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”

My FriendsLeave a comment

Larry Was Optimistic Right Up To The End

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Several weeks before Larry Jackson passed away, I got a call from him. He wanted me to stop by and give him a hand with something. I’m thinking maybe he needs me to take his trash out to the big community cans by the street. He wasn’t so mobile, so even things like that were hard for him to do. In fact, almost impossible. When I got there he said “I’ve been thinking about converting my living and dining area into a recording studio”. He wondered if I could think of someone he could hire to do it. “But since … Continue reading Larry Was Optimistic Right Up To The End

Crazy Times, Meeting New People, The Early DaysLeave a comment

A Trip To Pennsylvania

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The week I graduated from high school in May 1970, I was invited to take a trip up to Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. There was a slight catch to it, the trip wasn’t going to pay much or maybe nothing at all. But all expenses were paid for. There were five of us traveling together. Pat Taylor, a MF school classmate that was year older than me, Kenny and Vicki Jackson, a gal by the name of Martha Rucker and Me. Pat and I were making the trip just to help transfer vehicles, but the other three were moving there to … Continue reading A Trip To Pennsylvania

Amazing Things, My Friends, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

The Need To Reconnect

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Original writing of this was on May 22, 2019 Once again we face the reality of life and what comes afterwards. The life of our friend Larry Jackson ended this afternoon as he battled a number of serious health issues. I stood by his bedside as he took his last breath. I had a Columbarium plaque made for him that I thought fitting. A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP. I guess I probably first met Larry some 50 or so years ago, lost touch for several decades and then reconnected here on Facebook about 10 years ago. It wasn’t always … Continue reading The Need To Reconnect

Amazing Things, My Family, Thoughts and MusingsLeave a comment

A Story of New Life, of Love and Happiness – The Welcoming of Our First Great Granddaughter

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Nathan and Jordan we are all so happy for you both. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ In a time long ago, a family was blessed,With a precious son, our hearts truly impressed.Madeline and Ronnie, filled with love and delight,Welcomed Michael, a joy that shone so bright 1977 marked the year of his birth,Bringing happiness and laughter to this Earth And after 22 years had passed,Nathan, the first son, arrived at last Nathan, the firstborn, with a heart so pure,Embarked on a journey, his love secure. Then with Jordan by his side, soulmates they became,And last night, a blessing, a child to proclaim. On May … Continue reading A Story of New Life, of Love and Happiness – The Welcoming of Our First Great Granddaughter

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

Smithwick, The Early Days, The History of TexasLeave a comment

Cattle Guard Dogs

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A practice that I’m sure would get you locked up nowadays was to post a dog, chained up at each cattle guard along the country roads. There would be a dog house, to protect them from the weather, whether the hot sun or the freezing cold. The rancher would come daily and put out food and water for them. It seemed like a lonely existence, but I guess they served their purpose. Looking back I feel like that was mostly where goats and sheep were kept, but maybe wild cattle too. They may still be used in some places, but … Continue reading Cattle Guard Dogs

Amazing Things, Marble Falls and the Area Around it., The History of Texas1 Comment

Old Granite School Fundraiser Campaign

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Please look at the need that is outlined below and help as much as you can. It is tax deductible. If you have any questions, please feel free to raise them. The museum is such a wonderful place and holds so many memories for anyone that is connected to the Old Granite Building. Below is a link that will allow you to donate to the cause. However if you are giving a sizable amount, a check hand delivered or mailed will allow for more funding to go to the cause without fees being added on. https://givebutter.com/fallsmuseum Continue reading Old Granite School Fundraiser Campaign

Marble Falls and the Area Around it., Past Angora Chronicles Stories, Texas History, Thoughts and Musings, TravelsLeave a comment

Trying To Figure Out The History Of US 281 Running Through Burnet County.

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I referenced several sources including newspapers, other written sources and maps to ascertain the history of the main highway that now takes us from Wichita Falls to Brownsville. I am only speaking to the stretch as it extends through Burnet County, as it gets much more complicated trying to talk about the entire stretch as it goes from Canada to Mexico. The photo below is a 1919 map. It doesn’t show an actual road extending from Blanco to Lampasas. (Probably just trails at that time) This map doesn’t show a road from Blanco to San Antonio either. The next two … Continue reading Trying To Figure Out The History Of US 281 Running Through Burnet County.