Magnolia Memories

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. She left Magnolia for periods of time for college, World War II, and the Korean War. Her husband was a radioman in the U. S. Navy and they lived in various areas of California. They decided they wanted to raise their children in the country, thus the move back to Magnolia. During World War II she was a dispatcher for the Civilian Pilot Training Program for Aviation Enterprises at Municipal Airport. They were awarded the contract to train young ladies to ferry airplanes during the war to relieve male pilots for overseas duty. In June 1952 Celeste began her career as a superintendent's secretary for the Magnolia Independent School District. She worked in that capacity for 34 years, retiring in 1985. Since retiring she has continued to work half-time for the district. She is an active member of the Magnolia Beautification/Historical Committee serving as Secretary/Treasurer for the past ten years.