the deskrat chronicles: site of the new bush library--the texas school book depository?
Bringing up the question, "Would JFK approve?"
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Chicano Literature Latino Literature - Pluma Fronteriza
Chicano Literature Latino Literature - Pluma Fronteriza
If you've not been here, do give it a glance and maybe come back.
If you've not been here, do give it a glance and maybe come back.
Jim Lee's Texas
"The Texans were Mark Giminez, Ben Rehder, and Harry Hunsicker. The outsider was David Rosenfelt, a New Jersey guy who now lives in California."
Monday, November 27, 2006
Pearland Middle Class
The Pearland, Texas office of the Communities United to Strengthen America organization conducted a news conference recently, post elections. CUSA is a middle-class advocacy group. The universally recognized "squeeze on the middle class" is addressed in their specification of 7 points of interest:
providing access to affordable health care
controlling soaring college costs
cutting taxes for working families
repealing handouts to big oil
relieving middle-class debt
protecting workers' pensions
and
preserving social security.
CUSA, with a nearly one year-old history, has offices in a dozen locations in the nation, presently most active on the federal level. Their goals are certainly worth genuine interest by voters. CUSA's strength could be deepened should it chose to deepen its influence at the state level.
Pearland was chosen for the Texas presence because of its cohesive middle class characteristics.
providing access to affordable health care
controlling soaring college costs
cutting taxes for working families
repealing handouts to big oil
relieving middle-class debt
protecting workers' pensions
and
preserving social security.
CUSA, with a nearly one year-old history, has offices in a dozen locations in the nation, presently most active on the federal level. Their goals are certainly worth genuine interest by voters. CUSA's strength could be deepened should it chose to deepen its influence at the state level.
Pearland was chosen for the Texas presence because of its cohesive middle class characteristics.
balancing life: Book review: Education of a wandering man
balancing life: Book review: Education of a wandering man
If you read Texas westerns, you read some Louis L'Amour. Here's a bit about Louis.
If you read Texas westerns, you read some Louis L'Amour. Here's a bit about Louis.
WesternPulps
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WesternPulps/
Here's an interesting discussion group
"Description
This list is dedicated to the discussion of Western pulp magazines -- the characters, the authors, the stories, the paperback reprints, and anything else connected with Western pulps. Though the primary emphasis is on pulps, we also discuss non-pulp Western novels, movies, comics, etc. "
Here's an interesting discussion group
"Description
This list is dedicated to the discussion of Western pulp magazines -- the characters, the authors, the stories, the paperback reprints, and anything else connected with Western pulps. Though the primary emphasis is on pulps, we also discuss non-pulp Western novels, movies, comics, etc. "
Rough Edges: TCU Press Signing: Noah's Ride
http://jamesreasoner.blogspot.com/2006/11/tcu-press-signing.html
Interesting posts by Texas writer James Reasoner, visit occasionally.
Interesting posts by Texas writer James Reasoner, visit occasionally.
AMIGOS
http://www.amigos.org/
Many folks are familiar with AMIGOS, a long established service corporation that designs workshops and consults for libraries and museums.
If you don't know AMIGOS, here's your opportunity.
Many folks are familiar with AMIGOS, a long established service corporation that designs workshops and consults for libraries and museums.
If you don't know AMIGOS, here's your opportunity.
Digital Government Documents at University of North Texas
http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/
Congressional Research Service Reports Archive
CyberCemetery
Gammel's The Laws of Texas Nineteenth-Century Texas Law Online
Texas Laws and Resolutions Archive
Texas Register Archive
Congressional Research Service Reports Archive
CyberCemetery
Gammel's The Laws of Texas Nineteenth-Century Texas Law Online
Texas Laws and Resolutions Archive
Texas Register Archive
Texas Register & Texas Administrative Code
From the Texas Secretary of State
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml
"...a weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the notice bulletin of state agency rulemaking. The Texas Register contains emergency, proposed, and adopted rules; notices of withdrawn and repealed rules; notices of rule review and other information submitted by state agencies for publication."
The Texas Administrative Code "....a compilation of all state agency rules in Texas. There are 16 titles in the TAC. Each title represents a category and relating agencies are assigned to the appropriate title."
Least subscription is $10 for a month.
For most current see University of North Texas electronic archive at
http://texinfo.library.unt.edu/texasregister/
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml
"...a weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the notice bulletin of state agency rulemaking. The Texas Register contains emergency, proposed, and adopted rules; notices of withdrawn and repealed rules; notices of rule review and other information submitted by state agencies for publication."
The Texas Administrative Code "....a compilation of all state agency rules in Texas. There are 16 titles in the TAC. Each title represents a category and relating agencies are assigned to the appropriate title."
Least subscription is $10 for a month.
For most current see University of North Texas electronic archive at
http://texinfo.library.unt.edu/texasregister/
Texas Bluebonnet Writing Project
From their webpage re children's education
"The Texas Bluebonnet Writing Project (TBWP) is UTA’s National Writing Project site. With more than 189 sites across the nation, the National Writing Project (NWP) implements the standards of No Child Left Behind by sponsoring workshops for over 100,000 teachers annually.
The NWP model is dedicated to the beliefs that teachers are the best teachers of other teachers, that effective professional development requires a continuum of in-service of programs, and that students ultimately benefit from research-based practices.
The NWP model is a bottom-up model of professional development. This means that NWP opportunities are created to address the needs, suggestions, and best practices of our teacher consultants. The professional development provided by the Bluebonnet Writing Project has been researched and implemented in classrooms across the metroplex.
TBWP is part of the National Writing Projects of Texas which is Texas’ state network of NWP sites.What We Do…
We offer professional development with strategies that incorporate Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to enable a diverse student population to meet and/or exceed proficiencies on Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and national standardized assessments."
"The Texas Bluebonnet Writing Project (TBWP) is UTA’s National Writing Project site. With more than 189 sites across the nation, the National Writing Project (NWP) implements the standards of No Child Left Behind by sponsoring workshops for over 100,000 teachers annually.
The NWP model is dedicated to the beliefs that teachers are the best teachers of other teachers, that effective professional development requires a continuum of in-service of programs, and that students ultimately benefit from research-based practices.
The NWP model is a bottom-up model of professional development. This means that NWP opportunities are created to address the needs, suggestions, and best practices of our teacher consultants. The professional development provided by the Bluebonnet Writing Project has been researched and implemented in classrooms across the metroplex.
TBWP is part of the National Writing Projects of Texas which is Texas’ state network of NWP sites.What We Do…
We offer professional development with strategies that incorporate Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to enable a diverse student population to meet and/or exceed proficiencies on Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and national standardized assessments."
African Painters | www.africanpainters.com: Kentecloth: Southwest Voices of the African Diaspora : the Oral Tradition Comes to the Page
African Painters | www.africanpainters.com: Kentecloth: Southwest Voices of the African Diaspora : the Oral Tradition Comes to the Page
The African Diaspora from the words of some Texans and Louisianians.
The African Diaspora from the words of some Texans and Louisianians.
ΛUSTIN ΛTHEIST ΛN�NYM�US: The Not So Amazing Faith of Texas
ΛUSTIN ΛTHEIST ΛN�NYM�US: The Not So Amazing Faith of Texas
Notes on God from Texas'other side. Otherwise, most find the book attractive.
Notes on God from Texas'other side. Otherwise, most find the book attractive.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Trinity Writers Workshop
http://www.trinitywritersworkshop.com
Serving the Dallas and Fort Worth region, out of Bedford.
Serving the Dallas and Fort Worth region, out of Bedford.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Rich Archival Imagination (AHA for SSA)
AHA (Archivists of the Houston Area) are preparing to host the SSA (Society of Soutwest Archivists) convention. Some of their ruminations have spilled onto their list-serv:
SSA 2008 Theme Ideas so far
“On the go – from the get-go.”
"From the Get-go to the Cutting Edge"
Diversity
Cutting edge
Opportunity
Philanthropy
Cradle of Culture
International
From Magnolia City to the Space City
Dare to Dream Big
Think Big, Think Global
Houston: Dream Big
Houston: Dream Global
Houston - The "Can Do" City
Bayou City: A Multicultural Mecca
Bayou City: From Immigrants to Elites
“Natural Partners: Museums, Libraries, Archives Working Together”
This is a take-off of the last Rare Book and Manuscript Session of ALA in Austin last spring. Lots of good things could still be said about it in connection with Houston and the region’s institutions and I don’t think all that many archivists from the area attended.
“Archival Education: A Continuing Process”
Learning about one’s profession never stops; mentoring; collaboration with other archivists; how new formats require new preservation techniques; what we can learn from other professions.
“The Intertwined Issues of Funding, Knowledge, and Outreach for Archivists”
We need money to do what needs to be done as archivists; We have to educate ourselves about the techniques of preservation to make accurate funding requests; We have to tell the public (including potential funders) about our archives; We have to raise funds for the archives; We need money to do what needs to be done as archivists; etc…
SSA 2008 Theme Ideas so far
“On the go – from the get-go.”
"From the Get-go to the Cutting Edge"
Diversity
Cutting edge
Opportunity
Philanthropy
Cradle of Culture
International
From Magnolia City to the Space City
Dare to Dream Big
Think Big, Think Global
Houston: Dream Big
Houston: Dream Global
Houston - The "Can Do" City
Bayou City: A Multicultural Mecca
Bayou City: From Immigrants to Elites
“Natural Partners: Museums, Libraries, Archives Working Together”
This is a take-off of the last Rare Book and Manuscript Session of ALA in Austin last spring. Lots of good things could still be said about it in connection with Houston and the region’s institutions and I don’t think all that many archivists from the area attended.
“Archival Education: A Continuing Process”
Learning about one’s profession never stops; mentoring; collaboration with other archivists; how new formats require new preservation techniques; what we can learn from other professions.
“The Intertwined Issues of Funding, Knowledge, and Outreach for Archivists”
We need money to do what needs to be done as archivists; We have to educate ourselves about the techniques of preservation to make accurate funding requests; We have to tell the public (including potential funders) about our archives; We have to raise funds for the archives; We need money to do what needs to be done as archivists; etc…
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Interview: Nancy Jo Jenkins, Coldwater Revival
http://disciplesteps.blogspot.com/2006/11/coldwater-revival.html
Camy's Loft: Giveaway and excerpt! COLDWATER REVIVAL by Nancy Jo Jenkins
Camy's Loft: Giveaway and excerpt! COLDWATER REVIVAL by Nancy Jo Jenkins
Review of Christian novel set in Coldwater.
Review of Christian novel set in Coldwater.
iUniverse: The New Face of Publishing
Try searching the event database and you'll find a variety of Texas events going back a few years
La Bloga: The Meaning of Chicano, The King of Things/El Rey de las Cosas & Announcements
La Bloga: The Meaning of Chicano, The King of Things/El Rey de las Cosas & Announcements
Re: "Chicano." The inquiry goes on.
The blog is actually a good one to monitor.
