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February 2007

• Valentine, Texas 2-12-07
  A Love Letter to Valentine
  I grew up in Valentine in the 1970's and moved away in 1984 when I was 14 years old. I remember posting the envelopes at the post office. Valentine produced true friends for me and I still keep in touch with them. I realized as I got older that it is the people in a town that makes a town special. Valentine had special people and that is why Valentine will always bring happy memories for me.
  The people that I can remember are the Barragan Family, who treated me as one of their own and Mrs. Calderon and Mrs. Brown who were both excellent teachers! I loved having one school from K-12 grade, it made me feel more secure. Oh, and that big slide on the playground. It sure did seem big when I was growing up. I remember telling my children that we needed to see the big slide. (OK, they didnt think it was that big when we went back in my later years). I remember running to catch the school bus in the morning and after lunch. But, the best things I remember were the Valentine's Day coronations and being chosen to march in the coronation and dances.
  I don't regret moving to California. I have gotten my BSM here and I have learned tolerance for diversity. I love California now as I have lived here over 24 years. but, Valentine, Texas will always remain in my heart!! - Lucy Alvarado Jimenez, San Jose, California
• Rosebud, Texas2-4-07
  Rosebud: She Calls it Home
  Dear TE, This is not history, and I have no photos to share. I simply want to express my joy of having lived in Rosebud, Texas. I moved there in 1999 to be closer to my job at Heritage House Nursing Home. I was the social worker there at that time. I had a sweet little efficiency apartment at Jennie Cox's place on Hwy 77. When I moved to Rosebud I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so kind and treated me like family. Later on I had to bring my grandchildren to live with me and the entire town helped me with them. What a wonderful place to live. If one of my grandchildren got in trouble on the way home from school, I knew before they got home. It was great. I had excellent communication with teachers about my grandchildren and we all had good friends. When I moved away it was not because of any problems in Rosebud. If I could come home now I would. I recently went and visited at the Senior Center and at the Nursing Home and now I am homesick all over again. One day, it is my plan to return for good. Rosebud is home to me and always will be. - Mary-Jane Lick, February 03, 2007
• Marfa, Texas 2-4-07
  Subject: City Park, Marfa, Texas
  This was the City Park of Marfa, Texas. It was located where the US Post Office is now located. We used to stop and play @ the City Park on our way to and from seeing a matinee movie @ the Marfa Theatre. - Jo Ann Rivera Garcia, Former Marfan, January 30, 2007
• Ruidosa, Texas 2-4-07
  Dear TE, My mother was born and grew up in Ruidosa, Texas. Her name was Dora Nunez and her parents were: Jesus F. Nunez and Maria L. Nunez. There was a long line of Nunez's back in Ruidosa who had businesses. My grandfather was the postmaster of the Ruidosa post office. My mother has wonderful memories of her town, Ruidosa. - J. Garcia, Alpine, Texas, January 29, 2007
• Coke, Texas 2-2-07
  Subject: Nostalgia Goes Better with CokeDear TE, I am going to send this information about Coketo my 92 year-old grandmother. She grew up in Como, Texas and attended the former Forest Academy school that was in the area. She helped establish the historical marker for the Forest Academy Cemetery. There is still a church there as well. Every first Sunday in May a memorial service is held there by those who are members and have families buried in the cemetery.
