Honey Grove, Texas -- A large group of well-wishers were on the Honey Grove Square on Saturday morning for the presentation of the Texas Business Treasure Award to Johnnie and Geneva Smith of Smith Feed & Seed, in recognition of the fact that the business has been in operation for more than 50 years. The award is sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission.
Claude Caffee, mayor of Honey Grove, welcomed many distinguished guests. The invocation was presented by Rev. James Rogers of the First Baptist Church. The colors were posted by Honey Grove Cub Scout Pack 51.
Claude Caffee presented to Johnnie and Geneva Smith a City of Honey Grove proclamation declaring the day to be Smith Feed & Seed Day. Tom Thornton, chairman of the Fannin County Historical Commission, presented the Texas Business Treasure Award, commenting on both the historical significance of the business and also the historical significance of the building, which was built of stone from the nearby Floyd Quarry. Mr. Thornton also complemented the Honey Grove Preservation League, which sponsored the award, for its work.
Representative Ralph Hall presented Mr. Smith with a flag which had flown over the Capitol Building, and spoke of the values of small towns. He said that while in Washington D.C. individuals denigrated one another, in small towns like Honey Grove citizens honor one another.
After the ceremony, those in the crowd reminisced with one another about their experiences with Mr. Smith and his store, which has been frequented by several generations from many families.
