WINTER 2014

Scouting the Forts Trail Frontier Outposts Near Abilene Tell Real Stories of ’ Past CONTENTS Preservation News THC Commissioner Emeritus T.R. Fehrenbach Dies WINTER 2014 Legendary Texas Historian, Writer Was ‘Recognized the World Over’ Texas Historical Commission FEATURES Matthew F. Kreisle, III, Chairman By Andy Rhodes Thomas E. Alexander, Vice Chair Robert K. Shepard, Secretary 4 On the Road Managing Editor, The Medallion to Progress Former Texas Historical Commission Fehrenbach authored Earl Broussard Jr. Bankhead Highway John W. Crain Team Embarks on (THC) Chairman T.R. Fehrenbach, an several significant Michael D. Donegan Resource Development. iconic Texas historian, author, and books, some of which August W. Harris, III columnist, died on December 1, 2013 are required reading for Steven L. Highlander Tom Perini of congestive heart failure. He was 88 students of Texas and Gilbert E. Peterson years old. Korean War history. He Judy C. Richardson Nancy M. Steves THC OUTREACH Theodore Reed Fehrenbach served published 18 nonfiction Daisy Sloan White on the commission for three terms books, including the 6 Frontier Texas from 1983–2001, and was chairman 792-page Lone Star: Texas Forts Trail Region from 1987–1991. Gov. Rick Perry A History of Texas Executive Director: Mark Wolfe ‘Is the Real Texas People appointed him commissioner emeritus and the Texans (1968, Expect to Experience.’ in 2001. 1999), the most widely Medallion Staff: “T.R. Fehrenbach was the read history of Texas. Heather McBride embodiment of the Texas Historical His book This Kind Department Head Andy Rhodes 10 Grass-Roots Commission’s mission to preserve of War (1963, 1995) Managing Editor Preservation Texas history and to tell the real stories is considered the Barbara Putrino of the real places of the Lone Star classic military history Senior Projects Coordinator Researchers Unearth Judy Jensen Cultural Heritage Clues at State,” said THC Executive Director of the Korean War. Senior Graphic Design Coordinator Hays County Cemetery. Mark Wolfe. “His knowledge of Texas He served on the was unsurpassed and recognized Texas 2000 Commission, the world over. He was a true Texas chaired the Texas ISSN 0890-7595 On the cover: treasure who will be greatly missed.” Antiquities Committee, Vol. 52, No. I near Abilene. www.thc.state.tx.us [email protected] Photo: Andy Rhodes Fehrenbach was buried at the and was a trustee of Texas State Cemetery in Austin on the State History T.R. Fehrenbach was appointed THC Commissioner Emeritus in 2001. December 5. His site is surrounded by Museum Foundation. the graves of other literary and Texas Fehrenbach was also a fellow of and a giant among the chroniclers VISIT US ON THE WEB FAST FACTS giants, including Gov. Allen Shivers, the Texas State Historical Association, of the past, I remember him most www.thc.state.tx.us The THC’s preservation programs are significant economic author J. Frank Dobie, and artist Tom a member of the Philosophical Society fondly as a generous and witty man Learn more about the real places Lea. He was adorned with medals in his of Texas, a knight of San Jacinto, and who always challenged the THC staff telling the real stories of Texas. catalysts throughout the state. Army officer attire and attended by a member of the Authors Guild and to achieve high standards of public Fort Hood Honor Guard. Science Fiction Writers of America. service,” Utley said. “He had an innate www.texastimetravel.com Texas Main Street Program Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program Fehrenbach was a retired lieutenant He was a popular Sunday editorial sense of the layers of history and so The Texas Heritage Trails Program’s colonel who served in World War II and columnist for the Express- greatly appreciated the unique role of travel resource the Korean War. The service included a News. The THC’s T.R. Fehrenbach Book the agency in preserving vestiges of the $2.64 $269 9,693 21-gun salute and full military honors. Award was presented annually until past for the future. In that regard, he www.texashistoricsites.com Texas House Speaker Joe Straus 2011 to recognize exemplary writing and his wife, Lillian, made a dynamic The THC’s 20 historic properties billion million jobs presented Fehrenbach’s widow, about Texas history. team who selflessly shared their reinvested in Texas in local income supported. Lillian, with a flag flown over the State Former THC Chief Historian Dan abiding sense of Texas heritage with great purpose, humor, and respect.” www.thcfriends.org downtowns and urban generated. Capitol, and discussed Fehrenbach’s Utley fondly recalls working with Friends of the Texas contributions as a storyteller and Fehrenbach during his tenure. Fehrenbach is survived by his wife, commercial districts Historical Commission patriot with those in attendance. “While Ted Fehrenbach has been two nephews, and a niece. H since 1981. rightfully praised as a man of letters