  When I was little, I would travel to/from Como to Nacogdoches and we would stop at the Coke store. It sits at a 4-way stop. It was like it was the only thing there for miles. I loved that little store. Sometimes we would stop for candy and soda. Well, I didn't really have much to add to your information about Coke, but it sure brought back some fond memories for me. - Leigh Culver, February 02, 2007
• Winchell, Texas 2-2-07
  Subject: Winchell's Old Bridge on the Colorado
  My grandmother Anna Shackelford and her husband Guy currently reside in Winchell. There is a long dirt road from Winchell that leads to her house by a small canyon near the Colorado river. There is another dirt road that leads from her house out into the woods. On several visits I walked down this road and came upon an old bridge foundation that at one time was a bridge for Winchell school kids, but is now just two large stone structures on both sides of the river. There is also what appears to be the foundation of a home or a store below the one of the stone piers. It is a very quiet and undisturbed place. I've always wondered about that bridge, what happened to it and if anybody has any memories of it? - Lance Carthen, January 31, 2007
• **Westminster, Texas**2-2-07
  Dear TE, The building shown as the First State Bank was originally my uncle's grocery store. His name was Ben Cowling and for years it was the only grocery in town. I know he ran it from the early 1960's through to the 1990's... - Tricia Dennie, January 30, 2007
• Shafter, Texas 2-1-07
  Subject: Shootout at Shafter
  As a child I always heard the story of my grandfather killing a Texas Ranger in Shafter, Texas. Although it was said to be in self defense, he was almost being lynched for it... more - William G. Howell, Estes Park, Colorado, January 21, 2007

January 2007

• Tankersley, Texas1-28-07
  I remember that schoolhouse. My father ran the gas station/store for a time and we lived next door to the gas station. There was a ranch next to us that we used to visit and learn about chickens from the ranch hands and they would let us ride their horse for a short distance. My aunt and uncle (Jay and Ruby Ferrell) lived down the road a piece and we would visit them often. - Robert Featherston, January 27, 2007
• Richard, Texas1-27-07
  The ghost town Richard, TX is actually on FM 981 about 7-8 miles east of Blue Ridge, and only 2-3 miles east of Frognot (which also lies on FM 981). The picture of the cemetary is on top of one of the many hills in this region, on FM 981. There is a county road that intersects with FM 981 right across from the cemetery and runs north-south. I hope this helps with the actual location. - Matthew Todd, January 26, 2007
• Jolly, Texas 1-27-07
  Subject: An old house in ruins near Jolly
  "I'm a frequent traveler of 287 between Decatur and Wichita Falls, and over many years have been captivated by the ruins of an old farm or ranch house. It's located on a rise, on the south side of the highway, between Wichita Falls and Jolly. I'd appreciate any information that you or your readers might have have about the history of the old place. Thanks very much." - Vicki Cheatwood, Garland, Texas, January 15, 2007
• Mentone, Texas1-26-07
  Subject: "Innnocents" Rare in 1950's Mentone
  My parents and I moved to Mentone around 1945 and left in 1959. I started school in Mentone in 1947 at the age of five. At that time, the population of Mentone was around 150. My father was a pumper for Gulf Oil and we lived about a mile from town.
  One of my girlfriend's daddy was the sheriff and we spent a lot of time playing in the courthouse. On the second floor of the courthouse was a large room where County Commissioners met each month and where the County Judge listened to legal cases. As kids, we decided and acted out our roles for the day. The "Judge" sat in the big chair behind the bench and would swear in the "accused and witnesses" (with their hand on the bible). The "lawyer" would ask questions. After deciding the accused's guilt (very seldom was anyone found innocent), the judge banged the gavel and sentenced the guilty child to time in jail. There was one small cell with 2 bunk beds. We'd all go in there and sit and the jailer (the sheriff's wife or some other mother) would bring in sandwiches and drinks and we'd have a picnic. Afterwards, we could all slide down the wood bannister to the first floor and go home.
  I started 5th grade in Pecos, TX and graduated from there in 1959 and my family moved from Mentone to Odessa. I have such fond memories of my life in Mentone and Pecos. I try to drive back out to Mentone anytime I'm in the area. My husband called it my "childhood fix. Of course, the house we lived in has been gone for many years but I can still find the old dirt road and the remnants and the memories. Thank you for [your magazine] and little piece of history from my past. - Patsy Powell, January 18, 2007
• Los Angeles, Texas1-26-07
  Subject: "The town we are coming to was Los Angeles, Texas"
  Dear TE, My dad went to school in Los Angeles, Texas and could provide you with stories. You pass through Los Angeles getting to Fowlerton from Cotulla, If you blinked... Los Angeles' claim to fame was a beer joint called Ruby's Lounge. There was once a bumper sticker that claimed it was the "home of Rattlesnakes, Wetbacks, and Cowboys." Sadly Ruby's caught fire right before the New Years, so I'm not sure if it still stands. I believe the population there is about 5 {family. It would have been 6 but my brother passed away last year and is barried under an old mesquite tree behind where Ruby's was. His property bordered Ruby's.- Demaris Wilson, Bandera Texas, January 24, 2007
