Category Archives: Historical tidbits

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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Historic Greenville High School

Posted on July 29, 2013 by admin

Yes, there is a historic high school in Greenville.  Currently serving as Greenville Middle School, the building opened as Greenville High School in the fall of 1951 and served in that capacity for thirty years.  Many citizens of a certain … Continue reading →

Posted in Greenville, Historical tidbits, North Texas History, Texas | 1 Comment

The Bravest Man in The South? Surely not!

Posted on July 12, 2013 by admin

Benjamin F. Bickerstaff, like so many Confederates from Texas at the end of the Civil War, returned to the Lone Star State, with no intention of acknowledging defeat or becoming reconstructed.  They created an environment of hate, destruction, and terror … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical tidbits, North Texas History, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

North Texas Cemeteries and Mourning Customs

Posted on March 10, 2013 by admin

Cultural differences found throughout the various ethnic groups extend to death rituals and cemetery customs.   In the north Texas area, many of the cemetery customs have roots that transcend Anglo, African-American and Southeastern Amerindian cultures.  A trip to any cemetery … Continue reading →

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My Blog has a new focus – Old North Texas

Posted on February 20, 2013 by admin

I answered the phone the other day to hear a recorded message stating that my husband and I would soon receive a 2012 Agricultural Census form to complete and return.  Now, I have four raised beds where I grow vegetables.  … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving Preparations

Posted on November 20, 2012 by admin

This year as I make plans for Thanksgiving dinner and prepare for my upcoming trip to Salt Lake City, I have a tendency to merge the two events into a question about how my ancestors who were American colonists in … Continue reading →

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Secret Codes of the Underground Railroad

Posted on March 11, 2012 by admin

The last Saturday in February, the Pleasant Hill Quilting Group of Linden in Cass County presented an outstanding program for the public in Emory. Over 100 persons were in attendance to see the quilts those talented ladies made and learn … Continue reading →

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Three D Travel

Posted on March 11, 2012 by admin

Early 19th Century travel was truly 3-D: difficult, dirty, and dangerous. Yet our ancestors took to the roads, such as they were, for numerous reasons. Some were looking for a new start, others left worn-out land behind, and some were … Continue reading →

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The Miraculous Madstone

Posted on July 26, 2011 by admin

The Dallas Morning News of February 28, 1892 ran the following item, “Five children on the farm of J. C. Bomar were bitten by a rabid dog.  All the children were taken to Greenville (Texas) to try the efficacy of … Continue reading →

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