| |
TEXAS FORUM • TRAVEL FORUM
For the
exchange and sharing of Travel/Texas information.
Forum
> New Entries |
February
2006 Brickett
or Brackett(ville)?
First let me
compliment you on the excellent website. Being a Native Texan, and loving all
things Texas, I find this a fabulous place to lose myself in memories. I have
recommended [your] site to everyone I know. With your vast knowledge of Texas
towns now turned ghost towns I wanted to know if you had ever heard of a town
named Brickett and if so where was/is it located? I found the name while researching
my family history and I cannot find it mentioned anywhere. Any help you could
give me would surely be appreciated. The county was Val Verde. According to an
old county listing that I found it said that one of my grandfather's brothers
was born in Brickett in 1894, and my grandfather was born in Brackettville in
1893. Two other brothers were born in San Antonio in 1891 and 1890. I knew that
they had started out in San Antonio where the first two brothers were born, but
I had always thought the younger two brothers were born in Brackettville. I am
curious to know if there was really a Brickett, which means the family might have
moved or been traveling when he was born. My grandfather passed away when I was
only two, so I was never able to ask him any of these things. Keep up the wonderful
work with your website. Sincerely, Elizabeth Griffin, February, 2006
Borger,
Texas
Subject:
William Henderson - Borger, TX - Isom Township
My wife's step grandfather,
William Henderson, was a land speculator from Alabama who first established the
Isom township which later became Borger. He was the owner of the Black Hotel in
Borger, and following the 1920s scandal (martial law) he was elected mayor of
Borger. I have many newspaper clippings describing the events, and many early
photographs of the people of the time (and an aerial photo of the original townsite).
In addition I have letters and a journal that gives first hand accounts of the
early history of Borger. I am beginning research so that I might write a biography
of "Pop" Henderson and the beginnings of Borger. Can you give me any suggestions
as to how I might proceed? Is there a way to access newspaper articles from that
early time, or is there anything that can be gained from your museum? Perhaps
I can come to Borger and speak to people who are familiar with the early history
and who might shed some light on my research. Thanks. Thomas E. Casey, Colorado,
usmasu1@cox.net , February 28, 2006
Purmela,
Texas
My name is Purmela Ison Varga. My story is that my mother was
born in Purmela, Texas in the 1910's. They moved away when she was a child and
she always liked the name so----. None of the family lives in Texas now, but I've
driven through the town three times over the years and visited with the Post Office
people. I have found that the name Purmela always makes people ask where it came
from and from what nationality. Enjoyed your site. - Purmela I Varga, February
28, 2006
Sierra
Blanca, Texas
Subject: A (Fig) Tree Grows in Sierra Blanca
My
Grandfather, Grover Stephens, was the post master in Sierra Blanca. Now from my
understanding their house use to be located where the old Gas station is now.
If you go out to that gas station even today I believe that there is a fig tree.
My Grandmother Jonnie Stephens planted that Fig tree right where the out house
use to be. Anyway, I always thought that was fun. Cheers, Samuel Stephens,
February 27, 2006
Beaumount
Texas
Subject:
Run down Mansion in Beaumount Texas
Hi, I have always loved the old plantation homes. This passed weekend a friend
and I went and showed our cats in Beaumont Texas. Right next to our hotel there
was a huge plantation mansion that caught my eye. I took several pictures of it.
