Amazing Things, Crazy Times, Funny Happenings, In and Around Austin, The Construction BizLeave a comment

Bill Tabor – Inventor and Hydronaut

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I wouldn’t tell you that I ever really got to know Bill Tabor, but we were in the same type of construction business in and around Austin, back in the 1970s. I’d run into him from time to time. We both frequented the Jim’s Coffee Shop on Ben White Blvd and we would see each other and chat sometimes. Bill operated Travis Country Stables on Boston Lane out toward Oak Hill. He had his finger in a lot of things. He also operated a store, Tabor Town down around Cedar Creek. I read where Bill passed away back in 2017. … Continue reading Bill Tabor – Inventor and Hydronaut

Amazing Things, Crazy Times, Past Angora Chronicles Stories, The Construction Biz, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Two Of The Men That Were My Mentors

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My Friend Dave I first got to know Dave Hampton in 1972. He was a successful underground utility contractor and very well respected in the business. My first subcontract was working for him installing water lines in Burnet, Texas. It was actually more complicated than that. I was a sub to another sub that subcontracted to Dave’s company. That happens in our business a lot. Ok if you aren’t too confused I’ll continue. Throughout the 1970’s I worked with Dave several times. He had an enormous capacity for numbers. I learned a lot from him. There came a time in … Continue reading Two Of The Men That Were My Mentors

Amazing Things, Another Daily Happening, Crazy Times, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

My First Day to Attend School in Marble Falls.

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I went to school in a small 3 room school at Jollyville for my first 7 years. Starting the 8th grade in Marble Falls was the first and only time I ever switched schools. I had it pretty good over a lot of kids moving to a new school. I already knew a lot of the kids there. I had been around MF almost every weekend and summer for my whole life. Running around with Glenn Lewis gave me the chance to meet a bunch of people and be exposed to a lot of situations.Jimmy Frasier was the one person … Continue reading My First Day to Attend School in Marble Falls.

Crazy Times, Marble Falls and the Area Around it., Past Angora Chronicles Stories, The Early Days, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

The Teacher’s Pet

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I wasn’t the most well behaved student in Mrs. Corkers 8th grade class. That year was the first and only time I ever had to change schools. I must have tried hard to fit in. I certainly got my share of attention, for a new kid. She was considered a good teacher, but was very stern. English was my most difficult subject. I didn’t like it, I didn’t understand it. Mrs.Corker didn’t take to students that failed to excel in English. It was obvious that the two of us were going nowhere, fast. One day during class, she was talking … Continue reading The Teacher’s Pet

Amazing Things, Crazy Times, In and Around AustinLeave a comment

The Phantom Gambler or The Suitcase Man

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Who remembers the name William Lee Bergstrom ?He was commonly known as The Suitcase Man or The Phantom Gambler. Back in the high flying prosperous years of the 80s, me and several fellow contractors had a great propensity to head to Vegas a way to often. So when the William Lee Bergstrom situation came about, I was right in the middle of watching and reading about it unfolding. Following is the Wikipedia version of what transpired:Bergstrom was born in Austin, Texas and attended Austin High School graduating in 1969. He attended UT, but dropped out in 1974. His brother Alan … Continue reading The Phantom Gambler or The Suitcase Man

Amazing Things, In and Around Austin, Past Angora Chronicles Stories, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Fossil Limestone Building Cladding

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On many high rise buildings around Texas (and as far away as Washington DC) this type of stone cladding has been used. It’s fossilized appearance gives it a very distinctive look. It has been used for decades on schools, museums, office buildings and even the San Jacinto Monument. It is mostly referred to Cordova Fossil Stone (trade-name). It seems to be mostly all quarried out now, with other types of stone taking over. While it was a very unique stone, it tended to turn black in color over time, leaving a less than desirable appearance. (first photo) There were several … Continue reading Fossil Limestone Building Cladding

Marble Falls and the Area Around it., Past Angora Chronicles Stories, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Someone asked, what’s going on…..

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Actually quite a few people know what’s happening but if you happen to be one that doesn’t, I’ll just tell you. As you may have read, I’ve been asking questions lately about the young girl that died in Marble Falls back in 1965. Her name was Daynon Lewis. She was one of our classmates and we were in the 8th grade. she was a sweet innocent blond haired girl. We have had her death as a topic several times in past years. Not as a just a way to bring up the past, but something about the circumstances of her … Continue reading Someone asked, what’s going on…..

Smithwick, The History of TexasLeave a comment

The Faith Family

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I had always heard of the Faith Family and knew there was a connection with them and Smithwick. Since they were all gone by the time I came along I never knew anything about them.I found this information online. There are references here to them operating a cotton gin in Smithwick and having members of both the Stinnett and Boultinghouse families (both of which I’m related on different sides of my family- R. Lewis) marrying into that family.It also gives a little insight into the old Jim Cox home that was across the street and where I spent many hours … Continue reading The Faith Family

Amazing Things, My Family, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

Shopping For Great Gifts

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Back in 1973 my wife was looking for the perfect gift for me for Christmas. She always shopped early, instead of waiting until the last minute. Usually she had everything wrapped up by the week after Thanksgiving. She looked and looked, going to every shopping mall in Austin. She thought, “it isn’t easy buying for the man that has everything”. I was 21 years old with lots of money to throw around (Cough…Cough…Cough) so I had a habit of buying whatever I wanted, leaving nothing for her to buy me. I don’t remember exactly what I received that year for … Continue reading Shopping For Great Gifts