These local institutions celebrated notable anniversaries this year

Half Price Books celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2022. Photo by Renee Umsted.

Restaurants, nonprofits, religious groups, businesses and volunteer organizations in East Dallas celebrated milestones in 2022.

For some, their founders are long gone. But for others, owners are still getting to see their hard work pay off.

We’ve compiled a list, from oldest to newest, of the locally owned institutions that had a notable anniversary this year.

An honorable mention goes to the Lovers Lane Central Market, which turned 20 this year.

For other annual recaps, check out the restaurants that opened and closed in 2022.

Juliette Fowler Communities: 130 years

Housing for residents of all income levels is available at this campus.

CC Young: 100 years

Originally located in Oak Cliff, CC Young moved to East Dallas in the 1960s.

East Dallas Masonic Lodge 1200: 100 years

This lodge was originally known as the “Policeman’s Lodge” because of the many officers within its membership.

Willis Winters (formerly Randall) Park: 100 years

The park recently celebrated its centennial with the ribbon-cutting on the new soccer field.

Stakeholders cut the ribbon on the renovated soccer field at Willis Winters Park

Ribbon-cutting at Willis Winters Park. Photo by Renee Umsted.

Mount Auburn Elementary: 100 years

The school opened its doors in January 1922 to ease overcrowding at nearby Oran Roberts Elementary.

Stan’s Blue Note: 70 years

The bar on Greenville Avenue was founded by E.E. Stanley in 1952, and it was known as a great place to hear live music.

Bethany Christian Church: 70 years

Congregants of the church that would become Bethany Christian Church initially met at Lakewood Elementary School, before they purchased a property at the corner of Oram and Alderson.

Medallion Center: 60 years

New tenants have moved in, and a renovation project has been ongoing throughout the year at the shopping center dreamed up by W.W. Caruth Jr.

Half Price Books: 50 years

Though this is a national company, the flagship store is located on E. Northwest Highway.

Shakespeare Dallas: 50 years

The first production was performed at Fair Park in July 1972. Back then, Shakespeare Dallas was known as Shakespeare Festival of Dallas.

John’s Cafe : 50 years

Kids love the Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes at this local diner on Greenville Avenue.

Demo Spyropoulos carries plates of food out to customers at John’s Cafe in Dallas, Texas on Friday, July 8, 2022. Photography by Emil Lippe.

Lakewood Service League: 40 years

The all-women philanthropic group celebrated this anniversary with the unveiling of a new playground at Lakewood Park.

Kalachandji’s Restaurant: 40 years

Located on the same property as the Radha Kalachandji Temple, this vegetarian buffet has been serving hungry customers for decades.

Kalachandji’s Restaurant. Photography by Yuvie Styles.

White Rock Lake Task Force: 25 years

The membership has changed over time, but this group still meets regularly to discuss all matters related to White Rock Lake Park.

Four Day Weekend: 25 years

Though this comedy group is based in Fort Worth, a location opened in Lower Greenville several years ago.

Talulah & Hess: 20 years

The gift shop isn’t in its original location, but thanks to thoughtful curation on the part of owner Elizabeth Mast, there’s always something for everyone in the store.

Dallas United Crew: 20 years

Athletes of all ages and income levels have rowed for DUC, and some of them have even earned college scholarships through the program.

The Pour House: 20 years

Owner Matthew Rangel likes to think of his business, which opened July 2002, as a neighborhood pub.