TOHA 2015

"Lone Star Historian 2" is a blog about the travels and activities of the State Historian of Texas during his second year. Bill O'Neal was appointed to a two-year term by Gov. Rick Perry on August 22, 2012, at an impressive ceremony in the State Capitol. Bill is headquartered at Panola College (www.panola.edu) in Carthage, where he has taught since 1970. For more than 20 years Bill conducted the state's first Traveling Texas History class, a three-hour credit course which featured a 2,100-mile itinerary. In 2000 he was awarded a Piper Professorship, and in 2012 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wild West Historical Association. Bill has published over 40 books, almost half about Texas history subjects, and in 2007 he was named Best Living Non-Fiction Writer by True West Magazine. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by his alma mater, Texas A&M University - Commerce. 

Entrance to Rayburn Student Center

The Texas Oral History Association held its Fourth Annual Conference on Saturday, April 25, on the campus of Texas A&M University at Commerce. Hosts and sponsors for the 2015 Conference were the TAMUC Department of History, Honors College, and the East Texas War and Memory Project. The President of TOHA was Dr. Eric Gruver of the TAMUC Honors College, while his associate, the energetic and lovely Hayley Hasik, served as program chair. Headquarters for the conference was the Sam Rayburn Student Center.

Program Chair Haley Hasik registering an attendee

I was invited to present a program and to provide a short luncheon talk. I was delighted at the opportunity to participate in a TOHA event, and it is always a pleasure to return to my alma mater. During four decades as a faculty member at Panola College, I required my students to interview someone – often a relative (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent) – on some aspect of recent history. During the 1970s I received a number of great-grandfather interviews on the First World War, and there were several hundred personal accounts on the Great Depression and on World War II. Later there were interviews on the Korean War, Vietnam, Civil Rights, and a miscellany of other topics, such as one-room schools and moonshining. East Texas once was a hotbed of moonshining activity, and I collected more than 40 interviews from old-time moonshiners and bootleggers, as well as from a few law-enforcement officers who battled this activity. The program I was scheduled to present on Saturday morning was, “Moonshiners and Bootleggers of Old East Texas.”

TOHA President Eric Gruver and Editor Dan Utley

Nearly 30 programs were presented on Saturday. Presentations were made by college and university faculty members and students, as well as a student delegation from W.A. Meacham Middle School, who provided, “Immigrant Voices from Diamond Hill, Fort Worth: An After-School Oral History Program at W.A. Meacham Middle School.” Refreshment breaks during the morning and afternoon permitted considerable interaction, and so did our lunch hour at the nearby Alumni Center. The meal was catered by an Italian restaurant, and it was my pleasure to share a few remarks with TOHA members about the office of State Historian, about my experiences in conducting and collecting interviews, and about grassroot historians. Highlight of the lunch hour was presentation of the Ken Hendrickson Best Article Award by Dan Utley, editor of the TOHA publication Sound Historian. The award was given to Milton Jordan for his 2014 article, “Civil Rights and College Journalism: Mark Lett and the 1961 Southwestern University Megaphone.”

I was preceded by TAMUC Honors
Student Jaylen Wallace

TOHA had its origins in October 1982, when the Oral History Association held its national meeting in San Antonio’s Menger Hotel. About 40 Texans – college members and students, secondary teachers, librarians, folklorists, local historians – discussed the possibilities of forming a state organization for oral historians. The following year TOHA received a charter from the State of Texas as a nonprofit organization hosted by the Baylor Institute for Oral History. TOHA has led numerous workshops across Texas, and has provided sessions at annual meetings of the Texas State Historical Association, the East Texas Historical Association, and the West Texas Historical Association. In 1993 TOHA inaugurated its journal, Sound Historian. The current annual conference series began in 2012 at Baylor University. In 2013 the conference was held at Texas State University, followed by the 2014 conference at Stephen F. Austin State University. The 2015 meeting at TAMUC was a lively success, and next year’s conference will return to Baylor on Saturday, April 23, 2016. 