• **Ruidosa, Texas1-26-07
  Subject: Heartfelt Memories of Ruidosa
  I was born in Ruidosa in 1940 and my grandparents were the only owners of the grocery store. They had alot of land, and I just discovered not too long ago the Fuentes cemetery. When I saw the pictures it brought a heartbeat to my heart and I hope to go there one more time before I leave this world .. I was just 9 years old the last time I was there. We used to cross the river to get to the other side to visit the folks. Keep up the good work. - Catarina Fuentes, January 24, 2007
• Fowlerton, Texas1-26-07
  Subject: Fowlerton Backstreets and BB Guns
  Dear TE, Thanks for the memories. I grew up around Fowlerton and Cotulla. My grandparents (Buck and Agnes Turman) lived behind the general store, set back off the road, apiece, in a quaint red house. My papaw was a well respected rancher, and my childhood memories of working cattle at the ripe ol age of 5, or rabbit hunting with a B.B. gun, riding my horse on the backstreets of town are plentiful. Such great memories. I used to ride past the old falling-down saloon and imagine what stories were told there or how many brawls took place. On my grandfather's land there was an old school. I�d find old ink wells, and wonder how many children might've walked through those schoolhouse doors. My papaw also owned an old theater. Not useable now, by any means, but at one time the patrons watched movies on a 6 ft wide and 4 ft tall screen that was bordered by old palm fronds. With no air conditioning, one wall was slatted about halfway up so air could pass through and there was still remnants of snowcone syrups, so they knew how to stay cool. My grandmother, still living, is 95 years old. We live in Bandera Texas now, She knows much more of Fowlerton's history and I have many more stories to share. - Demaris Wilson, Bandara, Texas, January 14, 2007
• Grapeland, Texas 1-26-07
  Subject: Two Gentlemen of Grapeland
  I very much remember Grapeland as a child approx 5 or 6 years in this town. My daddy worked at Brimberrys's grocery store in the market area and my sister and I loved going to see where he worked. My dad was a very friendly and honest type of guy. He never met a stranger. His name was Tommie Pouncy, now deceased. My grandfather worked for years at the Baptist church up near the main highway. He was a very quiet, religious man. We never, ever, heard him use any type of profanity. These two gentlemen were perfect role models for all us kids, especially during a time when they could have had a different attitude about life. I have been living in Dallas since. We (my family and I) still visit Grapeland now and then.- Eliza Wilson, Dallas, Texas, January 14, 2007
• Borger, Texas1-25-07
  My daughter-in-law in Houston found your website (she is a teacher in creating websites & computer at Dobie High School in Pasadena, Texas) and she forwarded your site to me. I grew up in Borger, started to school there, graduated in 1940 and worked at the old Panhandle State Bank, starting while a junior in high school. At the time I knew everyone in town. I did an article on Dixon Creek for the Museum in Borger, having moved there when I was about 3 years old. My first memory of time is on Dixon Creek, and I have pictures of myself standing in front of our tent at what was then called "Tent City", up and down the banks of the Dixon Creek. Never met but one person who could go back to Tent City with me, and she is now deceased. I am 83 years of age now, and that seems so long ago, but I found your site nostalgic, and brought back many memories. - Elnora Engle Walker, January 12, 2007
• Britton, Texas 1-13-07
  The Only Bank in the Region Not Robbed by Bonnie and Clyde
  Dear TE, I happened across your magazine while doing a little family research. The old bank [shown on the Britton page] belonged to my great grandfather, John William Bobbitt, a banker, in the 1920s. As family legend has it, his two claims to fame in the banking business in Britton were: 1) his was the only bank in the region not held up by Bonnie & Clyde, and 2) He paid all his depositors before closing at the crash of 1929. My father was born in Britton in 1930. The family moved to Dallas shortly afterward, but we had extended family living in the region for many years.
  When I was little, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, we as a family would drive to Britton and see the ruin of the old bank, which as I remember had chickens living in it at that time. I haven't been back in years and had assumed it was completely gone.
  Attached is a photo of four generations of Bobbitts taken in 1929 or 1930, probably in Britton. In the foreground my father's elder brother, Dick Bobbitt Jr, born in Britton in 1925, standing from left to right: Dick Bobbitt Sr., my great grandfather John William Bobbitt and great-great grandmother, who was known as "Granny Bobbitt" by all who knew her, who's name was Laura. - Sincerely yours, John William Bobbitt, Dallas, January 10, 2007
• Prada Marfa Missing? 1-10-07
  Dear TE, Is Prada Marfa even still there? I work in Big Bend National Park and made a special trip out on Hwy 90 all the way from Marfa to Valentine to shoot it, and could not find it anywhere. (I did see the blimp base, however.) Is it right by the side of the road, or is it off aways? Please advise.
