The recent fire at Trice Carpets, the second in the store’s 49-year history, won’t keep this Lakewood institution out of business.

The store has temporarily moved next door from its 2108 Kidwell location while it is renovated from the damage of the recent fire.

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“As soon as the building is remodeled and we can redo our interior, we plan to move back in,” says owner Jeanine Wehby. “It should take about three months.”

It seems that fire is the only thing that can get this business to move. The original owner, Willie H. Trice, kept it at its first location on Gaston across from El Chico for 29 years until smoke and water damage from a neon sign fire forced a move to the location that burned last month.

“We don’t dare leave the shopping center,” Wehby says. “That’s where our customers come. They know we’re here.”

Wehby’s husband, Joe, started as salesman at Trice in 1955. He became manager in 1980 and after five years bought the business. He recently passed away, but his sons, Bret and Keith, carry on the Trice tradition.

The fire is under investigation by the Dallas Police Department’s arson division. Lt. Marcus Dollar says it was intentionally set, but there are no suspects.

News & Notes

REUNION SET: Woodrow Wilson’s classes of ’49 and ’50 will hold a combined reunion Oct. 14-15. The event will be kicked off Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. with a refreshment mixer at the Lakewood Country Club. On Oct. 15 at noon, a box lunch will be served at Woodrow and the Variations show choir will perform. The final event will be Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner dance at the Lakewood Country Club. Admission for all events is $50, and reservations won’t be accepted after Oct. 1. Send checks and reservation requests to Woodrow Wilson Reunion, c/o Frank LaBarba Jr., 6417 Malcolm, Dallas 75214.

BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA: Neighborhood residents Hunt Batjer and Clifford Schold Jr. were recently included in the 1994 edition of “The Best Doctors in America.” They were selected by their peers, and only two percent of doctors nationwide receive such recognition. Both are faculty members of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

LETTERS TO MOROCCO: Neighborhood resident Dorian Berman recently left for Morocco with the Peace Corps. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson in ’90 and received her BA degree from the University of Texas in May. Her parents, Walter and Imogene Berman, are encouraging neighborhood residents to write her letters of support. For the next few months, letters can be sent to Dorian A. Berman, PCT, s/c Corps de la Paix, 1, rue Benzerte, Rabat, Morocco North Africa.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: Neighborhood residents Todd and Darlene Calvin’s son, Austin Todd Calvin, was born July 21 and weighed seven pounds, 15 ounces.

NEW DEAN: Stephen Gardner, a Lakewood resident, was recently appointed assistant dean for clinical education at the Southern Methodist University School of Law. Gardner has been teaching the school’s Civic Clinic since 1992. In his new position, he will supervise the clinical program, which includes four community service programs that provide legal assistance to selected low-income county residents.

PUBLIC FORUMS: Colonial Presbyterian Church will be holding monthly public forums to discuss neighborhood issues. The first forum is scheduled Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the church, 9353 Garland. Rev. Kerry Slinkard will host the forums, and topics will include hospice programs, crime, White Rock Lake and parenting. Suggestions for future topics are welcome. For information, call 328-2625.