Category Archives: Historical tidbits

The Home Front

Posted on November 14, 2014 by admin

This month I have been asked to present a program I call “The Home Front” to a couple of audiences. By the Home Front, I mean the United States from 1914 through 1918, the period then known as the Great … Continue reading →

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The First World War in Colour

Posted on November 12, 2014 by admin

Once again I have discovered something I consider extremely interesting, although I am not certain how many others will. Yes, it’s that fascination I have with World War I. We can all probably rattle off at least five or ten … Continue reading →

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A Distinctly Unique Courthouse Dedication

Posted on October 28, 2014 by admin

County courthouse dedications were times of great celebration throughout the state of Texas. Everyone in the county turned out for the occasion that usually included lengthy speeches by prominent speakers, lots of food and reminisces, and local entertainment. They lasted … Continue reading →

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Odds and Ends

Posted on October 26, 2014 by admin

Occasionally I find myself with great materials that are too brief to incorporate into a whole article. Today is one of those articles where I try to include a few different topics in this space. The first item involves the Lone … Continue reading →

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The Hawkins Ranch in Texas: From Plantation Times to the Present

Posted on September 30, 2014 by admin

Margaret Lewis Furse, in writing about her family ranch in Matagorda County, has created a unique entry in the traditional agricultural histories often published by university presses. Ms. Furse, traces the evolution of the Hawkins Plantation from its beginning in … Continue reading →

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Water Elevators

Posted on September 28, 2014 by admin

  Fires were the cause of so much damage and destruction of towns and cities throughout history.  The other night I watched a PBS special on Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament in London.  What we know today as … Continue reading →

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Saving German Records

Posted on September 8, 2014 by admin

On Monday, the 16th of September 1751, Christian Nagel and other male passengers aboard the Ship Nancy were taken upon arrival in the Port of Philadelphia to the office of The Worshipful, William Plumsted, Esquire, and Mayor of the City … Continue reading →

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Floating Down the Sabine

Posted on September 4, 2014 by admin

From early colonial times, land along navigable waterways was considered extremely valuable. This riparian farmland was usually fertile, well watered and with the adjacent river goods could be taken to market much cheaper than overland. With the opening of the … Continue reading →

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Horse Racing

Posted on August 25, 2014 by admin

A century ago, Greenville residents were gearing up for the North Texas Fair that would open in a few days at the Fairgrounds. Today the site is the home of the YMCA and the old Shirey’s plant at the corner … Continue reading →

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A Buttermilk Sky

Posted on August 17, 2014 by admin

The word buttermilk reminds me of two very different things. The first, of course, is the dairy product. I often use buttermilk when I bake but the thought of drinking it as a beverage is repulsive, although I have known … Continue reading →

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