Texas Treasures Archives | Postcards Magazine

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

Ruth Fields — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:09:07 +0000

Postcards
April 29, 2024
Postcards

So…why are we telling readers about a local museum down the road in a county outside our readership area? Read on, and you will learn the ties to our communities and to our state’s history that make this collection a Texas Treasure.

A strange procession made its way through Conroe during the fall of 1985. The Grogan-Cochran House, built in 1924 with timber milled at the local Grogan-Cochran Lumber Company, was separated into two halves so it could be moved from downtown Conroe to its current location adjacent to I-45. It became the main building of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, which opened in May of 1986.

It is a state treasure hidden in plain sight. The museum, located adjacent to Candy Cane Park, regularly hosts visitors from throughout the nation—and the world. These travelers often congratulate the museum staff on the interesting displays of local historical artifacts.

A tale of two houses

On August 23, 2015, the museum gained another structure: the Strake-Gray Oilfield House, which was originally located in the Conroe Oilfield near Duffy Road and FM 1314. The prefabricated structure is believed to have been ordered from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog, delivered by train and constructed on site in 1938 to be the home of the oilfield superintendent. (A minuscule oilfield bunkhouse is adjacent to the Strake-Gray Oilfield House and is one of the museum’s outdoor exhibits.) Sarah Bess Gray Crow, the daughter of Clyde “Dolly” Gray, who was the second oilfield superintendent and the coach of the company baseball team, grew up in the house. She donated the building to display artifacts documenting the history of the Conroe Oilfield and the people who lived there.

These two historic structures, however, are a fraction of the story. Once inside, museum visitors can view hundreds of photographs, documents and memorabilia that paint an accurate picture of the Republic of Texas, early statehood, and the Montgomery County of yesteryear.

One of the first displays visitors encounter pays tribute to noteworthy people who have ties to Montgomery County. Students who tour the museum often recognize the names of Isaac Conroe, Peter Willis, and Margaret Montgomery (who married Owen Shannon). Nearby, an exhibit displays memorabilia donated by Pat Spackey, a descendant of Dr. Charles Stewart, the Montgomery County resident who designed the Texas flag.

An adjacent room contains a mock-up of a general store, as well as a reproduction of the inside of a log cabin. All of the artifacts (such as farm implements, vintage clothing and cooking utensils) were donated by residents of Montgomery County.

Nearby, several rotating displays ensure the museum always has items of interest to repeat visitors.

Children are often fascinated by the museum’s collection of vintage telephones; most have no idea how to dial a phone with an actual circular dial, says Dr. Mike Hall, a retired history teacher and professor who lends his expertise to visitors on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Some of the telephones in the collection are from an earlier era, such as the one that was originally in the lobby of the Conroe Hotel. (There were no phones in rooms, so guests had to go to the hotel lobby to use the phone.) The museum also displays the switchboard that was once used in the nearby Madeley Building to connect residents’ calls.

In addition, the Heritage Museum is the home of the Mark Clapham Art Collection, which includes the paintings, drawings and sculptures of the well-known local artist. “

Outside, there are a variety of exhibits, including sawmill equipment, a 1904 printing press, and a 1930s fire extinguisher that was used in the Conroe Oilfield. Perhaps the most visible is the neon Pegasus that was originally atop the Mobil service station in downtown Conroe.

More than a museum

Dr. Suann Hereford was born in Conroe to parents who were also born in Conroe. When she retired in 2021 after 30 years as a counselor/professor at Lone Star College – Kingwood, she was hand-picked to fill the vacant position of the museum’s executive director. “I hit the ground running,” Suann says. One of the first things she did was to create the museum’s Intimate Gathering Series and host the first of many presentations. Held at the Strake-Gray Oilfield House, these events allow visitors to learn about a variety of topics in a casual environment. Past programs include presentations by local sculptor Craig Campobella, the Moorhead Blueberry Farm, and ghost tour guide Leah Lamp. Intimate gatherings usually include about 35 people. They are offered at no charge, but reservations are required.

Sometimes, larger gatherings are held at the Owen Theater, such as presentations by two noteworthy Conroe High School graduates: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed and Col. James Ray, who was held for nearly seven years in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war.

The museum also hosts Saturday Pioneer Events for children and families. Recent programs include lessons in basket-making and beekeeping, and presentations by Texas Snakes and More Company. “We also do targeted programs for home school groups, special needs groups, and senior citizens who live in assisted living and retirement communities,” Suann says.

A friendly place

When visitors arrive at the museum, they are greeted by Suann, Mike, or one of the other friendly members of the staff (Doug Collings, the assistant to the director; or Dr. Blake Spencer) and are directed to the guest register. Thanks to this record-keeping, the staff knows that during the past year, the museum hosted 20 international visitors from countries including Canada, South Africa, England, and Spain, as well as 236 visitors from states other than Texas. Not to be outdone, 615 Texans from counties other than Montgomery County visited the museum. Furthermore, the museum hosted 1,223 visitors who live in Montgomery County; another 1,766 attended organized tours and programs.

Many visitors, especially those who live in the area, are so impressed with the Heritage Museum that they become Friends of the Museum through donations both large and small. “Donations make up one-third of our annual budget,” Suann explains, and helps the museum continue its mission of promoting “the rich historical and cultural heritage of the community.”

The Heritage Museum is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, visit heritagemuseum.us.

From Colony to County to Counties

In the 1820s, the fourth and last colony of Stephen F. Austin was settled in our area of the state. When Texas won her independence in 1836, Montgomery County was named the third county in the Republic of Texas. It included all of what is today Walker and San Jacinto Counties—and parts of Grimes, Madison, and Waller Counties. When Texas joined the United States, they were asked to downsize the counties, resulting in the borders we see today.

The town of Montgomery was the geographic center of Austin’s fourth colony and was the original county seat. Three courthouses were built and occupied there from 1838-1889.

Birthplace of the Texas Flag

Dr. Charles Stewart, a medical doctor and pharmacist in Montgomery, had quite the resume: Soldier with the Army of the Republic of Texas; Interpreter between Sam Houston and Santa Anna at San Jacinto; Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and first Secretary of State of Texas. He also designed the Lone Star flag and the original Seal of the State of Texas.

The Oil Boom

George Strake persisted in a search for oil in Montgomery County after others performed tests and left. Many thought he was out of his mind. He discovered oil in 1931—and because of his persistent belief when others bailed, he controlled 50% of the producing acreage in the oil field. By 1956, with over 900 producing wells, the Conroe oil field was the third largest in the nation. Strake became one of the state’s wealthiest citizens, and he is known for donating land for one of the largest Boy Scout camps in the nation.

From the Woods to The Woodlands

Richard W Grogan founded the Grogan-Cochran Lumber Empire with mills in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. In 1917, the Tamina Mill (The Woodlands) was built, and the Magnolia Mill was bought in 1927. Grogan came to control several other sites and industries in the county. In 1964, oil entrepreneur and philanthropist George Mitchell acquired about 50,000 acres from the stockholders and heirs of Grogan. He founded The Woodlands in 1974 as a master-planned community where the natural forested environment would be preserved, and residents could live, work, learn and play.

Keeping Growth “On Track”

Make no mistake, growth followed the path of the railway. Montgomery and Old Waverly were not on railroad lines and declined. Willis, New Waverly, and New Caney were born by the rails and did well.

The first railroad was built in the early 1870s, originally with a north-south line to Houston. In 1889, an east-west line came through. With Conroe at the rail crossroads, it prospered more than any community, and the county seat was relocated there.

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Texas State Parks 100th Anniversary

Mike Yawn — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:47:25 +0000

Postcards
October 31, 2023
Postcards

In part two of our salute to Texas State Parks, an informative account of one couple’s trip, full of adventure…and misadventure.

My girlfriend Stephanie told me to take a left. We were headed to Estero Llano State Park. Established in 2006, it is one of the newer additions to the Texas State Park System. Nonetheless, at less than 30 miles from McAllen and, amidst the Rio Grande Valley and its 1.4 million residents, it helps the System fulfill one of its original goals: to provide the State’s residents, even those in urban areas, access to nature and nature’s blessings.

I thought these blessings could best be found on the right. Gifted with a strong sense of direction, I am almost never wrong about these things. I turned right, where I found a winding paved road, then a dirt road, and then a dead end. Through some error in the urban planner’s design, I had been led astray.

A three-point turn is surprisingly loud when there is complete silence inside the car. There is the difference in engine hum from drive, to reverse, to drive; there is the squealing of the axles as they turn; and there is distinctive sound of tires on an unpaved road. Fortunately for me, there was not the sound of anyone uttering, “I told you so.”

Eventually, we found Estero Llano Grande (it was on the left), and we were soon enjoying another of the State’s 89 parks—a total that does not include historical sites. While at the Park, we saw green jays, chachalacas, and otherwise enjoyed our first foray into the Valley. Seeing the State Parks, we have learned, is a way to see Texas.

The Park’s Centenary

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the Texas Park System, and when I first heard this, I became more serious in my goal to visit all of Texas’s Parks. To date, I have explored more than 30 parks, many of them multiple times.

I have my favorites. Cedar Hill State Park, located just 18 miles from Dallas, is a great urban park; Caprock Canyon State Park has the largest bison herd in Texas; the coastal state parks offer numerous beautiful views; and Monahans Sandhills offers a unique geologic setting, what the Park refers to as a “Texas-sized sandbox.”

There are some excellent guidebooks on Texas State Parks. I recommend Laurence Parent’s Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites.

Hueco Tanks

Humans have occupied—or passed through—Hueco Tanks since at least 10,000 BC. The Park’s mountains were made of sterner stuff than the surrounding rock and have eroded more slowly, leaving us with three large, rocky mounds. But even this hard rock has worn away in places, leaving hollows in the rock. The Spanish called these hollows “huecos,” and the historic site is named “Hueco Tanks.”

