Celeste - Paperback

Celeste Graves was born in Magnolia, Texas August 30, 1919. She graduated from high school in 1935 at the age of 15. There were only eight in her graduating class. After leaving Magnolia for short periods of time for college and then during World War II and the Korean War to join her husband, a radio operator, at several military bases in California, she always returned to Magnolia. They finally settled there and raised two children. Celeste is a believer in preserving history for future generations. In 1993 she published a 600 page book called "Magnolia Memories." Her dad was a photography buff and had many photos of early Magnolia. Many of these are in the book, which also recorded biographies of early settlers. She is secretary-treasurer of the Historical Committee in Magnolia. As their main project, an old depot that was built in 1902 was purchased and renovated and has a small museum in its freight room. A historical marker was obtained and the building was dedicated this year. During World War II she was a dispatcher for the Civilian Pilot Training Program for Aviation Enterprises at Municipal Airport. A contract was awarded the company to train women pilots and Celeste stayed on as dispatcher.