A Taste of Life in 1917 Sierra Blanca, Texas. (original) (raw)
The Hawkins school, with Gertrude Bryson, and an unknown student
My mother, Gertrude Bryson, took her first teaching job at Hawkins School near Seminole, in 1916. A twenty-one year old single woman, [she] boarded with the Price family near the school. She drove a buggy to the one-room school, which had only six students. A young son of the Prices, Tommy Price, would hitch the buggy for her. Her second year at Hawkins, 1917, she and Tommy took the train from Seminole, to Sierra Blanca to visit her friend. I believe her friend's last name was Cameron. She stayed with the Cameron family over the holidays.
One of the adventures she spoke of was her ride to a cave somewhere near Sierra Blanca. Since she had busied herself matchmaking, the others had nicknamed her "Cupid". She claims the cave was named "Cupid" after her. (I am sure it was only known to the four or so participants of the outing). If anyone recognizes the site, I would be interested to know what its real name is and where it is located.
The photos presented here show first the Hawkins school, with Gertrude Bryson, and an unknown student. Next is a picture of the ranching Price family with Tommy the young man near the center. Next is the Railroad Station as it was in 1917. One can see the similarity still. Next a picture of the "Cupid" Cave with an unknown young man with a young lady who I believe to be of the Cameron family. The last photo was among the others and shows two unknown men on horseback with a Sierra Blanca building alongside.
The ranching Price family with Tommy the young man near the center.
Two riders in Sierra Blanca
I hope this provides someone with an interesting taste of our history.
Gertrude married a cowboy who worked for Emerson Carter of Nadine, New Mexico. His name was Robert V. Holman.
If anyone knows the location of Cupid Cave, please contact me at irusty@verizon.net
- Eldon M. Holman, Garland, January 12, 2008
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