Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore in Houston

Happy 25th anniversary!

Asad Walker of the Defender newspaper reported on the 25th anniversary of the Shrine Cultural Center and Bookstore in Houston.  It's a good long article, an extract reads:

"Part of the largest Black-owned bookstore chain in the nation, Houston's Shrine Bookstore opened in December 1986. What was once a decaying bowling alley in South Park, was renovated and transformed into the 23,500 square feet "crown jewel" of the trio of cultural centers owned by the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church. The other two stores are located in Atlanta and Detroit, the city where the first one opened its doors in 1970.

Born at the tail-end of the Black Power Era, the Detroit store gave African American authors a place to sell their books long before mainstream stores began carrying such items.

"The original name of the first Cultural Center was the Sudan Import Specialty Shop," recalled Anika Sala, Detroit native and manager of the Shrine Bookstore in Houston. "Our church founder, Reverend Albert B. Cleage Jr. assigned his sister, Barbara Martin to create a center for Black culture, heritage and self-determination. What Martin did was start an incredible legacy that has celebrated our history and made some history of its own." "  Read more at

http://praisehouston.com/national/nzinga/shrine-cultural-center-bookstore-makes-history/

Horton Foote's Trip to Beaumont

Harrison, Texas: Three One-Act Plays By Horton Foote enjoyed a brief run at Lamar University Studio Theatre this month.  If Texas were to select a playwright for all seasons, it may be the now passed Foote (1916-2009).  His body of work will surely persist across generations and stages from international to local.  The Horton Foote Review is published by the Horton Foote Society.  See http://hortonfootesociety.org/

 

Texas # 2 state for novel settings

Bowker, a long-standing source of book publishing information declares in an article entitled "New York and London Are Most Popular Settings for Novels" also considers state locales.  An extract states

"In addition to London, the other non-U.S. city to make the top 10 fictional settings was Rome. California was the setting for more novels than any other state, followed by Texas, Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina."

Texas novelists take note!

Read more about it http://www.bowker.com/index.php/press-releases-2006/170-new-york-and-london-are-most-popular-settings-for-novels-according-to-newly-released-fiction-statistics-analysis-from-bowker

Happy Texas Valentine's Day

Hello Texas

by ecstaticist Creative Commons Some rights reserved

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecstaticist/565226376/ 

 

 

 

 

texmex_heart_241x220

by lukethelibrarian Creative Commons Some rights reserved

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukethelibrarian/121412855/

Cooley Heart

by Beau B Creative Commons Some rights reserved

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beaub/2996826995/ 

Texas Chicano Literature

In Somos en escrito a posting by Felipe de Ortego y Gasca, Scholar in Residence/Chair, Department of Chicana/Chicano and Hemispheric Studies, Western New Mexico University, provides "Forging a literature of opposition on the outside: Chicano Literature and Critical Theory" a lengthy summary essay on the development of Chicano / Hispanic literature, quite applicable to Texas.

Extracted from Ortega y Gasca one finds "To my knowledge, the first symposium on Chicano literature and critical theory was held at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas, on September 16, 1971. [Note the date.] Edward Simmen, professor of English there, organized the event and invited Tomás Rivera, Jose Reyna and me to present papers covering a spectrum of critical theory about Chicano literature, a barely emerging field then."

 

Modern Tejano literature as a body is sometimes bookended as Ramund Paredes and others point out by Texas-related Josephina Niggli's Mexican Village (a novel, 1945), but  the larger corpus can be easily extended.  Identifing Tejano literature within Chicano literature can sometimes be a challenge.  The difficulty can be compared to identifing the Texas titles within the broader Cowboy titles. And it can be compared to the identifing of Texas titles within the broader Buffalo Soldiers titles.  Armando Rendón's  Somos en escrito and La Bloga and other sources do not always note a geographical distinction, intended of course to serve a wider audience, but they are good places to hunt Texana.

Read more at http://somosenescrito.blogspot.com/2010/02/forging-literature-of-opposition-on.html

Other treatments abound but see also Paredes' "Teaching Chicano Literature: An Historical Approach" 

 http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/bassr/tamlit/newsletter/paredes.html

Texas Roots of Spanish Educators

In Armando Rendón's "Somos en escrito" a posting The roots of Texas education planted in Colonial Spanish days by Brownsville native Dr. Lino García, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Spanish Literature at University of Texas-Pan Ameican, provides a lengthy revival to and extension to Max Berger's earlier work "Education in Texas during the Spanish/Mexican Periods" in the July 1947 Southwestern Historical Quarterly.  The commentary covers the Indian mission efforts, local schooling, government decrees, supportive land grants, etc.  The primary focus is San Antonio but other locales are included.  Read more at

http://somosenescrito.blogspot.com/2010/02/roots-of-texas-education-planted-in.html

another version from last September is at

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/heritage-102606-hispanic-month.html