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us WINTER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 2 3 THC OUTREACH THC OUTREACH

still in use in the towns meetings were of the U.S. House of Representatives; Dan On the Road to Progress of Eastland and Ranger, held in Texarkana, Smith, Bankhead Highway enthusiast and and the survey team Mount Vernon, author; and Noah Gilliam, district and Bankhead Highway Team Gathers Public Input, Embarks on Resource Development documented small metal Dallas, Fort legislative director for State Representative stop signs embedded into Worth, Eastland, George Lavender. By Leslie Wolfenden the roadway in Eastland Mineral Wells, The Bankhead Highway resource team THC Historic Resources Survey Coordinator and Merkel. Abilene, Midland, will remain busy throughout the first half Also of particular Van Horn, and of 2014 with multiple tasks, including The Bankhead Highway’s impact on Survey teams followed the five known documented several historic Chevrolet and interest were two El Paso. finalizing the statewide historic context hundreds of Texas communities—from alignments of the historic highway: a 1922 Buick dealerships. segments of the historic In each report on historic highways; developing colossal cities to tiny towns—remains route based on the T. A. Dunn Tourist Notable historic hotels identified Bankhead Highway that community, David the research and survey materials into evident to this day. Upon completion of Guide; a 1923 route based on a Rand along the Bankhead Highway include the are now under water. Moore, president user-friendly products (such as electronic- the highway in the 1920s, businesses and McNally Auto Trails Map; and routes Adolphus Hotel and the Statler Hilton These portions of the of Austin-based based maps and applications to provide attractions specifically catering to motorists from circa 1930–34, 1936–40, and 1961 in downtown Dallas, the Baker Hotel in old highway can be seen cultural resource heritage tourism and cultural resource emerged along the transcontinental following the various historic Mineral partially submerged in management firm information); creating a historic highway roadway, which stretched across Texas from alignments of U.S. 67 and U.S. Wells, the Lake Ray Hubbard near Hardy∙Heck∙ resources typology and National Register of Texarkana to El Paso. Fortunately, many of 80 based on Texas Highway Mobley Garland and in Hubbard Moore, Inc., spoke Historic Places eligibility evaluation criteria; these resources remain intact. Department maps. The survey Hotel in Creek Lake outside to the public and updating the THC’s Historic Sites In Texarkana, the historic route along teams began work in Texarkana Cisco, of Breckenridge. The Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells was on the regarding the Atlas database. 7th Street is lined with 1940s, ‘50s, and and traveled westward to and Hotel In addition to Bankhead Highway. project. Attendees For additional information about ‘60s motels, restaurants, and gas stations El Paso through dozens of Settles in completing the survey were encouraged the Texas Historic Roads and Highways built for those traveling by car. Similarly, Texas communities. Big Spring. work, the team of historians is also to share photographs, maps, postcards, and Program, visit www.thc.state.tx.us or in the 1920s, the Bankhead Other documenting a significant amount of stories about the Bankhead Highway to add contact the THC’s Leslie Wolfenden Highway traversed the Deep noteworthy insightful material gathered during the to the public body of knowledge. at 512.463.3386 or leslie.wolfenden@ Ellum neighborhood in Dallas resources public involvement phase of the project. Notable attendees at the meetings thc.state.tx.us. H along Commerce Street. Today, include Fair Park in Dallas From August to December 2013, 10 public included Jim Wright, former Speaker the neighborhood retains many and the Kimbell Art of the gas stations, garages, Museum and Stockyards and dealerships dating to that in Fort Worth. Clockwise from right: Architectural reminders of the Bankhead’s heyday include a Gulf gas station in Mount Vernon, the old county era. In Abilene, South 1st “The survey team courthouse in Abilene, and a portion of Old Hwy. 67 near Redwater. Street contains one of the best even documented the collections of historic motels Bankhead itself—original (1930s–60s) along the entire roadway segments, bridges, highway’s path in Texas. culverts, and some roadside In smaller towns, the parks,” explains Bratten Bankhead often traversed Thomason, director Main Street business districts. of the Texas Historical Communities such as Mount Commission’s (THC)

Vernon in Franklin County, Remnants of the Bankhead Highway can still be found in communities across Texas, History Programs Division. Ranger and Eastland in including (above) the Sinclair gas station in Albany, and (top) a historic car dealership “They found a segment Eastland County, and Big in Garland. of the original concrete Spring in Howard County hosted the Teams documented more than 30 road from the 1920s that runs for about historic highway, and they retain respectable different types of resources related to the five miles near Redwater. This stretch really collections of auto-related businesses dating historic highway, including auto repair helps shed some light on the highway’s to the mid-1900s. shops, gas stations, auto dealerships, history, with several intact bridges and The Texas Historic Roads and restaurants, motels and tourist courts, historic culverts.” Highways Program’s public involvement hotels, and drive-in theaters. Excellent Although multiple original segments and survey phases were completed in examples of original Gulf, Magnolia, of the road remain in various West Texas December 2013. Earlier in the year, teams Texaco, Sinclair, and Phillips 66 gas communities, one of the longest pieces of professional historians traveled along stations were identified by the survey teams of original brick roadway still in use was the route to document historic buildings along the highway. The survey teams also documented in Cisco (Eastland County). and structures. Extensive segments of brick roadway are

