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March
and April 2005
Texas Forum | Travel Forum
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for the exchange and sharing of travel/Texas information.
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April
2005
Love's Lookout
I just wanted to point out a mistake in the dates in
your article about Love's Lookout.
You state: In the 1980s, an earthquake
-- one of the few to occur in East Texas -- damaged the amphitheater and made
it unsafe for public use. The Texas Forest Service also built on the hill a forest
fire lookout tower that functioned into the 1980s until fire-spotting airplanes
made the tower obsolete. The metal structure still stands on the hill, mostly
as a historical relic, but park visitors are not permitted to climb its stairs.
This is incorrect. I was raised down in the valley of Love's Lookout and
I know first hand that the dates here are wrong. We moved there in 1976. My father
was the pastor of a little church down the Lookout valley road that runes off
the side of the mountain. It was called the Mt. Hope church of the Nazarene at
that time, the name latter changed to Lookout Valley Church of the Nazarene. It
is still there. There was an earth quake in the 80's but the amphitheater was
gone well before that time. We use to play on the steps that remained. The amphitheater
had to have been destroyed before 1975. As for the fire tower, it was not used
when we moved there either. I know this because we climbed it on numerous occasions;
although I would never climb it now.
I just thought that you would want
to know this so that your web site could be as accurate as possible. Thank you
for your time, Kimberly (Newton) Owens, April 24, 2005
Wayside,
Texas
I enjoyed the article about Wayside. My mother, Alice and I
lived there with my Aunt Alene and Uncle Man (J.E) Littlefield for a while.
I attended school there in the building shown, was the only fourth grader there,
shared upper grade room. Ate my first "commodity"school lunch in a lunch room
above the gym prepared by mothers, ate lots of sour (cabbage) and drank lots of
grapefruit juice, played baseball (though I didn't want to) and made some friends.
Attended the church that was a combination congregation alternated Sundays.
One
winter the snow was DEEP, the cattle walked out of the fields over the fences
and the clothes line in the back yard was almost under. I had to bend to touch
it.
Played pilot on a tractor with my cousin, James Eugene Littlefield,
who went on to be an aeronautical engineer and recently went back to work after
retiring (twice). Smart man. Lives in Arlington now.
I could ramble on
and on. Like most old ladies. This is meant just to 'Thank You' for the memories
of a good place to grow up in. - Jean Jennings, Amarillo, Texas, April 23,
2005
San
Diego, Texas
Most of the entire side of my family, the Vela's,
lives in and around San Diego Texas. They own a small ranch home, 15 min. outside
of any major road or intersection. I haven't visited their home in many years,
but what I remember of San Diego was the miles of Mesquite trees on the land.
There was so much Mesquite that my relatives could easily supply all the fire
wood they needed for cooking their hunt from the ranch which was usually deer,
quail, or wild pig even.
The downtown area of the town is very small.
We would go into it for grain for chickens and such items. There was an annual
event in the downtown called "Pan De Campo", held with dancing, booths with Mexican
crafts and foods, and live Tejano music. The only other cloest town was Alice,
where we could go for the movie theater or groceries. The Vela family lives strong
in San Diego, Texas. - Jimmy Vela, April 21, 2005
Glenrio,
Texas
I recently made a road trip to Glenrio to photograph some of
the remains of this old border town. Some of these remains such as the old diner
now have "Private Property" signs on them, so pictures must be taken from a short
distance. The only remains of the Rock Island Railroad is the piles of cross ties
laying around on the south side of the town. the original post office still stands,
for now. There are two old hotels still standing. One is a great photo opportunity,
the other is what appears to be a local's home now. The population would still
be quite accurate at 5. I showed to be 37 miles west of Vega Texas along I-40.