Demonstrating diagram of a moonshine still

Lunch crowd

Showing my State Historian cap and socks

Dan Utley presenting the Best Article Award to Milton Jordan

San Jacinto Day Dinner

"Lone Star Historian 2" is a blog about the travels and activities of the State Historian of Texas during his second year. Bill O'Neal was appointed to a two-year term by Gov. Rick Perry on August 22, 2012, at an impressive ceremony in the State Capitol. Bill is headquartered at Panola College (www.panola.edu) in Carthage, where he has taught since 1970. For more than 20 years Bill conducted the state's first Traveling Texas History class, a three-hour credit course which featured a 2,100-mile itinerary. In 2000 he was awarded a Piper Professorship, and in 2012 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wild West Historical Association. Bill has published over 40 books, almost half about Texas history subjects, and in 2007 he was named Best Living Non-Fiction Writer by True West Magazine. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by his alma mater, Texas A&M University - Commerce. 

Last year I was privileged to deliver the keynote address at the San Jacinto Monument on San Jacinto Day. It was a memorable occasion, and there was an enthusiastic response to my remarks. I was introduced to the audience by Bob Hixon, Chairman of the San Jacinto Museum of History Board of Trustees. Following the ceremony, Bob invited me to speak at the next San Jacinto Day Dinner held annually by the San Jacinto Foundation. The event was scheduled for Tuesday evening, April 21, 2015, at the Houston Country Club.

Bob Hixon and his assistants, LeAnn Trout and Mequet Werlin, stayed in touch with me and, as April 21 approached, made detailed arrangements on my behalf. A room was provided for me and my wife Karon at the Houston Hilton Post Oak Hotel. A car and driver were scheduled to take us to and from the Houston Country Club. Various details were explained to us.  And shortly after we checked into the hotel, Mequet arrived to pick up three large props from me. Mequet returned to the Country Club, where she placed two posters of Sam Houston (at different stages of his life) on easels, and attached a replica of the San Jacinto Battle Flag to a flag pole. These items were placed close to the speaker’s podium so that I could utilize them during my remarks.

Our driver, Walter, picked us up at the hotel at 5:45 and expertly maneuvered through heavy traffic to deliver us to the main building of the Houston Country Club. Our early arrival allowed me to check out the speaking setup and to find our assigned table, after which we were able to relax amid the splendid setting of a large reception room.

As the crowd began to arrive, Karon and I visited with people we met last year at the San Jacinto Monument, and we were introduced to many other supporters of the San Jacinto History Museum. Nearly 300 men and women attended the San Jacinto Day Dinner, which is a major fundraiser for the San Jacinto Museum, generating over $200,000 each year. I was seated beside Larry Spasic, President of the San Jacinto Museum who delivered the address at the Monument earlier in the day. Also seated at our table were several members of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, including Executive Director Carter Smith. Representing the TPWD, Carter Smith accepted an award from the San Jacinto History Museum Board of Trustees. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department works with the San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board to preserve and protect the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Monument, and Museum. Indeed, recently the TPWD has acquired 12 additional acres for this site, located adjacent to the south end.

With Carter Smith

With Chad Muir

The genial Chad Muir, who has succeeded Bob Hixon as Chairman of the San Jacinto Museum of History Board of Trustees, introduced me and my subject: “Sam Houston, A Study in Leadership.” Houston led an adventurous and dramatic life, and in one high position after another he distinguished himself as a leader with exceptional gifts. The audience responded to my presentation with frequent laughter and, at the end, a standing ovation. During and after our superb dinner (Rockwell Salad, Duo Entrée of Filet Mignon and Texas Breast of Quail, and Pecan Ball topped with a San Jacinto Star), people approached me with compliments and questions about Sam Houston. It was enormously gratifying as State Historian to participate in an event on an historic date featuring a large number of patriotic Texans who generate major support for an iconic site of the Lone Star State.

