Examples of Fences, Pens, Corrals and Loading Chutes.
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Cecil Lewis And The Navy
My Dad went away at an early age to fight for his country, during World War II. The picture shows him at the age of 17. He served most of his time on the USS South Dakota, a battleship. He was contacted by the USS South Dakota Association and sent a package of memorabilia sometime in the late 70s and was ask to deliver it and present it at a ceremony being held at the Battle of Texas, next to the San Jacinto Monument near Houston. Kenny and I accompanied him to that dedication on a Saturday morning. We left … Continue reading Cecil Lewis And The Navy
A Father’s Day Message To My Sons & Grandsons
Sometimes the best lessons that life gives are not about learning the right things to do, but rather learning from the things not to do. As a son, you can observe how your father handled situations, but it can be difficult to emulate his moves. Instead, it is more beneficial to watch what your father did and then avoid making the same mistakes he did. I don’t necessarily want my sons and grandsons to follow the same life journey that I have traveled, as it has been a difficult and challenging road. Fellows, take the things you observed me do … Continue reading A Father’s Day Message To My Sons & Grandsons
Cecil Lewis, my father, was a handsome man with certain flaws
To know him was to witness wisdom and a lot of contradictions. I didn’t resent his tough love, for it paved my way. But if I could change one thing, it would be his struggle with alcohol. Without that burden, he would have been near perfection, a true role model. Yet, I still treasure the lessons he taught me, and they are still within my heart. He was selfless, always helping others in every endeavor. He possessed both physical and emotional strength, forever. Adversity didn’t hinder him; it only made him more resilient. He taught me the worth of perseverance, … Continue reading Cecil Lewis, my father, was a handsome man with certain flaws
My Trench Box Is Bigger Than Your Trench Box
This special trench box was built in our shop and used on one project, a 72” and 84” water line line for a new water plant project in Austin, Texas. I have serious reasons to believe it is the largest trench box ever built. It measured 44’ long x 12’ tall with an 8’ tall stacker section to go on top, making it 20’ tall. This box isn’t for just anyone. We had two EX 1200 Hitachi Excavators that were used to dig and lay the pipe and took them both to advance the box ahead. The approximate weight of … Continue reading My Trench Box Is Bigger Than Your Trench Box
You Have Got To Be Kidding Me
I had a new Cat 385 that was delivered probably in 2003 or 2004. I ordered it equipped with a mass excavation boom and a short stick. I knew it would limit our ability to go very deep, but most of the jobs we were bidding on were hard rock jobs. When I compared the different stick and boom configurations, the breakout force of the one I ordered was almost double of a long stick machine. If we were going to be successful digging hard rock we need the most force that we could get at the teeth. The machine … Continue reading You Have Got To Be Kidding Me
How Old Am I ?
I’m So Old That: When I first started in the underground utility business we used batter boards and string lines for setting grade on wastewater lines. A good 6’ wooden folding engineers rule and a torpedo level were the grade setters best friend.About a decade later before lasers became widely used. (Early 1980s)Many of the old school inspectors wouldn’t trust lasers so had us set up batter boards to use to prove out that the laser was shooting a straight line and grade. I’m So Old That: John Deere and Caterpillar hadn’t started making hydraulic track excavators when I first … Continue reading How Old Am I ?
Lewis Family – mostly the early years.
These photos are in no particular date order. Continue reading Lewis Family – mostly the early years.
The Early Years Of Rodeo – 1924.
Alpine, Texas – Sul Ross College at the base of that hill. It was established just 7 years earlier, as Sul Ross Normal College. The Difference A Hundred Years Can Make !! The Model T’s circled up in 1924 to form an arena for a rodeo. I took this photo in March 2017 from down in the flat where the rodeo was held. Continue reading The Early Years Of Rodeo – 1924.
Bill Pickett – Invented Bulldogging
A Great Part Of History With Roots From Right Here Under Our Feet. This Narrative From Frank Stiles. Born in the Miller Community, also known as Jenks Branch, midway between Leander and Liberty Hill, Texas. . Performed for royalty in europe, in madison square garden, starred in movies, and much more. Was eulogized by Will Rogers on his national radio show. Will Rogers also served as Bill Pickett’s hazer in his earlier days in rodeo bulldogging events. Bill Pickett mentored Will Rodgers, Tom Mix, and many others that went on to become motion picture stars and entertainers in the movies … Continue reading Bill Pickett – Invented Bulldogging
Angora Chronicles 