  By the way, I'm a former free-lance photographer from Dallas and have accumulated a storehouse of West Texas images, and am still at it. While visiting your wonderful site, I noticed there are more than a few towns in your Texas Towns A-Z that don't have any images at all, some of which I have. Just let me know if you would you like me to send you some - Sincerely, Doug Duncan, January 09, 2007
• Mobeetie, Texas 1-10-07
  Dear TE, I very much appreciate the work you do. I lived in Mobeetie in 1948-51 when Daddy was the pastor of the Methodist church there, and heard all the stories about the naming of the town that I see in your magazine. By the way, Mobeetie is 31 miles east of Pampa, not 20. My sister-in-law was a Totty, one of the homesteading families there... Her home was built of lumber from Fort Elliot when it was torn down. The Mobeetie kids still have reunions on the first Saturday in September every year. Oh, and I lived at Oklahoma Lane too.... Best wishes, - David Willard, January 09, 2007
• Shannon, Texas1-10-07
  Not Yet A Ghost Town: Once Upon a Time in Shannon...
  Dear TE, I stumbled onto your magazine and began surfing. I was a little disappointed in not being able to locate a small Texas community named Shannon in your coverage. It is approximately 30 miles out of Jacksboro, Texas when you take Hwy 148 north toward Henrietta. My parents, uncles, aunts and many other relatives attended the Lodge Creek school in Shannon. Once upon a time, Shannon had a bank and the bank vault, I believe, is still standing to this day. Believe it or not, there are still people who live in this small community. There are probably less than 50 but it's not a ghost town yet. If you happen to make contact with Mike Castle, Claudia Castle or Sarah Johnson, tell them Mary Nell Castle sent them your way. They're my relatives and Mike can talk your ear off when you ask him about Shannon's history. Thanks - Mary Nell Castle, January 07, 2007
• Vernon, Texas1-10-07
  No Vernonites in Vernon
  Dear TE, Just a couple of comments on your Vernon information. There are several incorrect statements. For instance, Carnegie City-County Library still exists. It simply moved to a new and more modern location at 2810 Wilbarger Street before the old building on Cumberland Street was torn down.
  Vernon was not necessarily named for Mount Vernon, although that is certainly one theory. However, according to the Wilbarger County history book (page 578), "After the name Eagle Flat was not accepted by the postal authorities due to other offices with "Eagle" in the name, the name Vernon was chosen but history has not recorded a substantiated reason for the selection." The book goes on to say that another (and more colorful) version of the origin of the name was that it was named after Vernon Brown, a whisky drummer, the first to call on the new townsite, promised free samples of his wares if the then-new town was named after him. Actually, no one knows for sure how the town got its name.
  Also, I have lived in Vernon for 57 years now and have NEVER heard anyone called a "Vernonite."... - Joyce Ashley, Vernon, Texas, January 7, 2007
• Burke, Texas 1-9-07
  Dear TE, Most of my family is from Burke. I live in the house that my great grandmother was born in. It has played a part in my grandparents lives - on both sides of the family. Our mayor has gathered a lot of information on Burke. So has my cousin and a man who went to school here in the 40's-50's. The only original building still standing is the schoolhouse, but there are still a few original homestead houses. My great aunt lives in the 2nd house ever built in Burke and the house I am in was the 3rd house built. My grandmother is now 89 and her memory is just now starting to slip, but she has told us a lot of stories of Burke and the locations of where stores, gins and other places used to be. She also has some photos as do the aforementioned people. If I am not mistaken, my grandmother's family was one of the first few who started out in Burke. Arrington/Rush families.. Lee is my grandfather's name .. which is how this house I'm in came to be. Tellie Arrington (my grandmother's mother) was born here and it passed through various hands until my paternal great grandfather Jake Lee bought the property. Thank You for including Burke in your town listings. - Lori Lee~Ray, Burke, Texas, January 07, 2007
• Purmela, Texas1-8-07
  Purmela's Smith Cemetery
  Dear TE, I was hoping that someone had written [additional information] about the families in Purmela's Smith cemetery. What I know about the families: Coffey J Basham who is buried there started the school. The Bashams tamed horses. Family lore says the enclosure inside the cemetery is where the original school once stood. There is a grave in it now and I have heard it was the school marm.