WTHA 2015

"Lone Star Historian 2" is a blog about the travels and activities of the State Historian of Texas during his second year. Bill O'Neal was appointed to a two-year term by Gov. Rick Perry on August 22, 2012, at an impressive ceremony in the State Capitol. Bill is headquartered at Panola College (www.panola.edu) in Carthage, where he has taught since 1970. For more than 20 years Bill conducted the state's first Traveling Texas History class, a three-hour credit course which featured a 2,100-mile itinerary. In 2000 he was awarded a Piper Professorship, and in 2012 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wild West Historical Association. Bill has published over 40 books, almost half about Texas history subjects, and in 2007 he was named Best Living Non-Fiction Writer by True West Magazine. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by his alma mater, Texas A&M University - Commerce. 

Early-Bird  Dinner at Youngblood's

Members of the West Texas Historical Association enjoyed an outstanding meeting in Amarillo, the 92^nd Annual Conference. The official meeting dates were Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11. But Robert Hall, a master organizer of historical field trips, set up attractive journeys both before and after the official events. Indeed, on Wednesday afternoon Robert led a “Mini Tour” that included the Panhandle-Plains Museum and spectacular Palo Duro Canyon. On Thursday morning Robert and 35 “early birds” boarded a bus for a day-long journey. Thursday’s adventures began at the Alibates Flint Quarry National Monument, followed by the Hutchinson Country Museum, the Square Horse Museum in the town of Panhandle, and – highlight of a superb day – the site of the 1874 Battle of Adobe Walls, located on private property but arranged by the indefatigable Robert Hall. 

WTHA Board meeting

Past president Marisue Potts presenting to a SRO crowd of 50

On Thursday evening there was a lively reception at the Staybridge Inn and Suites, after which a large crowd assembled at Youngblood’s Café for what has become a traditional “Early Bird Dinner.” More than 100 of us enjoyed a delicious supper, the first of a series of fine meals catered for us by Youngblood’s. Lynn Hopkins of the Hutchinson County Museum showed us the brief but historic black and white film, “The 1941 Native American Return to Adobe Walls to Honor Fallen Braves.” Afterward, as current president of the WTHA, I conducted a meeting of our board.

Paul Matney and Tai Kreidler

On Friday morning we gathered at Dutton Hall on the campus of Amarillo College. Dr. Paul Matney, an Amarillo native who recently retired after 35 years at Amarillo College as faculty member, administrator, and president, made arrangements for us to hold Friday and Saturday sessions on campus, along with Friday’s Women’s History Luncheon and Saturday’s Awards and Business Lunch. Dr. Matney extended a formal welcome to us, and he was present throughout Friday and Saturday, attentive to any need we might have. 

With Robert Hall and Lynn Whitfield at Registration Table

In the same manner, Dr. and Mrs. Garry Nall of Amarillo were co-chairs of the Local Arrangements Committee. Gary is an Emeritus Professor of History at West Texas A&M University, and a Lifetime Board Member of the WTHA. His charming and gracious wife, Annette, is a consummate hostess. Annette was at every event, working quietly but constantly for the convenience of everyone. Many people noticed and thanked Annette for her many courtesies. She responded to me with a smile and typical grace: “If people have a wonderful time at a party or event, it’s because the people who attend are wonderful!” 

The 1905 Bivins House

Bill and Karon in the main hall

Friday morning and afternoon were filled with informative and exciting presentations. In addition to numerous sessions featuring WTHA members, there were joint sessions with the East Texas Historical Association, the South Texas Historical Association, the Center for Big Bend Studies, and the Wichita Falls Chapter of Westerners International.

