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Atascosa
County Courthouse
5-7-08
I was pleased to find your page with several renderings of the Atascosa
County court house, past and present. I was rather amused at the
"legend" you repeated about moving the court house from Pleasanton
to Jourdanton. Actually, only the records were moved (stolen, as
I heard it ) and the old court house in Pleasanton was still
in its place when I was a child, serving as the Pleasanton City
Hall. By the time it was demolished to make way for the widening
of US 281 through town in the mid 1950's, the upper floor had been
condemned, as I recall, but the city offices were still housed there.
The present city hall stands on what is left of the old grounds
of the Pleasanton Court House.
That "legend" may be a version of a story a gentleman told on himself
. When he first came to Atascosa County, it was about the time that
the county seat had been moved, and feelings were still very raw
about that event. It so happened that at least two other county
seats were being moved about the same time, and this hapless gentleman
suggested to a group of Pleasanton citizens at a "friendly" gabfest
that perhaps they should just put all the courthouses on railroad
cars and roll them around that way until they decided for sure where
they should go. He said that he hardly got the words out of his
mouth before every man within hearing of him had drawn their pistols
on him. Only after the most abject and profuse apology was he able
to convince those men to holster their weapons. He never made that
mistake again. I happened to have read this story just today in
a book published by the Atascosa History Committee in 1985. Thanks
again for a good page. - Marcy Porter, May 06, 2008
Alamo
Heights, Texas
4-24-08
Re-the trolley stop by Rodriguez-he also did work on the old mill
in North Little Rock Arkansas-which is in the opening scene of "Gone
with the Wind." - George Pecan, April 23, 2008
Subject:
Ruidosa, Tx church picture
4-18-08
The picture of the church ruins is of a church in Ruidosa, Tx as
you are leave heading toward Candelaria, Tx - Florencio Garcia,
March 26, 2008
Click,
Texas
4-17-08
Click, Texas was named for my great-great grandfather. I have an
envelope that was kept by family members that has a Click, Texas
postmark. There is quite a bit of history about the Click and Walker
family that has been donated to the Llano, Texas city library. Many
of the family members are buried in the Comanche West Cemetery just
'south' of the former town. The name of the cemetery is sometimes
referred to as the Click and Walker cemetery. - Anna Galloway,
Austin, Texas, April 17, 2008
Subject:
Architect Thomas Lovell
4-17-08
The ”Bunch” (sic) Miller noted in this story is Bluford West Miller.
He was the son of Bluford Miller, a Cherokee rancher in the Creek
Nation, and Lizzie Anderson, a Creek (Muskogee) tribal member. His
ranch, the IX, was founded by his grandfather Rider Fields after
the removal of the 5 Civilized Tribes to Indian Territory, and is
located south of Tulsa, in present-day Okmulgee County, OK. It is
still active today and run by his descendents... - Steven Miller,
Austin, April 12, 2008
Texon,
Texas
4-17-08
I was born and
raised in Texon. The old building pictured with the mailboxes in
front was actually the Post Office for many years. It was owned
by my parents and leased by the Postal Service. The front half of
the building was the Post Office. My Mother, Bertha Delz, was the
postmaster for many years and retired there. - Ronnie Delz, April
03, 2008
Donna,
Texas
Subject: Central
Elementary School 4-17-08
It's a beautiful, old building. I was heartsick some years back
when I heard it was to be torn down. Somehow it was rescued. The
brick is gorgeous. I was a first grader there in 1949. It certainly
was NOT intimidating. It's a lovely old building with some architectural
design, instead of the square blah buildings seen nowadays. All
of my siblings and lots of friends went to school there, too. I
WAS very grateful, though, to see photograph by Mr. Taylor on your
web site. I'm writing an article about my first grade experience
in old CE. It was fun to see it again. We haven't lived in Donna
for more than 25 years. Thanks, Linda Smith, April 09, 2008
Subject:
Patriots by Mike Cox "Texas Tales"
3-27-08
Mr. Cox omitted a famous veteran of the American Revolutionary War
who came to Texas. It was "Elder" John Parker. John PARKER was a
Revolutionary Soldier, Serial # S32435. He served in the 2nd and
13t h Regiment of the Continental Army of VA. He had a brother named
Daniel and a sister named Susannah. After the war, John and Sarah
White-Parker moved to Elbert Co., GA. Here John was made an Elder
in the Primitive Baptist Church. He moved to Bedford Co., TN and
lived there for about twelve y ears, and then moved his family to
Crawford County, IL in 1814. It was here on the 28th day of July,
1821 that Sarah "SALLY" WHITE died. It was also here that JOHN remarried.
He married SALLY PINSON-DUTY, the 21st of March 1825. He and his
wife were killed at the Parker's Fort Massacre, in Robertson's Colony
now Limestone County, on May 19, 1836.
His application for a RS Pension was made while in ILL before he
came to TX in 1833.
His grand daughter is known in TX history - Cynthia Ann Parker mother
to the famous last chief of Comanches - Quanah Parker.
Thank you, Jim Yarbrough, 4th great grandson of Elder John Parker,
March 27, 2008
Eskota,
Texas
3-20-08
I happened upon your website and I need to alert you of a necessary
correction about the history of the town of Eskota. Eskota was named
after Riley Trent, not Riley and Dan Trent. Riley Trent and Dan
Trent were not siblings or partners; additionally, Dan Trent was
of South Texas. This is confusing for some historians since Riley's
son was named Daniel Irving Trent. T. Lindsay Baker was made aware
of this error and has assured the descendants of Riley Trent that
all future versions of More Ghost Towns of Texas will have
the correct information regarding for whom the town of Trent was
named.
I can verify this information for you via notarized documents from
the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, if you like. I am
a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas with six lineal
ancestors, as well as the great-great granddaughter of Riley Trent,
for whom the town was named. My grandmother, Hazel Ellen Trent Nichols
grew up in Eskota, where the family maintained their ranch and oil
wells until the 1960s. I have researched my Trent ancestors in depth
and I would be more than happy to assist you in regard to historical
information about the Trents of Eskota. - Regards, Jennifer Nichols
Hillary, March 19, 2008
Odds,
Texas
3-13-08
Subject: Odds Store
My father Earl
Hancock operated the Odds store from 1934-1943 and during that time
there were two other stores. As a child I can remember wagon loads
of cotton waiting to be ginned. There was a lot of activity around
the gin in those days. The Great Depression brought hard times to
the area. Also, I remember that a young man with his wife and young
child came to our store one day after walking from Thornton, TX.
He had been hurt while taking his family off a train in that town.
They were very hungry and needed help. The young man asked my Dad
if there was any work he could do to pay for a meal for his family.
My Dad said "Go pick up that broom over there by the wall."
The young man did as he was told. My dad then said, "Now put
the broom down." The family was well fed and were bedded down
in the cotton seed warehouse across the road from our store. While
leaving the next morning the young man got my Dad's mailing address.
Ten years later my Dad received a check from California with a note
thanking him for the help. Thanks, Earl Hancock Jr., Woodway,
Texas, March 13, 2008
Hochheim,
Texas 3-10-08
Subject:
Valentin
Hoch
Golden,
Texas
3-8-08
Subject: Golden
Memories
Ira,
Texas
3-7-08
Subject: Re: Benjamin Harrison's son in Ira, Texas
I love your site & read some of it every day. It's a great way to
plan little road excursions around the state & I love to cemetery
hunt. Reading about Ira was interesting, but my question is that
if President Benjamin Harrison was born in 1833 & he wasn't married
until 1853, how could he have had a son who was killed by the Indians
in 1849? I would think that would be impossible. Are you sure that
you don't mean President William Henry Harrison (our 9th President)?
Thank you for your help in this matter & keep up the great work!!!
Sincerely, Ms. Kay Garsea, February 19, 2008
Corinth
Baptist Church & Cemetery
3-4-08
Subject: Willie D. Garrison
As a relative of the late Willie D. Garrison I feel obligated
to notify you that an error exists in the article as it reads. The
aforementioned Great Uncle of mine did indeed serve as listed, however,
he [did not die in Vietnam as stated but] died at home in 1970 of
leukemia. My Grandfather was Sgt. Charlie George Garrison, Willie
D. Garrison's oldest brother. Willie D. Garrison's wife, Azel, my
great aunt, is still living here in the Houston area and could be
reached to verify such matters if need be. I thank you again for
your article as a whole, as it details a number of relatives of
mine and is encouraging to know that they are not forgotten for
their places and submissions in history. - Sincerely, Kelley
J. Stubblefield, March 04, 2008
Comal
River
3-3-08
Subject: The Meaning of "comal"
First of all, thank you for your service! It has been very helpful.
