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Neches Journeys:
Land, River, and People
Sandbar at Billiam's Creek by Adrian F. Van Dellen.
"Most rivers are 'people rivers,' in that their waters and the attributes of their shores have helped to shape human beings from primitive times on down, forming the ways in which those human beings have lived and labored and regarded the world." – John Graves from his chapter on the Neches in Texas Rivers
Hunters, trappers, fishermen, loggers, outlaws, and bootleggers have all called the Neches Basin home. The Neches River was an important nineteenth-century transportation route, and the surrounding pine and hardwood forests have long been the epicenter of the Texas lumber industry. Deep in the heart of the East Texas "Piney Woods," the river has become a popular recreational area, and towns like Diboll and Lufkin, which owe their existence to the lumber industry and accompanying railroad construction, have grown into vital economic and cultural centers.
Exhibit
"Neches Journeys: Land, River, and People," created in collaboration with The History Center in Diboll, features information about the river, the flora and fauna, and the people and communities of the area in order to convey the rich history and culture of the Neches River Basin.
This sixteen-panel exhibit draws on Richard Donovan's 2006 book Paddling the Wild Neches, which documents the author's solo canoe trip down the 235-mile stretch of river between Lake Palestine and B. A. Steinhagen Lake and includes historical images, contemporary photography, and archival materials from The History Center and other collections.
Exhibit format
| Format | Freestanding |
| Language | English |
| Content | 16 double-sided panels Support poles |
| Space Requirements | Call exhibits coordinator for details |
| Shipping weight and dimensions | Exhibit travels in 2 plastic cases:
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| Rental Period | 4 weeks |
| Rental Fee* | $200 |
*Rental fees are based primarily on the cost of shipping. Prices may vary based on current fuel surcharges or venue location within the state of Texas. Out-of-state rentals are priced on an individual basis. Please call for a rental fee quote specific to your venue.
Neches Journeys: Land, River, and People on display at the East Texas Medical Center in Jacksonville. Photo by Kelly Young, Jacksonville Daily Progress.