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.