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us WINTER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 4 5 During this same period, nearby , now one of the THC’s 20 historic sites, became a hub of activity with the development of an adjacent community known as The Flat. Local historians describe The Flat as a quintessential A Taste of Texas Wild West town, with rough-and-tumble saloons, dubious law enforcement characters, and plenty of money from the Texas Forts Trail Region lucrative buffalo hide trade. “The Flat owes most of its existence to the buffalo ‘Is the Real Texas People Expect to Experience’ slaughter, which started in 1874 and lasted about four years,” Perini explains, adding that an estimated five million buffalo were killed in the area at the time. “Looking Text and photos by Andy Rhodes back now, it’s a shame, really. But at the time, it was The Medallion Managing Editor big business.” By 1881, Abilene was established with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Perini notes the city was named after the well-known Kansas cattle town of the same name Sitting next to a crackling fireplace in the timber-lined dining Although he’s internationally known as the proprietor Above: A map from the THC’s Chisholm Trail travel guide shows the in hopes of establishing a similar reputation in Texas, but room of his legendary steakhouse, Tom Perini surveys his of Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Perini is also Goodnight-Loving trail route. Below: Scenes from Abilene’s Frontier by then the trail-drive era was coming to a close. With surroundings and begins smiling. an important cultural ambassador for Texas. A native of Texas! museum. the newly arrived railroads providing national trade routes, He motions to the perfectly prepared ribeye on the the area, he has a deep knowledge and appreciation for “President Putin was amazed with the flavor—he told Abilene became a significant provider of buffalo bones table and the stunning landscape beyond the window, its heritage, which he shares with local residents, national me he couldn’t believe this type of food even existed,” (remnants of the slaughter) for fertilizer plants and bone- Sproclaiming, “This is the real Texas people expect to visitors, and even foreign dignitaries. Perini recalls. “I even went to Russia to show their chefs china warehouses. experience. Just look at everything around here— In the 1990s, Perini was asked by then-Texas Gov. how to properly cook beef. I’m not sure how successful Perini’s family moved to the area at this time and sometimes it feels like we’re still on the edge of the George W. Bush to cook meals on special occasions. they ever got with it, but at least I was able to show them eventually established the ranch where his steakhouse frontier, with all these wide-open spaces and natural He continued the arrangement when Bush became how it’s supposed to be done.” now sits. He spent his early years on the property gifts. I really don’t think you could find a better place president, and was once invited to prepare a genuine Perini has been promoting Texas’ cultural attributes attempting a rugged cowboy life, until a fateful conversation for Texas history and culture.” Texas-style dinner in Crawford for visiting Russian for three decades at his steakhouse 15 miles southwest of with legendary ranch owner Watt Matthews shifted Indeed, this portion of the Texas Historical President Vladimir Putin. Abilene, and his pride in regional history is evident as he his perspective. Commission’s (THC) Texas Forts Trail Region near According to Perini, “Putin had never experienced the shares stories with guests about the Forts Trail Region’s “He said to me, ‘Tom, you really know how to cook Abilene is known as Big Country for a reason. Its panoramic taste of properly cooked beef, since Russians usually make colorful past. He also proudly cites the efforts of his wife beef. I have a feeling you’d have more success with cooking views and legendary history are colossal. And Perini, it well-done.” Although Perini admitted to being nervous Lisa, who served as the first coordinator (1998–2000) for than with ranching.’ Turns out, he was right!” Perini recalls. a THC commissioner, proudly attests to this enormity. about cooking for two of the most powerful men in the the region that paved the way for the THC’s Texas Heritage “I can’t help but think how things have changed so much world, he managed to prepare a medium-rare steak that Trails Program. since I was a little boy. I could never imagine I’d be in such he deemed satisfactory. Looking back at the region’s past several centuries, a fine situation, living and working in a part of Texas I love Perini cites the tremendous impact of the Comanche tribe, so much.” which he deems “a force to be reckoned with on horseback” that ultimately triggered the U.S. to build several lines of protective frontier forts for westward settlers. “We wouldn’t have a Forts Trail Region if it wasn’t for that military conflict,” Perini notes. “All the forts in this area have a different way of letting folks know about that time in Texas history.” Perini also has a strong interest in the subsequent era of the region’s heritage: cattle drives. He acknowledges the significance of famous routes like the Chisholm and Western trails, but he is especially intrigued by the Goodnight-Loving Trail (active circa 1866–86), which traversed the Abilene-Buffalo Gap area before heading south toward San Angelo and eventually along the Pecos River into New Mexico and Colorado.