Reception in the Bivins dining room

On Friday evening we gathered at the historic Bivins House, a massive 1905 mansion erected by rancher, oil man, and Amarillo mayor Lee Bivins. The reception honoring the WTHA president featured excellent food and self-guided tours of this impressive old home. We next moved three blocks to the dining hall of the Polk Street Methodist Church (home church of Annette and Garry Nall). It was my pleasure to introduce our after-dinner speaker, retired lawyer and district attorney Bill Neal. Since Bill’s retirement from his legal career, he has authored five books on the flamboyant lawyers and colorful trials of the Texas frontier. A delightful public speaker, Bill regaled us on the topic, “Courtroom Gladiators of Yesteryear: Tales of Those Audacious Frontier Lawyers.” The last event of the evening was the announcement of a support connection by the WTHA with the Quanah Parker Trail Project. This 52-county historical project about Comanche sites may be explored on their website. Numerous QPT representatives, including descendants of Quanah Parker, were present and were appreciative. 

Friday night dinner crowd at Polk Street Methodist Church

Saturday morning began with one of the highlights of the 2015 meeting. Everyone assembled in the original auditorium of Amarillo College, in Ordway Hall, for a session entitled: “A Prof’s Prof: A Timely Tribute to Paul Howard Carlson and His Versatile Body of Work.” Dr. Carlson is a retired professor from Texas Tech, a master teacher and a prolific author who long has been a mainstay of the WTHA. His former colleague, David Murrah, chaired the session, and former students of Carlson presented programs: Susan Dickey, “Paul Carlson: The Young Teacher and Military Historian”; Leland Turner, “Paul Carlson: Ranching Historian”; Scott Sosebee, “Paul Carlson: Native American Historian”; and Monte Monroe, “Paul Carlson: Editor and Mentor.” These presentations featured personal anecdotes, and Paul delivered an emotional response. 

Introducing Friday night speaker Bill Neal

Bill ("Period") Neal

QPT Arrow at Quanah

Our final official event was the Saturday Awards and Business Lunch. The Rupert Norvel Richardson Award for the Best Book in West Texas History was presented to Alvin Lynn of Amarillo for Kit Carson and the First Battle of Adobe Walls, published by Texas Tech University Press. We welcomed three new WTHA Fellows – Suzanne Campbell of San Angelo, Sylvia Mahoney of Fort Worth, and Travis Roberts of Marathon. 

Chief Quanah descendant Bruce Parker

Our new president, Dr. Diana Hinton, provided me with a gracious introduction, and my presidential address was entitled. “West Texas: Laboratory and Playground for Historians.” Afterward, President Hinton announced next year’s annual meeting: April 8 and 9 in Abilene.

Shortly after we adjourned, Robert Hall began a final field trip, scheduled to conclude at the restored Charles Goodnight House and Visitor Center in the little community named for the legendary cattleman. But Robert already is planning 2016 field trips around Abilene, starting with a tour of frontier forts. Come and join us next April! 

QPT principals

Presenters at Paul Carlson tribute: (l to r)
Monte Monroe, Scott Sosebee, Leland Turner,
David Murrah, Susan Dickey

Bill and former State Historian Light Cummins
with student attendees and past president Keith Owens

Saturday lunch crowd

Paul Carlson presenting new WTHA Fellows:
Suzanne Campbell, Sylvia Mahoney, and Travis Roberts

Delivering 2015 presidential address

For more information:  http://swco.ttu.edu/WestTexas/ 

http://www.quanahparkertrail.com/

Winters

"Lone Star Historian 2" is a blog about the travels and activities of the State Historian of Texas during his second year. Bill O'Neal was appointed to a two-year term by Gov. Rick Perry on August 22, 2012, at an impressive ceremony in the State Capitol. Bill is headquartered at Panola College (www.panola.edu) in Carthage, where he has taught since 1970. For more than 20 years Bill conducted the state's first Traveling Texas History class, a three-hour credit course which featured a 2,100-mile itinerary. In 2000 he was awarded a Piper Professorship, and in 2012 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wild West Historical Association. Bill has published over 40 books, almost half about Texas history subjects, and in 2007 he was named Best Living Non-Fiction Writer by True West Magazine. In 2013 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by his alma mater, Texas A&M University - Commerce. 