Over millennia, the area’s inhabitants created more than 3,000 paintings that still grace various surfaces in the region. Some of the most famous are inside Kiva Cave—which sounds more impressive than “Kiva Crawlspace.” But crawl we did, scooching through tight spaces until we found all eight pictographs. It was an intriguing find, and we exited elatedly, with worm-like maneuvers to inch our way out.

This was quite enough excitement for Stephanie, who did not want to do “overdo things.” Prudently, I refrained from scoffing, but, confident in my own abilities—I am almost never wrong about these things—I was in no mood to stop exploring. Stephanie retreated downhill, leaving me with a parting reminder to “be careful.”

These words floated by me as I began my climb. Because it is steep, generally slippery, and rocky all over, rangers have installed a chain “rope” to help visitors ascend. Cleverly referred to as the “bawl and chain” trail by some, it can be a strenuous hike.

I certainly didn’t need the chain. I roamed, crawling over boulders, squeezing into tight places, and enjoying the views from the top of the mountain. Eventually, I descended, doing so with a certain elan, walking purposefully toward the base of the mountain.

Encouraged by my rapid pace, I cavalierly refused to use the chain supports. This sense of confidence abandoned me when my foot hit the ground a bit awkwardly, landing in a slick spot next to a small ridge.

My body landed to the right of the chain, and my left arm dangled to the other side, forcing my armpit into the role of a gondola lift, keeping my upper body erect and guiding me such that I slid perfectly parallel with the chain, which collected pieces of my arm. I skidded 20 feet down the mountain, a one-man impersonation of a toboggan, haunted by the words, “be careful,” echoing in my ears.

Big Bend Ranch State Park

It was late at night, and a few hours before we would arrive at our destination: Big Bend Ranch State Park. Running low on gas, I suggested we stop at the next gas station.

The “next station” appeared shortly. True, there were no external lights, the eaves were bent and dangling, and there were potholes in the parking lot, but it was a gas station, and the pumps were seemingly operable. Stephanie, however, hesitated…suggesting we get gas “at the next station.” I assured her it would be okay. I manfully disembarked and began fueling.

With the fuel pumping, I wandered, getting in some steps around the unlit lot—when, to my right, I detected movement. I glanced over, seeing what appeared to be a black cat running in my direction. I do not like cats, and they often sense this, so it was an odd sight to see one running toward me. Odder still, it stopped about five feet from me, slowly turned around, and raised its tail. It was then I noticed the black fur was tinged with a white stripe.

The ride to Big Bend Ranch State Park is a long one. From Huntsville, it is approximately a nine-hour drive. But it is longer still when one of the car’s occupants has been sprayed by a skunk.

For the next two days, we repeatedly doused the vehicle’s interior with Febreze—using half a bottle in the process. We also left the windows down, even while the car was parked outside our line of vision. It is a new, somewhat expensive model, and we were on the border, in lawless lands west of the Pecos–but no thief was so bold as to approach it.

Apart from the smell, the days were a joy as we took in the natural beauty of Big Bend Ranch. Derrick Birdsall, a friend and photographer, has long extolled the Park’s virtues, and we followed his suggestions in exploring the largest of Texas Parks. We drove along the El Camino del Rio, which author Laurence Parent described as perhaps “the most spectacular drive in Texas.” We visited old churches; stopped at Fort Leaton; hiked Ojita Adentro and the Cinca Tinajas Trails, and we enjoyed the beautiful views.

On our last day, we embarked on the Hoodoo Trail, a short hike abutting the Rio Grande and predictably adorned with hoodoos, which Park literature describes as “rock structures with strange animal shapes” that “embody evil spirts.” There was, however, nothing foreboding about this hike. It was bright, clear, and beautiful.

As the day and the trip drew to an end, we made our way to Closed Canyon. Tackling this hike at golden hour, I thought, might offer intriguing photographic possibilities, topping off what had mostly been a wonderful excursion.

Closed Canyon is a “slot canyon,” or a narrow channel, typically with a depth-to-width ratio of at least 10:1. In places, the canyon narrows to a width of six-to-eight feet, while the sheer walls tower some 200 above the trail.

Fortunately, these walls were not crowned with hoodoos carrying evil spirits. We were, however, given fair warning about troubles that can befall careless hikers. The trail’s brochure encourages hikers to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and flash floods from even small amounts of rain.

While hiking, we saw evidence of these floods, which had washed and polished some of the canyon’s rock bed. Such floods had also eroded parts of the canyon floor, producing small waterfalls and, in turn, tinajas beneath the waterfalls. The visual effect is striking, but the practical effect is the canyon is marked with slopes and pits that can make access difficult. “Do not go down any slopes,” a park ranger noted, “that you cannot get back up.”

For half a mile, all was well. We spotted lizards darting through the canyon; eyed birds flying; and we marveled as the day’s last light reflected on the canyon’s walls. But we also noted the canyon floor was becoming steeper in places.

When we arrived at one drop of about 20 feet, Stephanie declined to go further. After some negotiation, she agreed to let me continue, so long as I promised to “be careful.”

I trekked on for half a mile, before a tinaja full of water blocked my path. I looked for ways around the obstacle, but I was stymied. There was no safe path to the trail’s conclusion. This was disappointing, but I know my limitations. I am almost never wrong about these things.

Thus, I returned. Stephanie looked relieved when she caught sight of me, but as I approached her, it was I who became uneasy. She seemed to have grown taller in my absence; or, more accurately, the slope on which she stood seemed to be higher and steeper.

With some trepidation, I made my first attempt at climbing out, which proved in vain. Before my second attempt, I handed my gear to Stephanie, lightening my load, but this attempt, too, was fruitless.

I paused my efforts, which were both exhausting and futile. I got the sense that Stephanie was looking in my direction with disapproval, so I looked elsewhere. I glanced behind me, up the canyon walls, and toward the setting sun.

In this dwindling sunlight, I saw bats flitting; heard owls hooting; recalled the trail brochure, warning hikers of the danger of mountain lions. I remembered the park ranger’s admonition: “Don’t go down any slopes you cannot get back up.”

I devised a plan. I began collecting rocks, the largest I could carry, and I piled them at the base of the pit. As I depleted the rocks in my vicinity, I roamed further to find new rocks, necessitating longer hauls. After 100 or so rocks, I tried another climb, again to no avail. But I was closer.

Stephanie, ever-resourceful, took my cameras, removed the straps, and tied them together, producing a “rope” of sorts more than six-feet long. This rope, combined with the rock scaffolding, did the trick. I emerged from the pit, still a half mile walk to the car.

Hiking can be quite loud when there is no conversation. Bats’ wings whir, owls hoot noisily, wind whistles through the canyon, and hikers’ breathing is heavy. But, fortunately, there was no sound of anyone saying, “I told you so.”

Coda

Our departure from Big Bend Ranch State Park was bittersweet. Even in the face of recent misadventures, I wished I could stay in the midst of this natural beauty, remain connected to nature, and see more wildlife.

I reflected as we reached the Closed Canyon parking lot, and I turned briefly to bid the trail adieu. Vestiges of the sunset persisted, and I looked admiringly at the orange streaks against a purple sky. It was beautiful, a fitting afterglow to a three-day trip that taught me a bit about Texas…and a lot about myself.

Armed with this knowledge, I entered the car, detecting a faint aroma of Febreze. For a moment I wondered, “Left or right?” Regaining my confidence, I turned right. I am almost never wrong about these things.

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Texas State Parks: A Centenary Celebration

Mike Yawn — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:55:04 +0000

Postcards
October 2, 2023
Postcards

Highlighting the birth and development of our state park system.

Sam Houston may have written that “Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has ever blessed my vision,” but Texans were slow to embrace and preserve the natural beauty that so impressed Houston. It was not until 1923 that Texas created a true state park system, and even then, government leaders have been hesitant to provide adequate funding. Much progress has been made in this regard, and today—in the state park system’s centenary—the system can boast more than 800,000 acres of preserved land, within which every Texan can experience the state’s diverse regions, natural beauty, rich history, marvelous and sometimes eccentric wildlife, and unique geologic features.

Texas State Parks: An Idea Takes Root

The concept of a state park system did not come easily to Texans. For the most part, citizens of the Lone Star State are averse to the idea of public regulation, public management, or public ownership, so the notion of setting aside public lands for the common good wasn’t an easy sell. And when the idea did come, it did so in fits and starts, always beset by challenges.

By the end of the 19^th century, however, national trends, at least, were favorable. A nostalgia for a pre-industrial America was emerging as the country’s western frontier was closing. Yellowstone was established as a National Park in 1872, the first such designation in the country—and the world. Yosemite, Sequoia, and Mount Rainier followed, all in the 19^th century. Theodore Roosevelt employed the “Antiquities Act” to expand preservation efforts, and in 1916, the National Park System was created. “National Parks,” Wallace Stegner noted, “are the best idea we ever had.”

In Texas, this trend manifested itself in greater support for historical sites rather than in a simple regard for the preservation of nature. In 1891, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) was formed, in part, to preserve historical sites. In 1897, the legislature allocated $10,000 for the purchase of the San Jacinto Battlefield—where General Sam Houston won Texas’ independence as a nation—and it became the first “park” owned by the State of Texas. Similar efforts were made to preserve the Alamo, Gonzales, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and other historical sites over the next decade.

To develop a full-fledged park system, however, Texas needed a politician with the will and zeal to go “beyond historical monuments” and, as author Cynthia Brandimarte has noted, “to showcase the diversity of Texas’ landscape, encourage tourism, and promote conservation.” That politician was Pat Morris Neff.

According to contemporary accounts, Neff “was not like other boys.” As Stephen Harrigan recounts, Neff, “though Texas born,” had “never shot a gun, baited a fishhook, used tobacco in any form, nor drunk anything stronger than Brazos water.”

He did, however, have a vision for Texas’ future, which he laid out in a series of reelection speeches between 1922-1923, as well as calls for legislative action. According to authors Dan Utley and James Steely, Neff called on the state to “establish parks, both large and small, throughout her borders. The people should have the breathing spots where they can enjoy nature in stream and tree, in rock and rill.” He proposed such a bill, enjoining the legislature to create a state parks board and to fund a new parks system.

