Sports and Music in Texas

"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. 

I spent last weekend in Luling, participating in events on Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22. I was invited by Chuck and Pat Parsons, longtime friends and fellow authors. Chuck is a noted authority on Texas Rangers, and a couple of years ago he wrote an Arcadia publication about the history of  Luling. Pat is president of the South Texas Historical Association and a superb genealogical researcher. Nine years ago she and Chuck were instrumental in launching a "Meet the Authors" event in Luling. I agreed to be one of the 12 authors involved in Luling's 2014 event, and since I would be in town on Saturday, I was asked - as State Historian - to present a program on Friday evening. 

With Coach Mike Barnett

Central Texas Oil Patch Museum

The Southside Clubhouse, a handsome lodge building located adjacent to a riverside park, was the site of the Friday evening meeting. Chuck and Pat had arranged excellent publicity, and a lively crowd assembled to hear the State Historian talk about "Sports in Texas." I've enjoyed a lifelong connection with athletics, as a participant, coach, and sportscaster. In my Texas history classes I developed a strong lecture on the subject, I wrote a centennial history of the Texas Baseball League, and recently I was proud to contribute a chapter, "The Games Texans Play," to Twentieth-Century Texas, edited by John W. Storey and Mary L. Scheer and published by the University of North Texas Press. Texans boasts an incredible heritage as a hotbed of sports in America, and in Luling I enjoyed describing athletic superstars and team accomplishments, along with "firsts" and record-setting performances. To enhance the presentation I brought vintage football and baseball jerseys, leather helmets and reproduction caps, and a program from the first game ever played at the world's first domed stadium (Astrodome, Astros vs. Yankees, April 9, 1965 - my parents' 25th anniversary, celebrated with a sporting event). I was introduced to the audience by Coach Mike Barnett of Luling High School - an immediate kindred spirit! 

With Museum Director  Carol Voigt

 Saturday's "Meet the Authors" event was held at the Central Texas Oil Patch Museum, which is housed in an 1887 commercial building that was the largest structure in downtown Luling during the 19th century. The museum is excellent, and director Carol Voigt enjoys staging Meet the Authors days and art exhibits and other events that bring the public into the facility. Indeed, a large crowd circulated among the tables and purchased autographed books during the four-hour event. I already knew three of the authors, and I enjoyed meeting the others. An additional pleasure was prowling through the antique office suites on the second floor of the museum building.

Meet the Authors

A few days later I was at the First Baptist Church of Longview for a mid-day meeting of the Fifty-five Plus Group. I encountered a number of acquaintances. Two dear friends were there, Harlan and Mary Hall. Harlan spent many years as Music Minister at FBC Longview, while his gifted wife was organist. During "retirement" Harlan and Mary devoted 11 years in the same roles at Central Baptist Church, Carthage, where I have been a member for more than four decades. Following an excellent lunch, I spoke to the large crowd on the subject of "Music in Texas." I emphasized the role of church music, of gospel hymns to early Texas settlers. I demonstrated the four "shape notes" and a vintage paperback hymnal, World Revival Hymns, Shaped Note Edition. For most of the audience it was a trip down memory lane, with historical context. 


As State Historian I often emphasize that Texas has the richest and most colorful history and culture of any other state in the Union. In the two programs I presented this past week, I offered a history of two forms of culture - sports and music - that have been of great importance to generations of Texans, and to which Texans have made enormous contributions. 

Friends and lunchmates Harlan and Mary Hall and Walta Cook

Gunfighterology

"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. 