I would like to note that "comal" does not mean basin in Spanish.
For starters, it is an indigenous word in origin accepted into the
Spanish language because of its popular use. "Comal" is a slightly
curved pan made of clay or metal on which tortillas are cooked and
coffee/cocoa beans are toasted. The Spanish word for basin is "Cuenca".
- Maritza Price, March 03, 2008
Tehuacana,
Texas
3-4-08
The church listed as New Hope is not closed. It is alive and membership
is maintain and current services are being held as of today. Thanks.
- Former minister/ pastor of the church.... Tony Thibodeaux,
Waco Texas, March 03, 2008
Jonesborough
on the Red River
2-26-08
You wrote a great story but, there is so much more you could and
should say about Jonesborough.......
Fort Towson, the second oldest Fort in Oklahoma, was strategicly
located to help protect Jonesborough....along with protect the Indians...
it is North of Jonesborough a short distance. It is fun going to
Fort Towson, just west of the town of Fort Towson is a cemetery,
you park your car in the cemetery, go over the wall with stairs
provided into another GHOST TOWN.
Fort Towson is located down the hill from the Indian Village. It
is being excavated and there is a museum on site.
Fort Towson and Jonesborough are one story, separated by a river,
you can't talk about one without talking about the other...in my
opinion. If one goes to Jonesborough, he should then go to Fort
Towson. To understand the story.
The people did not call that Texas back in those days...it was Arkansas
to them. The Mexican's always said the Sabine was the boundary line.......for
Texas.
There was a Masonic Lodge located in Jonesborough, Sam Houston attended
a Masonic Meeting there......check the records, should be located
in the Masonic Lodge in Clarksville, Texas.......or the Grand Lodge
at Waco, Texas.
Bowman, a citizen of Jonesborough, hearing of the Alamo's need,
saddled his horse, and rode to his destiny, 06 March 1836. The Historical
Marker at Jonesborough, reads so.......
If you take a tall ladder with you, you can stand on the ladder
and see the Red River.......without getting up high, you do not
even know there is a river there.
Trammel's Trace actually runs from Fulton, Arkansas to Nacogdoches,
but it Y's at the Sulphur River and follows an old trail to Jonesborough.
It actually y's twice.
On the highway going to Jonesborough is another Historical marker
telling of the Indians living in the area.
More Later...... - Sincerely, James Dixon Graves Jr. Lone Star,
Texas, February 24, 2008
Booker,
Texas
2-12-08
My family has lived in the area around Booker since the early 1900s.
I am actually the fourth generation to graduated from Booker High
School. Booker has always been in the shape of a square while the
cemetery has been in the shape of a heart and is named Heart Cemetery.
The cemetery was recently put on the historical registry of Texas.
- Vanessa Harper, Booker, Texas , February 11, 2008
Kopernic
Shores, Texas 2-11-08
Kopernic Shores is now called Boca Chica Village. Just like
the sign says. And there are only about 5 Polish descendents that
own house's here. There are only 6 of us ( English, Norwegian, Irish,
American Indian etc. ) people that live here all year long. So please
help us spread the word that this village is Called Boca Chica Village.
- Terry Heaton, February 09, 2008
Chillicothe,
Texas 1-19-08
Subject: Chillicothe Irises in San Francisco
Just wanted to say thank you for the info on Chillicothe; my father
grew up there. The Methodist Church is where my grandmother and
grandfather met, married, and were both eulogized upon their passing.
When I bought my home in California, I obtained some Iris bulbs
from my Father who took a handful when they sold the house there.
That Iris Village is alive and well in San Francisco and my children
think the violet ones are the most beautiful flowers they have ever
seen (and they are). Thanks again, Bruce Derr, son of Walker
Derr, son of E.L Derr, Sr., January 18, 2008
Langtry,
Texas
1-16-08
I just Google'd Langtry, Tx and had the pleasure to find your website.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your work. We are winter Texans
and enjoy the great state of Texas and your website has just made
it a lot easier to decide where to make our stops. We are currently
staying at Del Rio and exploring Lake Amistad, I love old westerns
and was excited to see how close we were to Langtry. We are making
a day trip to the town today and your website has helped me, I know
where to go and what to see. Again Thank you for your great work.
- Joe and Donna Carpentier, January 15, 2008
Belle
Plain, Texas
1-14-08
Subject: Ancestors Graves in Belle Plain
Dear TE, I ran across [your magazine] as I was googling Belle Plain,
Texas and thought I would share a story about that ghost town.
My great grandfather was born in Belle Plain in September of 1887
at the height of BP's success. His name was Burney Lafayette (Bun)
Gist.
Burney's grandfather/mother - my ggg-grandparents are buried in
the Belle Plain cemetery. Both of their headstones are still standing
to this day. Their names as engraved on the stones are: D.H. Gist
(David Hamilton Gist d. 1894) and Pamela Gist d. 1893. They came
to Belle Plain from Kentucky between 1870-1880. DH was a saddler
and a farmer in Belle Plain and the kids and grandkids worked on
farms there too as I understand it. DH and Pam Gist had many children
that they also brought to BP including my gg-grandfather and Burney's
father Nathaniel Lafayette Gist.
After Belle Plain died, Nathaniel took his family including Burney
(Belle Plain native) and moved to the Red River area mainly Vernon
and Quanah. Burney's son, my grandfather was born in Vernon. His
name was Burney Lafayette Gist Jr. or B.L. as he known by. Anyway,
their are still many Gist's in the Abilene, Texas area that are
descendants of DH Gist from Belle Plain (who are no doubt all kin
to me).
Anyway, the reason I wrote y'all was that I have direct ties to
Belle Plain and appreciate the photos you all have placed on the
web. They are a glimpse of my family history and I wanted to say
thank you! I have been trying to get a free weekend so I can drive
out there and see my ggg grandparents graves and clean their headstones,
etc. Just thought y'all would appreciate my little story about Belle
Plain, Texas. - Benton Gist, Kennedale, Texas, January 11, 2008
Littlefield,
Texas
1-14-08
Living Above the Palace (Theater, that is.)
Dear Texas Escapes, Man, oh man, Can I add to the stories about
the old Palace theater! My family and I lived up on the 3rd floor
of that theater for about 2 years. My step dad managed all of those
theaters right up till about the time they all closed. My whole
family worked there in the theater at one time or another. I remember
when Elmer Koller retired. We worked originally for some people
from Andrews, Texas. I can't remember their names except the lady's
name was Bea. I do remember that the theater started to go downhill.
Then a man named Bill Boren bought several theaters from those folks.
I remember how hard we worked to get them back in shape. We operated
theaters in Morton, Muleshoe, Littlefield, and the drive-inn in
Amherst all at the same time.
My mother also worked in the Palace in several positions back in
the late 50's and early 60's. She worked at the Palace, and the
XIT Drive-Inn. At the same time Waylon Jennings worked there. When
we lived there the whole theater was MY playground when the theater
was closed. I knew every inch of the place. I also recall going
down under the stage where there was an old orchestra pit from the
silent era. ALL over down there was painted "Waylon Loves Betty"
in different variations...."Waylon + Betty"....etc.
I also painted my name along with my girlfriend's right next to
where my mother's name was with Waylon Jennings. My mother was Betty
Bales back then. As a child I was friends with two of Waylon's children.
I dont remember his daughter's name, but his son Buddy was my friend.
Right before my stepdad accepted a job in Lubbock managing theaters
there, I ran the inventory for all the concession stands for Boren
Theaters. Man, oh man, I dont know what ever happened to all those
movie posters, but at one time in the room next door to the theater
I bet there was 5,000 posters. Elmer Koller kept up with all those
like it was his life. He could tell you where every great movie
poster in that room was...and show them to you if you asked.
My stepdad used to run the projectors down there on Elmer's night
off, and the week Elmer went deer hunting, and I'd get to go up
there and hang around and learn how to operate the projectors.
I spent many
many entire Saturdays there watching the same movie over and over
until my mother about had to drag me and my friends and cousins
out of there kicking and sceaming....or come in and wake us up to
take us home.
I have Mr. Fairbaim's picture of the Palace in 1975 as my screen
saver. - Marc Giles, Odessa Texas, January 11, 2008
Baird,
Texas
1-11-08
Subject: Aviation cadets take a break in front of the T & P Depot
at Baird in January of 1943
I found [this] photo in
my Dad's World War II album. He was an aviation cadet on a transcontinental
troop train that stopped in Baird in January 1943... more
- David Schoeck, Dana Point, CA, January 09, 2008
Fargo,
Texas
1-1-08
Dear TE, Unlike Gertrude Stein's Cleveland, there is a there there
in Fargo. I think someone on your staff took (a wrong turn) to Doans,
thinking they'd go through Fargo on the way. No wonder they didn't
find Fargo. You can get to Doans via Fargo, but the trick is to
take FM 2916 straight to Doan's from Highway 283 (the one connecting
Vernon, Texas with Altus, Oklahoma).
