Stratford House Inn

Historic CHARNWOOD

by VeronicaG

The HISTORIC DISTRICT, which encompasses Charnwood, Brick and Azalea streets, has several lovely homes listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

This district was designated a historic area in 1999. It includes 208 properties and extends for twelve blocks.

Not all of the homes are mansions--some are average size. Homes in the historic district date from the 1860's and later. I included several design styles in my selection of pictures. All are located on Charnwood Street.

As we drove through these streets, large shady trees and mature plantings accented the yards. It was such a pretty residential area!

Pat Gee's BBQ

by american_tourister

"Best BBQ in East Texas"

This place has been here forever and has not changed a bit. Thank God. It is a little slice of the Old South and has the best BBQ you will find in East Texas. It consistantly rates on the top 10 in Texas Monthly and that says a lot. Do yourself a favor and find it. You will not regret the trip. It's so good that my wife had me hand carry some ribs, brisket, and sauce back to California. This is a pic of me and "Dear Old Dad" outside the place.

"The Gee Clan"

Paw Gee (Pat) passed away a few years ago and the place is now run by his son and wife. Here they are cutting up some meat for a hungry customer. That customer would be.... ME.

"The Menu"

It's nothing fancyand that is the beauty of it. They do not make anything else and therfore, don't get sidetracked on side dishes. They are old style BBQ chefs. If you want beans, cole slaw, potato salad or any other stuff;....bring it. Pat's don't get fancy now. Ya''ll bring that there picnic stuff yourselves.

UPDATE - August 2007 I was contacted by Pat Gee's Grandson who has informed me that they now serve beans and cole slaw. I'll bet it is damn good stuff!

"Dad and Ma Gee swappin lies."

There is some good old fashioned story telling that goes on in here. Dad has been coming here since I can remember. He has known these folks just about his entire life.

"Dad by the fire"

No fake fireplaces here like you saw on the 2000 Winter Olympics TV broadcasts. This is an honest to gosh old wood fired heating stove.

"Fixn's fridge"

If you want dog bones they are in the bread sacks and cost $2.00 each. Your dog will love them and you, guaranteed.

"tables and chairs"

Nothing matches. This is part of the charm. The BBQ is why you come here.

"Dead Tush Hog"

Domestic hogs that have gone feral are called "Tush Hogs" in Texas. It refers to their tusks. Here is one that was shot the night before by a friend of the Gees. He wanted to have it smoked by them. Wish I could have had some of that! My wife was flipping out when she saw this one. She never knew that there were wild hogs in Texas. I guess she has never seen "Old Yeller".

"The Store Rules"

No checks and no $100.00 bills. Ma Gee said she would waive that though if you want $100.00 worth of BBQ.