Author Archives: admin

History for Students

Posted on April 7, 2014 by admin

Last month I had the honor of judging the Regional contest for National History Day, a group I consider important in the development of future leaders in our country.  The National History Day website states that “National History Day makes … Continue reading →

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Mack Harrell, German Lieder Singer

Posted on March 23, 2014 by admin

On a fall evening in 1939 former Greenville resident and recognized baritone Mack Harrell made his hometown debut with a German Lieder recital.  The event held on Thursday, October 26, 1939 marked the opening of the new $200,000 Greenville Municipal … Continue reading →

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Foursquare Houses in North Texas

Posted on January 10, 2014 by admin

Throughout all of North Texas one can see variations of foursquare houses, an easily identifiable style of architecture found throughout the United States.  First of all, the foursquare house is considered the only uniquely American style of residential architecture.  It … Continue reading →

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Check out my new “A Century Ago” daily posts on Facebook!

Posted on January 9, 2014 by admin

Once upon a time not so long ago, I read old newspapers at the library and recorded one event for each day of the month.  GEUS then published them as a trailer on their television station.  When I retired I … Continue reading →

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Fall Color

Posted on December 7, 2013 by admin

This has been such a beautiful fall with all the trees in bright, brilliant colors.  We have a yard of cedars, oaks, and cedar elms.  Of course, the cedars are evergreen but they produce masses of lovely blue gray berries … Continue reading →

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Italian Renaissance Architecture

Posted on November 26, 2013 by admin

North Texans are not very different from anyone else.  If you are reading this blog, you are probably interested in the history of your town, or the town where you grew up, or the ancestral hometown.  I have lived in … Continue reading →

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What in the World is This?

Posted on November 4, 2013 by admin

On the way to the East Texas Historical Association Conference in September I took a detour down a lonely Farm Road in the northern part of Cherokee County.  It was such a lovely day that I decided a little exploration … Continue reading →

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Welcome Summer Rains

Posted on September 16, 2013 by admin

When I was a child I spent as much time in the summers at my maternal grandparents’ ranch in Archer County as was possible.  I loved it out there and my grandfather was such a good friend.  In the early … Continue reading →

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Red Ants and Doodlebugs

Posted on August 17, 2013 by admin

Throughout much of recorded history in North Texas red ants and doodle bugs were inconspicuous residents of plains and fields.  They minded their own business, crafted unique habitats, and defended themselves against enemies.  Sounds like a good life for our … Continue reading →

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From Private to Army Chief of Staff

Posted on July 29, 2013 by admin

Captain Adna Romanza Chaffee at the time he led 100 men in pursuit of desperados in North Texas in 1868.  While chasing the outlaws, Chaffee found time to join the Masonic Lodge in Sulphur Springs, Texas. What connection does the … Continue reading →

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