SUMMERWINT 2013ER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION The legendary Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap 7 A Fresh Frontier beginning with pre-historical Native American occupation, 1867–81, and contains the remains of several historic From Comanche legends to buffalo bones to cattle drives, continuing to European expansion, and culminating with structures. It became a major support post during the Red one of the best places to experience the Forts Trail Region’s Abilene’s official founding. One exhibit that consistently River War of 1874. The site is also home to a portion of the immense history is Frontier Texas! (325.437.2800, draws attention is a nearly 15-foot tall pile of buffalo skulls Official Texas Longhorn Herd. While the historic fort area is www.frontiertexas.com), a 10-year-old museum in bathed in an ominous red light. Salmon says it represents not accessible, a temporary visitor center (with exhibits and downtown Abilene that has already undergone a renovation Abilene’s lucrative buffalo bone business in the late 1800s; museum store), campgrounds, and educational programs project. Executive Director Jeff Salmon reports the museum specifically, one of the museum site’s previous occupants— continue to operate. The expanded visitor center is expected added exhibits, artifacts, and interpretation related to the Texas Hide & Bone, Co. to reopen with all-new exhibits in late 2014. region’s pre-history, since it previously focused only on “All the buffalo Just north of Abilene, Fort Phantom the century before Abilene’s 1881 founding. bones from this area Hill (325.677.1309, www.fort “There isn’t a natural history museum anywhere near were brought right to phantom.org) is one of the area’s us, so we felt it was important to include a broader scope this spot and put on the most popular heritage attractions. so our visitors could understand the context of significant train,” Salmon explains. A new visitors kiosk offers historical historical events in this area,” Salmon says. “It was said there were information and an extensive brochure Museum administrators re-scripted stories told by the so many buffalo bones with a map and self-guided tour. The “spirit guides” (holograms of significant historical figures), around here, that you fort, listed in the National Register of recreated exhibits with specific themes, and worked could walk all the way to Historic Places, was one of the largest with founder H.C. Zachry on new visual imagery Buffalo Gap without ever of its kind, with dozens of structures Above: Historical exhibits in the Grace Hotel lobby. Left: The 12th Armored and concepts. Salmon also notes that the museum’s touching the ground.” and hundreds of soldiers at the “Post Division Memorial Museum. previous approach—primarily focused on multimedia He believes it is one on the Clear Fork of the Brazos” (its of many memorable unofficial name at the time). Its eerie interactive experiences—was not entirely effective weaponry, impressively constructed with visitors, who occasionally avoided touch screens experiences that will lone chimneys reaching upward to dioramas, five vehicles, and 2,700 or unknowingly walked past electronic exhibits. resonate with visitors. the expansive sky have beckoned photos. “One of the main reasons we’re “We brought in some artifacts and text panels—now “Our goal is to get photographers for decades. able to preserve so many artifacts and people are stopping to look at these things and making people excited about About 45 miles southwest documents was due to the somewhat- a connection with the physical objects as opposed to a the Forts Trail Region’s of Abilene lies computer screen image,” Salmon history, and then go out (325.743.2555, www.fortchadbourne. rare appointment of battalion historians at the time,” Cartee explains. says. “In some respects, we’re sort and be heritage tourism Above: A portion of Fort Chadbourne’s org), a true outpost in an extremely of taking a step back to a more ambassadors,” he says. extensive gun exhibit. rural area of the state. Visitors making the excursion are The most current military site is Abilene’s active Dyess traditional model, but these “Hopefully, they’ll spread rewarded with well-preserved fort buildings and endless Air Force Base (www.dyess.af.mil). The base contains a older museum concepts the word about all the amazing stories we have to tell, and Big Country vistas. An impressive new visitors center offers small heritage center with information about namesake Lt. certainly stand the that will get other people just as excited.” an educational video and hundreds of artifacts telling the Col. William Dyess. Visitors should note that viewing its test of time.” tales of fort life. Established in 1852, Fort Chadbourne was most impressive collection—several dozen historic aircraft Visitors Abilene Adventure home to hundreds of soldiers who protected westward at the Dyess Air Park—requires a lengthy application and now take a As its name implies, the Forts Trail Region has a rich settlers, and it reportedly hosted legendary visitors such as approval process. Call 325.696.2863 for information. chronological military history, starting with the 17th-century Presidio San Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and George Pickett. Abilene’s most-recognized historic downtown journey Saba and the mid-1800s frontier forts, including: Belknap, A more-recent era of military history is highlighted building is the Grace Museum (325.673.4587, through Chadbourne, Concho, Griffin, Mason, McKavett, Phantom in downtown Abilene www.thegracemuseum.org), a magnificent four-story the museum, Hill, and Richardson. The at the 12th Armored 1909 National Register-listed following forts are within Division Memorial property. It now houses an hour of Abilene. Museum (325.677.6515, several separate museums Fort Griffin www.12tharmored dedicated to regional history, (325.762.3592, www. museum.com). According international artwork, and visitfortgriffin.com), to museum President children’s displays. A notable one of the THC’s Dale Cartee, the facility exhibit is a recreated boot 20 historic sites, is is dedicated to World War shop representing local currently undergoing II soldiers who trained commerce in the 1940s. needed renovations, in Abilene at former For information about including expansion Camp Barkeley. Division other nearby heritage tourism of the visitor members, officially known destinations, order a free center and exhibit. as Hellcats, were dedicated copy of the THC’s Texas Located about 50 to the liberation of Nazi Forts Trail Region travel miles northeast of concentration camps. The guide at 866.276.6219 or Abilene, the fort museum collection includes www.texastimetravel.com. H was active from rare military uniforms, www.thc.state.tx.us WINTER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 84 94 THC OUTREACH THC OUTREACH