Re: "Chicano." The inquiry goes on.
The blog is actually a good one to monitor.
Jim Lee's Texas
Re: the re-issue by LSU of
Wakeful Anguish: A Literary Biography of William Humphrey (LSU Press, 2004).
Wakeful Anguish: A Literary Biography of William Humphrey (LSU Press, 2004).
Will's Texana Annual Builds on the Monthly
Will's Texana Annual
may be available in February for your purchase.
A Will’s Texana Annual is being prepared. The year’s columns will be grouped, edited, and augmented with additional information, totaling probably fewer than 200 pages. Included will be a lengthy, simple list of new 2006 titles, maybe 400 titles. We hope it will constitute a new phase in Texas bibliography.
Contribute information as you wish.
Remember to send information to be included in the ANNUAL. If you are personally aware of new titles of 2006, do please let us know. If you wish to perform a search by thought or hand or social conversation or by electronic means to discover new titles in your own collection, in a library, in a bookstore, in a periodical, in a newspaper, do let us know of your results.
If you’ve followed WTM, you realize that the focus is on the content of the material, not necessarily authorship. Is the volume ABOUT some aspect of Texas, modern or historical? It may be non-fiction, fiction, poetry, pictorial, children’s books, cookbooks etc.? Some technical books are okay. Have your neighbors produced a book on their own or by “publication on demand?” Is the publisher easy to discover; if not, is an address or email available? What is new in your community?
Some posting from the Texas Parlor will also appear there, probably expanded some.
Interested parties should contact
willstexana at yahoo.com or cell: 832-633-0595
may be available in February for your purchase.
A Will’s Texana Annual is being prepared. The year’s columns will be grouped, edited, and augmented with additional information, totaling probably fewer than 200 pages. Included will be a lengthy, simple list of new 2006 titles, maybe 400 titles. We hope it will constitute a new phase in Texas bibliography.
Contribute information as you wish.
Remember to send information to be included in the ANNUAL. If you are personally aware of new titles of 2006, do please let us know. If you wish to perform a search by thought or hand or social conversation or by electronic means to discover new titles in your own collection, in a library, in a bookstore, in a periodical, in a newspaper, do let us know of your results.
If you’ve followed WTM, you realize that the focus is on the content of the material, not necessarily authorship. Is the volume ABOUT some aspect of Texas, modern or historical? It may be non-fiction, fiction, poetry, pictorial, children’s books, cookbooks etc.? Some technical books are okay. Have your neighbors produced a book on their own or by “publication on demand?” Is the publisher easy to discover; if not, is an address or email available? What is new in your community?
Some posting from the Texas Parlor will also appear there, probably expanded some.
Interested parties should contact
willstexana at yahoo.com or cell: 832-633-0595
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Texas folksong sources
http://timpanogos.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/finding-folk-music-for-lesson-plans/
"Finding Folk Music for Lesson Plans" is the topic of this "Millard Fillmore's Bathtub" blog.
"Finding Folk Music for Lesson Plans" is the topic of this "Millard Fillmore's Bathtub" blog.
The June Franklin Naylor Award for the Best Book on Texas History
http://www.drtl.org/Naylor/Naylor.asp
Commentary on San Antonio Daughters of the Republic of Texas webpage
"The June Franklin Naylor Award for the Best Book for Children on Texas History, endowed by the family of June Franklin Naylor and sponsored by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, is given annually to the author/illustrator of the most distinguished book for children and young adults, grades K-12, that accurately portrays the history of Texas, whether fiction or nonfiction. A former schoolteacher and long-time resident of Odessa, Mrs. Naylor served as President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Inc., from 1989-1991."
The 2005 award was presented to Dr. Anne Bustard, author, and Kurt Cyrus, illustrator for their book Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly.
2004 Recipient - Sally Senzell Isaacs, author of Cattle Trails and Cowboys, 1840-1890
Commentary on San Antonio Daughters of the Republic of Texas webpage
"The June Franklin Naylor Award for the Best Book for Children on Texas History, endowed by the family of June Franklin Naylor and sponsored by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, is given annually to the author/illustrator of the most distinguished book for children and young adults, grades K-12, that accurately portrays the history of Texas, whether fiction or nonfiction. A former schoolteacher and long-time resident of Odessa, Mrs. Naylor served as President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Inc., from 1989-1991."
The 2005 award was presented to Dr. Anne Bustard, author, and Kurt Cyrus, illustrator for their book Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly.
2004 Recipient - Sally Senzell Isaacs, author of Cattle Trails and Cowboys, 1840-1890
Nearly impossible adventures in literature, cinema, & robust conservative thought!: No Country for Old Men
Nearly impossible adventures in literature, cinema, & robust conservative thought!: No Country for Old Men
Adam Walter recommends Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men over Blood Meridian. It moves faster, fuller characters. Or see the movie, in the making.
Adam Walter recommends Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men over Blood Meridian. It moves faster, fuller characters. Or see the movie, in the making.
CRITICAL MASS: The Critical I: A Conversation With Jerome Weeks
CRITICAL MASS: The Critical I: A Conversation With Jerome Weeks
Jerome Weeks, Dallas critic, is more interesting that comments from Bakerfield.
Jerome Weeks, Dallas critic, is more interesting that comments from Bakerfield.
Library Technology in Texas: Literature Map
Library Technology in Texas: Literature Map
I tried the Literature Map. It was fun, but not many Texans.
I tried the Literature Map. It was fun, but not many Texans.
Popular Culture and American Culture Associations - Southwest/Texas
http://www.h-net.org/~swpca/index.html
"If it's not popular, it's not culture," they say.
Inquires "related to Children's and Young Adult literature, culture, and the intersection of these items with popular culture are welcome."
Dr. Diana Dominguez
Dept. of English & Communication
U. of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College
80 Fort Brown
Brownsville, TX 78520
Email: gypsyscholar@rgv.rr.com
"If it's not popular, it's not culture," they say.
Inquires "related to Children's and Young Adult literature, culture, and the intersection of these items with popular culture are welcome."
Dr. Diana Dominguez
Dept. of English & Communication
U. of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College
80 Fort Brown
Brownsville, TX 78520
Email: gypsyscholar@rgv.rr.com
Comments on James Hymes "West Texas Literature"
http://americareads.blogspot.com/2006/08/literary-guide-to-west-texas.html
Lorna Dee Cervantes: Rigoberto Gonzalez, raulsalinas, Bobby Byrd, Yvette Benavidez & LDC @ Texas Book Festival Today - Austion Capitol Bldg., 3:30
Lorna Dee Cervantes: Rigoberto Gonzalez, raulsalinas, Bobby Byrd, Yvette Benavidez & LDC @ Texas Book Festival Today - Austion Capitol Bldg., 3:30
Her first day at the Texas Book Festival, 2006.
Her first day at the Texas Book Festival, 2006.
What is Texas literature?
http://apragmaticpolicy.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/what-is-texas-literature/
Tony Christini is author of Homefront and other works of fiction and criticism. He takes the thread and comments on much broader affairs.
Tony Christini is author of Homefront and other works of fiction and criticism. He takes the thread and comments on much broader affairs.
Back blogging
Sorry for the month's gap. Been busy finalizing and distributing the October "Will's Texana Monthly," then there was offered the opporutnity to write an article for the "Houston Review" on "Early Commemorations on the Battle of San Jacinto," then there was the murder jury trial that captured me for almost two weeks.
Long and Writing Road: Born in Texas?
Long and Writing Road: Born in Texas?
Bailey Stewart, writer of romantic comedies, provides a list of Texas dramatic celebrities.
Bailey Stewart, writer of romantic comedies, provides a list of Texas dramatic celebrities.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Texas Heat by William Harrison
Huntsville, Texas: Texas Review Press, 2005. http://www.shsu.edu/~www_trp
After making this trial audio, the service provider notified me that they will no longer be providing this service. So, this audio, is not the improved version.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
City of Marshall Takes Legal & Intellectual National Prominence
Joan Adcock-Skinner reports that Marshall, Texas is now a national center for intellectual property rights litigation. Check the New York Times article "So Small a Town, So Many Patent Suits" By JULIE CRESWELL. It begins:
"Marshall, Tex., population 25,000, is arguably the patent lawsuit capital of the nation, where plaintiffs know they are more likely to get a favorable judgment."
"Marshall, Tex., population 25,000, is arguably the patent lawsuit capital of the nation, where plaintiffs know they are more likely to get a favorable judgment."
Monday, September 25, 2006
100 Tall Texans Test
The George HW Bush Library and Museum is mounting a new exhibit of "100 Tall Texans." There're all from the 20th century, and fall into the categories of Business, Entertainment, Politics, Sports, Literature, and Culture, in the order of stately importance. If you know 95 or more of these, you're excellent in "Texas I.Q." If you know 90-94, you're very steaming, 85 to 89 knowlegeable, 80-84 very good, 79-75 good, 70-74 fair to middling, 60-69 par for street knowledge, 50-59 a casual Texan, 40-49 worthy of a "way to go," 30-39 recipient of a recommendation to open the window, 20-29 winner of a new shiney bell for your vehicle, 10-19 acknowledged honorary subscriber to "Will's Texana Monthly," and 1-9 winner of an audio recording of "Arthur's Austin ABC."
Friday, September 22, 2006
Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. SHOP
With a diversity of books, maps, videos, posters, stamps, clothing, licenses, etc.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
La Bloga: Este y Eso & Free Books
La Bloga: Este y Eso
See note in La Bloga on Free Books from the Instituto de México in San Antonio, Texas.
See also the Institute's webpage: http://www.institutodemx.org/
See note in La Bloga on Free Books from the Instituto de México in San Antonio, Texas.
See also the Institute's webpage: http://www.institutodemx.org/
Mysterious Musings: Leann Sweeney on Learning from Elizabeth George, Learning to Speak Like a Texan, and Learning to Write While Battling Illness.
Barry Popik & The Big Apple on Texas
The professor said with elegant variation, "Class, class. Yes, you too, Ann, sit down and take your shoes off. We have news from New York. Now that we have the approval of the Oxford English Dictionary we can proceed with the lesson." But Ann, kept insisting, "If 'L" is for 'Longhorn,' where's the heifer, professor?"
Ozark Writers Conf & Texans
Writers Help Group: Ozark Writers Conference
Texans Bonnie Orr and David Marion Wilkinson tell the Ozarkers how to write.
Texans Bonnie Orr and David Marion Wilkinson tell the Ozarkers how to write.
L. Sprague de Camp moved to Texas
Didn't realized he moved here. But you know the old saying, "follow the monkey" to solve the puzzle.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Where's the Chicken Soup for Texans
HCI Publications are the folk who've produce 100 million copies the Chicken Soup for the Soul series in about 3 dozen languages. So, the question is "Who's gonna write the "Chicken Soup for Texans" volume. There may be money in that soup.
Library of Congress Webcasts Include Texana
Going to this website, you'll find about 300 webcasts, mostly literary in nature.