Karon at the book table

My program on "Gunfighterology" has been in considerable demand during my tenure as State Historian. I've presented "Gunfighterology" all over Texas in a variety of settings, including the First Baptist Church of Graham, to a men's group. I always point out that nothing is more dramatic than life and death conflict, and when that conflict is in a frontier setting, I've learned through the years, that strong  appeal is generated among Westerners in general and Texans in particular. Indeed, there were more blood feuds in Texas than in any other frontier state or territory. The revolving pistol evolved in Texas by Rangers as a weapon to battle horseback warriors, Comanches and Kiowas. Soon Texans were using Colt revolvers against each other. More gunfighters were from Texas than any other state, and there were far more shootouts during the long frontier period of the Lone Star State than anywhere else. Gunfighting therefore is a legitimate as well as a compelling subject of Texas history. I've written a number of books and articles on this topic, beginning with my first book, Encyclopedia of Western Gunfighters (University of Oklahoma Press, 1979). The Encyclopedia remains in print after 35 years, and it has been released in German and British editions, which suggests the popular appeal of the topic. 

With Ruth Crawford

Introduction by Dr. George Larson

Several months ago I received two invitations to present "Gunfighterology" on dates that were just a week and a half apart. On Sunday afternoon, March 9, my wife Karon and I arrived at the Bosque Museum in Clifton. The seat of Bosque County is Meridian, 12 miles away, but Clifton is the larger town. The superb 1886 court house in Meridian has been beautifully restored by the Texas Historical Commission. Year before last I was privileged to speak in the handsome court room on Texas Independence Day, an event spearheaded by R.G. Joy, a civic leader and Texas patriot. Afterward there was a reception and book signing across the street at the Bosque Collection, a museum and county archival repository located in a two-story stone building erected in the 19th century. Ruth Crawford is the director of the Bosque Collection. Ruth was a veteran clerk in the court house when the Bosque Collection was established. She was selected to preside over the museum/archive, a position unique in Texas for a county employee. 

With Sue and David Megarity

Dr. Larson with bust of Horn Shelter Man, 11,200 years old

Ruth was present for the Clifton event, and so were Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Joy, along with Sue and David Megarity, who were school mates of mine in Corsicana. Among the large crowd were a number of people who had attended my program in Meridian. It was good to see them again, and to meet new history-minded friends. After the program Dr. George Larson, the museum's genial director, gave me a tour. The Bosque Museum is a remarkable facility, and soon will be expanded. Any history buff will be richly rewarded by a visit.

Matinee crowd in the 1916 ClifTex Theater

On our way out of town, I stopped by the ClifTex Theater. Opened in 1916, the ClifTex is the oldest continuously-operating movie theater in Texas. A matinee was in progress, but management graciously showed me around and permitted me to take the photographs. 

On Thursday evening, March 20, I presented the "Gunfighterology" program at the Longview University Center, where courses are offered by the University of Texas at Tyler. The LUC director is Dr. Van Patterson, who was a longtime colleague of mine at Panola College. Dr. Patterson was selected last year to head the Longview University Center, which has been in operation for more than a decade. He learned that there had never been a public lecture offered at LUC, and I happily agreed to inaugurate the center's University Lecture Series. We decided that "Gunfighterology" would be both informative and entertaining. Dr. Patterson launched a publicity campaign which involved the Longview Daily News, 30-minute interviews with three area radio stations, and an interview over KETK-TV. Responding to the publicity, more than 130 attendees came to the LUC, including a number of old friends and prominent citizens. The State Historian was privileged to be part of a strong start to the new lecture series. 

Dr. Patterson, Karon, and Bill

Rendezvous

"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. 

With Patsy Harper

On Saturday afternoon, March 8, I attended the first day of the 30th Annual Southwestern Regional Rendezvous of mountain men re-enactors. The eight-day event was held a few miles east of Lampasas, on the Rocking S Ranch. I was invited by Patsy Harper, a student of mine during my first two years of teaching, at Lampasas Junior High School. I taught language arts and speech and Patsy was a brilliant student with a gift for writing. Several years ago she became captivated by the lifestyle of pioneers of the far frontier. Like her fellow re-enactors, Patsy collected pioneer attire and camp equipment suitable to the period. Her close friend, Phil Tromble, is a member of the American Mountain Men Society, whose participants adhere strictly to the lifestyle of mountain men while camping. 

