Category: The History of Texas

Amazing Things, The History of Texas1 Comment

Big Time Goat Business

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Vol.21-No.4February 20, 1969 Arrott Takes Rain And Shearing Crew Any Time They Come, Even Together TENNYSON, Tex. -Monroe Arrott is shearing about 7000 Angora goats this winter, enough to place him well toward the top among Texas’ larger goat ranchers. He started shearing last Saturday during cold, damp weather even though forecasters predicted rain. These days, he says, he shears when he gets the crew. Almost half a century of goat ranching has taught him how to reduce death loss hazards to a minimum. He has two sheds big enough to shelter 2000 goats each on the Coke County ranch … Continue reading Big Time Goat Business

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”