citizens to replace the slaves. Juárez says is to reverse the years of neglect by Grass-Roots Preservation the cemetery’s cairn-style burials could immediately clearing and cleaning it. be a practical solution to a rocky burial Though this is a natural reaction, well- Researchers Unearth Cultural Heritage Clues at Hays County Cemetery ground; however, she has also uncovered meaning caretakers should consider historical evidence that may link them what might be lost by these actions. By THC Cemetery Program Staff to mestizo or indigenous groups from For example, McWilliams says much West Texas or Northern Mexico. of a cemetery’s vegetation is cultural, As an anthropologist, Juárez looks and removing it results in a critical loss Sometimes, a routine phone call about at the cemetery from as many angles of information. a Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) as possible to study the community’s “In Hays County, the density of designation can lead to spectacular culture. Historic research from the natural vegetation would result in discoveries and unexpected insights. the surrounding 19th-century massive dragging and piling, which Jennifer McWilliams, the Texas community showed would destroy some of the ephemeral Historical Commission’s (THC) an early Anglo evidence such as remains of wooden new Cemetery Preservation Program Methodist church in crosses,” McWilliams explains, adding coordinator, recently spoke with Dr. the vicinity. The that Juárez immediately consulted a Ana Juárez, a Texas State University earliest Hispanic local expert on native flora (in this case, (TSU) anthropology professor seeking church was the Linda Keese). guidance about an HTC application Hispanic Methodist McWilliams recommends for a historic cemetery in Hays County. Church, established mapping as a top priority. She says Juárez’s oral history research indi- in the 1870s; a the map does not need to be created cated an important Mexican American Catholic church was with modern technology; in fact, pencil cemetery was missing from the Hays not established until and paper maps allow researchers to County records. After consulting with the mid-1880s. include detailed notes and visual Hays County Historical Commission “It’s possible this descriptions. Each visit to the site (CHC) Chairman Jim Cullen, they relationship affected provides researchers with a new view decided to investigate a site that was the incorporation of the cemetery, including vegetative plotted on a county map, but had not of English, and this changes in different seasons. been documented because it reportedly Above and at right: This Hays County Cemetery was undocumented could potentially McWilliams adds that an due to its reported lack of gravesites. Further research by historians and anthropologists revealed dozens of contained only a few stones and rotting graves, broken headstones, and several rare objects. indicate the increasing threat to Texas cemeteries crosses. Juárez and Cullen were reward- community was is modern encroachment and ed with unanticipated findings such as She adds that the Hays County site Juárez’s cairn. Additional pieces of metal tipping less segregated or had more class- development. As highways, shopping crosses with rare decorative metal tips, visit took the research team along a faint accompany- were found on the ground beneath based diversity during this period,” malls, and housing developments are wood and metal plot fences, several path through interspersed cedar trees, ing visitors the crooked crosses. Simple wooden Juárez explains. built, historians and archeologists are headstones, numerous rock cairns, and up a steep hill, and to a slight swale, have con- crosses were the most common type McWilliams adds that these often required to address the disturbed personal offerings from bygone days. where signs of a forgotten cemetery sistently of grave marker. types of significant cultural findings and undisturbed remains. McWilliams later met Juárez at began to appear. First, they saw a piece expressed “Many of these crosses had fallen typically begin with Texans working To help determine if nearby the cemetery along with Amy Benton, of barbed wire embedded in a tree, excitement over, allowing weathering and decay at the grass-roots level. When curiosity cemeteries may be threatened, look collection manager for TSU’s Center leading to a broken fence line. Soon as they to accelerate—these are the graves that leads to discovery, a simple phone call for potentially neglected locations for Archeological Studies, and Rebecca afterward, they observed a hand-carved reached more will be lost very soon,” McWilliams to the THC or a local CHC can result on the THC’s Historic Sites Atlas Swaim, a TSU student. Juárez had limestone cross toppled into an animal populated explains. “The only legible names were in far-reaching historical impacts. (atlas.thc.state.tx.us). previously made numerous visits to burrow, a patch of non-native agaves, portions of traditionally Hispanic names, but some “Dr. Juárez’s efforts have helped “Our estimates show that we have the site, and received early permission and intermittent lines of rectangular the cemetery, of the legible inscriptions were in both save this cemetery,” McWilliams says. tens of thousands of cemeteries to find,” from the landowner, a state requirement rock piles identified as burial cairns. where they English and Spanish.” “We had a dot on a map to mark the McWilliams says. “Texans can help when accessing a cemetery via “Through the patchy cedars, we witnessed vessels that once contained location, but now there’s so much more with this research by conducting oral private property. could see wooden and metal decorative offerings (including tin containers and Cultural Affiliation that can be learned and tied in to the histories, consulting archival records like “Without this permission, signifi- plot fences, standing and fallen,” a porcelain teapot), wire from flower Juárez’s research indicates the cemetery cultural landscape.” historic maps and military documents, cant historic and cultural information McWilliams recalls. “Even the wreaths, and bright green and solarized was affiliated with a local cotton planta- and hiring archeologists to conduct would be lost,” McWilliams says. “Texas untrained eye could recognize that glass vases. tion dating to the 1850s that originally PREVENTING NEGLECT surveys. The sooner this work is done, landowners should be commended for these were out of place. This was Juárez pointed out a metal-tipped used enslaved labor. After the Civil McWilliams says once a lost cemetery is the less history we will lose.” H cooperating with researchers to record definitely a forgotten cemetery.” cross at the end of a wooden picket plot War, cotton farmers recruited Mexican rediscovered, an initial response historic cemeteries.” fence and another at the head of a rock

