Proceeds to fund renovations for new Town Hall

By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Town of Petrey is stepping into a new chapter of its history with the purchase of a century-old house and its adjoining property. The acquisition marks the beginning of an ambitious project aimed at meeting several community needs, including the addition of an official Town Hall, a law enforcement substation, office space for the local volunteer fire department, a food and clothing pantry and even a community garden.

The ambitious project began when Petrey Town Clerk Sue Beasley and Mayor Pro Tem Laura Petrey Elliot, proposed the idea to the town council. The council quickly approved the venture, recognizing the potential impact the initiative could have on the community as a way to address multiple community needs.

“Petrey has never really had an official Town Hall,” said Beasley. “The council has always met at the Petrey Community Center, and our fire department doesn’t have adequate office space. This project will help centralize our services and better serve our residents.”

To fund renovations necessary to bring their vision to life, the town has compiled a cookbook titled “Tastes and Traditions of Petrey.” Priced at $20 for local delivery and $25 for shipping, the cookbook features 150 recipes contributed by Petrey residents and others, alongside historical photographs and stories from the town’s past.

In addition to cookbook sales, the town’s leaders will offer sponsorship opportunities after purchase of the property is finalized. Individuals and businesses can support the project by sponsoring specific rooms or areas of the house, which will be named in their honor.

Texas natives Ronnie and Kathy Hamilton have called Petrey home for over a decade and said they are fully behind the initiative. According to Kathy, the cookbook is a testament to Petrey’s rich history and community spirit. 

“Living in our peaceful rural community, with just one stop sign and serene surroundings, is such a blessing,” Kathy said. “Petrey has so much to offer — like a tornado shelter, a quarter-mile asphalt walking trail, a kids’ playground, and a responsive volunteer fire department that’s always ready to help. As a proud resident, I truly admire Mrs. Sue Beasley’s hard work on the cookbook. It’s filled with unique recipes, many from our older residents that you won’t find anywhere else, along with intriguing bits of Petrey’s history. It’s a wonderful read and a fantastic recipe collection. For $20.00, it’s a treasure and a bargain.”

Elliot, a descendant of the town’s namesake, George Petrey, spoke passionately about her connection to the town and its future. 

“I’ve lived here all my life, and Petrey is very important to me,” said Elliot. “This project is a step toward making our town an even better place to live. The cookbook is more than a collection of recipes; it’s a reflection of Petrey’s heart and heritage. We hope it not only raises funds but also strengthens the sense of community pride.”

To purchase a cookbook or for more information on the project, contact Sue Beasley at (334) 268-6724.