drawing about 50,000 visitors each year to an annual festival during the third weekend of April. The Ennis Garden Club has laid out 42 miles of trails that the Texas Legislature named "The Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas." The club provides free maps of trails through fertile farmlands and rolling hills where bluebonnets cover miles of grasslands. The club members provide information on the best areas for viewing the bluebonnets and other wildflowers. The bluebonnet was named for its striking resemblance to the sunbonnets of pioneer women.

Bluebonnets are not the only source of pride in Ennis, which celebrates its Czech heritage each Memorial Day with the National Polka Festival. But it is the state flower of Texas for which Ennis is best known. The sweet-smelling blooms were beloved by the American Indians long before the Czech settlers arrived. A Comanche legend about the origin of the bluebonnets tells of the tribe´s struggle with starvation, cold, and disease. The Great Spirit told the chieftains that their most valued and cherished possessions should be burned and scattered to the four winds as an offering. A little American Indian princess overheard the council and sacrificed her beautiful doll with a headdress from a blue jay. The next morning, where the ashes had fallen, there was a beautiful spread of blue flowers the same shade as the blue jay´s feather. Regardless of how the flowers came to Texas, the bonnet-shaped blooms are a state treasure, especially in Ennis.

To see how a Village Prints artist has preserved the historical heritage of Ennis, click on the Ennis, TX page. These prints make excellent gifts for all occasions--Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, etc.

Marshall, Texas

Marshall, Texas, is just one of the hundreds of towns that I have visited during my unusual career of recording interesting places for future generations (see www.villageprints.com). When I arrived in Marshall, as usual, I visited the old Court House and marveled at this beautiful structure. As I walked around the outside of the building, I was eating a sandwich that I had bought at a local diner. I noticed another gentleman observing this architectural marvel and also eating a sandwich he had coincidentally purchased at the same diner. Since I am interested in the history of towns, as I always do, I asked him where he was from. He answered, "Houston, Texas." Since he is an oil man, I asked him about the prospects of oil exploration in my home state of Mississippi. This is just one incident during my unusual career, but one that is imprinted on my memory.

Marshall, Texas has several famous sons and daughters, Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, graduated from Marshall High School. Lady Bird got her nickname from a family maid who said she was as cute as a "Lady Bird." Lady Bird became famous for her work to encourage the planting of wildflowers along our nation's highways (see www.wildflower.org)

George Edward Foreman , a former boxer, who was a world Heavyweight champion and an ordained Christian minister, was born in Marshall, Texas. George is probably most famous today for his "George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine."

Another famous son of Marshall is the Huddie Ledbetter, a guitarist who wrote such famous songs as "Goodnight Irene"and The Midnight Special." Journalist and television commentator, Bill Moyers, and football great, Y. A. Tittle, are two more famous sons of Marshall.

Marshall is a Norman Rockwell painting that has come to life. Marshall, Texas, is just one of the towns that have been captured on paper by the Village Prints artists. The print can be viewed at http://www.villageprints.com/txmarshall.html. Village Prints has completed drawings of more than 330 towns in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas and have produced limited edition prints of these towns.

The originals are pencil drawings, featuring composites of outstanding landmarks and historical buildings such as those in Marshall, TX. Limited edition prints on parchtone paper are then produced from the drawings.

These art prints, which portray the historical and architectural heritage of Marshall Texas, quickly become collectors' items. Each print is signed and numbered. The art prints make excellent gifts for all occasions and are especially appropriate for professional offices. Some professional people have collected all of the prints of their particular regions.

On the Marshall, Texas page at http://www.villageprints.com/txmarshall.html interested parties may purchase a print of Marshall by clicking on the PayPal logo below the drawing or they may send a check to Village Prints, 209 Shirley Drive, Florence, Alabama.