In Fargo, there's not only the Fargo Church of Christ (of which
you have a picture) but also a cotton gin. You can buy a soft drink
from the machine in the gin office. That's not exactly like having
a store, but it beats nothing. Fargo also has several houses in
all directions from the intersection that marks the center of "downtown."
Fargo used to have a post office, a blacksmith, a store with a soda
fountain, a place to get a hamburger or a griddle-cooked steak --
all at one time or another from the earliest days of the settlement.
Fargo Methodist Church is one mile west and one mile north of Highway
283.
Across from the Methodist Church is Northside School, grades K-12.
Northside Independent School District was created from five area
districts back in the 1930s. The six-man football team won state
in its division in 2006. The 125th celebration of the Doan's Crossing
May Picnic is coming up this year (2008). Interest in Doan's seems
to be growing, especially since the Western Cattle Trail has been
marked by little obelisks all the way across Texas to Doan's. I
believe it's marked all the way to Dodge City, for that matter.
I will try to find time to send more information on Doan's and Fargo.
- Hanaba Munn Welch, Fargo, January 01, 2008
|
December
2007
Wayside,
Texas
12-29-07
Dear TE, I was surfing the web and came across your magazine showing
the Wayside School and it's surroundings. I was raised in Wayside.
My mother and dad were Charles and Inabelle Kennedy. I was also
related to the Stocketts and Fishers. Most of my family is buried
at Wayside. I lived there from 1945 until leaving for college in
1963. My parents sold the farm in 1972. The school pictures bring
back so many memories. I have done a lot of math and spelling on
those blackboards. I was in school there from 1952 through 1958.
After that I attended the 8th-12th grades in Happy, Texas Public
Schools. I have been gone from the area since attending college
at Texas Tech in 1963 but I do occasionally return to visit and
to enjoy the Palo Dura Canyon north of Wayside where I spent most
of my childhood roaming the canyons either on foot or horseback
hunting and enjoying the outdoors. Oh, if life were only as simple
now as it was then. We had things so good then. Thanks again for
bringing back some wonderful memories. - Richard Kennedy, Lewis,
Kansas, December 28, 2007
Tulia,
Texas
12-24-07
Subject: Swisher
County Court House
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the Swisher County Court
House. I lived in Tulia in the 50's while in the 5th and 6th grade
and always had a fond remembrance of living there. The beautiful
Court House in the town square, the drug stores with the cherry
lime root beers, the brick streets downtown, the Swisher Creamery,
ah yes, those were the days.
In the 80's I was traveling from Dallas back to California and thought
I would take a detour and travel through Tulia and see the house
I used to live in and even have a root beer in the drug store on
the town square. My first stop coming in from Silverton from the
North was the town square.
I looked at where the beautiful Court House once stood and could
only whisper, "Oh my God, what had they done" It was GONE! The one
thing of beauty in that dusty part of the world had been removed
and in it's place was an ugly building void of character.
I did not stay to see where I used to live nor did I even look for
that drug store. I simply turned around and drove out of town not
looking back.
It is unimaginable that anybody with the sense to slip their shoes
on in the morning could have destroyed that building.
Once again, thanks for the pictures. - Joe Wilkerson, Riverside
Ca., December 23, 2007
Desdemona,
Texas
Subject: WW II Japanese balloon bombs
In regards to the inquiry about two Japanese balloon bombs landing
in Desdemona in May 1945, I can provide the following. Two balloon
bombs landed at Desdemona on March 23, 1945. Another balloon bomb
landed in Woodson, Texas (approx. 75 miles NNW of Desdemona) the
next day. None caused any damage. - Steve Allen Goen, Wichita
Falls, December 23, 2007
Lake
Wright Patman
12-13-07
Subject: Fishing Lake Wright Patman
As I recall from my childhood, Lake Wright Patman (as named on the
official Texas state map, not Wright Patman Lake) was a much, much
larger lake than the recent pictures of Ms. Sarah Reveley [suggest].
This large and beautiful lake with multi thousands upon thousands
of acre feet of fresh water on the Sulphur River, holds vast water
reserves for the entire Ark-La-Tex area. The dam site and spillway
are magnificent, too. Growing up within a stones throw of that mighty
lake, my Dad and I fished there frequently with Uncle Frank Fed.
Those two were "net" fishermen. Fishing from a boat with our nets,
we must have harvested hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of fish
over a 10 to 15 year period.
A "Buffalo" they called it! The "Buffalo" was the most prominent
fish harvested by net on the lake, in addition to Catfish (the prize),
Bass, Grenal and a host of some "unwanted" and unmarketable fish.
The "Buffalo" is a good "eating" fish for "po country folk". It's
only negative is a highly unusual amount of very small, mi-nute
bones that are often severed or missed in the "dressing" process.
Thus, upon dining, very slow and cautious eating was advised or
those small bones could be missed a second time.
In December 1973, Lake Wright Patman replaced Lake Texarkana. This
change was done by President Richard Nixon to honor the local Congressman,
the Honorable Wright Patman.
The lake now covers a great part of the Sulphur River bottoms, which
was at one time the hideout, domain and stomping grounds of notorious
and infamous NE Texas outlaw, Cullen Baker; which is a whole 'nother
story. - "Ramblin' Ray, Conroe, Texas, December 12, 2007
Guadalupe
Peak, and El Capitan
12-11-07
Subject: The Mayor of Guadalupe Pass
Dear TE, I am elated to find your magazine and your article on Guadalupe
Pass. I was once called the Mayor of Guadalupe Pass. This may seem
strange but it's true. I lived two miles South of Guadalupe Pass
for several years. I also lived at Salt Flat, Texas and taught (other)
young men to fly from the Salt Flat Intermediate Landing Field.
I climbed to the top of Guadalupe Pass long before it became a National
Park and I fell in love with the entire area. This was back in 1948
and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I flew by (and
around?) El Capitan for many years en route from Midland to El Paso.
My good friend Bertha Glover and her husband owned the Pine Spings
Cafe.... Mrs.Glover received a letter one day from a lady in Fort
Worth, addressed to "The Mayor at Guadalupe Pass." Mrs. Glover designated
me to be the Official Mayor because she said she had that "authority."
I did answer the letter as I figured a Mayor from Guadalupe Pass
would. I have both of these letters in my files and will try to
send them in when they are found. You are doing a superb service.
There is a lot of lost Texas History and [only] a few of us Ol'
timers still around. I might as well "fess up" - I was 86 years
old in November this year. - Sincerely, David Finnell, Hurst,
Texas, The Former Mayor of Guadalupe Peak, December 8, 2007
Coldwater
City - Sherman County - Texas 12-6-07
I enjoyed your article on Coldwater the former county seat of Sherman
County, Texas. However I do need to make one correction. The original
Court House was built of stone, not brick and it is not still standing.
I'm not sure how long it did stand. I have a picture of the original
court house, it is in our Sherman County Depot Museum. Thanks -
Ann Wells, Depot Museum Board member, December 05, 2007
World
War II
12-5-07
Subject: Tragedy
Over Weatherford
Regarding this story: "Memorial Marker Sought To this day no memorial
or marker stands to remember the lives of those brave men that flew
on that mission so many years ago. Many of those who remember the
crash have passed on as well." An historical marker has been established
at the Weatherford Public Library, which is located in the general
location above which the tragic collision took place. Perhaps you
could update Mr. Hopkins' fine article. - Ann Hafften Weatherford,
Texas, December 04, 2007
|
November
2007
Goforth,
Texas
11-30-07
I grew up on a farm in Buda (Hays Co. TX) less than two miles from
Goforth. It was east-southeast of Buda, and had a cotton gin. Apparently,
Goforth began its decline when the railroad went through Buda in
1881. We used to go to the ruins of the town in the 1950s and early
1960s and had picked up old newspapers and advertising (which our
mother later discarded). We still have several old bills of lading
from the Goforth Mercantile dating from the 1890s. Goforth had a
post office, schools, at least one church and a cemetery or two.
Unfortunately, someone purchased the property that the old stores
sat upon in the late 1960s and burned everything. Evidence of the
cotton gin is still visible on the county road there. One church
still exists and the cemetery is still in use.