Take exit 0, Glenrio sits on the south side of the Interstate. Great photo opportunity
for anyone passing through or someone with a little time on their hands. - Randy
Johnson, April 21, 2005
Boise,
Texas
The town of Boise is no more, or never was I guess. By my odometer
it sits 24 miles west of Vega Texas along I-40. The old town site is approximately
1 mile south of the Interstate on the present now Bridwell Ranch West. The only
thing that will key you to its location is an orange overhead sign that says "Bridwell
Ranch West." This is a private ranch, therefore private property. I drove right
up to the old railroad bed where the tracks used to lay. From this point you can
look east and west and see where the tracks used to run. Just due west of this
point about 150 feet is what appears to be the concrete foundation that the depot
once sat on. Other than that, there really isn't much left to see here. - Randy
Johnson, April 21, 2005
Las
Penitas or (Penitas)
I was born and raised there as were my parents
and their parents. There are still Zamoras, Garza's, Olivarez's, Ochoa's and many
others who can trace their roots back to those original settlers. I currently
live in Hillsboro, Oregon. Can't wait to move back to my hometown. - Mauro
A. Ochoa, April 20, 2005
Bend,
Texas
Some of my best times as a kid were spent down on the Colorado
River. A place called Barefoots. I can remember going by the house and there was
a blue tackle box on the gate. You put your 2 $, yes I said 2 dollars, your name
and address and could stay all week. We always went to the tig hole. Right by
Leaning Bluff. I hear it's all got facilities now. Back then they didn't even
have tables. But I would'nt trade it for the world. By the way my Dad was born
at Nix. My Dads name was Robert Carlile. He was born in 1919. - Randall Keith
Carlile, April 10, 2005
Aurora,
Texas alien
I am the great-great-great granddaughter of Finis
Dudley Beauchamp. Dudley is the person who donated the family cemetery to the
town of Aurora. My great grandmother, Robbie Reynolds, was the 91 year old person
that so many of the online articles mention as having been interviewed in the
1970's.
As much as I wish the whole story were true, the fact of the matter
is, it's not. My great-grandmother and I were very close. She said that the whole
story was a hoax, and the original interview included that. I'm not sure how the
story went from her saying it was a hoax to the story that her parents went to
check out the situation, and wouldn't allow her to go. In your article you mention
that most people of the time were illiterate. I know for sure that my great-grandmother
and her mother and father could read and write very well. I also know that Robbie
Townsend, the woman for whom my great grandmother was named, was a teacher.
I
know the truth isn't nearly as cool as the stories that have been told for the
last 100 years. I just wanted to set the story straight. - Sincerely, Robbie
Fields, El Paso, Texas, April 09, 2005
Middlewell,
TX
I was interested to see your inclusion of Middlewell, TX on your
website. I am currently in the process of restoring the Middlewell School. In
fact, the white stucco building shown on your website, the old teacher-house,
was recently torn down.
Middlewell Community was named by it's proximity
to the middle of three water wells located on the LIT Ranch in the 1870s. The
wells were named East Well, Middle Well and West Well.
The original Middlewell
School was established as a half-dugout in 1902. In 1908 the school was moved
to a frame structure 3/4 mile North of the Middlewell. From 1908 to 1927 school
was held in the frame building, and in 1927 classes were moved into the new brick
building (which cost $5,000 to build). On November 14, 1930 the brick building
burned to the ground, and within two years the Middlewell Community had put the
building back together using materials that could be salvaged from the burned
structure. Classes continued to be held until 1963 when the school was consolidated
with the Bivins School. The School building was used as the Community Center from
1963-1976 when the water well went dry.
In addition to the school, the
Middlewell Methodist Church is active, and was also established in 1902. An interesting
note about the Middlewell Church is that the first ordained woman Methodist preacher,
Faye Brown, held the pulpit for 20+ years. - Sincerely, Scott Higginbotham,
April 08, 2005
St.
John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ammannsville, TXSaints
Cyril and Methodius Church, Dubina, TX St.
Mary's Catholic Church, High Hill, TX
TexasExscapes.com was a tremendous
help in planning our recent tour of Texas during March 2005. I'd like to contribute
by submitting some of our pictures for your consideration. - Sincerely, Garry
Taylor, Austin, Texas, April 05, 2005 Port
Isabel, TX
These photos were taken by my wife, Terri Taylor. - Sincerely,
Garry Taylor, Austin, Texas, April 05, 2005
Rabbit Center
I'm looking for the location of a small community that
used to be located near the Stephenville
- Glen Rose
area, maybe even towards Lingleville. I think it was called Rabbit Center. Anyone
ever heard of it? - Janet Brown, April 06, 2005
Bautista,
Texas
I have a little information on Bautista Texas. It is nothing
other than an old grain elevator located approximately 10 miles south of Dumas,
Texas in the Texas Panhandle. It sits approximately 5 miles west of highway 87/287.
The only significance to Bautista now is that the old ATSF Railroad, now the BNSF
runs through it. The siding is no longer in use either. It serves as nothing more
than a station name for the Railroad. There are not even any houses around the
grain elevator.
