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January
2005
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Tuleta,
Texas
The
town Tuleta was named for a cousin of mine. My great-grandmother, Arminta Chittim
Grace was a sister of J.M. Chittim. The town was named after his daughter Tuleta.
In approximately, 1888 or 1889, my great grand parents went to Texas to visit
her brother James Madison Chittim. On that visit they met their niece, Tuleta
Chittim and liked the name so well that when they returned to Missouri and my
grandmother became more than a twinkle in his eye, they named her Tuleta and I
in turn was named for her.
I have always wondered and can find no trace
of where the name came from or how it came to be in that part of Texas. I keeps
popping up in the most unexpected places. A street in Honolulu, a full-blooded
Cherokee laborer named William Tuleta Claw, and so on. Can you give me any answers?
I am very honored to have a town with the same name and a zip code. - Tuleta
Owens Gilchrist, January 28, 2005
Vattmann,
Texas - Wedding photos
- Gerald Walker, a descendant of Charles and Amanda, January 27, 2005
Fredonia,
Texas
My
great grandfather owned the drug store in Fredonia Texas till around 1900-1902.
His name was Tom Brown. He later sold the store and moved to Long Valley on the
north side of the San Saba River near Voca Tx where he bought 800 acres that we
still own to this day. Here is a picture of the store off of a post card that
I have. - Co Wisdom, Brady, Texas, January 27, 2005
Draw,
Texas
Below
the excerpt from my Draw "history." - Nolan Porterfield, January 25, 2005
“Out
of Time”: An Informal History of Draw, Texas by Nolan Porterfield
Verbena,
Texas
We found this place over the weekend, and were fortunate to run
into the owner of the land on which this church sits, who gave us some info/corrections...
It is fenced in barbed wire, on *private property* and is in a pretty advanced
stage of disrepair. Unfortunately, the landowner is afraid he may have to tear
it down as:
a) He can't afford to restore the building on his own
b) It
poses a danger to "trespassers"
c) Neither the state of Texas nor Texas Tech
seem to have a need for anymore small churches. (this is almost criminally sad...)
Also, there IS indeed a historical marker for this church, which is located in
the museum in nearby Post. - Sincerely, Ryan J. Nims, January 24, 2005
Flomot,
Texas - a picture for you
Attached is a picture taken in 1939 of the Frank Garrett family of Flomot,
Texas. Front row: Joe Garrett, Raby Garrett, Calvin Garrett. Back row: Frank Garrett,
Dillie Morris Garrett. Picture taken at the farmhouse of Alexander Shakespeare
and Lillie Grimes Morris, Flomot pioneers, and my grandparents.
I
was born in Flomot, Texas, at home, on July 4, 1933, about one mile east of town.
My parents, Frank and Dillie Garrett, were sharecropper farmers from the time
of their marriage in 1927, then ran the in-town mercantile store of Mr. A.J. Hudson
from about 1937 until his death in about 1941. They then moved across the street
and opened their own dry goods store, which they operated until the end of WW2.
Mr. A.J. Hudson had been one of the founders of Flomot....more
- Joe Garrett, January 24, 2005
Pottsville,
Texas
Although
named for John S. Potts, the town site was donated by my great-great grandfather,
Edmund T. Goggin. Grandfather Goggin was the one who stipulated that if liquor
was ever sold there, the property would revert back to the family. Subsequent
generations of the family have gotten over his quirk, but I still check it out
when I go through Pottsville.
Note: Many generations of my family (Goggin
& Bratton) are buried in the Pottsville Cemetery. Thanks for a great website!
- Steve Bratton, Austin, Texas, January 20, 2005
Raywood,
Texas
My
family settled in Raywood generations ago.. and no one seems to know where this
store is. Perhaps you had already reached the next town, Devers? The rice dryer
with the office building looks familiar, but is not in Raywood. Again... maybe
in Devers? Thanks. - Cheryl Donatto, January 20, 2005
Langtry
Railroad Bridge
In the 1950s I saw the Langtry Railroad Bridge. I
think it was around 1952 or 53. We had been to the Devil's
River where it joins the Rio Grand and I was returning with with some kinfolks
back to Crane, Texas so I could start Football Practice early. The bridge that
we went down on to about 100 foot above the Pecos River was washed out later.
They built a new one around that time. The one thing I do remember is that the
Army engineers raised the railroad bridge several inches around that time to keep
it from being washed away while traffic was going over the bridge [It was between
200 and 300 feet to the water from the bottom of the bridge]. This was considered
one of the great engineering feats of the day. - Ray Best, January 18, 2005
Is this Thrall, Texas?
Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if this was Thrall, TX. About 1913? Thanks
- Gayle, January 16, 2005
Ghost
Town Big Lump, Texas
I am writing to you in regard to the Texas ghost
town named Big Lump, Texas in Milam County. Although Big Lump is no longer around,
I have a flower and vegetable farm named Big Lump in the area that was once known
as Big Lump. I also have a flower shop and nursery in the town of Rockdale called
the Big Lump Flower Shop. Anyone who would like to stop by and talk to me about
Big Lump or tour my farm can certainly do so by calling me at my shop at 512 446
5867. We are trying to keep the name of Big Lump alive. Thanks. - Jim Gober,
January 16, 2005
Doole,
Texas
My family has owned 3 sections of land a mile from [Doole] forever.
When I was a kid I saw a black panther on our properly. Then about 10 years ago
I saw another one. The land there is very harsh. It seems the only things that
grow there are cactus and mesquite trees. In the spring watch out for rattlesnakes!!!
They are everywhere!!! There is something mystical about that land though, for
as rough as it is, there is beauty in the roughness. It is the best hunting of
all of my family's property. And for as long as I can remember one man has leased
it for grazing from us.
It saddens me to think that with land, some people
only see $ signs and not the inherent beauty of the unforgiving landscape." -
Bill Davison, January 15, 2005
Texas
Water Tower
Frost has 1 of the tallest tower in texas. It's not listed. - Reader, January
14, 2005
Study
Butte and Terlingua
As is often the case, I found your site while searching Google--this time for
information on Study Butte and Terlingua. Your description of Study Butte, comparing
and contrasting it with Terlingua, is *FABULOUS* and right on the mark. I hope
you don't mind my quoting you on my site, with an appropriate link back to your
site: http://www.kingdouglas.com/Snowglobe/Pages/SaltCreek.htm
What
a great Texas site! How in the world did you ever accomplish so much with just
the two of you working together. Thanks for the laughs, the information and the
great photos. - King Douglas, American Airlines Customer Research, Retired
photographer/retired ballet dancer, January 12, 2005
Cestohowa,
Texas
Originally the town's name was Czestochowa, which is a name
of a rather large city in southern Poland which is home to the painting of Our
Lady of Czestochowa, revered by Poles as much as Virgen de Guadalupe is loved
by the Mexicans. I understand the change in name, Czestochowa is impossible to
pronounce for English speakers - Wojtek Felendzer, Irving, Texas, January 12,
2005
Fort
Ringgold, Starr County
Thank you for sharing your photos. I've really
enjoyed viewing the pictures of my beloved home town. I do have a lot of fond
memories of Fort Ringgold, Starr County. I was born & raised there and went to
school at Ft. Ringgold, graduating in 1975. I moved away fom Rio Grande City in
1977.
I was in Rio Grande City & Fort Ringgold the middle of Nov. visiting
& looking at old buildings. I enjoy looking for old stuff from back home on the
net and hope to someday be able to collect all I can and donate them to the city.
I hope that the following information will help identify the photos:
1. SFC R. Chamberlain polishing the artillery piece...shows the observation
deck / tower in the back ground that was in Fort Ringgold next to the Lee House.
I would like to see the old observation deck / tower shown on your photos
rebuilt. It was the highest structure on campus w/three levels. I am sure Robert
E. Lee had to have climbed up to the highest level to take a look for himself,
after all, it was on the hill next door to the house where he stayed. Today all
that is left is the brick foundation. Based on the photos & others the second
level was an open floor w/cover & the third level a smaller [floor]. All was supported
by four poles. It's plain construction and should not be very expensive to build
if they (City/School) only had the money. It would be a nice addition next to
the Lee House complex and might attract more interest to the area.
2.
The photo captioned "An army of one" looks like same location, same artillery
piece & clothing, just a different angle.
3. The unidentified bldg. that
resembles the Ft. Clark Spring Barrack looks like today's Rio Grande City Municipal
Courts / Public Works Bldg. on Water Street. It still has the stairs, but no cover.
4. The brick house is not the Post Commander's Residence, but an house
that is still standing and in use today as a residence in Rio Grande City.
5.
Unidentified school bldg. (burned down) was in Rio Grande City one blk. east of
Court House currently the KC Hall.
6. Another unidentified street is Rio
Grande City's Main St. & the 2 story bldg. on the right is today's famous restord
La Borde House.
About the schools:
The grade levels taught at Fort
Ringgold Campus were:
Ringgold Primary (1-4 grades).
Ringgold Intermediate
(5-6 grades).
Riggold Jr. High (7-8 grades).
Rio Grande City High School
(9-12 grades).
I recall taking art classes in an old two story white bldg.
(mortage) which was behind the old militarty hospital (girls homemaking bldg).
