Circa 1950s
THE ITEM
A paper hand-fan on a wooden handle. Edges of the fan are worn and the tip of the stick is broken off. Front of the fan is a color image of “Christ on the Mount of Olives” and shows a wear mark at the top of the stick. Back of the fan has printing that says “Compliments of J.E. Whatley” and describes it as “The Store for Your Needs.” Printed by Empire Trading Company of Fort Worth.
THE HISTORY
John E. Whatley had two stores in Lewisville during the 1950s, explaining the two phone numbers printed on the back of this hand fan and helping to date the item. One was in the Smith Building on the southwest corner of Poydras and Main (opened in 1942), and the other was farther east on Main (opened in 1951 to sell Sherwin Williams paint). Whatley started working at Jacobson’s hardware store in 1918, bought partial interest in 1927 and full interest in 1938. The original store was located on the southeast corner of Main and Mill.
Acquired by Tim Phillips at an estate sale for the family of Urby Nowlin (died 2007).