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us WINTER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 104 11 THC Outreach PreserSviattei onSp Poartnerstlight Strong Stewards Meet Dr. Glen Ely THC Program Assists with Ongoing Courthouse Maintenance Friends of the Texas Historical Commission Donor Discusses Preservation’s Significance

By Susan Gammage By Rebecca Borchers THC Architecture Division Executive Director, Friends of the Texas Historical Commission

In November 2013, their courthouses through workshop (sponsored by the Texas The Friends of the THC receives generous support from Dr. Glen Ely, a Texas these players must remain committed Navarro County the Texas Historical Land Title Association since 2007). historian. In 1999, the THC recognized Ely with its “Award of Excellence in to this process if we are to continue citizens decidedly Commission’s (THC) The workshop features professional Preserving History” for significant contributions to the understanding and safeguarding our state’s remarkable approved a $7.5 Texas Historic Courthouse speakers and THC staff discussing preservation of Texas history. legacy for future generations. As an million bond referen- Preservation Program, the issues identified as challenges by the individual, I want to be a part of this dum, of which $4.7 condition of their buildings attendees. Stewardship workshops have Please tell us about your background The THC is the front line in historic collaborative team working together to million was a local was distressing. The listing included sessions on pest management, and how you became interested in preservation, and its people are often ensure that this happens. match for a Round of Texas’ courthouses on maintenance of the grounds and trees, historic preservation. From 1984 the first responders to communities VII $4.4 million the National Trust for care of delicate clockworks, developing to 2002, I produced Texas history and individuals across our state. I have What motivated you to make a gift Texas Historic Court- Historic Preservation’s policies to manage use of the building documentaries for cities, counties, long admired THC’s outreach programs. to the Friends of the Texas Historical house Preservation 11 Most Endangered and its square, and when to hire and historical societies (including county Whether it is assisting with historic site Commission? The annual appropriation Program grant. Historic Places in 1999 an architect. historical commissions), traveling more preservation, heritage tourism, a local that the THC receives from the state Just weeks before and again in 2012 attests In addition to conducting the than 750,000 miles throughout the Lone Main Street Program, a new historical legislature does not cover all of the the bond election, a to the poor condition of workshops, THC program staff Star State. In 2008, I received my Ph.D. marker, or learning how to write a agency’s programs, projects, and 100-year-old water Ongoing maintenance at Jeff Davis many of the state’s 240-plus continue individual consultations with in history from TCU in Fort Worth, and preservation grant, the THC has always activities. Therefore, the rest of pipe broke on an County Courthouse. historic courthouses. county representatives long after their am now focused on researching and been committed to helping Texans keep the funds needed for these historic upper floor, flooding part of the “The projects that received buildings are restored. Many counties writing books on Texas history. their history alive and vital. preservation programs must come courthouse and causing the county major funding from our courthouse request guidance on best practices for from private Do you have a personal story that you individuals, to shut down the building for two preservation program have fortunately maintenance, and require input on can share about historic preservation? days while plumbers made repairs. addressed their buildings’ needs, and various issues that emerge. corporations, My new book is a history of Texas’ and foundations. Then, mere days after the successful they’ve certainly found that maintenance “Under the preservation easements antebellum frontier, including Texas’ outcome of the bond election, an of their courthouses is much easier,” says granted to the THC as part of the grant portion of the Butterfield Overland Mail What would you electrical fire erupted in the county Sharon Fleming, director of the THC’s process, counties have a legal respon- Route (St. Louis to San Francisco) that tell others who judge’s office. Although it was quickly Architecture Division. sibility to care for their courthouses,” spanned our frontier from 1858 to 1861. are thinking extinguished, the blaze could have had The concept that even newly Fleming explains. “But beyond that, we For the last 25 years, I have worked with about giving to devastating consequences. restored buildings require regular active all want to do the right thing to ensure public and private landowners locating the Friends of the With the bond election now maintenance led to the creation of the their beauty and functionality continue and documenting every Butterfield Texas Historical passed, James Kirk, Navarro County’s Texas Courthouse Stewardship Program for many decades to come.” station in Texas, including some Commission? director of maintenance, said he felt in 2005 by then-THC Commissioner For more information about heretofore-unknown sites. Some As Texans, we tremendously relieved knowing the Frank Gorman of El Paso. It is an the Texas Courthouse Stewardship of these stage stops are the oldest are blessed to county is committed to a major building essential piece of the THC’s strategy program, visit www.thc.state.tx.us Euro-American sites in these counties. have such an overhaul, which will result in a newly for preserving Texas courthouses. or call 512.463.6094. H I wanted to preserve the stories of these incredible heritage. renovated, water-tight building with The program provides education early frontier communities, the people Lone Star citizens, updated plumbing, electrical, and and assistance to counties in their who lived and worked at these stage Friends of the THC donor Dr. Glen Ely has supported preservation projects however, cannot across the state. mechanical systems. He added that he efforts to provide regular, cyclical stops, and to document what remained take this legacy “can see a light at the end of the long maintenance and properly address of these historic sites so that they are not What is your personal philosophy about for granted. We all share a common tunnel” of frequent and stop-gap repairs the ongoing care a historic building lost to time. All of the landowners have historic preservation? I believe that responsibility in giving of our time and that ultimately cost the county extra requires. The effort is also intended been very enthusiastic about this project effective historic preservation is a public- our resources to help preserve our money. County Judge H.M. Davenport to protect the investment made by and committed to preserving Texas’ private partnership. This partnership state’s history. Historic preservation believes “the public will be well pleased the state and counties in the grant- Butterfield legacy. requires that the State of Texas, counties, does not happen on its own—it requires with the changes.” funded projects. cities, and dedicated individuals all work committed citizens working together as Across Texas, many county officials The program offers guidance to Why are you interested in the programs together in preserving and promoting a team. H and residents would likely agree that county judges, commissioners, and of the Texas Historical Commission? THC staff host annual courthouse stewardship our rich and diverse heritage. All of prior to undertaking the restoration of facilities managers through an annual workshops.