Texas State Parks: Growth of the System

The legislature was recalcitrant, and while it approved a parks board, it provided only a bare minimum of funding. Indeed, its annual budget in the early years was only $375, with no funding for staff, the acquisition of land, or the improvement and maintenance of such land.

With no funds, the Board pushed for donations, often having to beg the donors to provide additional funding for improvements and maintenance. What followed, according to former Parks Director Carter Smith, were “grueling political battles, eleventh-hour land saves, go-for-broke land deals, extraordinary feats of civic pride, [and] boundless displays of generosity from citizens across the state…”

One of the citizens who spearheaded the campaign for donations was Huntsville native Marian Rather Powell, whom author Jennifer Bristol described as “brilliant” and “fiercely organized.” These qualities would serve her well as she led a letter-writing campaign; attended and spoke up at meetings; and lobbied legislators on behalf of Texas parks.

Powell’s efforts were successful. In 1927, the legislature agreed to accept the donation of 24 parcels of land, each of which would serve as a State Park. Without real funding, however, the supervision and maintenance of the parks was left to local municipalities. But as Representative W. R. Chambers noted at the time, “It requires more than a cow pasture and an excited Chamber of Commerce to make a park go.”

Texas State Parks: A Park is Born

Pat Neff regarded all these sites as more than cow pastures, but one had a particular place in his heart. Shortly after he was elected governor, Neff’s mother passed away at the age of 91. “Mother Neff,” according to Utley and Steely, “bequeathed a small part of [her] homestead ‘as a park for the public, for religious, educational, fraternal and political purposes.’”

Although Texas had previously designated public lands as “parks,” such sites had been selected for their historic importance. Mother Neff, at least in Pat Neff’s mind, was the first State Park to be established in the National Park mold, a land of natural beauty, with support for diverse activities and rich wildlife. This land, on which he had reached maturity, was his inspiration of what a park system could provide.

In its earliest iteration, the Park was only six acres, but even today, at 259 acres, Mother Neff State Park is one of the state’s smaller recreational parks. It lacks the desolate grandeur of Big Bend Ranch, the brooding beauty of Caddo Lake, and the towering spires of Palo Duro. But, as Utley and Steely note, “Mother Neff State Park is everything a park should be.”

Nestled in Texas’ hill country, Mother Neff State Park is approximately 30 minutes from Waco. Such placement is consistent with the original concept of the park system, which sought to provide city dwellers quick access to rustic environments.

Mother Neff’s “parkitecture” themed visitor’s center and xeriscape grounds provide an attractive gateway to the park—and a home for a diverse number of butterflies and birds.

Its modern look, however, belies its claim to being one of the oldest parks in the system. But the Park’s rich history is easily discovered in its interior. A short trail from the main road, for example, takes visitors to a “rock cave” occupied by the Tonkawa Indians hundreds of years ago. Another short trail offers access to “Wash Pond,” a small, spring-fed body of water used by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers in the 1930s.

The CCC was central to the development of Mother Neff State Park, but the Park is not unique in this regard. More than 50,000 men worked for the CCC in Texas alone, with approximately 30 Texas parks housing CCC camps. In Mother Neff State Park, there are several CCC structures, most of which reflect the distinctive stone construction favored by the Corps. In typical fashion, the construction materials were locally sourced, allowing the structures to blend with their surroundings.

The Park also features more than three miles of hiking trails—many developed by CCC—which wend through prairies, rocky landscapes, and along the Leon River. Given its four distinct habitats and proximity to the river and other water sources, the Park features an abundance of wildlife, with deer, armadillos, and rabbits, particularly visible. Perhaps its most striking feature, at least in the spring, is its wildflowers, which bloom across the Park’s prairies, at the visitor center, and at the entrance portal, the latter also constructed by the CCC.

Mother Neff State Park is not the State’s most dramatic park, but it is to an unusual degree, a successful representation of what it was meant to be: a rural oasis, that, as Governor Neff hoped, enhances the “health, welfare, and happiness” of Texans, by providing them with “leisure periods…for rest, recreation, and relaxation.”

This is the first of two pieces celebrating the State Park System’s centenary. Next month, Postcards will highlight some of the State’s most dramatic and unusual parks.

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Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys are Coming to Huntsville

Amy Barnett — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:38:33 +0000

Iconic Western Swing group marks their 90^th Anniversary tour with a local stop.

Credited for creating and popularizing Western Swing in the 1930s, Bob Wills was a Texas fiddler with a big personality and incomparable stage presence – a man who led a group of lively musicians known as the Texas Playboys to the national spotlight. Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys first wowed audiences across Texas and Oklahoma, and by the big-band era of the 1940s, reigned as the top live attraction in the nation. Wills, known as the “King of Western Swing,” captivated audiences with his fast fiddling and trademark “AH-ha” calls in fan-favorite tunes like “Take Me Back to Tulsa” and “Stay a Little Longer.”

Wills’ legacy is still alive and well, now nearly 50 years after his passing, thanks to Brett Bingham, a producer and booking agent, and Jason Roberts, a fiddler and band frontman, formerly with Grammy-winning Texas band Asleep at The Wheel.

Postcards visited with Bingham and Roberts about the history of this legendary band, the reasons they are carrying the torch for Western Swing – and what fans can expect when Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys perform at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville on Friday, September 22.

Let’s start with the incredible history of this band. After Bob Wills’ death in 1975, the music did not stop. What kept the music alive?

Bingham: A group of ex-Playboys came together to keep the Bob Wills sound alive. Former steel guitarist Leon McAuliffe led the band, and he and Betty (Bob’s widow) hand-picked the other members. Those men made a promise to one another that when the first of the new band died, they would disband – and, true to their word, the group dissolved in 1986, following the death of piano player “Brother” Al Stricklin.

Post 1986, the torch was passed again – this time to two men who previously worked with Wills on stage or in the studio. What can you tell us about the 1986-2017 era of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys?

Bingham: Eventually, with the blessing of the Bob Wills estate, guitarist-producer Tommy Allsup (a longtime Wills collaborator) and Leon Rausch (the Playboys’ last great vocalist) took over Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys. Allsup knew Bob Wills and produced his final album, For The Last Time. The two led the guys and carried on the Wills style and traditions – on stage and in the studio – for 30 years, until 2018, following the death of Allsup.

After Allsup passed away, it was time to pass the torch again. This time, you and vocalist Jason Roberts grabbed the torch. Why did you want to be a part of this?

Bingham: I had a deep connection to Bob Wills and Western Swing music from birth, essentially, but an even deeper connection to the first incarnation of the band that formed right after Mr. Wills passed away. My dad and uncle both had a relationship with Leon McAuliffe and many of the other Western Swing legends that were still alive at the time. My dad and Tommy Allsup were classmates in Claremore, Oklahoma, and hitchhiked to Tulsa quite often to see Bob’s brother Johnnie Lee Wills at Cain’s Ballroom. I ended up starting a fan club for the “Original Texas Playboys” and even sold merch for them when I could get to the gig. They were already heroes to me, and they became friends. Growing up, I was able to be around the musicians who created this music, so I feel connected to it in a way that is hard to explain. I feel the same passion for keeping this music alive and introducing it to a newer audience as do the ones who do it with an instrument in their hands.

Jason and I started as acquaintances, seeing him at Asleep at the Wheel shows or other Western Swing related events – and that developed into a strong friendship as we realized we had the same vision for preserving this music we loved so much. That of course has grown into a great business partnership, and we’re both grateful to the Wills family for their confidence in us.

You are the tour manager and content creator, and Jason leads the band. Why is Jason the right person for that job?

Bingham: Jason was the perfect choice from a bandleader standpoint. Much is made of the fact he resembles Bob Wills, plays fiddle, and played the part of Bob Wills in the stage performance A Ride With Bob. But it’s important to note that we’re not trying to imitate Bob Wills. Our band salutes not only Bob Wills, but all the Texas Playboys who shared the stage with him. We don’t imitate as much as we present our version and interpretation of the music they created.

To expand, Jason was related through marriage to Johnny Gimble, who played with Bob Wills from 1949-1951 then went on to a Country Music Hall of Fame career as a studio musician in Nashville and is a true Texas and music legend. He had the unique opportunity to “study at the feet of the master,” if you will. Additionally, he began playing in bands at a very young age and had parents that supported his “habit” by getting him to gigs all over Texas until he could get himself there. He got the Asleep at the Wheel job as soon as he was old enough to play in all the venues they traveled to all over the country.

Roberts: Even before we started that play, I’d been studying Bob Wills, his persona, and who he was – and how he interacted with his players. I’d been soaking it in since I was a kid. A Ride with Bob definitely gave me the chance to present it to audiences like I saw it in my head. But even before that play came along, I was deep into the weeds when it came to learning about Bob Wills and his music.

Bingham: I also want to mention that the other members of the band have similar experiences and are among the best players available at their respective instruments. Many of them worked with the group led by Rausch and Allsup, and all have similar backgrounds as Jason.

Looking back to when you were a kid and just starting to appreciate Western Swing, did you ever think you would be a part of the Bob Wills legacy in this way?

Bingham: It was certainly not on my radar. Life takes strange turns, but somehow one of the turns led me here. I think Mark Twain is credited with saying, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” While that is a pretty strong statement to make, it sums up how importantly we are taking this responsibility.

Roberts: We both want to do it in such a way that it’s authentic, the way we think it ought to be done. Of course, I never knew Bob Wills, but we’re hoping we’re approaching it in a way that would make Bob holler, you know? Just a little “AH-ha,” because he believes we’re doing it the right way.

What can people expect if they attend the show at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville?

Bingham: We are really excited about this show because it will be 90 years, almost to the day, when Bob Wills performed his first show in Waco, Texas, after leaving the Light Crust Doughboys in Fort Worth, and he called the band “the Playboys.” People will learn a bit about Bob Wills’ life and career, not only through the music that will be quite familiar to most, but also through the words of Bob Wills himself, as well as a few others that will be recognizable. It’s theatrical, but not in a dramatic way, if that makes sense. It’s very much a concert, but we want people to leave knowing more about the man, the music, and the Texas Playboys that came before us.