My mother's family (Mitcheltree) was from Burnet Co. TX and my father's
family (Thompson) was from the Caldwell Co.,TX area. - Clay Thompson,
Lake St. Louis, MO., November 28, 2007
Star,
Texas
11-27-07
Dear TE, I found [your
page on] Star, Texas, and I was impressed. My father was the
Methodist Minister there from 1954 to 1956. His duties also included
Center City, and Pear Valley Methodist Churches. We moved to Star
from South Texas and my brother and I attended school in Star. During
the time my father was minister there a new parsonage was built
and an educational building that I still have pictures of. Back
in 1987 I made a trip to Star and stopped at the one service station
there and met James Clary who I went to school with and spent time
on his parent's ranch. We caught up on a lot of old times and history.
Again thank you for putting the history and commits about Star on
the internet. - Bobby Barth, Friendswood, Texas, November 26,
2007
Goodnight,
Texas
11-25-07
Dear TE, Around 1950 or 1951 I was six years old an enrolled in
the first grade at Goodnight school. My mother was hired to teach
the 7th, 8th and 9th grades. I remember my first girlfriend, Becky,
(she was an older woman). She was in the second grade and sat in
front of me through 6th grade. I remember driving out to the canyon
and seeing trunks and other discards left by wagons that had going
through just forty or so years earlier. A lot of clothing and household
effects were still in the trunks - just as they were packed all
those years earlier. I remember riding hogs, calves, and catching
turtles from a pond. I remember going to the funeral of an old man
I remember as Mister Goodnight. I still question my memory as to
who he really was but the whole county turned out. I remember getting
hit in the back of the head with a base ball bat playing catcher
at recess. No questions there. I so yearn for days like those again.
I would like to hear from others from Goodnight of the same time.
- D D Durbin, Corpus Christi, Texas, November 22, 2007, ASKDAL@aol.com
, November 22, 2007
Los
Angeles, Texas
11-21-07
"And the band
slept on..."
"Dear TE, I was raised about 12 miles south of Los Angeles. I was
reading your page and saw that a lady by the last name of Walton
had posted a short article about the place and had spoke of a Dairy
farm on their place that was run by nuns. I am pretty sure that
the place she is speaking of was called the old Avant place. My
father used to plow the nuns' field that they grew their feed on.
During one of his plowing sessions he plowed up a very ornate brass
bowl with a hole in one side. Us kids always said that it had been
shot. I have this bowl now, it's brass and has "Made in India" stamped
on the bottom. It was found over 50 years ago.
We used to receive our mail in Los Angeles. The post office was
in the General store. My father would always buy us a soda there
to drink on the way home. The bridge just out of town running south
was still an old wooden brige. Before Ruby's lounge there was a
beer joint called the Los Angles Cafe. (Just a little west of where
Ruby's was.) In the early 50's two of my uncles owned it - but not
for very long. When my wife and I were in high school '65 - '67
we used to go dancing there on Saturday nights. There was always
a large crowd and a live band. Jo Tymrak from Jourdanton, Texas
and his kids would play. They were just children and as they got
sleepy and fell asleep their mother would carry them out and put
them in the car to sleep. The band got smaller but we still danced
on. - Deacon Welton J. Fiedler, Jr., November 21, 2007
Los
Angeles, Texas
11-21-07
Dear TE, I was
excited and glad to find you had included Los Angeles Texas. My
recollections of the small but family-oriented town are vivid. I
was a young girl in the early late 60's and early 70's and would
go spend summers there with my aunt and uncle Cecil and Mattie Roth.
My "Uncle Cecil" would take care of many of the rancher's cattle.
I remember riding with him to do headcounts on the cattle at several
ranches. I believe that today that's an obsolete activity. We rode
horseback to do headcounts but I think that's now done by helicopter.
I remember going to the only store/post office that was there. It
was operated by a lady that I can only recall as being "Ms. Roberts."
Sadly, I dont think that post office exists any more. I remember
the post office boxes just being little cubby holes, no lock or
key that I can remember, and I am assuming that was because there
was such a "trust" of your neighbors back in those days. I can still
hear the wood floors "creak and crack" as you would walk over them,
it is a sound that is vivid in my memory. The high point of my day
was getting on one of my uncle's horses...'Mona or Remona' and riding
down the dirt road to the store to see Ms. Roberts and buy some
candy.
There were no air conditioners at my aunt and uncels house, which
was torn down after their tragic death in a motor vehicle accident.
I can remember laying in bed at night listening to the music from
"Ruby's" dance hall. I can still hear Johnny Rodriquez and Charlie
Pride from the juke box. "Is anybody going to San Antone"...was
a favorite of the time. On rare occasions my aunt and uncle would
actually go down to Ruby's at night for a 'cold one.' I remember
watching the ranchers sit and talk about the happenings of the day.
I remember driving in my uncle's old green Ford pick-up (which would
be a Classic today) to visit their friends in Fowlerton and Millet.
Those were the "good old days" which are gone forever, but exist
like yesterday in my mind. I met interesting people during those
days, simple people who genuinely cared about their neighbors.
Just a few of my childhood memories of Los Angeles Texas:
Drinking un-homogenized milk from the dairy cow that they had...and
never got sick. Churning butter from the cream that was skimmed
off the milk. Margarine holds no candle to that butter...sweet and
tasty. Actually milking the cows and goats and learning to milk
the udders was a art in itself. Unlike the 'machines' that milk
the cows today, the art is lost. The goats and horses ran and grazed
wild...no fences. My uncle could go out and with certain actions/sounds,
call them back to the house and into their pens. I remember seeing
the signs on the highway that warned drivers to watch for animals.
That was before today's 'deer proof' fence, where the animals are
corraled like prisoners.
I still pass through there on occasion on my way to Corpus Christi.
As we drive through, we always slow down to allow me to "soak up
the smells and memories of such a wonderful time." - Sheila Arthur
Taylor, November 20, 2007
Quanah,
Texas
11-15-07
Quanah: Bread Buttering, Cotton Ginning and Bop Dancing
...Upon arriving in Quanah I recall the culture shock of leaving
a brand new high school in Tulsa and attending classes in an old
two-story brick school. One with rickety stairs and old seats in
the auditorium. Little did I know at that time how much I would
eventually miss my times in Quanah... more
- Darrell Gilliam, Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 18, 2007
Ireland, Texas
11-15-07
I wanted to thank you for your AMAZING and INFORMATIVE website.
I have been exploring ghost towns in Coryell County with the help
of your site. I took some pictures of what was probably the railroad
station of Ireland, Texas while on my explorations yesterday...
Thank you again. - Megan Harris, September 16, 2007
Valentine,
Texas
11-8-07
Dear TE, I was born and raised in Van Horn, Texas but as a child
my mother would visit the Barragan Family of Valentine. I especially
remember two sisters who always welcomed us with such warm hospitality.
My Mom's family knew a lot of people in Valentine. I believe the
Barragans had a filling station and small store. Yes, growing up
in a small town is very special. Thank you for the Valentine write
up and yes, I will send my sweetheart's next Valentine stamped from
Valentine of the great state of TEXAS.- Bertha DeAnda Rivas Harris,
(daughter of Rogelio and Juanita Rivas), Tucson, Arizona, November
07, 2007
Tuleta,
Texas
11-3-07
Subject: Tuleta
Texas 1909 New Bridge Picture
Attached is a picture postcard copy of the New Medio Creek Bridge
at Tuleta Texas. Writing on the back of the postcard is a message
from one of the men pictured on the bridge to his sister. He states
this is the new bridge they just built. Postcard dated May 1909.
- Will Beauchamp, Taft, Texas (formerly of Tuleta), November
02, 2007
Union
Valley, Texas
11-1-07
Dear Editor, I read your story on Union Valley where it said the
population was zero. However, at the time I was there, about ten
years ago, there were still people living in the town. There may
still be. It was not a large population, but still had a few. Nockenut
is nothing but a cemetery now as is (I think) Mound Creek where
John Wesley Hardin's wife Jane is buried. There is no longer a highway
sign pointing the way to Mound Creek, Sweet Home in Guadalupe County
or several other places. I guess that makes them officially ghosts.