We used the old parade field for our band practises, barracks for class rooms,
etc.
The campus also had administration bldgs, auditoriums, swiming pools,
tennis courts, football & baseball fields, little league diamonds, and housing
for the school superintendant. Most, if not all the other bldgs. supported the
school activities, warehouses, storage, etc. - Sincerely, Roberto Olivarez,
Grand Prairie, TX, January 11, 2005
Hopkins
County Courthouse
I may have had an experience with the Hopkins County
Courthouse that few others have ever had.
As a young highway patrolman
in Oct. 1962, I was transferred to begin work at Sulphur Springs. I had gone there
a few weeks earlier in search of a place to live. Housing was in very short supply
there at that time. After laborious searching, I found a nice old house out on
College St., east of downtown. The problem was, it would only be available a week
after I really needed it. I really wanted and needed it badly, so I was willing
to wait a week. The problem was I started to work there on Oct. 1st, but had no
place for my family and I to live for a week. So, certain county officials and
my work friends suggested that I could sleep in the Hopkins County Courthouse
for a few nights. Luckily they thought of that, since I was temporarily "homeless".
They gave me the courthouse door keys and my work friend loaned me a sleeping
bag and a pillow. We found a big, long, solid hardwood table up in the Jury Room
on the third floor. It was there I slept on that table in the Jury Room for the
next seven nights while working and eating elsewhere. Later on I moved into the
house.
A tremendous THANK YOU to you, Ms. Herda and Mr. Sam Fenstermacher
for a most wonderful and detailed report and pictures of Sulphur
Springs and that old courthouse. I remember that place so well. - N. Ray
Maxie (now retired), January 11, 2005
Paris,
Texas
I'm from Paris, Texas. Well I was born there, but my formative
years were spent on the outskirts of Paris in Taylor
Town. Down the street was Glory,
Texas. My family had an old general store in Taylor Town called Gordon
Mart (now closed)...now all that is left is a cemetery where a few of my relatives
are buried.
Glory is less than a mile from the Taylor Town area and
I think all that is left there are houses and a church my grandfather attends.
These two towns were an important part in my family heritage, and to
have them added to your site would mean the world to me. I don't want them to
be lost forever. Thank you. - Heather Gordon
Toyah,
TX and Mesquite Thorn
Toyah holds a special place in my heart and
always will. My mother and father grew up there, went to school there and married
there. After a brief look around Texas, they returned to Toyah and settled in.
It saddens me to see Toyah in its current state. I remember a town bustling with
activity (as much as there is for a small town), and the dynamics of human life.
My heart longs for the those days. I have seen many people come and go, along
with the much anticipation for better days. I have read the stories on your site
and have been moved by the experiences people have had in Toyah. My experiences
number too many to summarize.
I wish to thank the people who have appreciated
Mesquite Thorn. My father and I spent many long hours building a place that could
remind one of simpler times. A place where a little history and amusement could
be shared with all who passed through. If Toyah has only one story passed along
about it, no matter its current state, the memory of this special place will always
live. - Christopher Sanchez, January 09, 2005
Bluntzer,
Texas
[Your article] mentions that the Bluntzer school "was moved
to land donated by Justice Bluntzer, a son of Nicholas Bluntzer." That is incorrect,
it should read "was moved to land donated by Justina Bluntzer, a daughter of Nicholas
Bluntzer."
I am a grand-nephew of Justina and great-grandson of
Nicholas and am very familiar with the ownership of the Bluntzer School lands
as I abut it. I have recently contacted the Texas Online handbook about the error
as well. Thanks. - John L. Bluntzer, January 08, 2005
Terra
Cotta in Beeville
I don't know anything about Beeville (never been
there, I'm sorry to say), but the building with "The Spirit of Progress" on it
was a Montgomery-Ward store. There's another one on your Hillsboro
page. This image was M-W's logo and appears on many of their storefronts from
the early 20th century. It's a good way to spot old M-W stores that have been
converted to new uses.
I just discovered your website today and have been
enjoying it immensely. I grew up in Plainview and Lubbock but have lived away
from Texas since 1966. Your photos have sent me on a real nostalgia trip. - Dwight
Young, January 07, 2005
Garner
State Park
My family and I were transferred away from Home Texas 15
years ago and we were blessed to be able to return this year. Our first camping
trip was this Thanksgiving at Garner State Park. As I woke on Thanksgiving Day
I saw the mist moving quickly across the river in front of our campsite. The view
was so beautiful, that I felt the true beauty of God's hand. Attached is a picture
of the river that morning. Glad to be back home in Texas. - Royce L. Milam,
January 06, 2005
McNary,
Texas
My name is Mario Ojeda, Jr. As an over-the-road truck
driver, I certainly can appreciate learning about some of these almost forgotten
little towns. I've come across a good number of them throughout the United States.