What is the future of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys?

Bingham: In many ways, I think we’re just getting started. We have a live recording that will be released later this year, and we plan to record in the studio soon. We also plan to take this band to other parts of the country, and hopefully Europe, in the next five years. There is a high level of commitment to everyone in the band to do whatever we can do to get this music and the story of Bob Wills in front of as many people as we can.

Don’t miss your chance to see Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys featuring Jason Roberts at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville on Friday, September 22. Visit oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org for more information.

The post Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys are Coming to Huntsville appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

Kali Camacho — Wed, 31 May 2023 14:07:47 +0000

“Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom.”

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, celebrated its 25^th anniversary in April of this year.

“Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom,” said George H.W. Bush in his State of the Union Address. Visiting the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas is one way to learn about the Bush presidency and his role in the fight for freedom.

Guests have access to a guided audio tour they can connect to through their phone. In doing so, they can learn more information than provided in the museum alone.

Starting in the ‘Symbols of the Presidency’ collection, visitors can see notorious symbols synonymous with the presidency–such as, the presidential limousine, the Presidential Seal, as well as painted portraits of George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush.

Growing up, Bush had a very mundane and typical way of life. This is shown through the family pictures shown in the ‘Family Traditions’ room. Visitors will learn more about Bush’s childhood, as well as the lives of his siblings and parents. Numerous pictures showcase the activities the family did together, such as playing board games and baseball.

Of course, the Bush family is not the only one guests will learn about. First Lady Barbara Bush was an instrumental person in shaping Bush’s presidency. The history of her family is shown in the ‘Pierce Family’ collection. In this section, Barbara Bush’s mother’s glassware is encased on display. You will also learn how the Bush couple met and came to marry.

Bush enlisted in the navy in 1942; hanging from the ceiling is a 1944 TBM Avenger plane restored by Mr. Jack Guy, who was a member of the same squadron as Bush during World War II. Mementos from his time in the navy are encased, such as his pilot’s handbook and navy identification card. Visitors can also use the museum’s pilot simulator to experience what it’s like to fly the plane. A video is also shown of Bush talking about his military service and how it affected him.

After the war, Bush resumed life and went to college, married, and had a family. In the ‘From Flyboy to Goldenboy’ collection, photos from their wedding are hung. Encased is a replica of Barbara’s wedding dress and her broach she wore at her wedding. You will also learn more about Bush’s time at Yale and playing college baseball.

Before becoming involved in politics, Bush became successful in the oil business. Through the ‘Taking Risks’ collection, visitors will learn more about how Bush formed an oil business and later became president of Zapata Offshore. A plaque from Zapata Offshore oil drilling is on display.

Once he successfully created his own business, Bush realized he could do a lot more to help people. To do so, he started out by running for the chairmanship of the Harris County Republican Party and won in 1963. In ‘The Congressman from Texas,’ visitors will also learn more concerning his place in the U.S. House of Representatives and furthermore, his role as a Vice President.

Moving his political career further, Bush soon becomes the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Further ahead, visitors can learn more about his role as Director of the CIA in the ‘A Firm Yes’ exhibit. They are able to experience the CIA by using their handprint to open drawers, revealing spy equipment and artifacts.

Eventually, visitors enter the ‘Mr. President’ exhibit, where they learn how Bush campaigned and came to be president. On display is First Lady Barbara Bush’s evening gown from their Inaugural Ball. Visitors can also see a replica of the White House and how it was decorated during Bush’s presidency. They are also welcome to sit at the White House desk. Pictures of his and his children’s lives are set up on the bookshelf.

Further down in the ‘Press Room Theater,’ visitors can stand at the president’s podium and experience giving a press conference from a teleprompter. In the room, watch a video of President Bush’s inauguration.

First Lady Barbara Bush had her own impact on the country during her husband’s term. In her exhibit, ‘To Help Every Day,’ visitors learn more on her mission to help someone every day, including visiting children’s hospitals and retirement homes and how she improved literacy rates.

A 12-foot piece of the Berlin Wall stands with a video detailing Bush’s role in the Cold War. As visitors continue, they learn more about the Persian Gulf War, Gulf War, and eco-terrorism.

“A Tough Campaign and a Life of Service’ exhibit details the defeat Bush had when trying to run for re-election against Bill Clinton. On display are Bush’s campaign pins and posters. This defeat, however, did not stop George and Barbara Bush from volunteering and each writing bestselling books.

The museum ends with ways in which the Bush family is remembered. A statue of Sully, George Bush’s service dog, also stands.

In total, The George Bush library contains more than 100,000 artifacts and hosts a number of events throughout the year, including workshops for educators and educational movie series for families.

Construction is underway on the Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion. The new 29,000 square foot building will feature a retired Marine One helicopter, the Union Pacific 4141 locomotive, and an onsite café. The locomotive was used for the Bush funeral train in 2018. The Pavilion is scheduled to open June 2024.

Behind the museum, an iron gate surrounds the graves of George H. W. Bush, his wife Barbara Bush, and their daughter Robin, who died at age three in 1953. This gravesite is open to visitors to pay respects during the museum hours.

Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Texas AM University
1000 George Bush Dr W
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 691-4000
bush41.org

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Texas Ranger Bicentennial

Wes Altom — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 14:40:15 +0000

“Next to the Alamo, the Texas Ranger is the best-known part of the Texas legend…”
–Institute of Texan Cultures, University of Texas at San Antonio

Before statehood…even before the Republic of Texas…existed the Texas Rangers. This organization, our nation’s oldest serving state law enforcement agency, traces its beginning to the Mexican Colonial period. In 1823, following clashes with the Karankawa Indians, Stephen F. Austin formed two companies of “men…to act as rangers for the common defense” of his colonists and paid for their services himself.

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of this storied group. Join us as we highlight the history of the organization, a few significant Rangers, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco. For complete information on bicentennial events and activities, visit texasranger2023.org.

The Rangers were officially founded in 1835 as a paramilitary mounted defense force. Through the turn of the century, their role was protecting the frontier, the border, and defending settlements against Indian raids and attacks.

As the 19th century rolled into the 20th, big, institutional changes came to the Texas Rangers. The “Frontier Battalion,” formed in 1874 as the first permanent force of Texas Rangers, found foes in the Comanche and Kiowa. But with the Indian presence largely crushed and tribal lands ceded to the United States, the Rangers of the late 1800s fixated on another target—criminals. The companies were no longer military cavalry who occasionally chased outlaws, they were roaming, mounted police officers.

In 1901, this reality was codified by the state. A new Texas law dropped the Frontier Battalion name and reorganized the men. It forms four companies of 20 Rangers each, commanded by Captains John Hughes, Bill McDonald, J.H. Rogers, and James Brooks. These “Four Great Captains” steered the Rangers into a modern age of law enforcement while branding the organization with their hard-riding, frontier ethos.

In the 20^th century, the Rangers evolved into an elite crimefighting force, renowned for both character, effectiveness, and investigative methods and skill.

“Today’s Texas Rangers reflect the diversity, professionalism, and integrity you would hope to find in one of the world’s oldest—and finest—law enforcement organizations.”
Jason Taylor – Chief, Texas Rangers

The modern Texas Rangers are a major division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The 172 Rangers authorized by the Texas Legislature are posted across Texas in six companies with headquarters in Houston, Garland, Lubbock, Weslaco, El Paso, and Waco/San Antonio with an administrative headquarters office in Austin. The Rangers have been called one of the most effective investigative law enforcement agencies in the world.

Rangers have lead investigative responsibility for major violent crimes, unsolved violent crimes, serial criminals, public corruption, public integrity offenses, and officer involved shootings. The Texas Rangers are also responsible for the state’s border security operations program and DPS tactical operations.

“I am asking you to have the wellbeing of the Rangers in your hearts and minds as we look to honor them with a year’s worth of events in 2023 that will pay tribute to their legacy.”
Steve C. McCraw – Director, Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

History and Organization

In 1964, the State of Texas, the City of Waco, and a group of private benefactors partnered to collect and preserve the history and heritage of the legendary Texas Rangers for future generations. A small museum as a repository dedicated to the Texas Rangers opened a few years later in Fort Fisher Park on the banks of the Brazos River through the efforts of the State of Texas/Texas Department of Public Safety, the City of Waco, and the Waco Chamber of Commerce.

The current site of Fort Fisher Park was chosen because of its proximity to I-35. In 1968, the Texas Ranger Museum and Texas Rangers Company “F” headquarters opened in the park as an educational attraction to tell the story of Texas through the history of the Rangers. The museum building was not based on any actual known fort but is intended to represent a vision of a fort on the Texas frontier.

Today, The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum has grown into an historical center operated as a department of the City of Waco and has welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors from around the world. In 2022, it received the Reader’s Choice Award for “Best of the West” Museum by True West Magazine.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is a 170(c) governmental nonprofit. A statewide board of citizens and active & retired Texas Rangers advises the staff, City of Waco, and the Texas Department of Public Safety on operations and programs.

Museum

The Texas Ranger Museum is home to numerous artifacts, documents and works of art detailing more than two centuries worth of material culture relating to the history of the Rangers and Texas. From Lipan Apache arrows and 19th Century surveying tools; to a wide array of firearms; to badges uniforms and gear; to Lone Ranger lunchboxes and contemporary law enforcement equipment, the Museum is committed to maintaining these priceless collections for future generations. A few favorites:

Texas Ranger Badge, ca. 1880s

This circle-star badge was made in the late 1880s from a Mexican 8-Peso coin. Considered the earliest authentic style of Ranger badge, it was known to be worn by members of Ira Aten’s Texas Ranger Company D. Interestingly, Ranger authority did not derive from a badge, but by documents, a Warrant of Authority and Descriptive List, used for identification. In the 19^th century, many Texas Rangers did not wear badges. The State of Texas did not supply badges, so Rangers who wore them bought their own, often simple designs made from Mexican silver coins.