San Jacinto Battleground Designated Endangered

From KUHF:  San Jacinto Battlefield Named an Endangered Historic Site

February 5, 2010  by: Melissa Galvez For the first time, the non profit group Preservation Texas has placed the San Jacinto Battlegrounds on their Most Endangered Historic Places list. The group says that the LaPorte battle field needs a comprehensive plan to keep it from falling prey to the 21st century. Melissa Galvez has the story. "Every time you give an inch to a building, you are losing an inch of the battlefield." That's Jan DeVault, President of the Friends of the San Jacinto Battlefield.  Her organization is working with Preservation Texas to raise awareness of the need for better planning around the historic site.  They're concerned about development encroaching on the battlefield, as well as pollution from nearby industry.  DeVault says the group does not oppose building in the area, but wants to preserve the 19th century character of the landscape." Hear the fuller segment at http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1265405384

Texana at Calaca Press

    Searching Calaca Press, a specialist in Hispanic titles, one can find 14 titles using the keyword "Texas."

http://www.calacapress.com/  The first 4 citations are

 

1. Lunar Braceros 2125-2148
(Calaca Titles/Books)

...illustrations by San Diego, Califas artist Mario A. Chacon Twenty-second century Cholos living on Cali-Texas Reservations have few options.  One of them is signing up as Moon Tecos, technicians...

2. raúlrsalinas Poetry Contest Winner
(Newsflashes/Newsflash)

...ook, a $500 honorarium and travel to and from book release readings in San Diego, California and Austin, Texas. Joe Montoya's poetry reflects the heartbreaking realities of life on the rez. ...

3. Falling Angels: Cuentos y Poemas
(Calaca Titles/Books)

...versity of California at Santa Cruz and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso.  This is her first book.   Falling Angels: Cuentos y Poemas by Olga...

4. Los Many Mundos of raúlrsalinas
(Calaca Titles/Spoken Word CD\'s)

First CD by Critically Acclaimed Xicanindio Poet Activist raúlrsalinas Texas bred firebrand combines spoken word with jazz blend Los Many Mundos of raúlrsalinas / ISBN 0-9660773-5-0 /

Generals Carroll "Curly" Lewis & Sam Houston - Texas Army

K.K. Searle, in his "Texas History Page," passes along Jim Peddy's and David Martin's news of Carroll "Curly" Lewis' death and of  of Sam Houston IV's succession as General of the Texas Army.

http://texas-history-page.blogspot.com/2010/01/passing-of-general-carroll-lewis-of.html

http://texas-history-page.blogspot.com/2010/01/sam-houston-iv-becomes-general-of-texas.html

Salutes to both fine gentlemen.

Background at http://www.earlytexashistory.com/TexasArmy/ 

 

Prison Exhibit at Texas State Library

Laura Saegert passes along this news from TSL on its new exhibit:

Fear, Force, and Leather: The Texas Prison System's First Hundred Years, 1848-1948

 

"Announcing the latest online exhibit from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. 

"Fear, Force, and Leather: The Texas Prison System's First Hundred Years,
1848-1948" is a new online history exhibit from the Texas State Library and
Archives. Drawing from the Archives' extensive collections of historic
penitentiary records, the exhibit documents in words, photographs, and
archival images how, from humble beginnings with little money or public
support, the Texas prison system eventually transformed into a self-supporting
network of sugar and cotton farms. But hellish conditions and brutal
punishments led to one of the greatest scandals in Texas history, and began a
cycle of reform that brought Texas to a new era of professional penology."

In addition, the website contains a complete list of links to the online
finding aids to the original records. The exhibit may be found at:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/exhibits/prisons/index.html

At the site you will find it progresses chronologically:

Jack Johnson, 1909

Jack Johnson, 1909  by John McNab

World Heavyweight Champion 1908–1915.

Creative Commons Copyright Some rights reserved

Wired Horses in Plano - Madison Berndt

Plano, TX

by Madison Berndt

Original annotation:

"Plano, Texas: These horse sculptures are located on Plano Road. I drive by them each day on the way home. The land is currently being developed and will be covered with housing and office buildings within a few years. I decided to take these pictures now while there are no buildings in the way." 

Creative Commons Some rights reserved   Taken in The Colony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70499646@N00/185811068/ 

Alamo Centennial Memorial Photo - By blahmni

Alamo Centennial Memorial by Blahmni / Jeff Poteat 

on Flickr.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blahmni/363154076/

Creative Commons Some rights reserved

Jenkins Garrett Dies

     Kent Calder sends a Special Report from the Texas State Historical Association brings news of the death of Jenkins Garrett, a fellow whose life became both a foundation and a pillar advancing our historical awareness of outselves and others:

 

Special Report:

Dear Texas State Historical Association Members and Friends,

I regret to inform you that Jenkins Garrett, TSHA President 1988 - 1989, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2010, in Fort Worth at the age of 95.

Mr. Garrett was the husband of Virginia Williams Garrett and the father of Dianne Garrett Powell, who is the Association's Vice-President.