- Hilda Hilpert, October 31, 2007
Subject:
Hedley, Texas
11-1-07
Dear TE, MY FATHER (JAMES DONALD BAILEY SR) WAS BORN (JULY 14 1928)
IN HEDLEY AND LIVED THERE UNTIL SOMETIME IN THE EARLY 1940's. MY
FATHER HAD THREE BROTHERS, JOHN TRAVIS, JAMES DONALD and FRANCIS
MERLE. MY GRAND FATHER, OLIN EDGAR BAILEY AND MY GRANDMOTHER WAS
ELEANOR MARTHA BAILEY ARE BURIED IN ROWE CEMETARY AS WELL AS SEVERAL
OF THEIR CHILDREN. I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT HEDLEY OR MY GRAND PARENTS
OTHER THAN WHAT I HAVE PICKED UP FROM OLD STORIES OF MY AUNTS AND
UNCLES AND WHAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND IN CENSUS AND OTHER REPORTS
ON THE INTERNET. I BELIEVE THAT MY GRAND FATHER WAS A MERCHANT /
MANAGER AND HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH PROVIDING ICE FOR HEDLEY. I
BELIEVE THAT MY GRAND MOTHER WAS A HOUSE KEEPER AND LATER DID SOME
SORT OF TEACHING AFTER MY GRAND FATHER DIED. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND
MY GRAND FATHER WAS HIT ON THE HEAD WITH A TRUCK WHEEL AND WENT
BLIND AND DIED (AFTER BEING SICK FOR A GOOD WHILE) WHEN MY DAD WAS
ELEVEN YEARS OLD. MY GRAND MOTHER EITHER HAD BEEN TEACHING OR STARTED
TEACHING AFTERWARDS AND THEN FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND SHE HAD DEVELOPED
CANCER AND DIED SEPT 27, 1947 IN PLAINVIEW, TEXAS. MY GRAND MOTHER
WAS RETURNED TO HEDLEY AND BURIED IN ROWE CEMETARY. MY UNCLE CHARLES
EDGAR WENT TO SCHOOL IN MCLEAN AND PLAYED FOOTBALL. I HAVE ONE OF
HIS FOOT BALL GAME PROGRAMS. THAT IS ABOUT ALL OF THE IMFORMATION
THAT I HAVE PERTAINING TO HEDLEY. I HOPE TO GO THROUGH SOME PAPERS
AND PICTURES IN THE FUTURE
I PLAN ON DRIVING UP TO HEDLEY SOON TO SHOW MY SON WHERE HIS GRANDFATHER
WAS BORN AND LIVED FOR THE FIRST 19 YEARS OF HIS LIFE. I DO NOT
THINK THAT WHAT I HAVE GIVEN YOU IS GOING TO HELP, BUT I WAS HOPING
THAT IT MIGHT AND IF ANYTHING RINGS A BELL WITH YOUR READERS, THEY
MIGHT BE ABLE TO SHARE SOME IMFORMATION WITH ME. - JIM, MARY
& J.D. BAILEY, SAN ANTONIO, October 31, 2007
|
October
2007
Goldsmith,
Texas
10-31-07
Subject: Remembering Goldsmith
Dear TE, WOW!! The article "Remembering Goldsmith by Billy Brown
really brought back lots of old memories and I enjoyed it immensley.
My family worked and lived in the Goldsmith area for years. My Mom
& Dad moved to an oil field camp West of Goldsmith close to the
Cole's Ranch and I lived there for 6 years. We moved into Odessa
and still lived in a camp where I attended school. My older brother
attended elementary school in Goldsmith. I always went to Goldsmith
on the weekends to stay with my grandparents and go to the skating
rink! I had many friends there and in Notrees.
My grandparents came through Goldsmith in the 30's and I remember
them talking about the tents. They lived in the Phillips camp for
several years (around 1942) and later moved into Goldsmith and opened
a small cafe next to the movie theater. The cafe was so busy they
expanded and built a new one next to the variety store at the other
end of town. (John's Cafe) I have many memories of working there
washing dishes, standing on an apple crate and later getting to
go up front and waitress. The oilfield hands came in on a daily
basis and were very "good" tippers. They came for Lillie's (my grandmother)
homemade pies and delicious home cooked food!! In the late 50's
the cafe burned out and they never reopened. - Thanks again,
Deanna Bolen Haynie, October 30, 2007
Kingsbury,
Texas
10-27-07
Homage to Ray, Mama Ray and the Gut-stuffing Meals in Kingsbury
Dear TE, Heading to San
Antonio from my hometown of Dallas,
I began to think about driving through San
Marcos, the city of my alma mater (now Texas State University).
One of my fondest memories back in the late 70's and early 80's
was a monthly trip to Kingsbury for a Mexican food at Ray's Cafe.
It would usually be a carload or two of college guys heading to
our culinary Mecca for a gut-stuffing meal. I will assure anyone
who cares that this was the best TexMex restaurant in the world.
Ray's Cafe was run by an elderly couple and I think the man was
named Ray. I think his wife, who we called Mama Ray ran the place.
This was home-made peasant food at it's best. I have since eaten
my way across France and Italy and would consider [the food at]
Ray's Cafe worldclass. Ray would usually come out after a few beers
and sing a song or two with his guitar. He had written a little
ditty about Kingsbury but never seemed to get past the first verse.
Anyway, I assume this place is long gone but wished to pay it the
necessary homage it deserved. - Steve Davis, Dallas, October
26, 2007
Ranger,
Texas 10-25-07
Subject: The Theatre in Ranger
"I was delighted to see the photos of Ranger in the October
issue of TE. I wanted to share with you some information about
the picture of the old theater. It was originally called the Lone
Star and later became the Columbia. Its speciality was the Western.
The old movie house has sat empty for years, but I understand that
the local historical society has cleaned the inside up and has accumulated
seats for the building in the future hope of making it a workable
theater again. The roof is missing and that is the financial imperative
for full restoration. Who knows? Maybe someday there will be a theater
again in Ranger. - Billy Smith, October 21, 2007
Sugarloaf
Bridge of Milam County
10-23-07
Dear TE, I have visited your [magazine] on a number of occasions...
I recently viewed your article on the Bryant
Station Bridge... I discovered another metal truss bridge...
that crossed the Little River in Milam County, approximately 40
miles from the Bryant Station location... - Joe Williams, Houston,
October 07, 2007
Golden,
Texas
10-21-07
Subject: Golden Gas Station Jam Session
About 20 years ago I was taking a shortcut to a relative's weekend
retreat in East Texas. It was a Saturday evening just after sunset
and I was coming into the town of Golden. I came around the corner
and there was an old gas station. The pumps instantly caught my
eye because they were so old I knew that they could not be in operation.
At that point I noticed a group of men standing there with musical
instruments. There were three or four elderly gentlemen on guitars
and a young Mexican farm worker on a stand-up snare drum. The men
had their cigarettes resting on top of the gas pumps while they
play country music. I stayed there for about 45 minutes for some
of the most entertaining moments of my life! - Dennis Christy,
Irving, Texas, October 20, 2007
Pasadena,
Texas 10-21-07
Free Hospital
Ice Cream, but no Free Movie Passes
- Robert Farmer, Pasadena, Texas, October 17,
2007
Santo,
Texas
10-14-07
Dear TE, I read your profile and information on Santo, Texas. There
is reference that the town was once named Cresco and this is correct.
It further states that the town was renamed because the name Cresco
was too similar to a town named Cosco and such confusion nearly
caused an accident on the T&P Railroad when a telegrapher inadvertently
keyed the wrong place for an on-coming train, but no reference could
be found by your staff to a town named Cosco.
Actually, the conflict of names was with the town of Cisco, which
is about 50 miles west of Santo and it too lies on the Texas and
Pacific railroad. You might like to change your profile to reflect
this. All other information seems correct. - Glen Taylor (born
and raised in Santo), October 13, 2007
Barstow,
Texas
10-13-07
Subject: Barstow: Shocked and Saddened
My husband and I visited Barstow in September of 2007. We had read
about the history of this unique little place but words cannot match
the sorrow we felt when we were actually present [to see] the isolation.
We had purchased some "mystery acreage" and this visit was to discover
just what was what. This can't be America, to let a town die is
sad beyond belief. We spoke with "Jo" who had some connection with
the water co-op and she explained that the town did not even qualify
for any grants because they did not have a business that charged
sales tax. I guess I am to believe if you do not have some sort
of tax base you do not deserve any assistance to do anything. We
are surrendering our property, because of the limited water supply,
being told by more than one person that wells were 4,000 to 5,000
ft deep and didn't produce potable water. We would have to purchase
all water but that too was not available because the "town" could
not increase their request for more from Pecos. [It was] mind altering.