Colt Walker Revolver

After the Rangers used the Colt Paterson revolver with great success on the Texas frontier, Samuel Colt met with former Texas Ranger Samuel H. Walker to discuss improvements to his invention. The Colt Walker revolver, produced in 1847, improved upon the Colt Paterson by adding a fixed trigger with trigger guard, a sixth chamber and by having interchangeable parts for easier repair. With the success of this pistol, Samuel Colt opened a factory in Hartford, Connecticut, and became one of the world’s leading firearms manufacturers.

Ranger Rock

In the early 1920s, two young boys were visiting their grandmother’s ranch in Edwards County near the Nueces River. Ira Kelley, about age 10, and his younger brother Lewis, about age 8, discovered this rock in a cave while they were out exploring up in the mountains. The two determined boys decided that the rock was too interesting to leave in the cave and too heavy to carry, so they rolled it down the hill and kept it at their grandmother’s house.

Inscribed in the limestone are the names of several Rangers, including N.L. Telotte, P.S. Coy and Gonzales, as well as “RockSprings, Tex, May 9, 1878” and “Co F Front Batt.” Adjutant General Service Records reveal documentation for a Private N.L Telotte, as well as a Private Paulin S. Coy and someone by the last name Gonzales. Records also list Company F Frontier Battalion as being in Nueces country in 1878.

Hall of Fame

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame commemorates 31 Texas Rangers who made significant contributions to the development of the service or gave their lives in the line of duty under extraordinary circumstances. It is a state memorial dedicated to the 150^th anniversary of the Texas Ranger service. Inductees are selected by a committee of serving and retired Rangers. As part of the May 2023 anniversary, four additional Rangers are being inducted, bringing the total honorees to 35.

2023 inductees:

Martin, John – became Ranger in 1996; first Ranger to attend National Forensic Academy in 2003; petitioned leadership and won approval to create crime scene investigative working group, develop advanced training curriculum for all Rangers, and use state-of-the-art crime scene processing tools such as AFIS, combined DNA ID system, and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network.

Ayecock, Johnnie Earl – 1982-2001; one of only four Texas Rangers to be awarded the Commissioners Medal of Valor, and the only officer to receive it twice, both from incidents involving children kidnapped/held hostage.

Garrison, Homer – When DPS was established in 1935, was first assistant director; became director and Chief of Rangers in 1938. More than any other, responsible for transforming a small band of highway patrolmen and Rangers in the 1930s into a modern law enforcement agency considered one of the best in the nation by the late 1960s.

Rogers, James Frank “Pete” – 1953-1978; having been a WWII pilot, pioneered the use of aircraft in law enforcement; best known for handling Huntsville Siege in 1974, an 11-day hostage situation at the Walls Unit.

Existing HOF Members:

Armstrong, John B – captured John Wesley Hardin in Florida, 1877
Aten, Ira – known for working the “Fence-Cutting Wars” in the 1880s
Austin, Stephen F. – formed original Rangers in 1823 to protect colonists
Baylor, George – Jan 29, 1881, led Rangers in last Indian battle in Texas near Eagle Springs
Brooks, J.A. – tracked down Conner gang, early 1880s; one of the “Four Great Captains”
Burton, Marvin “Red” – helped control crowd of 5000 at last legal hanging in Texas in 1923
Crowder, Robert A. “Bob” – Negotiated end to riot/hostage event at Rusk State Hospital, 1955
Doherty, Bobby Paul – shot and killed during drug raid in Argyle in 1978
Ford, John Salmon “RIP” – explorer and Indian battles, 1850s
Gillet, James B. – served late 1870s; wrote memoirs, Six Years with the Texas Rangers
Gonzaullas, Manuel T. “Lonewolf” – 1920s-30s, enforced law in oil fields and on the border
Guffey, Stanley – killed in 1987 in Horseshoe Bay while rescuing a child who was kidnapped
Hall, Jesse Lee – 1870s, suppressed Sutton-Taylor feud, cattle rustling, and raids across the border
Hamer, Francis “Frank” – led search for and ambush of Bonnie and Clyde, 1934
Hays, John Coffee (Jack) – 1830s-40s, Indian fighter and Mexican War
Hickman, Thomas R. – 1920s-30s, N Texas oil-boom towns, Santa Claus bank robbery in Cisco
Hughes, John R. – SW Texas, 1880s-1915; “the border boss,” one of the “Four Great Captains”
Jones, John B. – 1870s, Frontier battalion, Indian raids and quelled civil unrest
Klevenhagen, John “Johnny” – 1940s-50s; Houston organized crime and Galveston illegal gambling
Marsh, Bryan – 1880s, riot in San Angelo, mediated between Fort Concho soldiers and townspeople
Miller, Charles “Charlie” – 1920s and 1950s-60s, railroads, livestock associations
McCulloch, Benjamin – 1840s, Indian fighter and Mexican War
McDonald, William “Bill” – 1890s-1907, Brownsville Raid of 1906, one of the “Four Great Captains”
McNelly, Leander – 1870s, led “Special Force” suppressed lawlessness in Nueces Strip
Peoples, Clinton T. “Clint” – see inset
Riddles, James “Jim” – 1960s-70s – among most admired of modern Ranger captains
Rogers, John H. – 1880s-1911, 1927-1930, one of the “Four Great Captains”
Ross, Lawrence S. “Sul” – early 1860s, Battle of Pease River, rescue of Cynthia Ann Parker
Walker, Samuel H. – see inset
Wallace, William “Big Foot” – 1840s-50s, Indian raids, Mexican War, field and tracking skills
Wright, William L. “Will” – 1898-1902, 1917-25, 1927-39; border bootleggers during Prohibition

Open 7 Days a Week
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: Adults: $10.00 | Children (6-12): $4.00 | Children under 6 free | Seniors (60+): $8.00 | Military (with ID): $8.00
100 Texas Ranger Trail
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 750-8631
texasranger.org

Samuel H. Walker
1815-1847

Samuel Hamilton Walker was born in Maryland in 1815 and came to Texas in 1842.

As a scout for Captain Jesse Billingsley, he fought against Woll and his Mexican troops in San Antonio. Walker was among those captured during the attack on Mier and was marched in chains across the desert.

Caught after an attempted escape, he drew a white bean in Santa Anna’s infamous “Black Bean” incident, in which seventeen men were executed. Successfully escaping a second time, he rejoined Hays in San Antonio. During the Mexican War, Walker served with Taylor’s Army on the Rio Grande in 1846, and later with General Winfield Scott’s Army. His discussions with inventor Samuel Colt led to the introduction of the “Walker” Colt in 1847, a revolver superior to those already in use.

On October 9, 1847, Walker was killed while leading a charge into Huamantla, Tlaxcala, Mexico. Samuel Walker’s remains were later returned to Texas and buried with honors at San Antonio. Walker County is named in his honor.

Clint Peoples
1910-1992

Clinton Thomas Peoples was born in Bridgeport, Texas on August 25, 1910.During the height of the oil boom in Conroe, Peoples served as a deputy sheriff and was promoted to chief deputy. Also, while in Conroe, Peoples was appointed a Special Texas Ranger by Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson to police the state’s four horse racing tracks.

In 1941, Peoples joined the Texas Department of Public Safety as a highway patrolman. In 1946 he was appointed to the Texas Rangers and assigned to Headquarters Company in Austin. In 1953, Peoples was promoted to Captain of Company F.

During his years in the Rangers, Peoples worked a variety of cases, including those involving Billie Sol Estes, the Maceo brothers gambling syndicate in Galveston, the La Grange Chicken Ranch, and George Parr, the “Duke of Duval.” In 1969, Peoples was made the Senior Ranger Captain for the Texas Rangers and transferred to Austin. He retired from the Rangers on March 31, 1974. Peoples was appointed U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Texas by President Richard Nixon in 1974. He held this position for 14 years.

Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross
1838-1898

Lawrence Sullivan Ross was born September 27, 1838 at Bentonsport, Iowa Territory. In 1839 his family migrated to Texas, first settling in Milam County. By 1849 the family had settled at Waco.

In the summer of 1858, Ross signed on with the U. S. Army as the leader of a band of Indian auxiliaries from the Brazos Indian Reservation. His skill and courage were noted by the regular army officers.

Ross joined the Texas Rangers in 1860, first serving as a lieutenant and later as a captain. He was empowered by Sam Houston to raise a company of men to serve in Young County and the surrounding area. He showed the same skill and courage as a Ranger captain as he had shown earlier with the army. In December of 1860 he and his company pursued a Comanche raiding party that ended in the battle of Pease River in which Cynthia Ann Parker, who had been captured by the Comanche some 20 years earlier, was rescued. Ross resigned from the Rangers at the beginning of the Civil War.

Ross enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861. He was soon promoted to the rank of major of the 6th Texas Calvary, and in May 1862 he was promoted to colonel. He was promoted to brigadier-general as a reward for his skill in covering the retreat of Gen. Earl Van Dorn from Corinth, Mississippi in 1863. He commanded a brigade in Wheeler’s cavalry, Army of Tennessee, and later was in command of the Texas Calvary, Army of the West.

Returning to Texas after the war, he took up farming. He served as sheriff of McLennan County, a member of the 1875 state constitutional convention, state senator, and governor of Texas from 1887-1891. Following his last term in office, he was appointed president of the struggling Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University), an office he held until his death on January 3, 1898, in College Station.

James E. “Jim” Riddles
1910-1975

James Riddles was born in Windom, Fannin County, Texas, September 27, 1910. He taught mathematics and coached in public school in Fannin County. It was the concept of coaching and teamwork that became the hallmark of his administrative career in both the military and law enforcement.

As a U.S. Army captain in WWII, he served in the encircled town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, at Remagen Bridge as a company commander, and ultimately as the first Provost Marshal of Berlin following the Allied occupation. After leaving the army in 1946, Riddles rejoined the Texas Department of Public Safety, where he worked briefly before the war, and served in every division of the department.