The search option enables you to search for "Texas," finding over a dozen items. Not all of them are relevant to Texana, but not all Texana is brought up by the word "Texas." You'll find Herman Wouk mixed with R.S. Gwynn and Pat Mora. The clips run from a few minutes to an hour.
The search option enables you to search for "Texas," finding over a dozen items. Not all of them are relevant to Texana, but not all Texana is brought up by the word "Texas." You'll find Herman Wouk mixed with R.S. Gwynn and Pat Mora. The clips run from a few minutes to an hour.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Archives Courses in Houston
ADVANCED APPRAISAL
Shelley Kelly reports: October 16: Advanced Appraisal for Archivists in Houston, co-sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, Archivists of the Houston Area and University of Houston - Clear Lake, Neumann Library. Contact: kellysh@uhcl.edu
http://www.archivists.org/prof-education/workshop-detail.asp?id=1988
BASIC
Sarah Jackson reports: SSA is once again presenting Taking It to the Streets: The Basics of Archives II on Thursday, October 26, 2006, at the University of Houston - Clear Lake from 8:00 - 4:00. The fee is $30.00 and includes all materials and lunch. The Basics of Archives is a national course that was developed specifically for those who work with historical records and have no formal training. The registration flyer has been uploaded to the Yahoo Group Files. Please pass this information on to anyone you feel would be interested. If you need further information please contact me at sarah_jackson@ fpm.co.harris. tx.us
The courses accent other activities of "Archives Month."
Shelley Kelly reports: October 16: Advanced Appraisal for Archivists in Houston, co-sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, Archivists of the Houston Area and University of Houston - Clear Lake, Neumann Library. Contact: kellysh@uhcl.edu
http://www.archivists.org/prof-education/workshop-detail.asp?id=1988
BASIC
Sarah Jackson reports: SSA is once again presenting Taking It to the Streets: The Basics of Archives II on Thursday, October 26, 2006, at the University of Houston - Clear Lake from 8:00 - 4:00. The fee is $30.00 and includes all materials and lunch. The Basics of Archives is a national course that was developed specifically for those who work with historical records and have no formal training. The registration flyer has been uploaded to the Yahoo Group Files. Please pass this information on to anyone you feel would be interested. If you need further information please contact me at sarah_jackson@ fpm.co.harris. tx.us
The courses accent other activities of "Archives Month."
Friday, September 08, 2006
Hernandez v. Texas 1954
James DeAnda, last of four attorneys for landmark case, died September 7, 2006. See Michael Olivas' related book from Arte Publico Press in Houston, Colored Men and Hombres Aqui.
http://www.arte.uh.edu/view_book.aspx?isbn=1558854762
http://www.arte.uh.edu/view_book.aspx?isbn=1558854762
Texas Settlement Region
The folks who created the website for the Texas Settlement Region (SFA etc.) counties have done a good job of identifying and providing information on the region's museums and historical markers. The various Chambers of Commerce are no doubt composed of friends of history but may also have heard that public history makes good business. The county-by-county inventory is clear and useful.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Deep Throat Papers Will Move to Texas
Let's see if Howard Hughes was the secret power behind Watergate.
State Library Renovates
"The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is undergoing a multi-year renovation of its main facility in Austin, the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. We are all very excited to accommodate the growing size of our archival collections as well as modernize our facility, which has not undergone a major renovation since it was built in 1961.
We will remain open during the renovation, but we will soon begin the relocation of resources and service areas. For safety and efficiency concerns, we must change our hours of operation. Beginning October 1, 2006, the Genealogy Collection will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will be closed Saturdays and Sundays."
We will remain open during the renovation, but we will soon begin the relocation of resources and service areas. For safety and efficiency concerns, we must change our hours of operation. Beginning October 1, 2006, the Genealogy Collection will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will be closed Saturdays and Sundays."
Friday, September 01, 2006
Harris County Recorrds Mgmt & Archives Website
Well done Harris County! Folks are encouraged to poke around in the electric stacks.
Thanks are due to:
Paul R. Scott
paul_scott@fpm. co.harris. tx.us
Sarah Canby Jackson
sarah_jackson@ fpm.co.harris. tx.
Paul R. Scott
paul_scott@fpm. co.harris. tx.us
Sarah Canby Jackson
sarah_jackson@ fpm.co.harris. tx.
Stay in the know. Pulse on the new Yahoo.com. Check it out.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Marks Hinton Adopts S.O. Young
Houstonian Marks Hinton reports that he read in the last "Monthly" about the "Portal to Texas History Adopt a Book Digitally" program. He adopted S.O. Young's Thumb-Nail about Houston. He says it cost him only $40. So, the "Portal" folks will digitally scan the volume and from then on it'll be available on line to EVERYBODY without cost. Congratulations, Marks!
See review by none other than E.W. Winkler in the TSHA's Quarterly at http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v016/n2/review_25.html
And Congratulations to the Portal for the service. See the progam at http://texashistory.unt.edu/young/educators/books/available.shtml
PS: Marks' new book on Houston streets is nearing publication.
See review by none other than E.W. Winkler in the TSHA's Quarterly at http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v016/n2/review_25.html
And Congratulations to the Portal for the service. See the progam at http://texashistory.unt.edu/young/educators/books/available.shtml
PS: Marks' new book on Houston streets is nearing publication.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Jim Lee's Texas
Jim Lee reports he's gone to gluing duck feathers or writing a blog, as if years of writing, editing, criticizing, teaching, and being a generally genial fellow in Texas letters weren't enough. Welcome to the duck ranch, Jim.
San Jacinto Symposium
Barbara Eaves reports: "The seventh annual Battle of San Jacinto Symposium will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, University of Houston."
The Parlor's hosts have been going for years. It's well worth reserving the date.
The Parlor's hosts have been going for years. It's well worth reserving the date.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Welcome, August 21
Salutations to the Texas Library Association's Archives and Local History Round Table, the Archivists of the Houston Area, the Friends of the Texas Room at the Houston Public Library, the Harris County Historical Commission, and the Texas Association of Museums.
Museum Legislation
Jack Nokes with the TAM reports: "There are two legislative issues relating to museums, although I am not sure that there are Web sites that clearly address them at this time.
1. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. As you may have read in numerous articles in papers around the state, TPWD is requesting funding for deferred maintenance and other critical needs. If they must take the 10% cut suggested by the LBB, the Director has said that the closure of historic sites will probably be part of the cuts package.
2. Last legislative session the Texas Historical Commission requested a pretty healthy amount last session for providing grants and technical assistance to history museums. I think the amount was $600K or so, but I'm not certain. I do not know if they will ask again for this budget item, but it will be very important to our history museum community if they go for it.
1. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. As you may have read in numerous articles in papers around the state, TPWD is requesting funding for deferred maintenance and other critical needs. If they must take the 10% cut suggested by the LBB, the Director has said that the closure of historic sites will probably be part of the cuts package.
2. Last legislative session the Texas Historical Commission requested a pretty healthy amount last session for providing grants and technical assistance to history museums. I think the amount was $600K or so, but I'm not certain. I do not know if they will ask again for this budget item, but it will be very important to our history museum community if they go for it.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Writer William Owens 1905 Birth Centennial
Don Graham recollects memories and observes the grand and admirable writing career of Owens.
Texas Literature - Don Graham - Handbook of Texas
Excellent introduction to the topic.
Click below to hear about Graham's background.
Click below to hear about Graham's background.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Preserving Harris County District Case Files
Harris County District Clerk Bacarisse and the Harris County Bar are engaged in a project, "Harris County Preservation Project," to preserve old case records and volumes. The cost can run from $10 to $2,500 per file. Solicitations are being made to fund various parts of the work. This is a separate venture from Bacarisse's great digitization project which is County funded.
http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/Home/pdf/historic%20records%20pdf%20page%20by%20page.pdf
http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/Home/pdf/historic%20records%20pdf%20page%20by%20page.pdf
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Cowboys of Color in Museum
National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 31 adopts northwesterners. See also the Fort Worth Cowboys of Color Rodeo.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=140427 (Spokesmanreview)
xend
Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.
Frito Pie as a Museological Aspect
The Food Museum stirs up discussion on Texas' own: Frito Pie.
Image from CheapEats blog:
Kleb Place -Cooking Harris County - Fred Collins
Email from Fred to Trevia Beverly relates:
"We are working on the farm house restoration and would like to find a cooking stove like the one that Minnie used to cook the family meals on. There was a stove in the house when Elmer died in 1999 but the stove did not end up in the County's possession and its current where abouts are unknown. We are looking for a suitable replacement, preferably a donated one. However, to stay within the historical context we want to find an exact replacement. That is even more difficult since we do not know the make or model of what we seek. The attachment is the only photo we have of the stove. It is a side view. It had white enamel on the sides and upper cabinet. One stove dealer thought it was 1920-30s. The brick chimney in the house is dated 1929, which would correspond to Ed and Minnie's 25th wedding anniversary. Elmer would have been 22 that year. I suspect the stove may also have been purchased in 1929 to go with the chimney. I hope you can help us find one. Pass the picture on to anyone who might help in the identification and or search of a stove."
Request a photo at : Fred_Collins@itc.co.harris.tx.us
Fred Collins
Director Kleb Woods Nature Center
Director Cypress Top Historic Park
Harris County Precinct 3
Steve Radack Commissioner
http://www.pct3.hctx.net
"We are working on the farm house restoration and would like to find a cooking stove like the one that Minnie used to cook the family meals on. There was a stove in the house when Elmer died in 1999 but the stove did not end up in the County's possession and its current where abouts are unknown. We are looking for a suitable replacement, preferably a donated one. However, to stay within the historical context we want to find an exact replacement. That is even more difficult since we do not know the make or model of what we seek. The attachment is the only photo we have of the stove. It is a side view. It had white enamel on the sides and upper cabinet. One stove dealer thought it was 1920-30s. The brick chimney in the house is dated 1929, which would correspond to Ed and Minnie's 25th wedding anniversary. Elmer would have been 22 that year. I suspect the stove may also have been purchased in 1929 to go with the chimney. I hope you can help us find one. Pass the picture on to anyone who might help in the identification and or search of a stove."
Request a photo at : Fred_Collins@itc.co.harris.tx.us
Fred Collins
Director Kleb Woods Nature Center
Director Cypress Top Historic Park
Harris County Precinct 3
Steve Radack Commissioner
http://www.pct3.hctx.net
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Wild Child Reviews "Secondhand Lions" movie
Allison McKinley: "Allison's review in ten words or fewer: Heartwarming adventure, well-written family film; 8 out of 10."
Do you Yahoo!?
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.
Literary journals etc.
