Category: The History of Texas

The History of Texas1 Comment

Grand Prize Lager Beer

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Gulf Brewing Company, Houston, Texas Howard Hughes was known for many things, but owning a brewery in Houston wasn’t one I had ever heard of. Howard Hughes’ connection with the Houston-based Hughes Tool Company is fairly well-known. It is less well-known that Hughes started a brewery in Houston, on the grounds of the Hughes Tool Company, called Gulf Brewing Company. Hughes opened the brewery at the end of Prohibition, and its profits helped the tool company survive the Depression. Gulf Brewing Company produced Grand Prize beer, which for a time was the best-selling beer in Texas. It has been reported … Continue reading Grand Prize Lager Beer

Amazing Things, Past Angora Chronicles Stories, The History of TexasLeave a comment

Ross Bros. Horse & Mule Company

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This was a business that was located at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The barns were wooden and destroyed by a fire on March 14, 1911. It was rebuilt using concrete and steel at a price of $300,000 and were said to be among the finest stables in the world. The Ross Brothers – Waddy, Sam & R.E. became very wealthy selling horses and mules during World War I, sending them to Europe.Once again they sold many more during WW II. Continue reading Ross Bros. Horse & Mule Company

The History of Texas, Thoughts and Musings2 Comments

The Origins of a Ring and Auctioneers at Livestock Auctions

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When researching livestock auctions and the actual concept of a ring with auctioneers started. While there were some used in the 50s (maybe as early as the 40s) it appears that it mostly became a widespread way of selling cattle and other stock in the early 60s. Prior to that, the Livestock Commissions were mostly a place to bring sellers and buyers together, where they could meet up and strike a deal, then the house would weigh and facilitate the transaction and collect their fee. If anyone has knowledge about or when you actually remember your first cattle auction in … Continue reading The Origins of a Ring and Auctioneers at Livestock Auctions

Aging, Amazing Things, The History of Texas, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

San Antonio’s Union Stockyards

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Below is about the best article I’ve found on the history of the SA Union Stockyards that has now been closed for more than 25 years. From The Houston Chronicle “Union Stock Yards says goodbye after 112 years in San Antonio” John W. Gonzalez | April 22, 2001 SAN ANTONIO — After 112 years as a landmark of the South Texas cattle industry, the Union Stock Yards held its final auction last week, giving workers and well-wishers one last chance to savor its colorful yet faded traditions. In an auction barn that used to witness thousands of transactions a day, … Continue reading San Antonio’s Union Stockyards

Past Angora Chronicles Stories, The History of Texas, Thoughts and Musings2 Comments

The Many Names Of A Plain Ol “Cattle Guard”

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A cattle grid (by British standards) – also known as a stock grid or krud knocker in Australia; or a cattle stop in New Zealand. A cattle guard, a vehicle pass, a Texas gate, or stock gap as they know all around the United States. I think I like Krud Knocker the best. Highways aren’t the only place that you’ll see a cattle guard. Sure didn’t need to stop a train to open the gate! Most cattle guards are made from pipe but if railroad rail is available, it makes a good sturdy cattle guard. Continue reading The Many Names Of A Plain Ol “Cattle Guard”

The History of Texas4 Comments

Calcasieu Lumber Company

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CALCASIEU LUMBER – A Great Member Of The Austin Business Scene For Many Years Austin supported many lumberyards, but the largest was Calcasieu, started in 1883 by the Drake brothers and later named after the superior lumber harvested in Calcasieu Parish, La. “Better homes are built with better lumber,” reads an 1884 newspaper ad. “And that doesn’t mean high priced lumber either. Dealers in lumber, sash, doors, blinds, laths, piclets and all builders’ material.” Early photos show a small lumberyard with a pitched roof and a hitching post for horses. Later, Calcasieu expanded over two blocks with a three-story building … Continue reading Calcasieu Lumber Company