I know this because I work for the Union Pacific Railroad
in Dalhart, Texas and we run trains south through Bautista on our way to Amarillo
and on down to Childress. I would have to do some digging to find out any dates
on when the elevator was built and when it was last used.
I hope this
information is some help. I really enjoy your web site. Thanks - Randy Johnson,
April 04, 2005
Bunker
Hill, Texas
Bunker Hill Texas in the Texas Panhandle lies 20 miles
due west of Dalhart. The only thing remaining is the old one room school house
which sits off of a paved road between highways 102 and 1727. There are still
a lot of active farms around this area but all school children now make the bus
ride to Dalhart.
Beware of large rattlesnakes. On a photography trip to
the school last year I was greeted by a 5 1/2 foot prarie rattler. - Randy
Johnson, April 04, 2005 |
March
2005
Ector Theater
in Odessa, Texas
The
Ector Theater in Odessa, TX reopened in 2001...this summer: Musical Theatre will
be offered by Ector Theatricals. Director/Producer Tony Georges has put together
a wonderful professional musical season Beauty & the Beast, Little Shop Of Horrors,
Gypsy...and a concert with Bernadette Peters for members only.... check out our
new (developing) website for more....... www.ectortheatricals.org or call at 432-337-9595
- Chris Leckbee, Ector Theatricals, March 31, 2005
Subject:
Elliot Autry Street the founder of Star Texas was my Great-Great-Grandfather
I
found your interesting web-site today regarding Star,
Texas. I have only been to Star once and plan to go back soon when the
small museum is open.
According to a 1955 bio-letter written by my Great-Grandmother
Lucinda Street Henry; my Great-Great-Grandfather Elliot Autry Street named Star
after a "mountain" on his property that had the shape of a 5 pointed star. The
Streets came to Texas from Snow County Mississippi in 1882 or 1883 and had several
businesses there as well as ranching. My Grandmother Seleta Cordelia Henry Evans
(1900) and my dad Dow Evans (1923) were born in Star so I have a strong mental
tie to the town. - Thanks, Steve, March 29, 2005
Brazos
County Courthouse
I was at the Brazos County courthouse recently and
took a picture of the mosaic
made by one of the judges. It was made from tile from the demolished 1892 courthouse
in 1965.
The courthouse bell from the 1892 courthouse is also displayed
in the lobby. - Terry Jeanson, San Antonio, TX, March 22, 2005
Dime
Box, Texas
I
was looking for pictures of Dime Box Texas and found your website. I enjoyed your
story and agree on the chickens. In 1981 I worked on the remodeling of the cafe
in your picture. I was employed by Dime Box Lumber as a carpenter. Probably the
first "YANKEE" they ever hired. Maybe the last! The pay was 1/2 of what Houston
jobs paid. I always thought that was why it was called Dime Box. Your story clarified
that.
I will always cherish the time I spent there and in nearby Giddings.
Someday I hope to visit the area and enjoy the stillness it has to offer. My heart
goes out to all the wonderful people whom I worked with at the former Lee Memorial
Hospital in Giddings.- Richard Benton, March 19, 2005
Blossom,
Texas
IIf
you will go to Lamar Co TX Genweb, then scroll down to Blossom Museum, you will
find a short history of Blossom, TX. I live there, and work at the Museum.
Blossom has lots of history, and we work to preserve the history in our genealogy
section, and museum which has small items that were either used by Blossom residents,
or happen to be items like those that Blossom people probably used. We have information
about Blossom from the time it was incorporated, up to the present time. Our genealogy
section has family files, which are furnished by family members interested in
preserving their family history and sharing it with others. At the present we
have six ladies that do volunteer work there, and we're all very proud of what
has been accomplished in just a few short years.
The museum is also a
library, utilized by people that live in and around Blossom.
- Peggy Johnston,
March 18, 2005
Linden History
My name is Diane Wooten, and I was born Carolyn Diane Cowley - Nov.3,1950
in Atlanta,Texas. My grandparents lived in Linden for as long as I can remember.
My Grandfathers name was Thomas Jefferson Foster. He was a descendant of Steven
Foster, who was the founder of Linden. Thank you for your time. - Diane Cowley
Wooten, March 18, 2005
Sanderson
and Terrell County
Terrell County will celebrate its Centennial July 1-4, 2005 in the county seat
of Sanderson. - Christine Hinkle, March 17, 2005
Dixieland,
Texas
I
have a post card addressed to "Miss Celinda Newton" Dixieland, Texas. postmarked
1908. Ms. Newton was a school teacher in Porterville,
Texas. It appears that they must have used this mailing address before there
was one closer.