He was appointed to Rangers, where he became widely known for his skill as an interrogator and investigator. He quickly earned promotion from private to sergeant. In 1967, he was promoted to Captain of Company E, the former Frontier Battalion, headquartered in Midland.

The Rangers of Company E became known as “Riddles’ Rangers.” His motto was “Do the needful thing.” He managed by consideration and suggestion instead of orders. One retired Riddles’ Ranger stated that he would rather have “shot himself in the foot than have disappointed his Captain.” Capt. Riddles said of his men, “My Rangers don’t need supervision in the field; if they needed field supervision, they wouldn’t be Rangers.” Jim Riddles exhibited a fierce pride in the men who served under his command and always considered it an honor rather than a job to have been chosen a leader among such officers. Capt. Riddles often said, “Occasionally a Ranger may need some help, and that’s my job.” Captain Riddles’ ability to analyze a situation and determine a course of action resolved many potentially dangerous situations.

Jim Riddles remained in Midland for eight years. His career was cut short by his untimely death in 1975. Capt. Riddles exemplified the pride, quiet self-reliance, ability, and service that made him among the most admired modern Texas Ranger captains.

Bill McDonald

William Jesse McDonald was selected to replace S. A. McMurry as Captain of Company B, Frontier Battalion in 1891. He served as a Ranger captain until 1907. Capt. McDonald and his company took part in a number of celebrated cases including the Fitzsimmons-Maher prize fight, the Wichita Falls bank robbery, the Reese-Townsend feud, and the Brownsville Raid of 1906. His handling of the troops of the 25th U.S. Infantry during this last incident made him known as “a man who would charge hell with a bucket of water.” He had a reputation as a gunman that rested upon his marksmanship and his ability to use his weapons to intimidate his opponents.

In 1905, McDonald served as bodyguard to President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1907, Governor Campbell made him a state revenue agent. He again fulfilled the role of bodyguard in 1912 for a visit by Woodrow Wilson. Later Wilson appointed him U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Texas.

McDonald’s motto was, “No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that’s in the right and keeps on a-comin’.” This later was adopted as the motto of the Rangers.

The post Texas Ranger Bicentennial appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Bullock Museum of Texas History

Mike Yawn — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:12:51 +0000

“Only death will end my love affair with Texas,” reflected former Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. As it turns out, though, that wasn’t quite true. In April 1999—two months before he would die—Bullock managed to attend the groundbreaking for a new museum, one that would not only be named for him, but would also showcase the history of the state he loved.

The Bullock Museum of Texas State History—all 175,000 square feet of it—reflects Bullock’s larger-than-life personality and his love of Texas. It features two theaters—a 320-seat IMAX and the multi-sensory “Texas Spirit Theater”—an impressive rotunda that doubles as exhibit space, and three themed floors including hundreds of artifacts highlighting millennia of history.

Three Floors, Three Themes: Land, Identity, and Opportunity

Visitors enter through the rotunda, where they see—and likely walk across—the mosaic “Born Around the Campfires of Our Past,” by Texas artist Robert Ritter. This colorful piece includes the state’s flora and fauna, while also depicting those who have shaped Texas history. These representative individuals—Buffalo Soldiers, Vaqueros, Conquistadores, Missionaries, American Indians—are sitting around a campfire, presumably telling stories of their people and the land.

Some of these stories are told on the first floor of the Museum, which highlights “The Land,” the sprawling, geographically diverse region that is now Texas. Visitors learn of the early nomadic peoples, the exploration of the territory, the cultivation of the soil, and the battles that took place in—and for control of—the region. The centerpiece of this floor, however, involves a sea-faring vessel, La Belle, a French ship that ran aground and was disabled in Matagorda Bay in 1685. The Spanish found the “broken ship” the next year, but after salvaging items from it, La Belle was abandoned, forgotten, and underwater—for more than 300 years.

It was rediscovered in 1995, and much of its skeletal structure and more than 1.5 million artifacts from the ship were recovered. Indeed, the storage capacity of the modest-sized ship was staggering; among the many items it carried were more than 600,000 beads, 1,500 brass rings, and 100,000-plus pounds of gunpowder. Some of these items are spectacular: a colander, which looks like it could have been lifted from a 20^th-century kitchen; a helmet with fine etchings; and, perhaps most impressive, an exquisitely detailed crucifix.

Interestingly, the Bullock Museum is a non-collecting museum, which means that the artifacts on display are on loan from collectors, including other museums. Sam Houston Memorial Museum (SHMM), for example, has, according to former Director Mac Woodward, “loaned the Bullock Museum artifacts such as Sam Houston’s leopard (jaguar) vest, Santa Anna’s chamber pot, and other items of historical interest.” This type of arrangement benefits both museums. It offers new artifacts to the Bullock Museum for display, while providing exposure to the SHMM and its holdings.

Of course, this also means that artifacts leave the Bullock Museum periodically, to be replaced by items loaned from other sources. In the case of La Belle, however, the vessel has been a mainstay since its installation, and Museum staff note that their custodianship of their first-floor centerpiece is “very long-term.”

For many, the second floor, which tackles the state’s quest for “Identity,” is the most intriguing and familiar. It is here visitors will learn about Stephen F. Austin’s journey to Texas and the work that made him the “Father of Texas;” see Elisabet Ney’s “Sam Houston” statue; follow narratives of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto; and explore the state’s tumultuous early days in the Union and unfortunate time in the Confederate States of America. Interpreters are occasionally on hand to provide information about the era or one of the Museum’s many artifacts.

The third floor of the Museum showcases collections that reflect the state as a land of “Opportunity.” The state’s oil industry is featured; ranching and farming are discussed; air and space exploration are highlighted; Texas’ first-class medical facilities are spotlighted; and Texas’ contribution to music are showcased. Images of and facts about notable Texans—from Farrah Fawcett to Michael DeBakey—are on display.

Looming large amidst these three floors is the omni-visible Goddess of Liberty. This artifact is the original statue that sat atop the Texas Capitol until 1985, when she was replaced by a younger, aluminum alloy replica. Following a brief tour of parts of Texas and some cosmetic surgery, this original Goddess was put on display in the Museum in 2001.

The Museum describes her as “formidable,” which is true, but it is also true that she was not chosen for her beauty. Rather, her features were purposefully exaggerated—protruding lips, a gherkin nose, and a brow that would embarrass a caveman—to provide shape to a face designed to be viewed from afar. These features are particularly emphatic when seen up close, which is the view from almost anywhere in the Museum. Standing at more than 15-feet tall, she continues to command Texans’ attention.

Theaters and Rotating Exhibits

The Museum features entertainment options in the form of an IMAX theatre, which occasionally offers movies or documentaries that reflect the theme of Texas, special exhibitions, or other “educational” fare. Currently, for example, they are showing films on the Serengeti, the Arctic, and dinosaurs. For pure entertainment, they are also offering Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. In the smaller, multi-sensory “Texas Spirit Theatre,” visitors can view Shipwrecked to learn more about La Belle or The Star of Destiny, to brush up on key events in Texas history.

The Museum also has gallery space for rotating exhibitions. With 2023 being the 100^th anniversary of the Texas State Park System, the Bullock is featuring artwork capturing the beauty, mystery, and diversity of the state’s many parks and historical sites. The 34 paintings on view reflect a sample of the 65 works commissioned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for this centenary. The works, according to Museum staff, “prompt meaningful reflection on the natural beauty of public lands and their significance as places of solace, rejuvenation, recreation, and refuge.”

One of these paintings, undertaken by Lee Jamison, highlights a public site of great significance: the San Jacinto battlefield. The landscape was undertaken from a flattering angle, one that deemphasizes the region’s swampy terrain and minimizes the prominence of refineries and their attendant smoke plumes. What is depicted is a painting of variegated grasses and multihued plants, and a blue sky, composed in a horizontal landscape punctuated by a vertical monument to the State’s aspirational culture.

This quiet and beautiful scene depicting marsh grasses and woods, according to Jamison, somewhat disguises “the grim realities of the long-ago Battle,” which reflected, among other things, poor planning on Santa Anna’s part. But the “nature of the land contributed to the outcome of the battle,” continues Jamison, and therefore may “provide insight into our park system and the influence of the land on our state culture.”

The “Art of Texas State Parks” will remain on display through April 30.

Reflections

Apart from the Museum’s name, Bob Bullock maintains a presence in the structure. A bronze statue of the long-serving state official stands on the second floor, gavel in hand, in front of a limestone wall engraved with the words, “God Bless Texas,” a reminder of the force and the sentiment behind the Museum.

Bullock’s statue faces eastward, toward newly redesigned exterior grounds. The Lone Star Plaza remains, along with its large, bronze star-shaped sculpture. But gone is a three-block portion of Congress Avenue; in its place is a pedestrian promenade that, with surrounding buildings, makes up the “Texas Mall.” This Mall will, according to its designers, serve as the “northern gateway to the Capitol,” where Bob Bullock once labored as Lieutenant Governor, and where, in 1995, he first discussed the idea of the state history museum that now bears his name.

Bullock Texas State History Museum
www.thestoryoftexas.com
1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 936-8746

The post Bullock Museum of Texas History appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Lone Star Flight Museum

Marshall Altom — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:44:36 +0000

Do you have aviation fanatics in your family? We have a perfect place for you to visit! The Lone Star Flight Museum is located in Houston. (They used to be located at the Scholes Airport in Galveston, but have now moved to Ellington Airport).

The new facility has over 130,000 square feet of fun waiting for you! When you walk in the door, you are greeted by the information desk/ticket booth. Once you enter the museum, you walk by their Aviation Learning Center. This area provides an interactive learning environment for students in grades 5 – 12. The Aviation Learning Center focuses on aircraft identification, aerodynamics, traffic control, and more. The Center is up to Texas academic standards in order to assist educators with their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) project-based curriculum. Opposite the Learning Center is a room dedicated to the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots,) which provides information about the history of the group. There is a lot of history regarding this organization, even though it was only active a little over a year. The theater even has videos of interviews with some former WASPs, and they talk about their experiences.

