who is that?

by Mable Cash

Texas is myth-sized and most deserving of the exaggerations you may have heard about her through the years. Most folks from Texas are pleased to be referred to as Texans. We have a great deal to be proud about. These attributes I’ll be obliged to list later on to remind you or to inform any “want-to-be-Texans” why we are so proud of our State. My desire is to put together some Texas history along with bits and sketches of local interest, gleaned from historical studies, antidotes told by Leon County folks and memories of personal experiences. Why have I considered this undertaking? I’ve recently become aware that my generation knows things that need to be recorded before the information is lost forever. Perhaps you readers have a story you’d like to tell…contact me. I hope the compositions will refresh your memory and stir within you thoughts of your Texas roots. My desire is to relate stories of Texas in a simplistic manner to benefit young readers and create in them, a desire to know more.

Some time ago, I was told of a grandfather who was traveling with his granddaughter from Houston along Highway 45 toward Jewett, Texas. As the travelers neared Huntsville, there on the horizon beside the highway stood the imposing figure of Sam Houston, the sculptor, tall and regal, gleaming in the sunlight. The child, in awe of the magnificent spectacle, turned to her grandfather and asked, “Who is that?” Well, Granddad was stunned and appalled that his grandchild knew nothing about Sam Houston! (The child was very young and hadn’t begun to study Texas history.) But keep in mind, there is an indisputable fact about Texans….We are the textbook definition of a “True Culture.” We are unique in our language, our social habits, our food, music, literature and our mythology.

Thomas Jefferson stated, “Texas is the most luxuriant country on earth.”

Texas was born of an impossible revolution and settled by folks from somewhere else. But Texas is the embodiment of an American notion of freedom, independence, self-sufficiency and a grand adventure. There’s little about Texas that hasn’t been already told and possibly embellished but the telling may remind you of our rich and colorful history….before we forget.

Once a politician said, “If it isn’t in Texas, you don’t need it.” I don’t take much stock in a politician’s comments but he just may have a point.

It was brought to my attention by residents of another State that we Texans seemed to be a mite prideful. Now that may be true but I’ve never considered inordinate self-esteem to be a flaw in a Texan’s character. As a general rule, most of us are friendly folks and mighty pleased to have been born in the Lone Star State. Next week we’ll consider the flags that have flown over Texas.

Sam Houston statue located in Huntsville, TX.

once upon a time...in Texas

By Mable Cash

It is March 1, 2008.the morning air smelled sweet and the sun warmed the gentle breeze as I approached the entrance of the Barrington Living History Farm. This is a working farm of the 1850's with its staff attired in period clothing and working with livestock common of this era. This is my first visit to this historic site; Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas!

As I made my way toward the original home of Dr. Anson Jones, (who was the last president of the Republic of Texas) it seemed as though I had stepped back in time. The "dog-trot" style of house was still common in our area when I was a child. The uncommon feature about this home is,. it is two- story! The unique structure was designed for practical use and efficiency by the whole family. The "dog-trot" design is similar to having a large breeze-way placed between the bedrooms and the living/dining areas of the house. Fireplaces on each end of the building warmed the wooden structure. Wide covered porches skirted the east and west sides. The "cook house" was set apart from the main building because of the heat and the dangers of fire.

I made my way passed the rail fences to the Anson home, there two women sat at foot-powered spinning wheels, one, busily spinning thread from wool, while the other made thread from cotton, right there in the dot-trot. They explained that some of the woolen thread would knitted into garments for the family while the cotton was often woven into fabric for the family's use.

The Anson Jones bedroom was shared by their two youngest children, Sarah and Cromwell. The Master bed sported high posters and was equipped with mosquito nets that enclosed the trundle-bed that pulled out from underneath one side of the master bed and the baby crib drawn close along side the other. The other bedroom was occupied by Dr. Jones' older sister, Mary. She was a school teacher who taught her nieces and nephews and often used her room as a classroom. When the family had special guests to stay overnight, Mary's room became the guest room and she slept upstairs with the older children.

Wood smoke wafting from the cook-house, plus other tantalizing odors, drew me toward the single pen cabin constructed of cedar logs. A large fireplace dominated one side of the room, a lively fire with glowing coals lit the area. Dried herbs and peppers hung from rungs attached to the ceiling. A large cast-iron pot bubbling with meat and various vegetables, hung suspended from a metal arm above the fire. My stomach growled with anticipation. A slender little woman drew a heavy dutch oven from the hearth, removed the lid and emptied the perfect contents onto a plate. Cornbread, hot and fragrant, made from cornmeal freshly ground by hand that very morning, the woman explained. I am greatly impressed! She answered my numerous questions about cooking skills over an open fire during the 1800s. True to the time period of the enactment, her handmade dress was frayed at the hem and the bodice sported a patch. Her name is Alvina Meyers, a volunteer who is presently compiling a cookbook with recipes used in Texas prior to 1860. Since the mission is to interpret everyday life in Texas in the mid-1800s, she is interested in the lives of those who used these recipes.

If you would be willing to share old family recipes and or stories for this purpose, write:

Alvina J. Meyers @ PO Box 25, Washington, TX. 77880

Or Email her @: almeyers@centurytel.net

All proceeds of this completed cookbook will go to the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, specifically, Barrington Living History Farm.

fun places in Texas

here is a fun place to visit while in Texas. New Braunfels there are so many things to do there. schlitterbahn is not the only thing there. while you are there check out natural bridge caverns. great place to see. if you go put on your walking shoes. going down is no problem going up is. after that go to Gruene, TX. a simple little town with neat things to see,including the oldest dance hall in Texas, and the Gris mill restaurant has really good food. and if you have time go into San Antonio and visit the zoo. i would recommend not going the week before Easter though( it is the busies time of year) . The people there are nice and N.B. is right in between of Austin and San Antonio easy access to both. And on a shoppers note it is very close to San Marcos and the really big outlet mall.


Gruene, tx.






Natural bridge caverns

under construction

this blog is under construction. when i get started it will have stories about texas old time recipes and more so if you like to learn new things please drop in from time to time to read some of the posts. posts will be coming soon.