Some pictures show more damage then the others. Now one lady in the hotel did
tell me that she thought someone was restoring it although it is hard to tell
by looking at it right now. I would like to find out as much history on this house
as possible. I have had no luck so far in doing so. And living in Zachary, Louisiana
it makes it even harder to do so. The house is on the same street as the hotel
and right next door which is N. 11th. Street. Now the add on a poll on the grounds
of the house says 842 and a little lower I could see 18. It was posted with a
no trespassing sign so we couldn't go inside or get any closer. The hotel was
the Holiday Inn Beaumont Midtown 2095N 11th St. 77703 if that would help to get
an address on the house. |
| |
I really just want the history behind it because it has to be from the 1800's
it is or was in its day beautiful with all the white columns it. I am told by
the lady of the hotel that it even has the Gone with the Wind winding staircase
inside! Hope someone can help me find some answers. Thanks in advance - Terri,
Zachary, Louisiana, February 27, 2006 |
Crowell
and Paducah
My name is Kristi Norman Brown and I am working on my family tree. Does anyone
know of any books or articles on family histories from Crowell or Paducah that
would help me in my research? My ancestors are A.Y. Norman (lots of Norman's there)
Cotners, McCormicks, Knox, Wanda Moore, and Eula "Cricket" Norman. Any help anyone
can provide would be greatly appreciated. - Kristi Norman Brown, February 27,
2006
Port
Lavaca, Texas
During World War II my mother was a volunteer air plane watcher. She worked out
of a tower overlooking Lavaca Bay. Most everyone I mention this to think I am
crazy. I was about eight years old then and I remember the tower and the chart
on the wall. If a plane flew over you had to find it on the chart and call it
in. She was given a pin for service that is a small set of wings that has US Army
Air Force Observer around the edge and in the center is AWS. Have you [or any
of your readers] ever heard of this volunteer service or know where I can find
out about it? - Doris Hinds, February 25, 2006
Bismark,
Texas?
My Grandmother
was born in Bismark, Wichita, TX in 30 May 1892 to John Henry & Janie Parker.
John and Janie had a trading post type of store and a team of Clydsdale's to travel
to buy goods. I feel like they were there a good 8 years. Have you ever run across
this town, I can't find it. - Donna Boliver, February 25, 2006
Hamilton,
Texas
My
Grandpa was Luther Coldiron. He had a hamburger place there in Hamilton in the
1930s. He also had some rock tourist courts on Coke Street. I was only three or
four years old but I remember how hot it was then. We lived in one of his cabins,
I remember it had a cement floor. He made the best burgers in town. His wife was
named Jessie and he died before she did. I remember the rock, sand and rattlesnakes.
Someone there may remember him. - Vonnie Balusek, February 23, 2006
Sweetwater, Texas
Subject: Scary Snakes of Sweetwater
My
name is Brandon, from Fort Worth, Texas. We spent a lot of our childhood going
to Sweetwater because it's where my dad was from. They have some pretty cool stuff,
like the annual Rattlesnake Round-up. Sweetwater is in West Texas so there are
plenty of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Personally I am very afraid of snakes,
but I still had a lot of fun at the Rattlesnake Round-up most years. They have
a huge carnival and flea-market, good barbeque, and you can look at the scary
snakes. I had to stay there the entire summer I turned 15. It's not a very fun
place for a city kid from Southwest Fort Worth but I had cousins there my age
and they seemed to like living there just fine. I always thought it was an interesting
little town, just too in-the-middle-of-nowhere for me, and too snake infested.
The Rattlesnake Round-up is a huge tourist attraction, so check it out! - Brandon
Cunningham, February 22, 2006
Eola,
Texas
I visit your website frequently and when I saw the link to
Eola, I actually shouted out, "Wow, Eola!" About twenty years ago I went on a
weekend drive pulling over to peek at what people forgot and time took over...
one of those was the town of Eola. The doors to the school were unlocked and I
couldn't resist. Part of me thought it was still used as desks were still in classrooms;
but the leaves and birds throughout the halls told me otherwise. The auditorium
seemed filled with the souls of talent shows and graduation ceremonies gone by
as sunshine from the punctured roof shined on the stage. The gentleman has taken
on quite a task; I envy him and will be more than happy to buy the biggest steak
he has and throw in the heftiest tip I have on me for the effort! - Darcy Clarke,
February 18, 2006
Waco,
Texas
Subject: Rich Field, Waco
I am looking for information on anything to do with Rich Flying Field, in Waco.