[We] did not think a place like this existed, what could have gone
wrong? There were not alot of wells working, but I was told the
drilling now was for natural gas. Will this product have any influence
on the outcome of this situation? Hope somebody comes to the rescue
of Barstow. - Norm & JoAnn Deckant, Tampa, Florida, October 8,
2007
Hedley,
Texas
10-13-07
Dear TE, I am in the process of writing a history of Hedley. Attached
are a few photos I have recently acquired. If anyone has historical
information about Hedley's early years, they can contact me. pkspier@valornet.com
- Kathy Spier, Hedley, Texas, September 23, 2007
Denison,
Texas
10-12-07
Subject: Denison
High School Razed - 9/27/07
Old Denison high school being razed following several months of
legal fights... - Mike Price, September 26, 2007
Mozelle,
Texas
10-12-07
I attended school in Mozelle Texas and had recently gone back to
visit. I had been there a few years ago and my husband and I were
able to walk up the building and look in the windows. This time
I was shocked to see it's being torn down. Now the Mozelle as we
knew it will be all but gone. - Misty Johnson, October 10, 2007
Ding
Dong, Texas
10-7-07
Ding Dong Signage or Lasers in Ding Dong
Dear TE, I live in the Temple/Belton/Killeen area and am fairly
near to Ding Dong. I decided to go out there to take some photos,
but I could not find the country store or at least the sign contributed
by Stephen Danesi. I drove on 1-95 South from Killeen and found
*A* country store at this intersection with 777. The volunteer fire
department was behind the which apeared to be closed. I asked someone
who worked at a mechanic's shop there about Ding Dong, and he replied
"You're in it." When I asked about the country store they said there
was one about 6 miles south over the Lampassas river or 8 miles
north to Killeen. They didn't know about the Ding Dong country store
I was looking for or if the one in their same lot was the one I
was searching for. I asked if there was any signs that said Ding
Dong on the highway or anywhere in town and they said there used
to be one by the Lampasas river but people keep stealing them, and
the only other evidence of the town being named Ding Dong was the
fact it was printed on the fire trucks (however the trucks were
out of sight).
If anyone has any current information on how to get to the country
store that has a sign proclaiming Ding Dong, I'd really appreciate
it. Or a physical address if possible. By the way, anyone traveling
out there beware, when I passed the Marksdale / 777 exit before
I went over the Lampassas river there was a State Trooper shooting
laser! Killeen PD and the State troopers that patrol Killeen don't
even have Laser, yet apparently it's in Ding Dong, so slow down
on 195 South! - Jered Morgan, Temple/Belton/ Killeen Area, September
30, 2007
Salt
Gap, Texas
10-7-07
Subject: The
Old Salt Gap Store in the 1930's
Submitted by Barbara Jackson from the memory of her father John
Wesley Little who was born Jan. 31,1930. His grandparents William
Foris Tillery and Matty Pearl Davis ran the Salt Gap Store, from
about 1935-1938? The post office was attached to the store and they
had living quarters in the rear of the store. Grand Dad was the
post master, they also had two gas pumps, one regular and one ethel
as well as a small ice house. I went with him on many occasions
to get the blocks of ice, which he hauled in a trailer pulled by
an old Buick car. We went to Brady,Tx to get the ice. The cotton
gin was across the road from the store. They also had a bulk oil
tank. The picture I'm sending has written on the back, me(my aunt
Dorothy) Daddy, my Great Grandfather, and a drug salesman, name
unknown. My Grandmother, Laverne showed me this picture many times
of the Old Salt Gap Store. Thank You, Barbara Jackson, Canyon
Lake, Tx, September 30, 2007
Subject:
San
Jancinto School 10-1-07
Dear TE, In your online articile about San Jancinto School [one
of the photos shows it] as being in Swisher County. You may want
to check the county lines as I was always under the impression it
was in Briscoe County. My family lived in and around Vigo
Park from approx. 1963 - 1971. When we first moved there I was
in the 4th grade and there was talk (although I am not sure how
serious) about transferring me to the two room school house since
it was closer, however, my parents opted to keep me in the Tulia
Public Schools 23 1/2 miles away. To my knowledge none of the Swisher
County kids attended the school. As I remember it was just attended
by those in Briscoe County. Dallas Culwell's kids (Terry, Gene,
Collene and Denise) attended the school and then transferred to
school in Silverton. Their Swisher County cousins attended the Tulia
Schools. The school burned while we lived in the area, but I don't
remember if the school closed prior to the fire or as a result of
the fire. As I remember, the last teachers were a huband and wife
who lived in a house adjacent to the school. - Patti Stephens
Mason, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, September 29, 2007
|
September
2007
Whitewright,
Texas
9-23-07
Subject: Impersonation of a Bricklayer
About Whitewright High School Gym and Lab
Dear TE, I attended and graduated from Whitewright High School.
I used to live nearby. I am writing after reading (the first of
many) your website has for WHS.
The gym information and picture caught my eye. As well the "City
and School" connection to building it. The crew was a WPA crew,
if I remember correctly. Also, there was a man on the construction
crew who did not know how to lay brick, but said he did! This caused
two things to happen. One is he lost his job. The other is that
after catching the errors, the crew placed one huge block/brick
upon another, not staggering it as usual! This is on the face of
the building. This story was told to me when I found a man and son
at dusk looking for the blocks and errors with a flashlight to point
them out. The error was fixed also by placing a "half block" or
brick in the front of the building or elsewhere.
The Lab building was always shut whenever I went to school there.
It was said to be a museum, a site dedicated to the old College
days. I used to see a reunion there about every year, on Sundays.
One day after I was grown I passed and recognized this gathering
at the building as the suppossed "reunion." Everyone, as usual,
was dressed in suits and "to the "nines." I also swear I recognized
one of the people as being the famous "Higgins" character on the
television show, "Magnum P.I." Now you may understand why I'd like
my name witheld. I am pretty sure it was he, as I used to watch
that show and read a bit about it. Seeing pictures of him (don't
remember his real name) I also remembered that in one episode he
played his "twin brother" from Texas. I wondered at the [difficulty
of] swapping an English Brogue (mum was a Scot ) to a Texas drawl!
- NWBR, Somewhere in Texas, September 22, 2007
Denison, Texas
9-21-07
Subject: Remembering the Old Denison High School
I am Louise McLaughlin, a mixed media artist. I am so sorry the
community of Denison lost their battle to save the Old Denison High
School. As an artist, I would like to make a tribute to the people
who went to DHS. I want to honor the memory and events from the
century-old DHS. I am looking for historical information and pictures
to form into a memorial, an artistic representation of the history
of DHS and the people and events that help make Denison a great
place to call home. If anyone can contribute images or information
on the school, they can connect me at: weezycake@yahoo.com Thank
You, Louise McLaughlin, September 19, 2007
Ridge,
Texas 9-21-07
Dear TE, My family also helped settle Ridge. There are a lot of
Johnstons in Holly Cemetery. Like Jason, I remember spending weeks
there during the summer, walking down that red dusty road to Mr.
Hagar's store to get a root beer out of the coke box to the right
of the front door. We also used to go "explore" the old school which
was right behind my grandparents house. Back in the early 70's,
my grandmother still had no running water, so my grandfather used
to go to the "good well" for drinking water every day. The outhouse
was always full of daddy long legs and taking a bath in a wash tub
was an experience. Up until right before his death, my grandfather
Henry E. Johnston was the caretaker at Holly Cemetery. - Mike
Johnston, Lake Charles, Louisiana, September 21, 2007
Ruidosa,
Texas 9-21-07
Dear TE, My grandmother "Reyes Negrete" was born in Ruidosa on April
12,1898, her parents were Sebastian DeAnda & Reyes Ochoa (maiden).
They later moved to Van Horn, but I'm not sure of the year. Thanks
for the pictures and information on the town. - Ben Negrete,
September 21, 2007
Little Hope, Texas
9-9-07
Sir, Just a comment about your article on the Church and the Murphy
Graveyard there in Little Hope, Texas. The cemetery mentioned was
actually the "New Murphy" cemetery. This land was donated to the
church for a location to build the new church, and also for a new
cemetery. This land was given by my G-Grandfather William Patrick
Murphy. The "Old Murphy" cemetery was on land near the dam site
of the old Stinson pond that was sold off to new comers to the area
such as the Blundell's and the Burnett's. The "Old Murphy" cemetery
was never used again for public use and was lost forever with the
building of the Quitman-Gilmer highway, 154 in the early 1940's.
I believe that the plots were graded away in the area on the north
side of 154, just east of the dam for the state easement rights.
I personally know of about 6-8 Murphy family members that were buried
there. It is also thought to have other members of families living
in the area such as the Daniel family, one of the other early pioneers
to this area. The first of family to be buried in the Old Murphy
Cemetery was in 1876 and the last was William Patrick's Mother,
Charlotte in December of 1913. She was buried beside her husband,
William Murphy, who was buried abt. August of 1880. William, Charlotte
and their first 3 children, James L., Mary Emily, and Nancy Elizabeth
came to Wood Co. Texas from Fayette Co. Tenn. in the late summer
or fall of 1851. William grew the usual crops of the area, corn
and peaches, but also went on to build one of the first syrup mills
in the area. The Murphy land remained in the family for many generations
from 1851 until 2005 when the last of the Wood Co. family succumbed.