Once you finish the entry, you have the option of going to either hangar. (YES, THERE ARE TWO!!!) Each hangar has a plethora of planes on display. The hangar on the left of the museum has several military style aircraft, including their B-25J Mitchell Medium Bomber. The museum’s bomber remained in the states during World War II and was used as a training plane. After the war, it was reportedly acquired by the CIA and used in covert operations, including several missions during the Bay of Pigs. The B-25J Mitchell was repainted in 2007 as homage to the B-25s that participated in the Doolittle Raiders and is now known as “the official B-25 of the Doolittle Raider Association.” Several of the planes in the museum are able to be taken out on a “Flight Experience,” including the B-25J. For this experience, you are required to book in advance, and prices on the different types of planes vary.

The hangar on the opposite side of the building houses very interesting aircraft. Some of the aircraft include LockheedT-33A Shooting Star, a Douglas SBD Dauntless Attack Bomber (one of only a handful that still run today), and several others that I won’t spoil for you! This hangar does include a section dedicated to helicopters and their history as well. Once you’ve taken a look at all the aircraft, you’ll probably notice a blue set of stairs with black and yellow taped edges up to a cockpit that has the NASA logo. Upon approaching, you will have the opportunity to go into a replica of a space shuttle. Let me tell you, there are a LOT more dials and switches than I expected.

Once finished in the hangars, you might think you would be done, but there is still quite a bit of museum left! There is a large history section in the museum, with pictures and significant events throughout aviation history. From first flight, first military flight, first flight over Texas, first helicopter, and so on. There is plenty to learn from this area. Housed here is a map that shows military airfields in Texas during World War II (65 Army Airfields, and 9 Navy Air Stations). Some of the most important airfields in the country during World War II were located in Texas because of their flight training facilities. In fact, one of those airfields was Ellington Army Airfield, where the Lone Star Flight Museum is housed today. Further in the history section, you will come across the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. This section covers Trail Blazers & Explorers, Wartime Aviators, Leaders, and Entrepreneurs and Innovators. All the men and women in this section have made a special impact on the world of aviation.

Once you’ve finished the history section, you have one spot remaining to visit–The Flight Academy. This entire area is devoted to teaching kids (or adults who like to have fun) about flight. The displays seem so simple, but once you start reading, you realize they are teaching you about different types of airfoils, propellers, aerodynamics, airflow, turbulence, drag, thrust, lift and velocity, physics, and more. This section also has several different prop planes that you are welcome to take photos in. This area was a lot to take in (and honestly, where we spent most of our time). There is even a hang glider game, where you sit on a mock hang glider and try to land in the middle of a bullseye.

As you move from section to section, you’ll notice beautiful art hanging on the walls. This museum is so well put together and literally has something for everyone. It is a great place to go to to learn, have fun, and see some amazing planes. Please remember that Lone Star Flight Museum is a museum. They have planes on loan, and their current viewing selection is subject to change. So, if you wait a bit between your visits, you are likely to see something new each time.

Lone Star Flight Museum is located at 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston, TX 77034. Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. You can view prices, purchase tickets or memberships, check the museum’s event schedule, sign up as a volunteer, and learn more about the museum at lonestarflight.org–or give them a call at (346) 708-2517.

The post Lone Star Flight Museum appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Brenham Maifest

Ruth Fields — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:13:21 +0000

Although it was meant to be a secret, Sally Van Dyke wasn’t particularly surprised when the Brenham High School Band arrived in her yard in February 1954 to announce that she had been selected as junior queen of that year’s Brenham Maifest. After all, why else would she have been whisked away under cover of darkness several weeks before to visit the home of a local seamstress? “The lady that was going to make my dress and my train had to get started,” Sally explains. After being announced as junior queen, she recalls riding to the home of the senior queen, who was surprised. “She was in the band, and she had on her band uniform. She changed her clothes and put on a cute little party dress.”

Sally has many other Maifest memories. A lifelong resident of Brenham, her family has lived in the town for generations (One ancestor fought in the Battle of San Jacinto and then moved his family to Brenham.). “My dad was the first junior king, and my mother was a senior queen, and both of my children (son and daughter) were king and queen at some time, and all four of my Brenham grandchildren,” Sally says. “We have a lot of stories.” Throughout the decades, Maifest has provided the Van Dyke family with a constant reminder of the goodness of small-town life.

Celebrating youth

For centuries, Germans celebrated spring during the month of May, often by building maypoles, which townspeople danced around, and by holding festivals. When German immigrants settled in Brenham in the 1800s, they brought the ancient tradition of Maifest (pronounced “Mayfest”) with them. Brenham’s Maifest traces its heritage back to 1874, when townspeople begin holding an annual Volksfest (folk festival). In 1881, the festival officially became Maifest. Except for a few years during the two world wars, Maifest has been held every year since 1881. Over the decades, countless Brenham residents—as well as out-of-town visitors—have enjoyed the festival’s small-town charm, warm hospitality, and German flavor. Brenham’s Maifest is often recognized as being the oldest festival in Texas.

It all begins each January, when the year’s royalty is announced. The junior king and queen are elementary school age, while the senior king and queen are typically seniors in high school, Sally says. The kings and queens then climb aboard a Brenham Fire Department truck for a cruise around town, and the year’s Maifest tradition comes to life once again, promising to provide memories for the younger generation of Brenham residents.

Catherine Kenjura remembers her very first Maifest when she was just three years old. “I was what is called a train bearer for the queen,” she says. “I remember being in the parade and waving at people.” She also remembers “moms gushing over us and getting us ready.” She participated at Maifest “from three to 18 and every year in between,” she says. Today, Catherine is the president of the Brenham Maifest Association. She invites Brenham residents, as well as out-of-town visitors, to this unique festival. “It’s a celebration of youth,” she says. “It’s really about kids and watching the community come together and use their talents to put this on,” as Brenham residents become costume designers, script writers, choreographers, float builders and more.

This year’s Maifest will be held Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, with an early start on Thursday, May 5 for a carnival. “Parents like it, because it’s not enormous. It feels really safe,” Catherine says. The theme for junior participants this year is “Lights, Camera, Action! Maifest 2022”; the theme for senior participants is “And the Award Goes to. . . Maifest 2022.” The themes will influence the festival’s entertainment and parade floats, as well as participants’ costumes. “There will be lots of movie characters,” she says.

Catherine suggests attending the downtown parade on Saturday morning at 10:30, then heading to Fireman’s Park, where, according to Sally, Maifest has been held “forever and ever and ever.” There, Catherine says, visitors can eat lunch and sample some “German soda water.” (The Texas chapter of the Zythological Society of North America will provide beer tasting.) Vendors will sell food, including authentic German cuisine, as well as crafts and other wares. The festival will feature German demonstrations, contests and live German music, and visitors might even get to hear the music of Alphorns and accordions.

According to Maifest’s website, “Lederhosen is optional; polkas and waltzes are mandatory!”

In addition, the Kinder Village will feature games and rides for children, including an antique carousel that is more than 100 years old. And of course, there is the Maipole, based on a Bavarian design that dates back to 1762. A traditional dance around the Maipole kicks off each year’s festivities.

During the day on Friday, and again on Saturday, local residents will pool their talents and efforts to set the stage for each evening’s coronation. (The junior coronation is on Friday night; the senior coronation is on Saturday night.) Groups of children of all ages will perform song and dance routines they have been dutifully rehearsing. As the evenings progress, cover bands will provide music for dancing. On Friday night, Royal Dukes Band will play its blend of high-energy rock, pop and country. On Saturday night, The Common Ground Band will play its self-described “southern rock country blues.”

Family and fun

Held on the first weekend of May, Maifest typically coincides with Mother’s Day weekend, and is a good opportunity for those who have moved away to return to their roots. Although Sally says Maifest participation has “ebbed and flowed” over the years, the tradition continues. “It is always fun,” she says. Past kings and queens are encouraged to attend and are recognized when they return to Maifest. One year, she says, dresses of former senior queens were modeled by girls who participated in Maifest that year.

Sally has seen Maifest evolve over the years. For example, in the past, talented local seamstresses made costumes for children in keeping with the year’s themes, but today, many costumes are ordered online. In addition, Serenade (the announcement of the year’s kings and queens) is now held at a local park’s amphitheater instead of the front yards of the newly-recognized royalty. However, many traditions remain at this annual event.

Sally appreciates the emphasis that is placed on the young people of the community. She remembers years when there were hundreds of participants, yet “every child walked down the walkway; every child was introduced by name and took a bow,” she says. “To me, that is one of the special things about Maifest during the years. How many people in the U.S. get to ride a float and go through town and wave? How many get to walk in a coronation and get individually introduced?”

For more information about Brenham Maifest, visit brenhammaifest.com.

The post Brenham Maifest appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Fiesta San Antonio

Wes Altom — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 15:25:35 +0000

By 1890, San Antonio was a thriving trade center with population of 38,000. In 1891, a group of citizens decided to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto with a Battle of Flowers.

The first parade had horse-drawn carriages, bicycles decorated with fresh flowers, and floats carrying children dressed as flowers. The Belknap Rifles represented the military. The participants pelted each other with blossoms.

The Battle of Flowers was an immediate success. Within a few years, more events were taking place on or near April 21—a carnival, balls, and coronations of “royalty.” The Fiesta tradition had been born. Other early events included street dancing, children’s festivals, a Trades Display Parade and an orphans’ party. Fiesta has taken place every year except for 1918 during World War I and 1942 through 1945.

Fiesta has grown over the years to an 11-day celebration featuring more than 100 events featuring music, food, sports, pageantry, military and patriotic observances, exhibits, and parades—a city-wide party with a purpose. Nonprofit organizations sponsor every activity. Past Fiestas have featured regattas, synchronized swimming, polo matches, a hot-air balloon race, rifle competitions and bowling tournaments.

