Good Morning, Justin!

Hope you’re all rested up from the Thanksgiving food coma, because December has arrived—and she did not come to play.
Time to swap leftovers for holiday magic, kick off the cheer, and dive headfirst into the most festive chaos of the season. Let’s do this, Justin!

THE DIGEST

On Saturday, 11/29/25, Old Town came alive for Small Business Saturday, with vendors lined all the way down 4th Street and up Sealy Ave. Shoppers enjoyed photos with Santa, warm cups of hot chocolate and coffee, and plenty of opportunities to discover (or rediscover!) the great businesses tucked along those streets.

We hope you had a chance to swing by, say hello, and maybe even pick up something cool from one of the amazing local makers and shops. Supporting small businesses is what keeps our community thriving—thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate!

The Justin Heritage Foundation is inviting community members to help preserve the history that makes Justin special. Their biggest project right now is restoring The Gaston House, a charming early-1900s farmhouse full of character and North Texas heritage. They’re currently in Phase 1—stabilizing the foundation, roof, and exterior so this historic home can be enjoyed for generations.

By becoming a member, you’ll be part of the team keeping Justin’s story alive. Members receive newsletters, early access to event tickets, invitations to monthly meetings, and opportunities to volunteer on restoration and community projects. With active participation, members can also earn voting privileges and even serve on the Board.

Your support helps protect the few remaining pieces of Justin’s past—before they’re gone. History shapes our future, and together, we can preserve it.

Join today and help keep Justin’s heritage alive.

A parent and volunteer at Justin Elementary asked us to share this: With 145 students receiving free or reduced lunch, Christmas break can be especially challenging for these families.

They’re putting together “Christmas Snack Kits” with breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the holiday. If you’d like to help, you can purchase items from their Amazon Wishlist.

Every contribution helps make the season brighter for these kids!

Looking for a cozy, quiet spot to unwind with a great adult beverage? Grapes to Wine has you covered. The doors are open for anyone 21+ to come relax, sip, and breathe a little easier.

Dan and Hazel bring a true passion for wine—and for bringing people together. This isn’t their first rodeo either. They successfully ran a beloved wine lounge in Bartonville, TX, for 10 years. Now in Justin, they’re leveling things up with not only wine, but also Bourbon and Beer.

You’ll often find occasional live music floating through the space, making it the perfect place to settle in after a long day or kick off a weekend with friends.

📍 112 W 4th Street, Justin
⏰ Hours:

If you need a peaceful spot to sip and stay awhile, this is it. Cheers!

^{Nothing paid for here. Just information we think you’d like to know about.}

December is here, y’all—and she showed up like, “Hope you’re ready!”
Now that we’ve recovered from our Thanksgiving naps, it’s officially time to crank up the cheer, chase down all the festive fun, and see what Justin and our neighboring towns have in store this week. Let the holly-jolly chaos begin! We are constantly adding to the Holiday newsletter as well as our online calendar.

Monday~ Dec. 1

Tuesday~ Dec. 2

Wednesday~ Dec. 3

Thursday~ Dec. 4

Friday~ Dec. 5

Saturday~ Dec. 6

Sunday~ Dec. 7

_{Upcoming:
12/13~ Justin Old Town Christmas
12/10~ Polar Express Movie at Marty B’s}

A Little Justin History: Meet Louis Tate Jr.

When you look back at Justin’s very first city council—known back then as our Aldermen—one name you’ll spot quickly is Louis Tate Jr. He wasn’t just on the list; he was the third-highest vote getter, which tells you folks around here already trusted him.

According to early records, Louis was a local druggist (basically the neighborhood go-to before we called them pharmacists). He was born in 1916, married Mary Emma Owens in 1944, and together they raised one son James L Tate and two daughters, Martha and Mary Ann.

Louis wasn’t just involved—he was everywhere. A few highlights from his community résumé:

While we don’t yet know the full impact he had during his time as an Alderman—and unlike two of the others, there’s no school named after him—the Tate family still left a lasting mark on Justin. In fact, the library is named after his wife, Mary Emma Tate, who lived an incredible life and passed away here in 2022 at the age of 102.

Louis himself passed in 1990 and is buried in Weatherford, but his family’s legacy continues to be part of Justin’s story.