- B.
Murphy, September 09, 2007
Kingsbury,
Texas
9-8-07
Dear TE, I was born in Seguin,
where I now live, but I was rasied in Kingsbury. I love Kingsbury.
It's small but it's also quiet and there's no loud music. You know
everybody and you can walk down the street and nothing will happen
to you. Only if you walk by the cemetery then you might see the
ghost of an old man driving his old timey car and you have to watch
out for big spiders when crossing the road. I was told the tree
in front of the old post office was once used as a hanging tree.
I now live in Seguin but I still make it back to Kingsbury because
my grandma lives there. She's 75 and she has lived there the last
27 years. She told me she will die in Kingsbury and doesn't want
to move to the city. I remember when my grandpa was alive he would
take me outside with him to watch him weld or we might look for
fossils and arrowheads from along ago. I remember walking through
the pasture, just walking with my grandpa. My grandma taught me
that when you get a thorn in your foot to put a piece of bacon on
it and in the morning the thorn would be out. To this day I use
that remedy for my five kids. My grandma has also taught me that
when you are out of food, that it's okay, someone will bring you
some since He is up above watching over us. My grandma is poor but
if somebody needs anything, she is right there to help. - Brandy
G., Seguin, September 07, 2007
Doole,
Texas
9-5-07
... Farming and ranching was the occupation of choice for the majority
of Doole, East Gansel and Stacy, Texas residents. Life was good
until a drought hit during the late 1950’s. Can you imagine - no
measurable amount of rain for 7 years? Most of the farmers moved
to other locations. Many were forced to find new occupations in
order to survive. This is the primary reason Doole, Texas became
a “ghost town”. A treasured way of life was lost in the 1950’s and
early 1960’s and a large portion of McCulloch County is now used
for hunting only... more
- Lanelle Crumley, September 3, 2007
Odell,
Texas
9-4-07
Dear TE, This is in response to your Odell page in your [magazine].
I reside in Odell with my grandparents in the old Tallent-Starr
House on CR 102 West. The old post office is now a recording studio
for the bands around the area and there is a now a stage for them
to perform on during Odell Days. I thought that it was so cool to
see my hometown on a website and be able to say that I have lived
in an actual "ghost town." My house is one of the originals built
in 1908 for the Starr's daughter who was getting married. It has
since been added on to although we don't know the exact date of
these additions. The old train tracks went right across our driveway
and the old cotton gin, which is now a private residence, is not
too far. The [railroad trestle] across the river is still standing,
although time has taken its toll on it. Although I have and continue
to [walk] on it, I'm still kind of cautious because it's starting
to collapse in some places. Other than a few rotten boards it's
in relatively good condition. - Hannah Clark, Odell, Texas, September
03, 2007
Taylor,
Texas
9-2-07
Subject: Blazilmar
Hotel story
Dear TE, My grandparents (Paul and Eureka Ferguson) managed the
Blazilmar
hotel in Taylor, Texas, in the late 1950s and I spent several
summers there. I well remember James the elevator man and even helped
as his special assistant sometimes when he was busy with some chore
my grandmother thought up. He taught me how to ease the lever down
to stop exactly even with the floor so the guest doesn't trip.
Your reminiscence page brought back such a flood of old memories
it makes me eager to write an article for your magazine. Meanwhile,
[here is] my 2004 short story, set in 1958 at the Blazilmar. "Waiting
for Elvis" is fiction, but based on actual events. It won second
place in the Denver Woman's Press Club ---- In-House Writer's Contest
in 2005! - Shere Chamness, August 22, 2007
|
August
2007
Fort
Davis, Texas
8-31-07
Dear TE, Just a note to correct a misstatement by one of your correspondents
on the Ft. Davis page. C. F. Eckhardt wrote on June 3, 2006, that
Texas has the only county in the country named after the Confederate
president, Jefferson Davis. This is actually an error. There is
a Jeff Davis County in Georgia (where else?!); the town of Hazelhurst
is the county seat (it's in Southeast Georgia).
I ran across Texas Escapes more or less by chance (I was searching
for the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering website at the time), and
I immediately bookmarked your production. It is a wonderful resource
for those who are interested in Texas, its people, its geography,
and its history. I am not a Texas native, but two of our four daughters
are--and they are quite proud of that fact. My wife and I spent
three quite enjoyable years in Austin while I earned my Ph.D. in
English at the University of Texas ("Hook 'Em, Horns!"). I look
back on my days in Texas as among the best three years of my life.
(I'm now a retired college English professor.)
Thank your for the effort you have put into making Texas Escapes
such a good [magazine]. - Cordially, Rick Thurman, (Dr. William
R. Thurman, Jr.),Thomaston, Georgia, August 28, 2007
Dido,
Texas
8-30-07
The Smith Family Chronicles: Two Routes from Virginia and A Reunion
in Texas
Dear TE, I descend from Phereby Turner & John Smith. John Smith's
will was dated in 1805 Anson County NC. I have traced [the family]
back to Sir William Harris who married Alyce Smythe/Smith, the sister
of Sir Thomas Smythe who was the Treasurer of the Virgina company
and was appointed by the King to settled Jamestown after the first
two failed attempts. He was also Ambassador to Russia, Governor
of the East India Company, and held other other notable positions.
His father [also] Sir Thomas Smythe, was wealthy enough to donate
sums to Queen Elizabeth I so that England could arm against and
defeat the Spanish Armada. I believe this is the reason my Smith
got the abundant land grants from the King of England. England owed
them a debt for helping save the country. The Smiths that migrated
westward were so prominent and respected that other families gave
their children the first name of Smith. Texas' Smith County had
many Smiths settle there.
In Texas the name Throckmorton is both a county and city as well
as the name of a street in downtown Fort Worth. Sir Throckmorton
was a protégé of Sir Thomas Smythe in England in the
1500's. Prior to changing the name from Smythe to Smith they were
Carringtons. The Carringtons were an order of the Knights Templar
who escaped England. When the Templars were rounded up, they returned
as Smythe's. Between the years 1750 and 1790 in Anson Co NC the
name John Smith is mentioned most often in local land transactions.
The Smiths came out of VA in two directions. One South through NC
and SC with the children going westward through GA, MS, AL, and
Texas. The other went directly westward through KY, TN, AL and connected
in the 1800's with the families who had taken the southern route.
My research shows these families started in VA together and 400
years later met at Dido and the surrounding area where I live today.
The census records from 1850 to the present and the family wills
prior to those dates confirm this. The burial plots at Dido have
the families together in the 1800's as they were in the 1600's.
Much of this is in history books and others [are family histories].
I have cousins all over the country who are assisting me but the
more I have become involved in this, the larger the story grows.
The Dido cemetery will link to Davy Crockett, Thomas Jefferson,
Lyndon B Johnson, George Washington and others. The Smith Family
descendants buried at Dido go back to the founding of this country.
- Bob Thomas, Saginaw, Texas, August 29, 2007
Star,
Texas
8-29-07
Dear TE, I was a teacher in Star, Texas in the 1970's and the first
woman to coach basketball there. We lived on the old Jim Soul's
place before some of the diversion terraces where put in. One July
4th, there came a heavy rain out toward Goldthwaite and Center.
It had rained about 6 inches and all the water came down the creek
at one time. We raced to the creek from the house to pull the irrigation
pipe. The chain broke on the release and I had to dive into the
pool of water to release the water from the tube. I got it just
in time. As I climbed out of the water to the upper bank, fifteen
feet of water was making its way to where I had just been. The water
came up to the top of the banks and blocked the crossing for several
hours.
Another time I
was driving the old pick-up to school and it rained so much that the
Slaughter Branch was up. I was caught at the high water but my husband
brought up our horse and took me across the flooded branch on that
horse (with me dressed all in pink). When we got to the other side,
a neighbor, who was the school board president happened to be driving
by on the "main" road and he took me to school. I have about a million
stories to tell about Star, the people who lived there and the wildlife
(rattlesnakes, deer, wild turkey, and bobcats). Thanks for the opportunity
to remember that happy and carefree time. - Jerry Harris, June
12, 2007
Talpa,
Texas
8-25-07
Dear TE, I was born in a hospital in Ballinger, but my parents lived
on a ranch about 5 miles southwest of Talpa. I lived in Talpa in
the mid to late 70s and my son attended Talpa-Centennial schools
until junior high when we moved. I never had to worry about drugs
or theft and everyone knew everyone. I moved back from San Angelo
to Talpa in 2003 to care for my ailing parents and am presently
ranching and raising my oldest grandson. He will attend Panther
Creek schools this fall and frankly I feel he'll get more attention
and thus be exposed to a better education than in a larger school
system.
