In the annals of world history, it would be a bit presumptuous to say the vote for or against Preston Hollow independence was a watershed moment.

But the decision 55 years ago to change Preston Hollow’s status from independent town to City of Dallas neighborhood clearly has far-reaching implications, even today.

Imagine, for example, how different things might be if our neighborhood school system was independently run – as in the Park Cities – rather than a part of the Dallas Independent School District.

Or if a Preston Hollow City Council had sole authority to chart a course governing tear-downs.

What if all residential and commercial zoning decisions were made right here in Preston Hollow rather than in downtown Dallas?

And how would a separate city of Preston Hollow have impacted home values here?

Interesting questions all, and ones worth pondering as you read our story this month about “Do-It Yourself Government” and Dallas’ longtime quest to annex Preston Hollow (as well as Highland Park and University Park).

The answers to at least some of these questions aren’t necessarily obvious. But our story will tell you a lot about the development of Preston Hollow over the years, and you’ll find out just how close our neighborhood came to remaining a separately chartered city once upon a time.

And you’ll have plenty to talk about with friends and neighbors at holiday parties this season when you discuss the tale of a town that voted itself out of existence.

This is our last quarterly issue of the year, and I want to thank you for joining more than 200,000 readers this month who are enjoying our magazines in Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood and Lake Highlands.

We’re always looking for ideas about issues you would like to read more about, people you would like to learn more about, or neighborhood business people you’d like to see highlighted. Please give me a call or drop me a line with your ideas, and we’ll try to include them in upcoming magazines.

We’ll be back again in March with another issue of Preston Hollow Home & Heritage. See you then.