Many people say, “There’s just something really special about Celina.” Is it the location? The schools? Is it the land? The community? Obviously there must be something special if multiple generations of families continue to make Celina home.
Family history is a sweet and personal thing. It is an honor and a blessing to have spent time with some very special people here in Celina: Jane Huddleston (you might recognize this family name gracing a building on the downtown square), her daughter Janet Calvert, and Janet’s kids, Katie Most and Jarratt Calvert. We gathered around Jane’s kitchen table and they shared a glimpse into the Celina they have known all their lives.
Faith and family are very important pillars to Jane, Janet, Jarratt and Katie. With every part of our conversation, it was very clear that in addition to the family they were born into, they were part of a family within the community around them. Their community was the neighbors, friends made through church, business owners and staff, and classmates. This family community wasn’t fleeting; there were deep connections made and relationships continued through the generations. Many of Janet’s friends were the children of her parents’ friends and as they grew into adulthood, they chose to come back to Celina. The same dynamic has continued through to Katie and Jarratt’s generation, as they also have friends who share longtime family connections. The younger generation is consciously choosing to surround their family in this way and build a community as they raise their children here as well. Katie and her family moved back to Celina in 2021. She shared that she had a longing to be back here. There was a tenderness and genuine joy in her voice as she spoke about her kids having time with their cousins and extended family regularly. Jarratt and his family, owners of Shades of Green Nursery + Landscape, returned to Celina in 2017 because they knew it was a great opportunity for their family. Katie and Jarratt live only a short distance from one another which in turn is only a few blocks from their dear grandmother’s home.
Jane has lived on the same street here in town her whole life; which is only a few blocks from the square. Jane and her late husband, Billy Ray Huddleston, built their home between her parents’ and his parents' homes. They lovingly raised their four kids here. Imagine growing up with both sets of grandparents surrounding you, seeing all the big and small moments! That’s exactly what Janet’s childhood was like. Janet reflected about running between the homes and playing in the pasture. Janet said, “We never had a babysitter! Our babysitters were always family.”
Likewise, when it was time for Janet and Randy to raise their family, they were only a few blocks from the square and Janet’s parents and grandparents. Katie notes they spent time knowing their great grandparents because they were all in such close proximity. When they later relocated a bit further out of town, Katie and Jarratt still ran around the neighborhoods because everyone knew the kids and everyone kept an eye out for each other. This sentiment was shared by each generation. Then and now, “Celina takes care of its own.” Jane so simply and beautifully summed it up by saying, “If someone had a need, it would be filled by the next morning.”
All four of them had big smiles on their faces as they shared memories of their friends throughout the years. Many of the personal anecdotes were followed by great laughter and many of these stories were memories made on or near the square. What some of us may not realize is the downtown square and surrounding blocks were a thriving heartbeat to the city for many years, even then. Everything that could be needed was there; Jane even had a flower shop downtown. The square has always hosted community events - the Homecoming parade and Community Fun Day were mentioned with fondness and again more laughter. The square is still a very special place to this family. Katie had just spent a day with friends and their kids on the square. “It makes me so happy to see young couples and young families on the square, having a meal, watching their kids play,” Jane said.
Whether the population was several hundred or twenty thousand, this family has a special commonality through their education experiences here in Celina. They all attended Celina schools and are all CHS graduates. The current CISD Administration building on Colorado Street opened in 1943 as the school house. Jane began school here as a first grader noting that Kindergarten wasn’t required. She graduated in 1955 in a class of only sixteen students. Her daughter Janet also attended school in this same building but it was then separated into the north and south ends to divide the elementary and high school students. Janet graduated in Celina’s centennial year, 1976. Later, Katie and Jarratt spent their elementary years in that building but both attended high school at the “new” building located at the corner of Pecan and Preston Road. Their graduating classes were 64 and 86 students respectively. As they shared their memories of the school on Colorado Street, there were lots of laughs and reminiscing about the classes and teachers. Janet later became a teacher and returned to teach in the building when her kids attended there. Jarratt is currently serving on the Celina ISD Board of Trustees.
Knowing the history of Celina is important as this community grows. There is greatness in who and what was here, is here and will be coming here. Hearing stories of all the fond memories also gave glimpses into their personal values and perspectives of joy, grace and hope they each carry for Celina. Their family isn’t just the name they were born into, it is all those around them with whom they do life. Every generation made a conscious decision to get involved in this community. “Celina’s identity is strong, but it is a personal responsibility to maintain that,” said Jarratt. Hearing these words, while sitting with these generous people really impacted my heart. This family has been humbly making a difference in our community for generations whether it be in the classroom, as a business owner, on city council, or on the school board. All hard working people with a servant heart for the community. Therein lies our answer, it is the people that make Celina so special.
Learn more about our local history at the newly renovated Celina Area Heritage Association & Museum, 211 W. Pecan, downtown Celina, TX 75009
Visit Jarratt Calvert's Shades of Green Nursery + Landscapes at 1213 E. Sunset Blvd., Celina, TX 75009, open Monday - Saturday 8am - 5:30pm