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us WINTER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 12 1317 NEWS IN BRIEF CHC C orner Deadline Pending for Courthouse Plan Now for Preservation Month Preservation Program Grant Applications Celebrate CHCs with Fun Family Events in May By Amy Hammons The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is now accepting County Historical Commission Outreach Coordinator applications for Round VIII of its award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. With a $4.2 million appropriation from the 83rd Texas Legislature, the Round VIII When planning activities for 2014, grants will be limited to funding smaller courthouse projects be sure to celebrate Preservation addressing urgent needs, rather than full restorations. Month in May. Use this opportunity The THC requested $20 million for the Round VIII grant cycle, to join your CHC’s voice with other but was appropriated only what remained in Proposition 4 bond preservation advocates to demonstrate funding. Round VIII emergency grants will address serious the importance of saving real places that building deficiencies affecting usability, structural, and safety tell real stories. issues. The local cash match is 50 percent of the total project Preservation Month acknowledges cost, and the maximum award is $450,000. the mission we share with communities Past emergency grant awards have covered such issues as across the country to cultivate a love termite-damaged windows, foundation stabilization, roof repairs, of historic places. Together, we help and accessibility upgrades for compliance with the Americans others understand the importance of with Disabilities Act. saving history. The deadline for applications is February 13, 2014; forms and Construct an event or activity procedures are available at www.thc.state.tx.us. For information, that enables all ages to learn about contact the THC’s Architecture Division at 512.463.6094. H the historic resources in your county. The Comal County Courthouse was rededicated in 2013. This celebration should demonstrate how preservation efforts are not only NEW STATEWIDE AFRICAN SAN JACINTO DAY TEXAS TIME TRAVEL educational but also fun and engaging. AMERICAN HISTORY FESTIVAL AND BATTLE SWEEPSTAKES WINNER For those who have already Consider holding CHC programs during Preservation Month in May. Above: Bill Sultenfuss welcomes visitors to a Kendall County “Heritage Passport” event, inviting them to walk along the historic Pinta Trail. CONFERENCE PLANNED REENACTMENT APPROACHES ANNOUNCED scheduled events for May, consider This activity demonstrates preservation fun for all ages. The inaugural Texas African American Organizers of the San Jacinto Day Clarksville resident Jim taking a few moments during your History Conference will take place Festival promise “booming cannons, Clark, a descendant of event to recognize Preservation fabric of their town. Take your friends partners in your promotional efforts February 23–28 in Dallas. The event’s cracking musket fire, thundering the town’s namesake, Month, and mention this celebration and family along, and show them why and event announcements. theme—“Creating Preservation hooves, and battle cries will resound” won the THC’s Texas in your publicity efforts to show your preservation matters to you. THC staff have suggestions Partners to Protect and Locate on April 26 as hundreds of history Time Travel Sweepstakes. Clark will connection to a nationwide network Preservation Month is a good for those looking for a Preservation Historic African American Places and reenactors recreate the events leading receive a “behind the scenes with the of preservation-related organizations. time to join forces with other Month project, or who just want to People”—emphasizes the need to assist up to Texas winning its independence THC” heritage tourism trip in the Texas Also, take some time to visit historic preservation organizations in your area expand their current scope of work. preservationists across Texas. at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. Heritage Trail Region of his choice, the sites, museums, and courthouses. and co-host an event. Regardless of Visit www.thc.state.tx.us and search Planned tours include historic