This was home to a unit of the Air Force of France, the US Army Flying Service,
and U. S. Signal Corps. This World War I base was located near 42nd street in
Waco and was the basis for Richfield High School (now Waco High School) . My father
served at Rich Flying Field in 1918. USAF records are slim concerning WWI because
of the great fire in St. Louis, Mo. I am searching other Air Force centers for
records. I would like to contact members of Waco, Texas Historical Society that
might help with this project. Many pilots went to the front from Rich Field, if
planes were avaliable. Their contribution to the war should not be forgotten.
The beginnings of the Air Force is a part of Waco's history and the military history
of our country and the struggle in Europe.
I am looking for records of
my fathers military service with the Army Signal Corp and Army Air Service at
Rich Flying Field in 1918. My fathers name was Henry M. Harris. - John Harris,
Fort Worth, February 18, 2005
Keene,
Texas
I just
found two articles on your website, about my old hometown, Keene, Texas. I sympathize
with Dwight Young - returning to one's hometown and encountering change, can be
at once bewildering and sad. Keene is still a special place, and in some respects,
has not lost it's small-town atmosphere. Someone has had the foresight to preserve
a few of the town's historic landmarks - the petrified wood "Mizpah Gate", which
is the historic entrance to the college, and a few historic buildings are still
there. Sadly, the old "North Hall" ( the music building in my day ) has given
way to the new library on the college campus. But, just across the street, is
one of Keene's original homes, from about 1890 or so. It was originally a log
cabin, but has since been renovated and re-sided many times. When I last visited,
in March of 2005, the old wrought-iron hitching post, dating back over a hundred
years, was still imbedded in the front yard.
As a child, I was lucky enough
to know some of the early pioneers, including a Mr. Wallen, who had been the first
baby born in the new town of Keene, in the early 1890's. I also have childhood
memories of Keene teachers, businessmen, and civic leaders, such as Ben Putnam,
W.O. Belz, Mr. Woodall, Joe Winn, Lloyd Winn, Doc Hausinger, Ross Rice, W. A Schram,
Clarance Dortch, Smokey Thompson, Capt. Blackburn, Dixie Greenhill, Cliff Blair,
Vance Reed, Paul Wilson, M.D. Lewis, Charlie Bessier, Harvey Roberts, and many
others. Most of these names will be familiar to anyone who lived in Keene during
the 1940's, 1950's, or 1960's.
Keene was always a town that seemed to
have lots of pioneer spirit. In the early 1930's, the town needed an electric
power generating plant, so three students successfully built one. The town needed
a fire-truck, and again, one was built. Someone thought that the town needed telephone
service, so a local resident and his son strung wire for 5 miles on fence posts
and home-made telephone poles, to connect to the nearest Southwestern Bell trunk
lines. An early Keene resident, "Slats" Rogers, decided to build an airplane,
and did so successfully, right in Keene. It just happened to be the first airplane
ever built in the state of Texas (a detailed half-scale replica now resides in
the local museum.)
At one time, there were dozens of broom-making shops
in Keene, a fabric mill, a print-shop, a brick kiln, a commercial bakery, a planing
mill, a commercial laundry, and many other small industries. These provided much-needed
work for boarding students at the school (now called Southwestern Adventist University.)
I treasure my visits to Keene. It makes me sad, to see so many historic landmarks
now missing. But, I really enjoy visiting old friends, seeing the schools I attended,
and walking in the shade of the grand old oaks that I played under as a child.
The college is still the heart and soul of the town, and as long as it continues
to thrive, the history and spirit of Keene will continue to be nurtured and preserved.
In
closing, I'd like encourage Dwight Young to visit Keene again sometime, and take
time to see the local museum. The history of the college, and of the town, has
been preserved in many interesting displays. And yes, someone will surely be able
to point out where his Grandparents house was. In fact, I think I remember it.