Ms. Newton is mentioned in the Porterville history,
Loving County,TX online. She was a sister to Mrs. Floyd Goodrich, longtime residents
of that area. They were from near here in MI. I am into a study of Porterville.
- Larry Randall, Springport, Michigan, March 17, 2005
Texas
Jails and Ghosts
I LOOOOOOOVE this website – just love it!
Because of your excellent
Milam County Jail Ghost story I went to the Milam
County Jail and you’re right! There is most definitely a ghost in there! We
were the only visitors there that day, yet the entire time we were there, we kept
hearing footsteps, sometimes pacing, sometimes RACING, up and down the spiral
staircase and around and around the cell blocks. My friend and I fully expected
to come to a face-to-face encounter with other visitors, what with all the racket
going on in there, but like I said, it turned out we were the only visitors there
at that time.
This Milam County Jail visit has led me to other jail
museums. I have now been to so many jail museums in Texas I can’t keep count,
but the catalyst for all these jail museum visits was most definitely reading
about your Milam County Jail Ghost story.
There is an EXCELLENT jail
museum in Brady, TX. Here is
a wonderful and informative link for the McCullough County Jail:
http://www.bradytx.com/sites2/museum.html
There is another jail museum in Carthage
Texas, the Panola County jail of 1891. Here’s a link for this one:
http://www.carthagetexas.com/historical/1891jail.htm
It was your own Gonzales
County Courthouse: Legend of the Courthouse Clock that led me to visit the
most excellent Gonzales Old Jail Museum. Here’s a link for that one: http://www.gonzalestexas.com/attractions.htm
I do believe that place is haunted too.
Next I uncovered a jail museum
in La Grange – the Fayette County
Jail Museum and La Grange Chamber of Commerce are housed together in the old jail
building. Here’s a link for that one:
http://www.lagrangetx.org/visitor/adayinlagrange.htm
The jail museum in Lockhart
I have visited as well. That place is haunted too! It seems so many of these old
jail museums are haunted.
The museum at Fort
Clark Springs is the Guardhouse Museum, which I didn’t realize until I went
there and actually walked inside of the museum, that Guardhouse translates into
Jail. http://www.fortclark.com/museum/index.htm This is a MOST EXCELLENT jail
museum if I ever saw one!
The last one I want to mention is Fort Martin
Scott in Fredericksburg.
http://www.fortmartinscott.com There isn’t much left of this fort, presently there
are about 5 buildings on the site of the old fort. Four out of five buildings
are replicas. The lone building with the distinction of being original is the
Guardhouse. You can walk inside the Guardhouse at Fort Martin Scott. It is the
old jail, it’s very old (it was included on a map drawn in 1853), and still intact.
So, that’s another excellent early jail example that is open to the public. Fort
Martin Scott does not charge a dime to visit their site.
It was because
of your website, Texas Escapes, that I first started going to jail museums and
I am an absolute FANATIC about it! I hope you will find these links useful. Thank
you for letting me share some of my jail museum stories with you. - Shannan
Yarbrough, Fredericksburg Chamber Assistant, March 11, 2005
Ghost
Towns
I am
a railroad engineer for Union Pacific and my routes are from El Paso to Pecos,
or El Paso to Alpine. I am very interested in learning the history of some of
the towns that once existed along the route that I travel. One town is Finley
which is located about 20 miles west of Sierra Blanca along the train tracks and
about 4 miles north of the I-10 freeway. The other town that no longer exists
that is along my route is San Martine, located around 25 miles west of
Toyah. Again, it is located by the train tracks not viewable from the freeway.
I understand from some of my co-workers who have been with the railroad for many
( and I do mean many) years that these two areas mentioned above were inhabited
but they do not know any details. Can you please help me? Thank You, Robert Tellez,
March 08, 2005
Texas
Ghost Town, UTICA, TEXAS
I
believe that the population for Utica is still here just South East of Red Springs
4-way Crossing, today part of Utica serves as home to the Werner's Tiger Creek
Wildlife Refuge (www.tigercreek.org) and several homesteads (About 15 home sites
in all). The original post office was torn down and reconstructed into a Rock
House (Iron Ore) now known as the Mullins House. - Brian Werner of Tiger Creek
Wildlife Refuge, March 02, 2005 |
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