According to an economic impact study done in 2017 by the UTSA Center for Community and Business Research, more than 2.5 million people attend Fiesta San Antonio every year.

Join Fiesta San Antonio March 31-April 10, 2022! Here is the lowdown on just some of the highlights.

MEDALS

As a long-standing tradition, people go on a mission to obtain and wear as many Fiesta medals as possible. You’ll see people wearing their weight in medals – fastened to sashes, jackets, hats, and more. Get your own Fiesta medals at the Official Fiesta Store or at the various events.

ROYALTY

Queen of the Order of the Alamo

In 1909, John Carrington founded the Order of the Alamo, one of the oldest Fiesta organizations. The members meet once a year to choose the next year’s queen and her court. The queen’s court includes a princess, 12 in-town duchesses and 12 from out of town. This royalty is featured in the major Fiesta parades.

King Antonio

Over the early years Fiesta royalty included King Cotton, King Selamat (tamales spelled backwards), King Omala (Alamo spelled backwards) and King Antonio. Some years no king was named. John Carrington formed the Texas Cavaliers in 1926. One purpose of the organization was to select King Antonio.

El Rey Feo

The second king to reign over Fiesta is El Rey Feo, the “Ugly King.” This monarch comes from a medieval tradition in which peasants elected one of their own as king for a day. The first Rey Feo was crowned in 1947. He became an official part of Fiesta in 1980. The LULAC Rey Feo Scholarship Committee sponsors El Rey Feo. Candidates for the title raise money that’s given to students for their college expenses. The emergence of two Fiesta kings built a bridge between both of the city’s major cultures. Both kings visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes in addition to making their appearance at Fiesta events.

Miss Fiesta San Antonio

She dates back to 1949 in conjunction with the Flambeau Parade. Today, the Miss Fiesta Scholarship Pageant makes its selection from among San Antonio college students.

Fiesta Teenage Queen

The Woman’s Club of San Antonio, organized in 1898, makes this selection. The organization was one of the original twelve members of the Fiesta Commission.

The Reina de la Feria de las Flores

Like Rey Feo, this queen earns her crown by raising funds for the Rey Feo Scholarship Committee. The first reina was chosen in 1947, along with the first Ugly King.

The Charro Queen

She represents the San Antonio Charro Association, a San Antonio tradition since 1947. A Day in Old Mexico and the Charreada trace their history back to 1550s Mexico.

The Queen of Soul

The goal of the San Antonio Queen of Soul Inc. is to provide a representative of the African American community at Fiesta activities and other civic and community programs.

Miss San Antonio

College students compete for this title. The winner represents San Antonio in the Miss Texas Pageant in Fort Worth in July.

NOTABLE EVENTS

Fiesta® Fiesta (March 31)

Kick off the festivities with Fiesta Fiesta at Hemisfair, an opening ceremony complete with locally-themed medal exchanges.

Taste of the Republic (March 31)

For the fifth year, Taste of the Republic helps to kick off Fiesta® 2022 with a culinary event highlighting the cuisine of Texas. The event is in partnership with, and is a fundraiser for, Fiesta San Antonio. Chef Brian West brings together more than a dozen talented local chefs to interpret the “Six Food Republics of Texas.” This tasty, ticketed event takes place in Southtown at The Good Kind. Enjoy gourmet bites paired with wine, cocktail tastings, and beer.

A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada (April 3, April 10)

Explore the distinctive culture that upholds the customs and family traditions of Mexican Horsemanship as a way of life. This family event features food vendors, concessions, ballet Folklorico performances, and live mariachi music during the season-opening of Fiesta’s charreada – Mexico’s official sport, predating and inspiring the American Rodeo.

Texas Cavaliers River Parade (April 4)

For years, King Antonio had no set tradition for his official arrival at Fiesta. He used planes, trains, and automobiles. When the Works Progress Administration completed improvements to the San Antonio River in 1941, the Cavaliers decided to introduce the king in a river parade—the first event to take place on the river after the improvements. Today, the River Parade is one of the few in the nation in which the floats really do float. About 250,000 people line the banks to enjoy the event.

The Pilgrimage to the Alamo (April 4)

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas has staged its Pilgrimage to the Alamo since 1925. The pilgrimage is a memorial tribute to the Alamo heroes and the heritage of Texas. A solemn, wreath-bearing procession of historic, civic, patriotic, military and school groups walks silently to the Alamo. At the same time, an announcer intones the names of the Alamo defenders from within the Alamo walls. The ceremony concludes with a brief memorial service.

A Night in Old San Antonio (April 5-8)

A Night in Old San Antonio, better known as NIOSA, joined Fiesta in 1948. The San Antonio Conservation Society sponsors NIOSA. The society works to save San Antonio buildings and maintain the city’s cultural heritage. It takes about 16,000 volunteers each year to stage NIOSA. For fun with food and drinks, don’t miss it.

Ford Mariachi Festival (April 5-7)

Mariachi barges float down the San Antonio River with celebratory music and excitement for Fiesta. The musicians throw beaded necklaces to onlookers and delight people on the River Walk with their vibrant music, which can still be heard long after they pass by. The Ford Mariachi Festival has been a tradition since 1972.

The Battle of the Flowers Parade (April 8)

The Battle of the Flowers Parade is the only one in the country to be planned and directed completely by women. Today, it’s the largest parade in Fiesta, second in size nationally only to the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Fiesta Flambeau Parade (April 9)

The Fiesta Flambeau Parade began in 1948. The parade’s name comes from the French word for a candlestick or torch. In the event’s early years, four-man brigades marched between the other units, carrying torches on five-foot poles. Today Boy Scouts carry safety flares. All the floats in the Flambeau Parade are lighted.

GOOD TO KNOW

Fiesta is bright – and so is the clothing! Grab the most colorful items in your closet, your flower crown or “corona,” and don’t forget a sash for your medal collection, as well as comfortable shoes for all the walking and dancing.

Purchase tickets at the gate of the events. Don’t forget cash, as many events sell drink/food tickets once inside, and not all non-profit sponsoring organizations accept credit cards.

For well over a century, Fiesta® San Antonio has offered fun for all ages. From parades to carnival rides, there’s something for everyone. So, bring the whole family. Viva Fiesta!

For more information and detailed schedules, visit fiestasanantonio.org.

The post Fiesta San Antonio appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Texas Treasures Archives | Postcards Magazine

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

A tale of two houses

From Colony to County to Counties

Birthplace of the Texas Flag

The Oil Boom

From the Woods to The Woodlands

Keeping Growth “On Track”

Texas State Parks 100th Anniversary

Texas State Parks 100th Anniversary

Texas State Parks: A Centenary Celebration

Texas State Parks: A Centenary Celebration

Highlighting the birth and development of our state park system.

Texas State Parks: An Idea Takes Root

Texas State Parks: Growth of the System

Texas State Parks: A Park is Born

Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys are Coming to Huntsville

Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys are Coming to Huntsville

Iconic Western Swing group marks their 90th Anniversary tour with a local stop.

Let’s start with the incredible history of this band. After Bob Wills’ death in 1975, the music did not stop. What kept the music alive?

Post 1986, the torch was passed again – this time to two men who previously worked with Wills on stage or in the studio. What can you tell us about the 1986-2017 era of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys?

After Allsup passed away, it was time to pass the torch again. This time, you and vocalist Jason Roberts grabbed the torch. Why did you want to be a part of this?

You are the tour manager and content creator, and Jason leads the band. Why is Jason the right person for that job?

Looking back to when you were a kid and just starting to appreciate Western Swing, did you ever think you would be a part of the Bob Wills legacy in this way?

What can people expect if they attend the show at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville?

What is the future of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys?

Don’t miss your chance to see Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys featuring Jason Roberts at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville on Friday, September 22. Visit oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org for more information.

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

Texas Ranger Bicentennial

Texas Ranger Bicentennial

“Next to the Alamo, the Texas Ranger is the best-known part of the Texas legend…”–Institute of Texan Cultures, University of Texas at San Antonio

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

History and Organization

Museum

Texas Ranger Badge, ca. 1880s

Colt Walker Revolver

Ranger Rock

Hall of Fame

2023 inductees:

Existing HOF Members:

Samuel H. Walker1815-1847

Clint Peoples1910-1992

Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross1838-1898

James E. “Jim” Riddles 1910-1975

Bill McDonald

Bullock Museum of Texas History

Bullock Museum of Texas History

Three Floors, Three Themes: Land, Identity, and Opportunity

Theaters and Rotating Exhibits

Reflections

Lone Star Flight Museum

Lone Star Flight Museum

Do you have aviation fanatics in your family? We have a perfect place for you to visit! The Lone Star Flight Museum is located in Houston. (They used to be located at the Scholes Airport in Galveston, but have now moved to Ellington Airport).

Brenham Maifest

Brenham Maifest

Celebrating youth

Family and fun

Fiesta San Antonio

Fiesta San Antonio

Join Fiesta San Antonio March 31-April 10, 2022! Here is the lowdown on just some of the highlights.

MEDALS

ROYALTY

Queen of the Order of the Alamo

King Antonio

El Rey Feo

Miss Fiesta San Antonio

Fiesta Teenage Queen

The Reina de la Feria de las Flores

The Charro Queen

The Queen of Soul

Miss San Antonio

NOTABLE EVENTS

Fiesta® Fiesta (March 31)

Taste of the Republic (March 31)

A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada (April 3, April 10)

Texas Cavaliers River Parade (April 4)

The Pilgrimage to the Alamo (April 4)

A Night in Old San Antonio (April 5-8)

Iconic Western Swing group marks their 90^th Anniversary tour with a local stop.

“Next to the Alamo, the Texas Ranger is the best-known part of the Texas legend…”
–Institute of Texan Cultures, University of Texas at San Antonio

Samuel H. Walker
1815-1847

Clint Peoples
1910-1992

Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross
1838-1898

James E. “Jim” Riddles
1910-1975