-
Steve Hubbard, Yakima, Washington, February 17, 2006
Moran
Texas
I grew up in Moran from 1963 to 1973 & I still consider it home
, I could tell you tons of stories about this little town, but time and space
does not permit. My grandparents on my mother's side grew up around there, and
a lot of my family lived and died there. My grandparents, great-grandparents,
father,sister, aunts,uncles etc...are all buried in the Dennis Cemetery about
three miles out of Moran going toward Cisco. Four generations of my family graduated
from Moran High School: my grandmother in 1929, my mother in 1951, my sister in
1971, and my niece in 1993. We still have our family reunion there in the Moran
community center every year. I believe we have been having it for about 25 years.
There is a museum in the old Christian church. I still love going to Moran since
it reminds me of my childhood, when times were simpler and a lot less stressful,
where most people knew each other & most got along. One of the downtown buildings
collapsed when I was a kid I'm guessing the early 70s, but it's on the opposite
side of where the photo was taken. As I said, I could tell you lots of stories
from my memories of Moran, but there wouldn't be enough room... Thank You - Rodney
Stegall, February 16, 2006
Phillips,
Texas
Phillips
was a wonderful place to grow up. Teachers and administrators instilled in us
a unique sense of pride in the fact that we were from Phillips. Being from Phillips
automatically made us winners. What a great way to prepare students for life!
We learned that if we worked hard, we could do almost anything.
Our sports
teams were legendary for their accomplishments. Furthermore, due to the academic
leadership of many, many teachers, a large percentage of Phillips graduates have
become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals.
But most
importantly, people who grew up in Phillips genuinely cared for each other because
we shared a common love for the community that was Phillips. And we understood
that Phillips was Phillips because of its people.
I miss it. There will
never be another Phillips. Unfortunately, there's no way to fully understand the
loss unless you're a Phillips Blackhawk. - Carrie McFerron, Class of 1976,
February 10, 2006
Thornton
Texas
Information
sought on Death of Baptist Minister near Thornton
I have an ancestor that
lived in the [Thornton] area before Thornton was a town. It was in the 1860s that
Reese Alexander Clifton and his in-laws, the Steele Family bought land. Reese
was a Baptist minister and in 1872 he was murdered by some local carpet baggers
that had taken over the county - so the family history goes. His family continued
to live on the family farm until the late 1880s then sold out and moved to Haskell
County. We will be in the area in March with other relatives to locate the family
farm and cemetery. Any information [anyone] can furnish on the death of Reese
Clifton would be appreciated. - Dana Funk, February 07, 2006
Notrees
Texas
If
Notrees had a post office in Mr. Brown's store Notrees must have had a name before
it became Notrees. Anyone knowing that name please phone me collect at 972-686-3055.
If I'm not in leave a message or leave info on my answering machine. - Bill
Cannon, February 02, 2006
Katemcy
Texas
The information you have listed for this Texas town is erroneous
on two points. The "early settler" was Andrew (Andy) Jackson Coots, not "Coot"--hence
the name "Cootsville". He did not deplore the name of the settlement as you opine.
Mr. Meusebach and other German settlers made unilateral decision to change the
name of the town.
Andrew (Andy) Coots was my mother's (Charlotte Laverne
Coots) great-grandfather and he and his brothers are listed among the first landowners
in the Republic of Texas -- having first owned land in counties in Northeast Texas
and then moved south and west to Katemcy. Andy's wife, a woman not 5 foot tall,
often sat by the door of their small wood cabin with a hatchet to protect the
family from Chief Katemoczy's warriors. Andy's son Charles Coots married a member
from Chief Katemoczy's tribe -- her name was Lara Bell Watts. Charles and Lara
were my mother's grandparents. Several of our relatives are buried in the cemetary
at Katemcy and at the cemetary in Brady, Texas. The treaty with Comanche Chief
Ketemoczy was signed around "1847"-- not "1947" as you list. Thank you. - K
LaRocca, February 03, 2006
Monahans,
Texas
Not
Remembering the Monahans Sandhill Rangerettes - Rex Parsons, Maine
|
|
|
