Every tub must stand on its own bottom. (original) (raw)

During research for my articles, I run across many quotes that strike a chord. Here are a few to ponder and enjoy:

• When a writer posts a disclaimer before he writes that says, �Me, my publisher and editor are not responsible for the facts, opinions, prejudices and interpretations which lend perspective to our yarn,� you better beware, all you read may not be true.
  But, when you read, �every tub must stand on its own bottom,� you can proceed at least knowing you are allowed an opinion about the yarn.
• In some areas of the West, students had to read out loud so the other students could follow along in their own primers.
  These were called �blab schools� and teachers who used this method were called �blab teachers.�
• During a writing conference recently a speaker said, �To write nonfiction, one should be under the influence of true facts, proven historical references and a true passion for literary excellence. To write good fiction, one should merely be under the influence.�
• Historians place great significance on the information contained in the governmental census taken every 10 years.
  But, common sense tells us in the Old West, where enumerators of the census were paid by the head, information was garnered where it was most profitably available.
  For example, if the law was looking for you, being added to the census might not be real smart.
• A good cowman was once described as a man who managed to have an 80 percent calf crop each year in spite of the rain and weather.
  An �enterprising cowman� was described as driving 50 head of steers into the hills where they have five to six branded calves each to sell at market time.
• Names were not important in the Old West, especially the commonly used name of Smith. Many Westerners, whose real names might be dangerous if heard by certain people, took up another name called a �go-by-handle,� and his abode where he lived was often called a �roosting spot.�
• A Texas Ranger, on the hunt for an outlaw of whom little was known except that he was a dangerous killer, described his mission as, �the goosiest of wild goose hunting.�
• Fort Griffin, established July 31, 1867, was described as follows: �Fort Griffin was thrust into Comancheria as a spearhead to conquer the Comanche Indians. The civilian town, located just below the hill on which the fort was located, festered into life on the flat below. The Army payroll, buffalo hunters and bull whackers hauling government freight provided the impetus that was followed by whores, gamblers, thieves, outlaws, magpies and buzzards and Indians with cast-iron stomachs. The place was described as a throbbing pustule that burst into life in 1876.�
  To distinguish from the infamous Hell�s Half Acre in Fort Worth, Fort Griffin was described as �Hell�s Half Hundred Acres.� Sounds like the new town could have used a little PR work from a chamber of commerce.
  �
  Delbert Trew - September 20, 2011 column
  More "It's All Trew"
  Delbert Trew is a freelance writer and retired rancher. He can be reached at 806-779-3164, by mail at Box A, Alanreed, Texas 79002, or by email at trew blue@centramedia.net. For books see delberttrew.com. His column appears weekly
  More Columns | Texas Panhandle

Custom Search