Patsy with Phil Tromble

Driving east of Lampasas I turned on a paved county road. After a couple of miles I proceeded down a winding caliche road. I parked beside a collection of pickups, many with trailers, and hiked up to the camp. I had thought that this Rendezvous might not have much to do with Texas history. But the first camp I came to was a military encampment flying the flag of the Republic of Texas. The re-enactors wore 1840s uniforms and were armed with period weapons. I continued to encounter other re-enactors - men, women and children - who would spend the week portraying Texas pioneers. Indeed, some of these re-enactors impersonated specific pioneers.

The Rendezvous camp was quite large and was situated in rocky, hilly, rugged wilderness. There were about 120 individual camps, many with a total of nearly 300 re-enactors. The largest tent housed a tavern, where singing and other forms of merrymaking broke out each night. Daytime activities included rifle and smoothbore pistol shooting, archery, knife and tomahawk throwing, fire starting contests, cooking, highland games, round robin trading, various demonstrations, and numerous activities for kids. During the afternoon I visited with many dedicated re-enactors, who bring to life a long ago period, and I had a delightful reunion with Patsy Harper. These historians know far more about their era than the State Historian of Texas! 

Entrance to the Blushing Turtle Tavern

TSHA at San Antonio

"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.

Meeting of the TSHA Education Committee.
Chairman Eddie Weller at he head of the table, with
TSHA Education Director Steve Cure at his left

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 6,7, and 8, my wife Karon and I attended the 118th Annual Meeting of the Texas State Historical Association. On the way to our hotel on March 6 we drove past the Alamo, which fell on March 6, 1836. The TSHA headquartered at the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel, and a record attendance topped 740 participants, along with an impressive lineup of vendors which overflowed the spacious exhibit hall into the lobby area. Forty-one sessions explored a rich variety of topics. 

Vendors in the Exhibition Hall

At Thursday's Women in History Luncheon, the Liz Carpenter Award for Research in the History of Women went to Bruce Glasrud and Marlene Petre for their book, Southern Black Women in the Modern Civil Rights Movement. On Friday, the Fellows Luncheon welcomed two new TSHA Fellows, Cary Weintz of Texas Southern University, and Donald Frasier of McMurry University. A number of awards were presented, each with substantial cash prizes. The most handsome prizes were presented through the Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan Leadership in Education Award. J.P. Bryan awarded $5,000 each to Mary Scheer of Lamar University and to Pat Richey, a standout seventh-grade Texas history teacher from Keller ISD.  The Coral H. Tullis Memorial Prize for Best Book went to Jason Mellard for Progressive Country. The Kate Broocks Bates Award for Historical Research was presented to Raul Coronado for A World Not to Come. The Ron Tyler Award for Best Illustrated Book on Texas History and Culture went to Jim Parsons and David Bush, co-authors of Fair Park Deco. The Al Lowman Memorial Prize for Best Book on County and Local History was awarded to Ignacio Garcia for When Mexicans Could Play Ball. There were several research grants awarded. All in all, we were reassured that an impressive amount of research and writing is steadily expanding our understanding of Texas history. The luncheon address by Michael A. Olives of the University of Houston Law Center was exceptionally entertaining and instructive. The Annual TSHA business meeting followed. 

Historian Kenneth Howell with vendor Billy Huckaby

At six o'clock we gathered at the Alamo, where we enjoyed hors d'oevres and beverages while touring the grounds and visiting with Alamo historians. The Presidential Banquet, honoring TSHA President Gregg Cantrell, began at seven o'clock next door to the Alamo, at the historic and elegant Menger Hotel. President Cantrell spoke on "Lyndon's Granddaddy: Sam Johnson, Texas Populism, and the Improbable Roots of American Liberalism." 

Awards luncheon

There were eight sessions on Saturday morning, and some participants lingered to enjoy the delights of Alamo City. As we departed, we knew we had been part of an outstanding TSHA meeting, and we looked forward to assembling next spring in Corpus Christi. 