The Southwest Review is a major literary journal of the nation and with notable writers from abroad. They no longer review books nor have much interest, except for quality it's explained, in Texas letters. However, we do have a range of other literary periodicals, some of which are:
Analecta
Borderlands
Concho River Review
Iron Horse Literary Magazine
New Texas: A Journal of Literature and Culture
Southwest American Literature
Rio Grande Review
RiverSedge
REAL
Texas Books in Review
[the Mayborn new annual]
Clay Reynolds and Plowshares
Regular folks and picky writer-types have long enjoyed Clay Reynolds and his diverse and considerable writing. This site at Emerson College is another good introduction.
Do you Yahoo!?
Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Patrolling Chaos: the U.S. Border Patrol in Deep South Texas
Just received this volume from Texas Tech. Gritty documentary about work of a dozen patrol agents in McAllen. First 100 pages by Maril are well written and captivating. Review in next WTM.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
What Shall I Do with ALL my books?
A lasting commentary. Here relayed by John R. Payne in Austin.
This article was first published in the Book Club of Texas Newsletter and reprinted in Manuscripts, the journal of the Manuscript Society.
http://www.payne-associates.com/what.htm
This article was first published in the Book Club of Texas Newsletter and reprinted in Manuscripts, the journal of the Manuscript Society.
http://www.payne-associates.com/what.htm
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Texas Chef: August 2005
Texas Chef: August 2005
Congratulatons to Bill Moran in San Diego, Texas his blog, Texas-Chef. It's pleasant and entertaining as well as useful.
His profile shows a deep background in culinary affairs. "Bill Moran is a retired Food Service Food Broker from Houston. While in Houston he started assembling recipes from family and from restaurants he visited while in business over a period of 20 years. About a third of the recipes are his own creations. This collection ended up in his first cookbook, Texas Chef. Before retiring, he decided to write a cookbook about ranch cooking (chuck wagon style) and began to look around for a place to live and do research for the proposed cookbook. Ending up in San Diego, Texas, in the middle of Mexican ranch country, he began the second cookbook, Cocina Ranchera. A new cookbook, Texas Chef Bakes is in the works (done now). A new cookbook, Cookin' Texan was finished in 2004."
Congratulatons to Bill Moran in San Diego, Texas his blog, Texas-Chef. It's pleasant and entertaining as well as useful.
His profile shows a deep background in culinary affairs. "Bill Moran is a retired Food Service Food Broker from Houston. While in Houston he started assembling recipes from family and from restaurants he visited while in business over a period of 20 years. About a third of the recipes are his own creations. This collection ended up in his first cookbook, Texas Chef. Before retiring, he decided to write a cookbook about ranch cooking (chuck wagon style) and began to look around for a place to live and do research for the proposed cookbook. Ending up in San Diego, Texas, in the middle of Mexican ranch country, he began the second cookbook, Cocina Ranchera. A new cookbook, Texas Chef Bakes is in the works (done now). A new cookbook, Cookin' Texan was finished in 2004."
Monday, August 07, 2006
Trans Texas Corridor - Giant Concrete Spider Network
The Trans Texas Corridor is an enormous highway/railway/utilityway now in broder public discussion. It originated several years ago. Some describe it as the greatest economic boom ever, others describe it as the monster from hell. Some accounts give it 4,000 miles, with a width of 1,200 feet, using 146 acres per mile. It will have no frontage, very little access like an Interstate. While it would be an awesome transportation system, it will also have other major effects on agriculture, history, land development, etc.
Begin your inquiry with
http://www.keeptexasmoving.com
and
http://www.corridorwatch.org/ttc/index.htm
Begin your inquiry with
http://www.keeptexasmoving.com
and
http://www.corridorwatch.org/ttc/index.htm
Friday, August 04, 2006
Romance or Smut - Collectors Alert - Susan Combs
Kinky Friedman isn't the only Texas politician with a penchant for penning novels. Susan Combs, our Agriculture now running for Comptroller, wrote A Perfect Match in 1990. Match is either smut, according to some Democrats, or just steamy romance, according to some Republicans. Maybe Combs should swing by Jacksonville on her campaign and seek the endorsement of Debra White Smith, author of Texas Neighbors, a trio of Christian romance novellas. For those in the political fields, Perfect Match has surfaced before with little damage to Combs.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4085229.html
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4085229.html
Sarkar Labs on Texas Nature
Interesting essays & scientific notes, mostly central Texas, but elsewhere also.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Teaxs Children's Literature: by Moczygema
In the February 2006 Texas Coop magazine CAROL MOCZYGEMBA annotates a list of almost 2 dozen titles in the lead article. Categories of Picture Books, History, Spanish and English, Alamo, Animals, and Nature and Wildflowers.
Issue also includes:
"Who Was Etta Place?" BY SHANNON LOWRY in "Footnotes in Texas History" column.
The home maintenance and energy notes and recipes sparkle in this well designed magazine.
Issue also includes:
"Who Was Etta Place?" BY SHANNON LOWRY in "Footnotes in Texas History" column.
The home maintenance and energy notes and recipes sparkle in this well designed magazine.
Robert E. Howard -Conan the Barbarian Festival
Tie-Dyed Brain Rays: A Rose Among Barbarians
Report on the June Festival in Cross Plains, home of Howard who did not invent pizza.
Report on the June Festival in Cross Plains, home of Howard who did not invent pizza.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Tribute to Texas Music: Thirsty Ear Online Mag
Thirsty Ear: October / November 2000
By Robert Baird
In this special tribute:
TOM RUSSELL: CHRONICLING HISTORY'S HEARTBREAKS
MILES AND MILES OF HONKY-TONK SOUL: BILLY JOE AND EDDY SHAVER
TALKING YODELIN' STYLE WITH DON WALSER
By Robert Baird
In this special tribute:
TOM RUSSELL: CHRONICLING HISTORY'S HEARTBREAKS
MILES AND MILES OF HONKY-TONK SOUL: BILLY JOE AND EDDY SHAVER
TALKING YODELIN' STYLE WITH DON WALSER
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Trail Drivers Empanel at Round Rock
Posted by: Jayme Blaschke on the "Currents" news blog of the Texas State University Faculty: Date: 2006-07-27
"The Texas State University Round Rock Higher Education Center will play host to Rising to the Stars: The Trail Drivers of Texas 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 26 for a day of discovery, dialog and celebration.
Co-sponsored by the Williamson County Historical Museum, the day-long event will underscore and celebrate the significant impact of the great trail drives of the 1800's with regard to the historical, geographical, economic, social and cultural development of Texas and the United States of America.
The event will start off with an authentic chuckwagon breakfast on campus, followed by panel discussions, period music, book signings and a catered lunch. Featured guests include Don Graham, author of Kings of Texas, trail boss Judge Don Higginbothem, Connie Todd, who will discuss the making of Lonesome Dove, Jim Dillard, who will discuss cattle driving families of Williamson County, and Ray Bender, who will discuss the economics, geography, motivations and markets which fueled the great cattle drives.
Advance registration prior to Aug. 15 is $25 for general admission, $15 for students. After that, admission costs are $35 and $15.
For additional information, call (512) 716-4000 or contact John Garcia, RRHEC, at (512) 716-4553 or via email at jg12@txstate.edu, or Chris Dyer, director, Williamson County Historical Museum, at (512) 943-1670 or via email at chrisdyer@wchm-tx.org."
"The Texas State University Round Rock Higher Education Center will play host to Rising to the Stars: The Trail Drivers of Texas 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 26 for a day of discovery, dialog and celebration.
Co-sponsored by the Williamson County Historical Museum, the day-long event will underscore and celebrate the significant impact of the great trail drives of the 1800's with regard to the historical, geographical, economic, social and cultural development of Texas and the United States of America.
The event will start off with an authentic chuckwagon breakfast on campus, followed by panel discussions, period music, book signings and a catered lunch. Featured guests include Don Graham, author of Kings of Texas, trail boss Judge Don Higginbothem, Connie Todd, who will discuss the making of Lonesome Dove, Jim Dillard, who will discuss cattle driving families of Williamson County, and Ray Bender, who will discuss the economics, geography, motivations and markets which fueled the great cattle drives.
Advance registration prior to Aug. 15 is $25 for general admission, $15 for students. After that, admission costs are $35 and $15.
For additional information, call (512) 716-4000 or contact John Garcia, RRHEC, at (512) 716-4553 or via email at jg12@txstate.edu, or Chris Dyer, director, Williamson County Historical Museum, at (512) 943-1670 or via email at chrisdyer@wchm-tx.org."
Texas Republic Legation Records Go To State Library
TSLAC's blog "The Open Record" announced in July the Library's acquisition of about 250 documents from the Republic's Legation in Washington D.C. They had passed through a variety of personal hands, yet remained generally intact. Preservation costs will be raised according to Chris LaPlante, State Archivist.
Dave's Long Box: El DIABLO #1 DC Comics, 1988
Dave's Long Box: El DIABLO #1 DC Comics, 1988
Dave Campbell's blog has uncovered the truth of San Antonio politics. Why didn't we all see it? It was El Diablo! Documented in action packed detail by Gerard Jones with art by Mike Parobeck.
Dave Campbell's blog has uncovered the truth of San Antonio politics. Why didn't we all see it? It was El Diablo! Documented in action packed detail by Gerard Jones with art by Mike Parobeck.
City of Burnet Historical Board
Small town governments in Texas are getting serious about their history. It's no longer just the purview of the big cities. History is no longer the private reserve of the locale illuminatti. They want to make sure history is positioned to attract the tourist dollar and to provide the spark for today's and tommorow's visionaries of innovation by having their history clearly available. The City of Burnet Historical Board is active designating landmarks, districts, issuing certificates of appropriateness, and monitoring demolitionis.
The goals include (a) Protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of Burnet's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage;
(b) Foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
(c) Protect and enhance The City of Burnet's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy thereby provided;
(d) Insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city;
(e) Promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of such property within the city;
(f) Encourage stabilization, restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values.
See:
http://www.cityofburnet.com/Boards/HistoricalBoard.htm
Congratulations Burnet!
The goals include (a) Protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of Burnet's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage;
(b) Foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
(c) Protect and enhance The City of Burnet's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy thereby provided;
(d) Insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city;
(e) Promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of such property within the city;
(f) Encourage stabilization, restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values.
See:
http://www.cityofburnet.com/Boards/HistoricalBoard.htm
Congratulations Burnet!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Science Fiction Book Review: Fritz Leiber, Specter is Haunting Texas
Leiber's Specter is a trivial specter haunting the sci fi Texana collection. What was hardly intended a a dystopian (see We, 1984, Brave New World etc.) satire but rather an attempt at parody but is ultimately vacuous slapstick. Written during the Lyndon Johnson presidency shortly after the JFK assassination and under some influence of Texas itself, Leiber tales a future fascist Republic of Texas that after the great world war 3 has spread to include Central America and most of the continent with designs on the world and beyond. Leiber reserves small republics for Blacks and Hippies in California and Florida.