  My ancestors buried in the Smith cemetery are Edward Augusta Kornegay and Lucinda Jane (Monroe) Kornegay. They are buried not far from the enclosure as is their son T.D. Kornegay and his wife. Her name is not on her tombstone which is simply incribed "wife of T D Kornegay." Actually, she was Arie Basham and her family is buried up on the hill in back of them. - Eddie Lynn Kornegay Davis, Dallas, Texas, January 7, 2007
• Pottsboro and Loy Lake Landmarks 1-8-07
  Dear TE, My Great-grand father, William Lawson Holder, helped build the first school-house in Grayson County, Texas while waiting for a land grant. The pins to hold the logs together were forged by my Great-great grandfather in his blacksmith shop. The school house is now a Texas recorded landmark and is situated at Loy Lake near Denison. Our family cemetery, the "Old Holder Cemetery" is located near Pottsboro. I have yet to see them but hope to be able to visit these sites in the spring. Thank you. - Mrs. Darla Rogers, Yukon, Oklahoma, January 06, 2007
• Falfurrias, Texas 1-5-07
  Friendly Folks of Falfurrias in the 1930s
  Dear TE, I lived in Falfurrias from 1936 to 1937. I was 13 and living there with my parents and 2 sisters. [Our family was] escaping the cold weather in Iowa. My sister Jane worked in the bank shown in your picture. In all my travels I have never met a more friendly group of people than those in Falfurrias. A man named Scott owned or operated the bank; his son was my scoutmaster. When we first moved there we stayed at a tourist court run by the Knowles family. We attended the Presbyterian church which was a few blocks off the highway. The grade school and high school were close to the courthouse. I remember the name Lancaster while living there. My father was a linotype operator at the Falfurrias Facts newspaper located on main street. I really enjoyed my one year there. We moved to Kingsville in 1937. - Clark Bolt, Central Texas, January 03, 2007
• Newark, Texas 1-5-07
  I am surprised that Newark in Wise county is not on your list. This little town has a colorful past reaching into the Late 1800�s, and in the early 1900�s was a triving metropolis of hundreds of people, with a bank, movie, etc. There is a book written about the history which is in the Newark library. My office now occupies a building which has in the past been a bank, church, restaurant, beauty shop, and I don�t know what else, but located on a strip that was the heart of Newark in the 1920-1940 period. I understand some of the relatives of Bonnie and Clyde still reside here. At least, it bears looking into. - David Morgan, September 22, 2006
• **Subject: Old Tascosa Courthouse**1-4-07
  The Day Miss Thompson washed my brother's mouth out with soap.
  Dear TE, I can not begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed your magazine. I visit it regularly. You have a story that I wrote concerning my hometown of Floydada. I was looking at some of the old courthouses and came across the Old Tascosa Courthouse. That picture brings back a lot of memories that I would like to share. In 1949 my younger brother and I came to live at Cal Farleys Boy's Ranch. Now, in 1949 the Old Tascosa Courthouse was the heart and soul of Boy's Ranch. We had 3 old Army barracks that had been moved in for the older boys to live in. The younger boys lived in the old courthouse (I was nine and my younger brother Freddie was 7.) Our schoolhouse was also an old Army building that had been moved to the ranch. Anyway I will get back to telling you about some of the memories that have stayed with me all these years.