Jim Parsons and David Bush, co-authors
of Fair Park Deco

Mary Scheer and Pat Richey with J.P. Bryan

Awards Luncheon speaker Michael Olives

Historic Menger Hotel, site of the Presidential Banquet

TSHA Executive Director Kent Calder and Steve Cure
at the Alamo for the Friday night reception 

Texas Independence Weekend

"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. 

Texas Independence Weekend for the State Historian began in Austin, with a luncheon address to the Retired Officers' Wives Club. I was invited by vice-president and program chair (and incoming president) Dianne Mangum. My wife - and chief of staff - Karon accompanied me to Austin. The ROWC holds its monthly meeting at Green Pastures Restaurant, located on West Live Oak Street south of the Colorado River in a stately Victorian home that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Green Pastures Restaurant opened in the handsome structure in 1946. White peacocks roam the wooded grounds. 

Dianne Mangum

More than 80 ladies were in attendance. As wives of military officers they had lived all over the United States and the world. They were a cosmopolitan and lively group, and Karon and I were welcomed warmly. The food and service were excellent. I was asked to lead the pledge of allegiance, and following club business, Dianne Mangum provided a gracious introduction. The program was a mixture of Texas history and culture, and the audience was receptive and complimentary. They acquired a number of inscribed books, and Karon and I said our goodbyes to a number of delightful new friends. 

On Sunday Karon and I were in Huntsville for the annual celebration of General Sam Houston's Birthday and Texas Independence Day. The Huntsville event dates back to the late nineteenth century. This weekend was organized and sponsored by the Walker County Historical Commission, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, and the Sam Houston Statue and Visitor Center. On Saturday afternoon at the museum there was a panel of Cherokees and Tennesseans who discussed the Cherokee and Tennessee connection with Sam Houston and Texas Independence. Shortly afterward the Sam Houston Statue and Visitor Center staged a Wine and Cheese Reception and Entertainment ("Legends, Lore, and Music"). 

Karon, Bill, Tommy Wildcat, Mac Woodward

Sunday activities began at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum with a luncheon featuring a "Toast to Texas" and a birthday cake (2014 is Houston's 221st birthday). Karon and I sat at a table which included James D. Patton, who spearheaded the event and issued my invitation, and Nancy Burch, a Sam Houston descendant who recently invited me to provide the keynote address on April 21 at the San Jacinto Monument. 


By the time lunch ended a norther had dropped temperatures precipitously, so it was decided to move the afternoon activities indoors to the auditorium of a school near Houston's grave. Toe-tapping prelude music was provided by the No Foolin' String Band, a group of university professor/performers. The Texas and United States flags were posted by a ROTC Color Guard from Sam Houston State University. There were numerous welcomes, including remarks from Mayor Mac Woodward, Director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, and Lois Blake, Chairman of the Walker County Historical Commission. There were greetings from Chief Clem Sylestine of the Alabama-Coushatta Indians, and from Tommy Wildcat, Linguist of the Cherokee Nation. Dr. Robin Montgomery presented his composition, "Tennessee, The Mother State of Texas." I was introduced by Lois Blake, and I spoke on the "Leadership Qualities of Sam Houston." We sang "Texas, Our Texas," and the colors were retired by the Color Guard. 

A Toast to Texas

The No Foolin' Band

We moved outside, where wreaths were placed on Sam Houston's memorial. (At dawn a plate of oysters and a cup of coffee were placed on the memorial - an anonymous gesture that occurs annually.) The ROTC Rifle Team fired a 21-gun salute. But activities were not quite ended. Back inside James Patton baptized 23 non-native Texans with "Sam Houston Water" (from Sam's baptismal creek near Independence). "In the name of Sam Houston, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett, I declare you honorary Texans." It was a remarkable end to a remarkable day.  Happy birthday, Sam - happy birthday, Texas!