The plot involves a young Mr. Christopher Crockett La Cruz coming from his ultra-lunar home to claim a lost mine. The plot is killed by Leiber's relentless chorus and staging of racism on the part of the ruling tall, Anglo Texas elite over the short, Mexican bentbacks, and others for that matter. Here's the case where less would have been more. He thus trvializes racism itself. Cruz's low gravity home scientists have equipped his with an exoskeleton to allow his 8 foot tall, thin frame to function on earth. Leiber's chronic attentions to the mechanism can further distract the reader, although others may find it intiguing. Cruz's leading role in promoting the "bentback" revolution against the racist leaders is diluted by its clonking from one scene to another. La Cruz's double love interests are at the end resolved by polygamy, which itself precludes what was a possible channel of literary closure, but left in dangling cuteness.
One of Leiber's short stories may provide a teaser to Specter, "America the Beautiful," when an English poet visits UT Dallas. Gather, Darkness, a better novel, may provide closure for dystopians. Texana collectors may also wish to acquire Leiber's Beyond Humanity that includes some Texas references.
Spectral "Texas" elements are merely superficial, invoking historical names, placaes, and events without depth or breadth, selected to sharpen his political diatribe. Leiber's family and personal background in the theater provides some little surcease of readers' pain as his stage directions and such provide some distraction.
Readers may wish to follow up by reading prepared for the Aggies' speculation: HORNY TOADS AND UGLY CHICKENS: A BIBLIOGRAPHY ON TEXAS IN SPECULATIVE FICTION. 20 September 2001. by Bill Page.
http://library.tamu.edu/cushing/collectn/lit/science/sci-fi/texfan.htm
Justin Leiber, the son, became a philosophy professor at U of Houston ( http://www.hfac.uh.edu/phil/leiber/jleiber.htm ) which lead to UH's Fritz Leiber Archival Collection (at least two folders of interest) at U of Houston described at:
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uhsc/00021/hsc-00021.html
Specter must have been an odd polemic thought at an odd moment for Leiber, otherwise a true fantasy and science fiction foundational writer of the 30s to the 90s. Another author, Daniel Da Cruz offers better Texas sci fi fare in his trilogy, if only for its fun and brighter Texan side.
The plot involves a young Mr. Christopher Crockett La Cruz coming from his ultra-lunar home to claim a lost mine. The plot is killed by Leiber's relentless chorus and staging of racism on the part of the ruling tall, Anglo Texas elite over the short, Mexican bentbacks, and others for that matter. Here's the case where less would have been more. He thus trvializes racism itself. Cruz's low gravity home scientists have equipped his with an exoskeleton to allow his 8 foot tall, thin frame to function on earth. Leiber's chronic attentions to the mechanism can further distract the reader, although others may find it intiguing. Cruz's leading role in promoting the "bentback" revolution against the racist leaders is diluted by its clonking from one scene to another. La Cruz's double love interests are at the end resolved by polygamy, which itself precludes what was a possible channel of literary closure, but left in dangling cuteness.
One of Leiber's short stories may provide a teaser to Specter, "America the Beautiful," when an English poet visits UT Dallas. Gather, Darkness, a better novel, may provide closure for dystopians. Texana collectors may also wish to acquire Leiber's Beyond Humanity that includes some Texas references.
Spectral "Texas" elements are merely superficial, invoking historical names, placaes, and events without depth or breadth, selected to sharpen his political diatribe. Leiber's family and personal background in the theater provides some little surcease of readers' pain as his stage directions and such provide some distraction.
Readers may wish to follow up by reading prepared for the Aggies' speculation: HORNY TOADS AND UGLY CHICKENS: A BIBLIOGRAPHY ON TEXAS IN SPECULATIVE FICTION. 20 September 2001. by Bill Page.
http://library.tamu.edu/cushing/collectn/lit/science/sci-fi/texfan.htm
Justin Leiber, the son, became a philosophy professor at U of Houston ( http://www.hfac.uh.edu/phil/leiber/jleiber.htm ) which lead to UH's Fritz Leiber Archival Collection (at least two folders of interest) at U of Houston described at:
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uhsc/00021/hsc-00021.html
Specter must have been an odd polemic thought at an odd moment for Leiber, otherwise a true fantasy and science fiction foundational writer of the 30s to the 90s. Another author, Daniel Da Cruz offers better Texas sci fi fare in his trilogy, if only for its fun and brighter Texan side.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Houston's Ramona Davis reports: River Oaks Theater Preservation Update 2
Ramona Davis of the Greater Houston Presevation Alliance ghpa.org reports via email:
We wanted to share the latest media coverage GHPA has garnered for its campaign to preserve the River Oaks Shopping Center and Theater:
http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4077994.html
Today’s Houston Chronicle features an article by Arts Editor Lisa Gray on the petition drive begun by GHPA volunteer Jim Parsons which now has more than 15,000 signatures. In April 2006, Texas Historical Commission presented Gray its Award of Excellence in Media Achievement for reporting on preservation issues and increasing awareness of the state's historic and prehistoric resources.
GHPA volunteer Jim Parsons and GHPA Programs and Information Director David Bush were interviewed by KUHF Radio http://www.kuhf.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr005=xp53eq7py2.app5b&page=NewsArticle&id=17225&news_iv_ctrl=1902 for a news story that aired Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Again, the coverage focused on the petition drive begun by Parsons and the outpouring of support spurred by the article GHPA succeeded in placing in last Saturday’s Chronicle.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/metropolitan/4064372.html
Readers may wish to sign the online petition and print copies of the “Save This Landmark!” image on GHPA’s Web site. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/riveroaks/signatures.html
Your membership in GHPA allows our staff to cultivate relationships with media representatives and generate the coverage necessary to influence public opinion. Please forward this e-mail to interested friends, family and colleagues, and ask them to support this effort by becoming members of GHPA.
http://www.ghpa.org/savetheriveroaks.html
Thank you for your continuing support of Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and its efforts to preserve Houston’s irreplaceable historic resources.
Ramona Davis, Executive Director
We wanted to share the latest media coverage GHPA has garnered for its campaign to preserve the River Oaks Shopping Center and Theater:
http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4077994.html
Today’s Houston Chronicle features an article by Arts Editor Lisa Gray on the petition drive begun by GHPA volunteer Jim Parsons which now has more than 15,000 signatures. In April 2006, Texas Historical Commission presented Gray its Award of Excellence in Media Achievement for reporting on preservation issues and increasing awareness of the state's historic and prehistoric resources.
GHPA volunteer Jim Parsons and GHPA Programs and Information Director David Bush were interviewed by KUHF Radio http://www.kuhf.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr005=xp53eq7py2.app5b&page=NewsArticle&id=17225&news_iv_ctrl=1902 for a news story that aired Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Again, the coverage focused on the petition drive begun by Parsons and the outpouring of support spurred by the article GHPA succeeded in placing in last Saturday’s Chronicle.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/metropolitan/4064372.html
Readers may wish to sign the online petition and print copies of the “Save This Landmark!” image on GHPA’s Web site. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/riveroaks/signatures.html
Your membership in GHPA allows our staff to cultivate relationships with media representatives and generate the coverage necessary to influence public opinion. Please forward this e-mail to interested friends, family and colleagues, and ask them to support this effort by becoming members of GHPA.
http://www.ghpa.org/savetheriveroaks.html
Thank you for your continuing support of Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and its efforts to preserve Houston’s irreplaceable historic resources.
Ramona Davis, Executive Director
Texas Methodist History
Texas Methodist History
Folks interested in such will find the Texas United Methodist Historical Society active and productive. The annual dues of $12.50 should allay any fears of the organization laying up riches on earth. (I'm writing my check today.)
Their blog is of course open and gracefully free to all, and the TUMHS also provides a printed HERITAGE JOURNAL annual, a newsletter, and an annual meeting with papers. Their blog includes a "This Week in History" column usually provided by the Society's Chair Wm. C. Hardt.
The blog's side bar lists their mission, officers, a few links, and a list of several dozen blogs of folks contending for the faith and going on to perfection. (I only wish the sidebar was in larger type or a bolder font for us with vision challenges).
The archives of the United Methodist "Texas Conference" (which now generally means East Texas) are kept at Lon Morris College (this blogger's an alum '68) in Jacksonville. At present I'm unaware of where the other several Texas conferences keep their archives. I'm sure the TUMHS is the place to find such keepers of the that knowledge.
Most folks don't know that the "United" in the denominational name was acquired from a merger with the United Bretheren Church back in the 1960s I believe. Before Methodists were United, we just randomly walked around shining in the darkness, wondering about the other candles and hill fires we saw in the distance. Now we gather United at night and read by candlelight under oak trees. I rather like John and Corinthians, but I've erred and have taken up in-door electricity.
Folks interested in such will find the Texas United Methodist Historical Society active and productive. The annual dues of $12.50 should allay any fears of the organization laying up riches on earth. (I'm writing my check today.)
Their blog is of course open and gracefully free to all, and the TUMHS also provides a printed HERITAGE JOURNAL annual, a newsletter, and an annual meeting with papers. Their blog includes a "This Week in History" column usually provided by the Society's Chair Wm. C. Hardt.
The blog's side bar lists their mission, officers, a few links, and a list of several dozen blogs of folks contending for the faith and going on to perfection. (I only wish the sidebar was in larger type or a bolder font for us with vision challenges).
The archives of the United Methodist "Texas Conference" (which now generally means East Texas) are kept at Lon Morris College (this blogger's an alum '68) in Jacksonville. At present I'm unaware of where the other several Texas conferences keep their archives. I'm sure the TUMHS is the place to find such keepers of the that knowledge.
Most folks don't know that the "United" in the denominational name was acquired from a merger with the United Bretheren Church back in the 1960s I believe. Before Methodists were United, we just randomly walked around shining in the darkness, wondering about the other candles and hill fires we saw in the distance. Now we gather United at night and read by candlelight under oak trees. I rather like John and Corinthians, but I've erred and have taken up in-door electricity.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
New Texas Author Network: Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op
from: http://blogher.org/node/7136
Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op
By steffercat
posted Wed 5 Jul 2006, 4:34 pmAn important network is coalescing this summer that will benefit the entire Texas literary community beginning this fall.
The Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op will promote Texas Authors to state, national and municipal organizations, business and professional organizations, charitable associations and women’s clubs, as well as cruise lines and spa resorts. The Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op website will provide a catalog of member authors, easy access for those seeking speakers, and links to speakers’ web sites. Speakers will make their own arrangements directly with those who contact them.
The charter meeting will be held at Flat Creek Estate, Lago Vista, Texas, Saturday, September 30, 2006, 11-3
Register by mailing a check for $25 payable to co-founder Anne Isham (memo TASC) by August 1 to: Anne Isham P.O. Box 5325 Jonestown Texas 78645
Registration includes tea, coffee, wine tasting and dessert.
Bring your lunch and be prepared to give a brief (10 minute maximum) presentation to qualify as a Co-Op Speaker.
For more information: Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist steffercat@austin.rr.com
Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op
By steffercat
posted Wed 5 Jul 2006, 4:34 pmAn important network is coalescing this summer that will benefit the entire Texas literary community beginning this fall.
The Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op will promote Texas Authors to state, national and municipal organizations, business and professional organizations, charitable associations and women’s clubs, as well as cruise lines and spa resorts. The Texas Authors Speakers Co-Op website will provide a catalog of member authors, easy access for those seeking speakers, and links to speakers’ web sites. Speakers will make their own arrangements directly with those who contact them.
The charter meeting will be held at Flat Creek Estate, Lago Vista, Texas, Saturday, September 30, 2006, 11-3
Register by mailing a check for $25 payable to co-founder Anne Isham (memo TASC) by August 1 to: Anne Isham P.O. Box 5325 Jonestown Texas 78645
Registration includes tea, coffee, wine tasting and dessert.
Bring your lunch and be prepared to give a brief (10 minute maximum) presentation to qualify as a Co-Op Speaker.
For more information: Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist steffercat@austin.rr.com
Hurricane Rita Library Grants Still Available from Humanities Source
Mary Alford reports
HUMANITIES TEXAS GRANTS FOR HURRICANE-AFFECTED TEXAS LIBRARIES
Recovery grants : Texas cultural and educational organizations affected by Hurricane Rita may request recovery grants of up to $5,000 for immediate needs resulting from the storm. Recovery grants support collection replacement,
conservation work, professional consultation, and even institutional expenses such as replacing shelving and roofing.
Book replacement grants : Texas public and school libraries that suffered losses to their collections as a result of the hurricane may apply for book replacement grants of up to $1,000 to support collection development in such humanities fields as literature and history. Purchases may include books, media
resources, and other educational materials. Libraries may request an
additional $500 to purchase materials that strengthen the teaching and study
of U.S.history and culture. These additional funds are made possible by the NEH's We
the People initiative.
No application forms are necessary. Please see our website:
http://www.humanitiestexas.org/grants/hurricane.htm
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through January 1, 2007, until grant funds have been exhausted.
The Humanities Texas Hurricane Rita Relief Fund is supported in part by a $30,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
Please direct any questions to Eric Lupfer, Humanities Texas Director of Grants and Education, at (512) 440-1991 or grants@humanitiestexas.org.
HUMANITIES TEXAS GRANTS FOR HURRICANE-AFFECTED TEXAS LIBRARIES
Recovery grants : Texas cultural and educational organizations affected by Hurricane Rita may request recovery grants of up to $5,000 for immediate needs resulting from the storm. Recovery grants support collection replacement,
conservation work, professional consultation, and even institutional expenses such as replacing shelving and roofing.
Book replacement grants : Texas public and school libraries that suffered losses to their collections as a result of the hurricane may apply for book replacement grants of up to $1,000 to support collection development in such humanities fields as literature and history. Purchases may include books, media
resources, and other educational materials. Libraries may request an
additional $500 to purchase materials that strengthen the teaching and study
of U.S.history and culture. These additional funds are made possible by the NEH's We
the People initiative.
No application forms are necessary. Please see our website:
http://www.humanitiestexas.org/grants/hurricane.htm
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through January 1, 2007, until grant funds have been exhausted.
The Humanities Texas Hurricane Rita Relief Fund is supported in part by a $30,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
Please direct any questions to Eric Lupfer, Humanities Texas Director of Grants and Education, at (512) 440-1991 or grants@humanitiestexas.org.
Historical Preservation of Paper Vital
Bernice Mistrot offers these two sites to affirm the importance of the presevation of paper documents beyond digitization.
http://www.jacobsarchival.com/8Blunders.pdf
by Sally Jacobs "The Practical Archivist,"
whose mantra for digitizing photos is: SCAN YOUR PRINTS AND PRINT YOUR SCANS
and
Essay by Stewart Brand
First published as "Written on the Wind" in Civilization Magazine in November of 01998
http://www.longnow.org/views/essays/articles/writtenonwind.php
http://www.jacobsarchival.com/8Blunders.pdf
by Sally Jacobs "The Practical Archivist,"
whose mantra for digitizing photos is: SCAN YOUR PRINTS AND PRINT YOUR SCANS
and
Essay by Stewart Brand
First published as "Written on the Wind" in Civilization Magazine in November of 01998
http://www.longnow.org/views/essays/articles/writtenonwind.php
Texas Sense of Place - Nature, Sir Walter Scott & Roy Bedichek
Forty years ago, while in Marshall High School senior English class, my teacher, Emma Mae Broetze, required a third long paper. My first paper on "The Dissolution of English Monastic Life" had been well received. At the time I was preparing for the Methodist cloth and Miss Broetze was German, so the topic was easy and interesting. We'd used the outline-index cards method of writing during class time. That paper was followed one of her choosing on Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," in which I showed limited light. I recovered favor by penning the poem "Life is a Candle" and turning my Spanish class to good use by trilling my r's in reciting the poetry of Robert Burns, the Scottish Bard.
For the third paper, in time from my wooden and metal desk, I piped up with a title "The Autobiographical Aspects of Sir Walter Scott's Novels." Miss Broetze, being QUITE versant in Scott, replied that she'd never thought of such a topic, and I quivered as she noted she'd take special interest in that.
Well, I went forth, grazing the green grass and ambling the thick forests of Waverly etc among the knights of yore and such. Finally, the written deed was done, and well footnoted. I got only a B- and never really understood why I'd fallen despite her stentorian, public explanations. And I didn't know how to explain my approach successfully. As it turns out, autobiography to me WAS an exploration of one's own natural surroundings, and Scott wonderfully described his natural world (since there was little else in those days). My own biography was composed of places (outside the physical, wooden homeplace) in nature. We lived on the edge of town near the "Piney Woods," the "Shop Pond," the "Hill," the "Lake," the "Yard," the "Park," the "Red Clay Pits," the "Pottery Hay Barn," the "Vines,", the "Black Berry Patch," the "Fig Grove," the "Pear Tree," the "Sycamore Tree," the "Pecan Tree," the "Weeds," the "Creek," the "Horse Pen," and the "Quick Sand Bog." To tell my own biography was to context my personal perambulations and extempore postulations within these natural spots. They defined me. When asked "Where were you," "What were you doing" and "Who were you with" I explained naturally. And it all made sense to my mother Joy and father John without deep inquiry.
But I was not match for Miss Broetze's template of formality. Why couldn't she see? Maybe she was bent on civilizing the young hellians before her. Maybe the paper was poorly done.
Only years later did I being to understand. There was Roy Bedichek and Loren Eiseley with their essays on the particulars of nature and the mysteries of life and the sense of place. WH
For the third paper, in time from my wooden and metal desk, I piped up with a title "The Autobiographical Aspects of Sir Walter Scott's Novels." Miss Broetze, being QUITE versant in Scott, replied that she'd never thought of such a topic, and I quivered as she noted she'd take special interest in that.
Well, I went forth, grazing the green grass and ambling the thick forests of Waverly etc among the knights of yore and such. Finally, the written deed was done, and well footnoted. I got only a B- and never really understood why I'd fallen despite her stentorian, public explanations. And I didn't know how to explain my approach successfully. As it turns out, autobiography to me WAS an exploration of one's own natural surroundings, and Scott wonderfully described his natural world (since there was little else in those days). My own biography was composed of places (outside the physical, wooden homeplace) in nature. We lived on the edge of town near the "Piney Woods," the "Shop Pond," the "Hill," the "Lake," the "Yard," the "Park," the "Red Clay Pits," the "Pottery Hay Barn," the "Vines,", the "Black Berry Patch," the "Fig Grove," the "Pear Tree," the "Sycamore Tree," the "Pecan Tree," the "Weeds," the "Creek," the "Horse Pen," and the "Quick Sand Bog." To tell my own biography was to context my personal perambulations and extempore postulations within these natural spots. They defined me. When asked "Where were you," "What were you doing" and "Who were you with" I explained naturally. And it all made sense to my mother Joy and father John without deep inquiry.
But I was not match for Miss Broetze's template of formality. Why couldn't she see? Maybe she was bent on civilizing the young hellians before her. Maybe the paper was poorly done.
Only years later did I being to understand. There was Roy Bedichek and Loren Eiseley with their essays on the particulars of nature and the mysteries of life and the sense of place. WH
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Cowtown Pattie
Gene Bob: Dallas: the White Metropolis
Gene Bob: Dallas: the White Metropolis
Regarding the volume by Michael Phillips, White Metropolis, etc.
Regarding the volume by Michael Phillips, White Metropolis, etc.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Who is Will Howard, Texas bibliographer?
Your Texas Parlor host and "Will's Texana Monthly" publisher is Will Howard. Howard has worked Texana bibliography for over 30 years. His degrees are A.A. (Lon Morris College, Jacksonville, 1968), B.A. in history, English, psychology, and sociology (SFASU, Nacogdoches, 1970+) and M.L.S. (UT, Austin, 1974).
Howard edited a Southwestern Library Association bibliographical booklet for regional children’s material, founded the Texas State Library’s subject index to state government publications monthly checklist, founded and compiled the Texas Bibliographical Society’s periodical "Texas Current Bibliography and Index", compiled a description of the Amarillo Public Library’s Bush/FitzSimon Collection, wrote a Texana books and publications column in the Texas Library Association’s "Texas Library Journal", taught a course at UT’s Library School on contemporary American publishing and book trade, and has spoken and conducted workshops on Texana, history, librarianship, conservation, book arts, publishing, and archival matters.
Howard published under the imprint Winter Wheat House two small volumes of local Austin interest, "Arthur’s Austin ABC: Arturo en Austin: un abecedario" (bilingual, translation provided by Maria Isabel Jofre, illustrations by Ben Sargent) and "The Austin Almanac," focusing on history and horticulture.
Howard was the Librarian in the Texas Room of the Houston Public Library for 18 years until he retired in 2005. He has held offices in the Texas Library Association, including Chairing the Archives & Local History Roundtable. He has been serving for several years on the Battle of San Jacinto Symposium Organizing Committee, Houston’s Museum of Printing History’s Collection Management Committee, the Houston Review Advisory Board, and in different roles with the Archivists of the Houston Area. He chaired in the 1980s both the Travis County Sesquicentennial Committee and the Travis County Historical Commission, and coordinated the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train through Austin. He is a member of the Harris County Historical Commission as well as other posts in the Texana community. Howard now is an historical and archival consultant, public speaker, and publisher of the electronic periodical Will’s Texana Monthly.
The Parlor is assisted by the WTM Circulation Manager, Morgan Howard, who is an Aggie graduate who has worked in several public interests capacities, and he is currently employed by Communities United to Strengthen America as their Pearland office’s Outreach Coordinator.
