Coterie Club finds humor at ET Oil Museum

The Coterie Club of Kilgore met at The East Texas Oil Museum on Thursday, Mar. 9 at 9:30 a.m. Hostess was Carol Walker, and cohostesses were Christi Langley and Sue Lynn Florio. The group was joined by The Kilgore Woman's Club. Members from both clubs were served fruit punch, coffee, finger sandwiches, meatballs, pastries, fruit, and cookies. Serving tables were adorned with sunflowers and wooden oil derricks.

Joe White, the museum director, provided the program. He was introduced by Gina Joseph. Mr. White's presentation was titled, "Finding Humor at the East Texas Oil Museum." He talked first of the museum's positive impact on the local economy. Visitors to the attraction spend approximately $10 while they are in Kilgore. With one million visitors since it's opening, the museum has become a staple of tourism in the East Texas area. He then told funny stories that have happened over the years concerning various visitors and tourists. One little boy thought the scenery was real and that he was actually outdoors, so he relieved himself right there on the spot. Another tourist could have sworn that the mules' tails really swished when she walked by. When she returned to show her friends, they were upset to learn that the mules were stuffed and not alive. Also, a visitor to the museum looked unhappily at the sign, "Don't Mess with Texas." Mr. White noticed her concern and tried to explain the reason for the slogan. To Mr. White's dismay, she told him she still did not like it. Kitty Carlisle, a celebrity best known for "What's My Line?" paid a visit and was offended by the old fashioned ways of the early boomers. Mr. White mentioned that the wives stayed home, cooked, cleaned and took care of their husbands while they worked. Her response was "That is so sexist!" All in all, the program provided an informative and humorous perspective of the East Texas Oil Museum unknown to many.

Members attending the meeting were Cynthia Adams, Joyce Ballenger, Wanda Bittick, Evelyn Bolding, Pat Boyd, Margaret Cibele, Pam DeCeault, Ann Dorney, Janie Edmonds, Sue Lynn Florio, Margie Hall, Virginia Hudson, Barbara Kiser, Christi Langley, Chris Little, Carolyn Martin, Betty Maurer, Brenda Maxwell, Dianne Miller, Kathe Miller, Helen Padgett, Johnna Spradley, Carol Walker, and Jo Ann Whiteside.