Rock Hotel, with Randall Conner on the porch

For the last weekend in February, I was invited to come to Winters for the celebration of the town’s 125^th anniversary. On Saturday morning a historical marker would be unveiled, and that evening the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet would be held. My invitation came from Winters native Randall Conner, prominent in the field of agriculture and community leadership, who first asked me to deliver brief remarks at the unveiling. Soon, however, Randall called back with word that the Chamber wanted me to provide a more fully developed address for the Banquet. I was pleased with the assignment, and I went to work to put together an entertaining version of the rich history of the West Texas community.

Uniform of the Winters Brass Band

My trip to Winters coincided with a massive ice storm which spread across a vast expanse of Texas. On Friday I drove from Carthage to Waco to Gatesville. My drive was just south of the ice, but by the time I reached Gatesville a light precipitation was turning nasty. I spent the night in Gatesville, and on Saturday morning everything had a light coating of ice. Randall called to inform me that conditions were so bad in Winters that the ten o’clock marker ceremony had been postponed until Sunday afternoon. He advised me to delay my departure, but the afternoon temperatures were to rise above freezing and clear roads and bridges. I took my time and maneuvered to Winters by early afternoon. Randall met me, took me to a guest house, then put me in his pickup for a tour of Winters. 

Drmmers House

I had driven through Winters on other occasions, but a month before my scheduled appearance, I spent a couple of hours in town while on a trip to Lubbock. My orientation self-tour was late in the day, so I was unable to do more than peer in the windows of a cluster of museum buildings. Happily for me, Randall Conner was instrumental in the development of each of these historical centers, and he opened and guided me through each building. The 1909 Rock Hotel Heritage Center is superb. It was built when a railroad finally came through Winters, and hosted travelers for decades. Adjacent to the hotel is a one-room Drummers House, where traveling salesmen could display their wares. More than $300,000 was raised to restore the Rock Hotel, and it is a handsome repository of local history, as well as a center for community events. 

Across the street to the east is another excellent facility, the two-story Z.I. Hale Museum. This donated building long was a medical clinic, and like the Rock Hotel it features room after room of local heritage. Across Dale Street to the south of the Hale Museum is the Gus Pruser Ag Exhibit. Housed in a large one-time commercial building, this exhibit of agricultural equipment and antique machinery is most impressive. One night each month experienced farmers and mechanics gather to perform, restoration work, and various venerable vehicles appear in parades. 

Another historic structure is the log Blue Gap Post Office, built in 1878 16 miles east of Winters. The old post office now stands on Main Street, and the 125^th anniversary historical marker has been placed in front of it.

WHS first football team

After Randall’s superb tour, I had time to change clothes at my guest house and report to the Chamber Banquet. The Banquet was held at the Winters High School Special Events Center, which opened in 2010. Last year the Chamber Banquet was attended by 65 citizens, but this year the crowd exceeded 230 – a most impressive response for a town of 2,500. The people of Winters clearly value their heritage. We enjoyed a delicious catered Bar-B-Que meal, annual awards were presented, and I had a grand time discussing the town’s rich past. 

Part of the Gus Pruser Ag Exhibit

Horse-drawn hearse

Banquet crowd

I first became aware of Winters as a baseball-crazy boy when I learned that Rogers Hornsby – the best right-handed hitter in the history of the game – is a native son. Winters was a part of the mainstream of Texas history, from early Spanish expeditions in the area, to Comanche war parties and nearby Texas Ranger camps, to cattle and sheep ranching, to cotton farming and cottonseed mills. Early in the 20^th century the Winters Brass Band was one of the best of the Sousa-style  bands in the state. Winters High School organized the first Future Farmers of America Chapter in Texas. The Winters museums highlight these and other aspects of the community's past, and it was a pleasure for me to weave the town’s captivating history into the overall trends and events of the Lone Star State. Any Texas history student would enjoy a tour of Winters (there is an excellent Driving Tour brochure) and its fascinating array of museums. 

With Ruth Cooper, a friend from the West Texas Historical
Association who has authored two Runnels County histories