Howard edited a Southwestern Library Association bibliographical booklet for regional children’s material, founded the Texas State Library’s subject index to state government publications monthly checklist, founded and compiled the Texas Bibliographical Society’s periodical "Texas Current Bibliography and Index", compiled a description of the Amarillo Public Library’s Bush/FitzSimon Collection, wrote a Texana books and publications column in the Texas Library Association’s "Texas Library Journal", taught a course at UT’s Library School on contemporary American publishing and book trade, and has spoken and conducted workshops on Texana, history, librarianship, conservation, book arts, publishing, and archival matters.
Howard published under the imprint Winter Wheat House two small volumes of local Austin interest, "Arthur’s Austin ABC: Arturo en Austin: un abecedario" (bilingual, translation provided by Maria Isabel Jofre, illustrations by Ben Sargent) and "The Austin Almanac," focusing on history and horticulture.
Howard was the Librarian in the Texas Room of the Houston Public Library for 18 years until he retired in 2005. He has held offices in the Texas Library Association, including Chairing the Archives & Local History Roundtable. He has been serving for several years on the Battle of San Jacinto Symposium Organizing Committee, Houston’s Museum of Printing History’s Collection Management Committee, the Houston Review Advisory Board, and in different roles with the Archivists of the Houston Area. He chaired in the 1980s both the Travis County Sesquicentennial Committee and the Travis County Historical Commission, and coordinated the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train through Austin. He is a member of the Harris County Historical Commission as well as other posts in the Texana community. Howard now is an historical and archival consultant, public speaker, and publisher of the electronic periodical Will’s Texana Monthly.
The Parlor is assisted by the WTM Circulation Manager, Morgan Howard, who is an Aggie graduate who has worked in several public interests capacities, and he is currently employed by Communities United to Strengthen America as their Pearland office’s Outreach Coordinator.
Theaters of Historic Presevation
GHPA adds River Oaks Shopping Center and Theater,
Alabama Theater/Bookstop to Endangered Buildings List
(cut & paste of GHPA press release)
Greater Houston Preservation Alliance has added three significant historic buildings to its Endangered Buildings List: River Oaks Shopping Center (1937), River Oaks Theater (1939) and the Alabama Theater/Bookstop (1939). GHPA has learned that planned redevelopment threatens all three of these Art Deco landmarks with demolition.
Through GHPA’s efforts, the Houston Chronicle covered the story on the front page of its Saturday, July 22, edition. Click here to read the article by Chronicle Arts Editor Lisa Gray.
GHPA members are encouraged to write Weingarten Realty to express support for preserving these local landmarks. Letters should be addressed to:
Dr. Drew Alexander
Chief Executive Officer
Weingarten Realty
P.O. Box 924133
Houston, Texas 77292-4133
Alabama Theater/Bookstop to Endangered Buildings List
(cut & paste of GHPA press release)
Greater Houston Preservation Alliance has added three significant historic buildings to its Endangered Buildings List: River Oaks Shopping Center (1937), River Oaks Theater (1939) and the Alabama Theater/Bookstop (1939). GHPA has learned that planned redevelopment threatens all three of these Art Deco landmarks with demolition.
Through GHPA’s efforts, the Houston Chronicle covered the story on the front page of its Saturday, July 22, edition. Click here to read the article by Chronicle Arts Editor Lisa Gray.
GHPA members are encouraged to write Weingarten Realty to express support for preserving these local landmarks. Letters should be addressed to:
Dr. Drew Alexander
Chief Executive Officer
Weingarten Realty
P.O. Box 924133
Houston, Texas 77292-4133
Monday, July 24, 2006
We like books and software in Texas - Geraldine Miller & Greg Abbott
The Chairwoman of the State Board of Education, Geraldine Miller, requested that the State AG rule on whether Texas' strategic "textbook funds" could or could not be spent on computer hardware. To her pleasure, the AG Greg Abbott said informational only please, i.e., books and software, not hardware. It makes a difference, there's about $800 million dollars a year in that fund. This was prompted by a bill by Kent Grusendorf who was disappointed that books couldn't be revised more quickly to suit his desires. Gee, maybe a value of a book is just that changing it is slow and difficult and costly, so the writers' should focus their work on the enduring, the lasting, not just the flash of the moment. Wouldn't it be fun if the $800 million became a slush fund for just about anything, then we wouldn't have to worry about books at all. Somebody should sent Kent a video of "Dumb and Dumber" and of course it sequel.
Mayor Bill White Houston History Task Force
A few months ago, Houston Mayor Bill White appointed a task force of several dozen citizens to make some recommendations on preserving/developing/teaching the history of Houston. This July, ably lead by Betty Chapman, the first recommendations are filed. In the simplest language those are below. Fuller information followed the recommendations and appendices were added.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MAYOR’S TASK FORCE ON HOUSTON HISTORY
The following recommendations are the result of many hours of research and study by sixty-five citizens serving on five committees over the past six months. The first four recommendations are of a general nature; the ones that follow were compiled by the individual committees.
1. We recommend that a History Center be established in the city.
2. We recommend that a Non-profit Historical Association be established in the private sector to serve as an umbrella for the city’s historical ventures.
3. We recommend that a City of Houston Archives be established with the goal of determining which city records need to be retained, archived, and maintained in a professional manner.
4. We recommend that a Web site be developed to focus solely on Houston History and all of its related elements.
5. We recommend that a comprehensive Historical Database be developed to include what has been compiled by the Task Force Committee on Identifying the City’s Historical Resources as well as the Houston Architectural Database compiled by the Committee on Identifying and Preserving the Built Environment.
6. We recommend that the Medium of Television be used to educate the public
about our history.
7. We recommend that a public Houston History Fair be held annually to celebrate the rich, diverse heritage of our city.
8. We recommend that Educating Houston’s Youth should be a high priority.
9. We recommend that a comprehensive Media Package be developed to spotlight Houston’s history and to publicize historical happenings within the entire community.
10. We recommend that Historic Neighborhood Surveys be conducted throughout the city.
11. We recommend the following in the area of Public Policy:
A. Revision of the City Building Code to accommodate historic buildings. B. Strengthen the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. C. Hire additional staff to administer the City Historic Preservation Program. D. Initiate an aggressive Historic Plaque Program
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MAYOR’S TASK FORCE ON HOUSTON HISTORY
The following recommendations are the result of many hours of research and study by sixty-five citizens serving on five committees over the past six months. The first four recommendations are of a general nature; the ones that follow were compiled by the individual committees.
1. We recommend that a History Center be established in the city.
2. We recommend that a Non-profit Historical Association be established in the private sector to serve as an umbrella for the city’s historical ventures.
3. We recommend that a City of Houston Archives be established with the goal of determining which city records need to be retained, archived, and maintained in a professional manner.
4. We recommend that a Web site be developed to focus solely on Houston History and all of its related elements.
5. We recommend that a comprehensive Historical Database be developed to include what has been compiled by the Task Force Committee on Identifying the City’s Historical Resources as well as the Houston Architectural Database compiled by the Committee on Identifying and Preserving the Built Environment.
6. We recommend that the Medium of Television be used to educate the public
about our history.
7. We recommend that a public Houston History Fair be held annually to celebrate the rich, diverse heritage of our city.
8. We recommend that Educating Houston’s Youth should be a high priority.
9. We recommend that a comprehensive Media Package be developed to spotlight Houston’s history and to publicize historical happenings within the entire community.
10. We recommend that Historic Neighborhood Surveys be conducted throughout the city.
11. We recommend the following in the area of Public Policy:
A. Revision of the City Building Code to accommodate historic buildings. B. Strengthen the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. C. Hire additional staff to administer the City Historic Preservation Program. D. Initiate an aggressive Historic Plaque Program
Saturday, July 22, 2006
WILL'S TEXAS PARLOR :: the blog companion to "Will's Texana Monthly": Valentine Overton King
The Nature Writers of Texas
The Nature Writers of Texas
A wonderful site for Texans interested in nature, the environment, writing, a sense of place. Bedichek would enjoy it.
A wonderful site for Texans interested in nature, the environment, writing, a sense of place. Bedichek would enjoy it.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Valentine Overton King
The first person to compile a major bibliography, although it was not published, was Valentine Overton King, head of the nascent Texas State Library, before C.W. Raines' period. WH
Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.
Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.
Will's Texana Monthly: Calendar
C A L E N D A R
September 10: Austin Museum Day. Special events and free admission at museums, gardens, and historical sites all over Austin.
September 13-15: Texas Plant Conservation Conference. Private landowners, botanists, and professionals come together to discuss rare and endangered plant species from across Texas. In Alpine, Texas.
September 16: Diez y Seis around the state. Fiestas Patrias.
September 16: Teaching of Texas History Conference at the University of North Texas, Wooten Hall. Theme: “Nineteenth Century Leaders.” http://www.hist.unt.edu/~cantrell/histconf.htm
September 16: Palo Duro Canyon SP: Cowboy Stories, Poetry and Music — Come to the Lone Star Interpretive Theater for an evening of family entertainment with Jimmy and Sarah Northcutt. Listen to stories, poetry and original music, weather permitting. 6-8 p.m. (806) 488-2227
September 21-23: East Texas Historical Association Fall Meeting at the Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches. http://www.easttexashistorical.org/events/fallmeeting.html
September 21-23: 6th Annual West Texas Book and Music Festival, at the Abilene Civic Center. For information, e-mail: glenndromgoole@cox.net or phone: 325-676-6328
www.abilenetx.com/apl/festivalindex.html
September 24: Mission Tejas State Park — El Camino Real Archeology Tour — Weather permitting, hear a brief history of the first Spanish Mission in East Texas where Texas got its name. Then take a scenic half-mile hike through the woods and see the site of the Nebedache Indian Village and stand in the traces of El Camino Real de los Tejas where Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, Jim Bowie and many other characters in Texas history rode. 10 a.m.-noon (936) 687-2394
September 26-27: Texas Wireless Summit at InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel Austin, www.twsummit.com
September 27 & 28: Texas Cemetery Association’s Maintenance Conference, in Fort Worth, AmeriSuites Hotel. http://www.txca.us/
September 27–30: National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion in Dallas, White Rock Lake. Contact Sally Rodriguez at srodrig@mail.ci.dallas.tx.us or (214) 243-2123
September 28–30, 2006 — Big Bend Ranch State Park — Longhorn Cattle Drive — Come out and help round up the Texas longhorns in the park. For three days, experience life on a working ranch by going out on horseback into the rugged country of the ranch and driving the longhorns to ranch headquarters. Call for times; fees $895 per person; reservations required (432) 229-3416
September 29-30: Texas Heritage Living History Weekend, as declared by the Texas Music Heritage Foundation, formerly down on the Guadalupe but now inside the city limits and all at the Schreiner University in Kerrville. Be looking for folks in period clothing and textiles, with odd accoutrements, playing old time heritage music and maybe dancing a jig or folklorico, riding horses, spouting funny talk, and causing a musical dust up or two. Just to get your attention. http://www.texasheritagemusic.org/
September 29 - October 22: State Fair of Texas. In Dallas. pr@bigtex.com or visit www.bigtex.com
September 30, 2006 — Palo Duro Canyon SP — 132nd Anniversary of the Battle of Palo Duro — One of the last battles during the Red River Wars was fought in Palo Duro Canyon. Come to the equestrian area and see the 4th Cavalry camp and learn about the military and differences between the Cavalry and Native American warriors. Native American Presentation — John and Judy Madden present the customs of Native Americans from the past to the present in the Lone Star Interpretive Theater. See them dressed in full regalia as they teach the Indian way. 8-9 p.m. (806) 488-2227 (806) 488-2227
October: Texas Archeology Month http://www.thc.state.tx.us/archeology/aatam.html
October: Archives Week in several locations in the state.