Yes, Talpa is small, and it is still shrinking, but there are new
families moving in every year. Immanuel Baptist Church is still
having services after all these years, and someone is planning to
open a feed store soon. I never looked back when I moved in 2003
and am proud to be from this small community. By the way, I am a
fourth generation rancher/farmer with one of my places acquired
by my great-grandfather around 1879. I am right where I am supposed
to be and where I want to be. - Carol Brookshier-Jones, Talpa,
Texas, August
23, 2007
Subject:
Prada Marfa
8-25-07
Dear TE,I recently went on a family vacation to Fort Davis, Texas.
My kids and I could not believe our eyes when we saw the Prada Marfa
store! It so surprised us that I slammed the brakes and turned around
and took a picture. I am happy to find out it was art. - Graciela
Tercero, August 23, 2007
Roxana,
Texas
8-24-07
Dear TE, I just finished reading the article about Roxana, Texas,
which was very interesting to me. My father, Charlie Clay Dykes,
worked for Skelly Oil Company for many years, and during that time,
he purchased the old Roxana post office. I was a small child at
the time, and there were only two or three other buildings around
the area. We eventually moved the house to Skellytown and added
other rooms around the original post office. The old house is still
standing even though my father has passed away, and Ann Dykes (mother)
has moved into a nursing home. I remember playing our in the back
yard one day, and happened onto some old boxes from the post office,
and had no idea what they were at the time. Some of my fondest memories
of childhood are growing up in the area of the old Roxana Post Office.
- Tawanna (Dykes) Sinclair, August 23, 2007
Damon,
Texas
8-23-07
Damon used to be known as Damon's Mound - a salt dome. This dome
was visible as you approached it on this prairie. Now there are
so many trees lining the highway you cannot see the mound shape
like you could when I was last there 40 years ago. - Ken Rudine,
July 23, 2007
Bandera,
Texas
Subject: Update on photo of Ezra
Chipman
8-22-07
Dear TE, I am the one who submitted the photo of my ancestor Ezra.
I have a fantastic update for you and a huge ThankYou for posting
our photos. Because of you and your magazine, I was contacted by
a person who believed we could be related. Well, it turns out that
we are! Her name is Shirley, and lives here in Texas and her great-grandfather
and my own were both brothers. One produced Shirley's family, the
other brother produced mine. But it's not only finding each other
that is so amazing. It's not just the fact that we have traced our
bloodline way back to England almost 600 years back but that furthermore,
we have found that one family in our "tree" actually made the voyage
to America on the Mayflower and landed on Plymouth Rock! Now that
is the mind blower!
We are in the process of documenting the 3 undocumented generations
of our family down to the latest babies born. As you can imagine,
this will be quite a chore as our family branches out tremendously.
I have to thank Texas Escapes because if wasn't for you posting
the photo, my new found cousin Shirley would have never called me!
And if it wasn't for one little girl who survived the first winter
at Plymouth when her parents died, I would not be emailing you at
this moment. I will keep you informed as things develop. May God
Bless you and all the people of Bandera, Texas.- Elijio M. Martinez,
Ozona, August 13, 2007
Dido,
Texas
Subject: Dido Cemetery
8-22-07
Dear TE, I am a retired Finance Director and now do part time consulting
and serve as an expert witness for law firms nationally. Most of
my time is spent doing genealogy. Both my mother and fathers lines
document to the Royal families of Europe. While tracing the migration
on my fathers side I found that a Hankins (my grandmother was Mary
Jane Hankins) was buried at Dido cemetery. I live in Saginaw Texas
which is 15 minutes from there. I went there Thursday afternoon
and was totally stunned. Not only were there 5 Hankins graves, there
were many surnames that connect to my family on both sides that
document back to Jamestown Society ancestors as well as Halifax
North Carolina founders and a heavy dose of names out of Isle of
Wight Virginia and other Virginia counties. Here are at least three
confirmed burial sites of Blue Blood (now Blue Bones I guess) but
with what I am finding it could be one of the largest [groupings]
in one cemetery in Texas. I was back out there today for four hours
and it will take weeks to catalog exact positions of all the grave
sites that are linked. This was another colony as they moved west
and I have traced these carefully. I need additional help with this
as the other genealogist and family members are scattered over the
country. It seems these families (MY families) were close in their
migrations, seldom marrying outside the inner circle. - Bob Thomas,
Saginaw, Texas, August 18, 2007
Subject:
Crockett
Descendants 8-22-07
... Yes, Elizabeth Gose Crockett (and we have photos) is my great,
great grandmother... more
- Melissa (Lisa) Jemison Roberts, , August 14, 2007
Subject:
No Stangers in Drop,
Texas
My name is Chelsey Cox, and I live in Drop, Texas. Seeing as Drop
is no longer a ‘town’ per se, I did most of my growing up in Justin.
I can remember the always unique cookouts the firehouse would have
and the Justin Fun Days we used to have every year. The best thing
about Justin is that everyone is family and every one knows everyone
else. We can sit down in Mom’s Café and the waitress already knows
what we want to drink, everyone knows the names of our 5-6 police
officers who are always glad to help. Justin is a small family-oriented
town, a place like every other place used to be.
Throughout my childhood the whole community would swim at "Drop
Slab" in the summer and today on the last Monday night of every
month, everyone in Drop will cook up their favorite dish and meet
at the old schoolhouse for dinner. Everyone knows everyone else
and are willing enough to help whenever possible. I love living
in Drop because it's small, there are no strangers, and the traditions
of over 100 yrs are still practiced today. - Chelsey Cox, Drop,
Texas, August 17, 2007
Prada
Marfa Update
8-16-07
Mineral
Wells, Texas
8-15-07
Subject: Floating
at the Baker Hotel Cloud Room
Subject:
Salado and
Benoit Circa
1910
8-15-07
Dear TE, A web search for Benoit, Texas, led me to your excellent
site. My father, Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Rampy was born and reared in
Salado. He wrote a detailed account of those years (1898-1916) in
a book titled "Choice and Chance." I have posted it (PDF), including
many photos, on the web at: http://www.upamerica.org/family/trrbook.htm.
I believe those of your readers who are familiar with Salado would
find the first of the three sections to be a good account of how
things were on a Central Texas farm a hundred years ago.
The town of Benoit was featured in an incident recounted in my father's
book (above). He relates a tale of travel from his home to that
tiny village in Runnels County by train in 1910: A
RAILROAD ADVENTURE
Thanks for the great job you are doing to preserve our precious
past. - Gordon Rampy, Warrenton, Virginia, August 11, 2007
Roaring Springs, Texas
8-13-07
Subject: Witching Water in Roaring Springs
Dear TE, My grandfather, Rolla Chester "R.C" Ireton and his wife
Lillie lived in Roaring Springs from 1920 to 1925. Son Merion Frank
was born February 16, 1922. Rolla operated the blacksmith shop,
garage and light plant furnishing power to the barbershop, general
store run by his father, Frank Austin Ireton, and the hotel and
a few other business places. The light plant consisted of a Model
"T" Ford engine and generator in the garage and blacksmith shop
which ran the machinery during and the electric generator at night
until about ten o'clock .Rolla was a dowser being able to find water
with a willow branch and in 1924 a rancher who could not find water
on his ranch offered him five hundred dollars to dig a well on his
place he accepted and took another man out and located place to
dig and about twenty five feet down where they found a nice stream
of good water and was producing water fifty years later. In 1925
they moved to Whitedeer. - Mark
William Ireton, Portland Oregon, August 11, 2007
Subject:
Ghost town: Tankersley
VS Knickerbocker
Dear TE, Your, tethered to the ranch, ghost town-busting reporter
here reporting for service again. Visited your wonderful site again
to check on updates. Saw updated photos of the Knickerbockers churches,
thanks. But I noticed you still have us in the “Ghost Town” category.
I will try one more time to convince you that we are not dead! This
time by comparison. Check out your listing for Tankersley. It’s
only 6 miles north of Knickerbocker. You have Tankersley in the
regular city category. Tankersley does not exist anymore! It has
not been even a village for fifty years. There nothing there that
has any civic relationship to the lonely one or two ranchers near
by. [A] ranch office is there but that’s it. There’s a State owned
sign that says “Tankersley” but I or anyone else would be hard pressed
to point out where the town is.
Tankersley is a Ghost town not Knickerbocker!
Again, Knickerbocker has a community center, a post office, two
churches, a Volunteer Fire Department, warm homes with warm bodies
inside them on either side of the highway a | |