  In 1949 there was a screened room that had been built over that big porch that you can see in the picture of the old courthouse. The first few nights that my brother and I spent at the courthouse we had to sleep out in that screened room, because they had to move a couple of the older boys into McCormick Hall, one of the army barracks that the older boys lived in. They did this to make room for my brother and I. I lived on the bottom floor and my brother lived on the top floor. The caretaker that also lived in the courthouse was a very sweet old lady by the name of Miss Thompson. I assume she was an old maid, because we never heard tell of a Mr. Thompson. She ran a very tight ship and we made sure we were at our best when we were around her. She had us scrub all those baseboards and all the woodwork on a regular schedule. I will tell you a funny story about what she did to my little brother Freddie one time. The dinner bell was ringing and my brother came running down the stairs yelling something about the food (something not so nice) and Miss Thompson was standing at the bottom of the stairs and heard every word he said, she throwed an armlock around his neck and marched him straight to the sink which was located right under the stairs, she then grabbed a bar of soap and commenced to thoroughly wash his mouth out. I mean to tell you Freddie was spitting and foaming at the mouth like you wouldn't believe. You know, I never heard him say anything bad about the food again. Maybe we should try that on some of these kids today. That might help, but I doubt it. Again I want to tell you again how much I appreciate your magazine. It is such a pleasure to just sit down and read about something that is so entertaining. Also I would like to encourage everyone who reads this to take just a minute tell us some of your own memories, You just might enjoy it, I know I sure do. Thank You so much. - Eddie Childs, December 30, 2006
• Shafter, Texas 1-4-07
  Shafter and Unsolved Murder in Presidio
  Dear TE, My Grandfather arrived in Shafter Texas in 1924 and opened The New York Store selling dry goods to the townspeople. He purchased two lots in the town with the intention of making Shafter his home. My Mother, born in 1927, spent the first three years of her life there. In 1930 my Grandfather, Grandmother and Mother moved to Presidio along with the store and changing the name to The Joseph H. Kalmore Company. Grandad ran the store in Presidio until 1952.
  In 1947 my Grandmother passed away in Ojinaga, Mexico from cancer. My Mother married in 1948 and moved to El Paso to raise her family. After her passing in 2000 the land in Shafter was passed on to me. I have been seeking more information regarding my Grandfather. He was murdered during a robbery at his store in July of 1952. No one was ever brought to justice for the crime. My Mother was his only child and she was devastated by the crime and could not bring herself to return to Presidio, although she did talk about returning a year before her death. I have visited Shafter several times and find it's surroundings and history very interesting. Shafter is a real gem in the rough. - Joseph H. Diamond, El Paso, Texas,, December 30, 2006
• Ghost Town Knickerbocker1-4-07
  "Knickerbocker Ghosts Aren't Hurting Anyone"
  Dear TE, I like reading about the Ghosts Towns of Texas mainly Knickerbocker as it tells a lot about history. I think it would be a mistake to take the title "Ghost Town" aways from it. [In his letter] Mr. Drew Sykes Secretary / Tres of the Knickerbocker Community Center / Knickerbocker Ranch is talking about the town and the lost over years which I'm sure isn't going back to the 1800's. I'm sure there isn't anyone left from the 1800's when Knickerbocker was making history. How great to be able to read about Kickerbocker's past.
  Mr Sykes and the residents are now making their own History, building up the community of Kickerbocker, and that's great as well. He says, the ghosts are only in the cemeteries! Well I say, "they aren't hurting anyone," leave the title [ghost town] in place! Thank you - Fran L. Douglas, December 29, 2006
• Cross Plains, Texas1-4-07
  Cross Plains Bank Robbery, 1974
  Dear TE, Does anyone remember the two "ole" boys who robbed the bank - with a "long tom" 12g. shotgun (borrowed from a grandad) in November, 1974? I was one of the three State Officers who caught them about 12 or 14 miles out of town, toward Abilene... It was a real comedy of errors - for the "bandits" - and good fortune for us...We were in the right place at the right time, and they were in the wrong place at the wrong time!!
  It is hard to understand how, in a "country town" like Cross Plains, a man could get away with walking into the bank - in broad daylight, with a shotgun without getting shot...by someone, but I'm sure it all happened so quickly that no one had time to react... Just thought I'd ask who or how many remembered the incident... - Ronald Hill, Sweetwater, Texas, December 29, 2006
• Talpa, Texas 1-4-07
  Talpa's Heyday
  Dear TE, I am presently in the process of transcribing hundreds of letters written by my grandfather who was an officer at the First National Bank of Talpa in 1909. These letters were written to my grandmother who lived in Georgetown before they were married in June of that year. He describes life in this "growing" town and the promise it held for young people. He was 24 years old and 2 years out of Southwestern University. There certainly was life once upon a time in Talpa, and one that many thought would become a booming town in the 20th century. - Tom Walsh, October 19, 2006 more