I can’t believe March is almost over. I guess time flies when you enjoy your job.
A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of presenting Edgar Rust an award for being in business over 60 years. I thought I would share the back story with you. In 1945, Houston Utility Shop was born. The reason: C.C. Tuttle wanted to help a friend, Sam Gilbert, who had lost a foot in an accident. Gilbert was only a partner for a year. In 1948, Tuttle bought the old Sanks property on U.S. 63, land that was considered impossible for a building site because it was much lower than the highway. On this site, Tuttle constructed a new modern building with his home on the west end.
In January 1957, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Tuttle Jr. sold Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Rust, Houston Utility Shop. The Tuttles also had a propane company and by selling off the utility shop, they could devote more time to their propane business. C.C. Tuttle and Edgar Rust were brother-in-laws. Rust had worked for Tuttle for 10 years. Tuttle said that Edgar was an outstanding electrician, sheet metal worker, plumber and knew how pump and water systems worked. This would be the end of the name, Houston Utility Shop. It would now be called Rust Utility Shop. The location where Rust Utility Shop is now was built in 1964 (from the Houston Herald archives).
I’ve known Edgar my whole life. He is one of the humblest people I know. He will celebrate a milestone birthday in a few months. What an outstanding achievement to be in business for 60 years.
We just had our Spring Bazaar and it was very successful. Our next event will be the May 6 indoor yard sale at the community building, followed by the circus on May 18 at the fairgrounds.
On March 11, my mother, Gayla Bratton, and I went to Jonesboro, Ark., to watch the Monster Truck Destruction Tour. It snowed 3 ¾ inches while we were there but it didn’t seem to stop the monster truck fans. They were standing outside in 32-degree weather waiting to get in. I’m really excited to bring this event to the Houston. I don’t think anyone will be disappointed by the show. The monster trucks that are coming to Houston are Skully, Craniac, X-Maxx, Bad to the Bone and Heavy Medal. There will also be a Monster Ride Along Truck. For $10, he will take you for a spin around the arena. A word of warning, don’t wear white like I did.
Something new we’ve added this year is a swap meet. It will be on July 28-29 at the fairgrounds. We have something planned for every month but April. There was going to be a gun show, but due to time constraint issues, he decided not to have one here this year.
I love this town, and my goal is to fill the calendar with events the whole family can enjoy. A common misconception is you must own a business to be a member. You do not have to own a business to be a member. I would like to encourage everyone to become involved in the chamber. We have a monthly luncheon the first Wednesday of the month. We meet at noon at the Lions Club. My door is always open, and I encourage you to drop by and visit with me.