I grew up in Esperanza, Texas about eight miles east of McNary. There, too, I
remember a lot of old buildings from an era when there seemed to be a lot of work
in these parts. As a teenager, I worked at Fort Quitman, a.k.a. "Tommy's Town"
to the locals.
I read [your page] on McNary in Hudspeth county and wanted
to share what I know of this small town. I grew up in the area between 1985-1991.
My father, however, lives on location, interestingly enough, in one of the RR
housing units for the military. He actually converted it into his own home. Part
of the original building still stands and my father uses it as a tool shed. I'm
not certain if he has any pictures before he modified it as a home.
Also,
on the south side of Highway 20 there used to be a gas station. The garage portion
still stands.
A building that once held rock specimens and other artifacts
still exists, although only the walls remain due to a fire that destroyed the
contents which dated back to the 1930s. I know this because, as kids, my brother
and I used to sneak in there and admire all the interesting artifacts.
I will certainly try to shore up any pictures or other information pertaining
to McNary, TX and contact you promptly. I currently live in Fabens, TX (El Paso
County). - Mario Ojeda, Jr., January 5, 2005
Railroad
Laborers' Cabins in Inez, Texas
On December 26, 2004 we still had
remnants of a record snow fall in the area of Victoria. As I was passing through
[the town of] Inez, I noticed these snow-laden cabins I've frequently admired
over the years while traveling between Houston and our ranch place in Victoria.
Though I've never really known what the cabins were until now, they were obviously
very, very old and recently, I had noticed that the structure is faltering in
the elements. It was difficult to believe this structure didn't have some historical
value. I stopped that day to secure photos of the cabins in the snow, three small
cabins in a row under the same roof, each with a chimney of its own... more
- Sara Duncan, Houston, Texas
Dime
Box, Texas
I'm doing research on Dime Box, particularly "Old" Dime
Box, for a book I'm writing. I lived there when I was young and remember bits
and pieces of it. I enjoyed the pictures you had on the webpage for it.
I spent only a year or so there, but fell in love with the place. So far from
"reality" as far as I was concerned, moving in from the "big city" of Houston
(and I had lived in Dallas). It wasn't even on the same planet. I wrote my first
science fiction story here, in fifth grade (and was told I blasphemed against
God, which of course, only incited me to write more). Fifth grade consisted of
3 students including me, and a teacher who said things like "cleanliness was next
to Godliness" and other [things] that drove us all crazy. We had to say "Amen"
after each one. I got pretty wild out there and I guess that's why I loved it
so. We raised horses and chickens (I hate chickens to this day) and a couple of
milk cows, and a vegetable garden. We picked fruit for our landlady and traded
for other foodstuffs. The people there were about as "wild west" as I'd ever seen
(alive), carrying guns right on their body all over the place (though never in
school and rarely in church). I learned to shoot tin cans (hey they stayed still,
mostly) but couldn't bring myself to kill anything moving except bugs, snakes
and the armadillos that rooted in the gardens and ate it up. We had no electricity
in the house, no heat other than a pot belly stove, no running water (an outhouse
and a water pump well), and no insulation in the walls. But I had a lot of fun
and found the stars and fell in love with them.
The bridge pictured on
that page (if it's the same one I am thinking of, and I could be wrong, since
it's been a long time), I remember well. My Dad would stop just as he passed over
the first of it and would stop, make us get out of the car, and walk the rest
of the way across, to look for broken planks. I thought it was great fun. Being
the oldest, I knew it was all a set up, but my younger brother and sisters didn't,
so I didn't let on. I would act it up, pretend I found a weak board and wave my
arms like I might fall. The bridge is still in my dreams.
I hope to drive
down there soon and reminisce and take pictures. I doubt the house we lived in
is still standing, but I want to get the flavor of the area before I start writing.
The book will be fiction, a collection of short stories, based on nothing in particular
but my wild imagination and some of the history and whatever gossip I can pick
up here and there and from my crazy family. :)
Thanks for the hard work
you have both put into the site. Very well done.- Alley Hauldren, Grand Prairie,
TX, January 2, 2005
More
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Lost
and Found Email 1-17-05
Normanna,
Texas - Young Family Photo Postcards & Letters
Here are some of the postcards dated 1909-1915 from the Young Family. I would
like to find any decendents of the family and send them to them. I have over 25
photo postcards and a few letters. The names on them are Earle and Loretta, Cy,
Frank, Rose Elizabeth. I believe they all lived in the Normanna area. -
April 21, 2004 |
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