01/23/2026
Cee Vee, Texas was originally founded as part of the Mill Iron Ranch. My grandfather, one of the early residents, was one of eighteen children. The 1930’s forged the grit and determination of our family and the close-knit community of Cee Vee, with its stores, post office and cotton gin.
The glue of this little society was the school, where my grandmother was the cook. Somehow crafted of meager ingredients from what we called, “The Commodity Line”, the menu always included her homemade rolls. When the smell of my grandmother’s rolls floated through the halls, love of family and the strength of community surrounded the children.
Once in a while entire families fell on hard times. Without condemnation or scorn, they would be invited to the school for a warm meal, they would be helped harvest their crop, or extended credit at the store. Now when asked if there was one word that would describe Cee Vee, all residents have said without hesitation, “Home”.
In this place of strength, comfort and security, the children were free to learn and challenged to think, but permitted to fail. From these humble beginnings, the children of Cee Vee reached the highest levels of success and meaning in their lives.
I am convinced that the love of one’s place points to something deeper than personal security and material comfort. It expresses a deep desire of every human being to be known and cared for.
The connection between the love of one’s place and dedicated service to one’s community is central to my desire to re-establish Cee Vee as a center for learning and distiller of purpose.
