Under Texas Skies – This book has been in my family since the 1950s. It was given to my mother Bonnie, by M.H. “Moton” Crockett Sr.

Mr. Crockett being elderly by the time the 1950s rolled around, enjoyed the company of beautiful young ladies. My mother had 3 sisters, who along with my grandmother, Nancy, had left Smithwick in Burnet County and moved to Austin by the early 50s.

My grandfather, Delbert Boultinghouse had died in 1942, leaving a house full of kids for my grandmother Nancy to raise. As the older ones married and moved on, she and the 3 youngest girls moved to Austin where she could find work as a cook for the Texas State Hospital.

They lived in house that was about a block west of Guadalupe St on 37th. (directly south of where the Marimont Cafeteria was later built)

Living in the central part of Austin, it is my understanding that the three girls found their way around town and met many people, Moton Crockett and Buck Steiner being two of the most notable of them.

The photograph below is Iretta (called Retta) with Mr. Crockett. There was a twin sister Inetta (called Netta) with the baby being Maxine (called Cokie).

Now we shall move on the Moton Crockett Jr.

He is probably recognized by more people around Austin, than his father. Below is information taken from his obituary. While I never knew him personally, I’ve read the story of his bringing Big Bertha to The University of Texas.