African The event commemorates historic Texas Tropical Trail Region. Stroll down main streets and support the degree of involvement, be sure to “Preservation Month Ideas” to see American churches and neighborhoods events at the San Jacinto Battleground, Clark is the seventh generation of businesses that invest in the historic include local, regional, and statewide recommended projects. H as well as “Sacred Burial Grounds” and where Gen. Sam Houston led his his family to live in Clarksville, and is “Political and Military Giants.” Tours Texian soldiers to victory over the senior vice president of the State Bank The Medallion is published quarterly by the Texas the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or and meals are available for individual Mexican Army in 1836. of De Kalb. He serves as treasurer of Historical Commission. Address correspondence to: disability. Any person who believes he or she has been purchase, and a full-access conference This dramatic battle reenactment is the Red River County Historical Society Managing Editor, The Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, discriminated against should write to Office of Equal admission is also available. Registration the centerpiece of the free San Jacinto and helps lead historical house tours. Austin, TX 78711-2276. Portions of the newsletter Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, that are not copyrighted or reprinted from other Washington, D.C. 20240. Our Mission deadline is February 15. A Dallas-based Day Festival, held from 10 a.m. to Clark’s April 2014 journey will sources may be reprinted with permission. The Medallion is available online at www.thc.state.tx.us/ To protect and preserve the state’s historic location will be determined based on 6 p.m. on the 1,200-acre San Jacinto be chronicled in an upcoming Contributions for the support of this publication medallion. If you would prefer to receive The Medallion and prehistoric resources for the use, number of registrants. Battleground State Historic Site in Medallion heritage travel article. are gratefully accepted. For information about alternate formats of this publication, contact the electronically instead of through the mail, please send education, enjoyment, and economic Conference details are available La Porte, just east of Houston. To start planning your own trip in THC at 512.463.6255. your name and address to [email protected]. You will be notified by email when each new issue is available benefit of present and future generations. by contacting The African American For more information, visit one of Texas’ heritage travel regions, The Medallion is financed in part by a grant from on the THC website and will no longer receive a Preservation League’s Dr. Ray www.sanjacinto-museum.org or visit www.texastimetravel.com. H the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the printed copy. Barnett at [email protected] call 210.392.9047. H Interior. All of the agency’s public programs and activities are operated free from discrimination on or 214.565.9026, ext. 335. H

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us WINTER 2014 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 14 15 The Medallion Texas Historical Commission PRESORTED STANDARD P.O. Box 12276 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Austin, TX 78711-2276 AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 1938

where on earth...in texas

Know your Texas history? Put your skills to the test by identifying the pictured site! The first three people who correctly identify the location will receive a prize and be named in the next issue of The Medallion. Send your answer to: The Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711-2276 or email to [email protected].

Need a clue? The National Register listing for this iconic Lakes Trail Region building states that the octagonal tower W“was most certainly inspired by the dome of the Cathedral, Florence Italy.”

Answer to the photo from the last issue: The site pictured at left is a vault inside the 1887 Leon County Courthouse in Centerville. Although several readers submitted responses referencing courthouse vaults in other cities, none correctly identified this site. Thanks to all who participated! H

www.thc.state.tx.us