Janie & Travis Royal Historical Mural Dedication and Open House

A couple weeks ago, we introduced you to Janie & Travis Royal.  The mural was installed on Friday, April 8, 2016. It was designed by Jeff Naukam of the Bubble.

On Sunday, April 10, 2016, the library opened for a special open house and dedication of the mural.  Refreshments were lovingly provided (and mostly handmade) by Bette Bronstad, Teresa Cabano, Loretta Dubois, Terri Grizzelle, Ella Patterson, Donna Peterson, and Bonnie Richards.

Over 80 people came on Sunday to honor Travis and Janie at the open house and enjoyed an exhibit of his photographs and historical objects from the Birdville Museum.

 Library Director, Lesly Smith, gave a history of the mural project.

 Betty Porter, Director of the Birdville Museum and Birdville Historical Society gave a brief history of the Birdville community and the Birdville Historical Society.

Drew Sanders was in attendance and signing his new book, The Garden of Eden (place a hold a library copy).

The mural was made possible by the generosity of the following donors: Ann Bastable, Rodney and Pamela Bland, Jesse (Pat) Brown, Mona R. Brown, Frances Burns, Dr. Norman and Mary Ruth Ellis, Michelle Emery, Don and Terri Grizzelle, Bonnie Jean Hensleigh, Betty Kurecka, Pack Optical, Bonnie Richards, Susan Roach, Ricky J. and Linda R. Roberts, Travis Royal, Lesly M. Smith and David W. Young, Pamela Sonderer, and Patsy Newton Sullivan. 

Janie & Travis Royal Historical Mural

On Sunday, April 10th from 2 – 4:00 p.m., the Haltom City Public Library is privileged to host a dedication and open house in honor of two long time library supporters, Janie and Travis Royal. The Janie & Travis Royal Historical Mural is being installed to commemorate the Royal's dedication to the library and the community.

There will be light refreshments provided by Donna Peterson and the Friends of the Haltom City Public Library. Mrs. Betty Porter, Director of the Birdville Museum and President of the Birdville Historical Society, will give a brief talk on area history.

All are welcome to join us in honoring this couple and their generosity to the library and the community.

Biography of Janie & Travis Royal

 Travis was born in Newark Texas to Dillard and Delora Royal on February 10, 1933.  Janie was born in Itasca Texas to George and Bertha Morrison on January 15, 1934.  They were married on June 6, 1952 and were together for 59 years. They lived in Haltom City for most of their marriage with the exception of Travis’ time in the Army in El Paso Texas.

Travis worked at Convair which is now known as Lockheed Martin after he was honorably discharged from the Army.   He was also attending Texas Wesleyan University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.  He received his degree in education and began his teaching career at W. T. Francisco Elementary.  He then went into Special Education working at Richland Jr and Richland High schools.  He transitioned to Special Services Consultant for BISD retiring after 31 years.

Travis was a Mensa member and avid amateur photographer.  He was awarded Best of Show from the City of Haltom City photo contest three times.  He was awarded Best of Show one time and three honorable mentions from the DFW International Airport Board Employee Art Show.  He was entered as a family member of an employee.

Janie worked as a Special Education Teacher’s Aide starting at O. H. Stowe Elementary and retired from South Birdville Elementary. 

Janie was an avid reader, great cook, and was a very strong person.  She was not easily intimidated by any situation.  Her favorite type of book was the mystery novel. Having exhausted the shelves at Haltom City Public Library of mystery novels she began reading all types of paperback books.  She would pick up a grocery bag full from the library and finish them in a week or less.  

They had two daughters, two grandsons, and eight great grandchildren.  Travis loved his wife and family very much.  He also loved his many friends, photography, and learning about new things.  He had a great affection for his cats Buddy and Charlie.  He was a lover of birds, squirrels, and flowers.  He never met a stranger and never had a bad word to say about anyone.  He was witty, funny, and charming. 

They loved to travel to Las Vegas and California.  Janie especially loved to travel to WinStar Casino.   They owned a house on Lake Graham where Travis enjoyed fishing and just enjoying the nature together with each other and family.