October 6 and 7: Fall Meeting of the Texas Map Society’s Fifth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the History of Cartography at The University of Texas at Arlington Central Library, Sixth Floor Atrium. Topic: Mapping the Sacred: Belief and Religion in the History of Cartography. More at http://libraries.uta.edu/txmapsociety/ and Carolyn Kadri. E-mail: kadri@uta.edu, telephone: 817.272.7253
October 11-14: Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Ninth Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, with dozens of presenters, http://www.artepublicopress.com . Joint conference with Western History Association, http://www.unm.edu/~wha/.
October 11-15: A Joint conference of Librarians of Color will be in Dallas at the Adam's Mark Hotel. Theme: “Gathering at the Waters: Embracing Our Spirits, Telling Our Stories,” produced through the cooperation of five American Library Association Caucuses: AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA and REFORMA. http://www.ala.org/ala/olos/jointconferenceoflibrariansofcolor/jclc2006.htm
October 14, 2006 — Mission Tejas State Park — Blacksmithing Demonstration — Weather permitting, local smiths will demonstrate the basics of metalworking by making handy household items. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (936) 687-2394
October 14-15: North Texas Book & Paper Show, in Fort Worth, with wver 60 dealers showing Used and Rare titles in many specialties with a significant number showing Texana titles. http://ntxbooksellers.org/ Contact: bookshow@ntxbooksellers.org. Reported by Gary Fox, President.
October 14: Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas. Symposium at Texas State University. That will be followed in the evening by a Fiesta de Cien Anos at the LBJ Student Center that will include exhibits and traditional fiesta activities. “October 2006 will mark the 200th anniversary of Juan N. Seguín’s birth. Seguín was the leading Tejano (Mexican Texan) military figure of the Texas Revolution and a member of one San Antonio’s most prominent families. He went on to serve in the Senate of the Republic, as mayor of San Antonio, an officer in the Mexican military, and a figure in Bexar County politics in the 1850s.” This year also marks the centennial of Hispanic students at Texas State University.
http://uweb.txstate.edu/history/leadership/tejano-leadership.htm
October 16: Advanced Appraisal for Archivists in Houston, co-sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, Archivists of the Houston Area and University of Houston - Clear Lake, Neumann Library. Contact: kellysh@uhcl.edu http://www.archivists.org/prof-education/workshop-detail.asp?id=1988
October 19: 2006 E-Records Conference, at University of Texas at Austin, sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission State and Local Records Management Division and the Texas Department of Information Resources. For more information or to register for the conference, call 512-452-9242.
October 19-20: Preservation Texas Board meeting, Dallas, Preservation Texas Circle Dinner, Dallas
October 20–22: Texas Archeological Society Annual Meeting; San Angelo, San Angelo Inn and Convention Center. Contact: Claude Hudspeth cbhiii@ aol.com.
Calendar Notes: (Readers should email notes to willstexana@yahoo.com)
September 10: Austin Museum Day. Special events and free admission at museums, gardens, and historical sites all over Austin.
September 13-15: Texas Plant Conservation Conference. Private landowners, botanists, and professionals come together to discuss rare and endangered plant species from across Texas. In Alpine, Texas.
September 16: Diez y Seis around the state. Fiestas Patrias.
September 16: Teaching of Texas History Conference at the University of North Texas, Wooten Hall. Theme: “Nineteenth Century Leaders.” http://www.hist.unt.edu/~cantrell/histconf.htm
September 16: Palo Duro Canyon SP: Cowboy Stories, Poetry and Music — Come to the Lone Star Interpretive Theater for an evening of family entertainment with Jimmy and Sarah Northcutt. Listen to stories, poetry and original music, weather permitting. 6-8 p.m. (806) 488-2227
September 21-23: East Texas Historical Association Fall Meeting at the Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches. http://www.easttexashistorical.org/events/fallmeeting.html
September 21-23: 6th Annual West Texas Book and Music Festival, at the Abilene Civic Center. For information, e-mail: glenndromgoole@cox.net or phone: 325-676-6328
www.abilenetx.com/apl/festivalindex.html
September 24: Mission Tejas State Park — El Camino Real Archeology Tour — Weather permitting, hear a brief history of the first Spanish Mission in East Texas where Texas got its name. Then take a scenic half-mile hike through the woods and see the site of the Nebedache Indian Village and stand in the traces of El Camino Real de los Tejas where Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, Jim Bowie and many other characters in Texas history rode. 10 a.m.-noon (936) 687-2394
September 26-27: Texas Wireless Summit at InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel Austin, www.twsummit.com
September 27 & 28: Texas Cemetery Association’s Maintenance Conference, in Fort Worth, AmeriSuites Hotel. http://www.txca.us/
September 27–30: National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion in Dallas, White Rock Lake. Contact Sally Rodriguez at srodrig@mail.ci.dallas.tx.us or (214) 243-2123
September 28–30, 2006 — Big Bend Ranch State Park — Longhorn Cattle Drive — Come out and help round up the Texas longhorns in the park. For three days, experience life on a working ranch by going out on horseback into the rugged country of the ranch and driving the longhorns to ranch headquarters. Call for times; fees $895 per person; reservations required (432) 229-3416
September 29-30: Texas Heritage Living History Weekend, as declared by the Texas Music Heritage Foundation, formerly down on the Guadalupe but now inside the city limits and all at the Schreiner University in Kerrville. Be looking for folks in period clothing and textiles, with odd accoutrements, playing old time heritage music and maybe dancing a jig or folklorico, riding horses, spouting funny talk, and causing a musical dust up or two. Just to get your attention. http://www.texasheritagemusic.org/
September 29 - October 22: State Fair of Texas. In Dallas. pr@bigtex.com or visit www.bigtex.com
September 30, 2006 — Palo Duro Canyon SP — 132nd Anniversary of the Battle of Palo Duro — One of the last battles during the Red River Wars was fought in Palo Duro Canyon. Come to the equestrian area and see the 4th Cavalry camp and learn about the military and differences between the Cavalry and Native American warriors. Native American Presentation — John and Judy Madden present the customs of Native Americans from the past to the present in the Lone Star Interpretive Theater. See them dressed in full regalia as they teach the Indian way. 8-9 p.m. (806) 488-2227 (806) 488-2227
October: Texas Archeology Month http://www.thc.state.tx.us/archeology/aatam.html
October: Archives Week in several locations in the state.
October 6 and 7: Fall Meeting of the Texas Map Society’s Fifth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the History of Cartography at The University of Texas at Arlington Central Library, Sixth Floor Atrium. Topic: Mapping the Sacred: Belief and Religion in the History of Cartography. More at http://libraries.uta.edu/txmapsociety/ and Carolyn Kadri. E-mail: kadri@uta.edu, telephone: 817.272.7253
October 11-14: Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Ninth Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, with dozens of presenters, http://www.artepublicopress.com . Joint conference with Western History Association, http://www.unm.edu/~wha/.
October 11-15: A Joint conference of Librarians of Color will be in Dallas at the Adam's Mark Hotel. Theme: “Gathering at the Waters: Embracing Our Spirits, Telling Our Stories,” produced through the cooperation of five American Library Association Caucuses: AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA and REFORMA. http://www.ala.org/ala/olos/jointconferenceoflibrariansofcolor/jclc2006.htm
October 14, 2006 — Mission Tejas State Park — Blacksmithing Demonstration — Weather permitting, local smiths will demonstrate the basics of metalworking by making handy household items. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (936) 687-2394
October 14-15: North Texas Book & Paper Show, in Fort Worth, with wver 60 dealers showing Used and Rare titles in many specialties with a significant number showing Texana titles. http://ntxbooksellers.org/ Contact: bookshow@ntxbooksellers.org. Reported by Gary Fox, President.
October 14: Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas. Symposium at Texas State University. That will be followed in the evening by a Fiesta de Cien Anos at the LBJ Student Center that will include exhibits and traditional fiesta activities. “October 2006 will mark the 200th anniversary of Juan N. Seguín’s birth. Seguín was the leading Tejano (Mexican Texan) military figure of the Texas Revolution and a member of one San Antonio’s most prominent families. He went on to serve in the Senate of the Republic, as mayor of San Antonio, an officer in the Mexican military, and a figure in Bexar County politics in the 1850s.” This year also marks the centennial of Hispanic students at Texas State University.
http://uweb.txstate.edu/history/leadership/tejano-leadership.htm
October 16: Advanced Appraisal for Archivists in Houston, co-sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, Archivists of the Houston Area and University of Houston - Clear Lake, Neumann Library. Contact: kellysh@uhcl.edu http://www.archivists.org/prof-education/workshop-detail.asp?id=1988
October 19: 2006 E-Records Conference, at University of Texas at Austin, sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission State and Local Records Management Division and the Texas Department of Information Resources. For more information or to register for the conference, call 512-452-9242.
October 19-20: Preservation Texas Board meeting, Dallas, Preservation Texas Circle Dinner, Dallas
October 20–22: Texas Archeological Society Annual Meeting; San Angelo, San Angelo Inn and Convention Center. Contact: Claude Hudspeth cbhiii@ aol.com.
Calendar Notes: (Readers should email notes to willstexana@yahoo.com)
Cadwell Walton Raines
C.W. Raines compiled the first large, formal, and divserse bibliography under the title "Bibliography of Texas" that was issued in the 1890s. Its contents is broader than most folks expect - technical and scientific works, fiction, poetry, government publications, newspapers, public addressse, theological or churchly works, descriptions of collections as well as the usual traditional historical works. Naturally, the earliest work is Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca's relation regarding his early 16th century shipwreck, residency, and trek south to central Mexico.
Among other career steps, he was the virtual state librarian.
Among other observations are "The Spain in Raines falls mainly before Gaines." Raines is still in print through a fellow in the northeast.
Among other career steps, he was the virtual state librarian.
Among other observations are "The Spain in Raines falls mainly before Gaines." Raines is still in print through a fellow in the northeast.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Companion to "Will's Texana Monthly"
The Texas Parlor is an electronic companion to "Will's Texana Monthly: A Free E-journal of reviews, news, and electric observations" published by the Texas Parlor's hosts, Will and Morgan Howard.
Welcome to The Texas Parlor.
Welcome. Sit a spell and let's talk about Texas - its books, writers, history, arts and culture, modern social life and customs - whatever strikes your interest.
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