A tribute to Mr. Garrett appears in today's Fort Worth Star Telegram, which is available in an online version. The article includes details about the services planned for Monday, February 1 in Fort Worth. The link also has a Guestbook, with options to write a comment and to read those of others.

I am sure you will join me, the Board, and the staff in the sadness of losing a great Texan,

Sincerely,
J. Kent Calder

 

Texas Government Publications

Texas state agencies are required to provide the Texas State Library with copies to distribute to official depositories around the state.  TSL fills mailing boxes once or twice each month and mails them to about 50 depositories.  Each mailing box contains a list of the box's contents.  TSL runs a rotating list of the most recent ten lists at http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/statepubs/shipping.html   The lists here are rather simple and computer generated and not pleasant to view it their "blocky" fashion, but a reader can partially monitor state publications by reviewing these lists occasionally.  The first four citations in a recent list included: W600.8 AG83WAO 2009 Agricultural water conservation, irrigation water use management : best management practices 435488667 L1400.8 AN13PRC 2009 Analyses of proposed constitutional amendments, November 3, 2009, election / prepared by the staff of the Texas Legislative Council 432712783 H550.6 C437N 2009/10 Children with Special Health Care Needs newsletter for families [running title: CSHCN newsletter for families] Health Services, Department of State 61109743 C2600.6 C498 2009/08 City sales and use tax comparison summary Comptroller of Public Accounts 14630299 You can see that the list arranged alphbetically by title and that each citation is preceded by a special library call number (keyed to the first keyword in the agency's name), and One thing you'll notice is that a lot of them are periodicals, annual reports, etc.  But subject content is not unusual.  While you're at the website, you may also poke into the electronic catalog called TRAIL.

Texas Almanac Q & A

Bob Ray Sanders, up the Trintiy River basin way in Fort Worth where they print the Star-Telegram newspaper, composes for his column a quiz using the latest Texas Almanac (now published by the Texas State Historical Association).   The questions are at http://www.star-telegram.com/news/columnists/bob_ray_sanders/story/1881243.html The answers are at http://www.star-telegram.com/news/columnists/bob_ray_sanders/story/1898783.html Question # 2 asks about the longest river "within" (quotation marks in original work)  Texas.  Well, I knew that the "within" would exclude the Rio Grande and Red River. So I thought it was the Brazos, and may still contend so.  Sanders states the answer as the Colorado River, a fine river, but not the equal to the Brazos in my estimation.  I'm guessing that Sanders is working on the presumption that the upper feeders of the Brazos carry water often enough to not be completely "within" the Texas-New Mexico boundary.  On the other hand the upper feeders of the Colorado rarely carry water and hence are not worthy of being a true part of the Colorado River basin and hence is "within" Texas?  Then again maybe the measurement is different by crow-flight or river-bed.  Where's a good hydrologist when you need one?  Maybe I should just get a new Almanac!

Documentary Arts: Texas African American Photography Archive

DOCUMENTARY ARTS: Texas African American Photography Archive, founded by Alan Govenar and Kaleta Doolin Self-described as: "A major focus of Documentary Arts is the expansion and organization of the Texas African American Photography (TAAP) Archive. The TAAP archive provides a broad overview of African American photography in the urban and rural areas of Texas, spanning the period from the 1870s to the present and representing a variety of processes and makers. The Archive is unique in its comprehensiveness, and consists of over 50,000 photographic negatives and prints and more than 20 oral histories collected from African American photographers. Most of the items in the Archive have been donated by the photographers and their families, while others have been acquired from private collections. In Feburary, 1997 the TAAP Archive finalized its association with the African Americah Museum of Dallas by initiating a series of exhibitions, workshops and public programs. The TAAP Archive is housed across the street from Documentary Arts in a permanent, state-of-the-art archival facility. It was constructed for this purpose through a major private contribution. This facility is located in the 5501 Columbia Art Center complex at 115 North Augusta near the corner of Columbia Ave, in East Dallas, TX, operated by Documentary Arts and Contemporary Culture, another non-profit organization."  A newsletter is available.  Read more at:   http://www.docarts.com/

Marshall Zoning Squabble Cleared Up

Seems the developer was a little too cavalier in their not asking all the relevant questions, leaving everybody with "assumptions" about their legal standing to put in yet a second Dollar Store on Burleson Street in Marshall, Texas.  The Marshall News Messenger noted on December 11, 2009 that "Locals angry over store's proposed site."  Well, now it appears that the developers' assumptions were too broad.  The Messenger updates under the headline "City vetoes controversial rezoning requests" again by Terri Hahn. Click-2-Listen An extract for you follows: "There were 65 people in attendance at the meeting including city employees. Of those, 25 stood in opposition when Historic West End Neighborhood Association President Ben Lambers spoke against changing the West Burleson Street property to commercial. A dozen spoke, mostly members of the HWENA, in opposition of the rezoning. They gave reasons such as protecting the residential and historical integrity of the neighborhood, and keeping traffic down on Bishop Street, where pedestrians could be in danger. Some felt that Marshall does not need another dollar store and that the addition of a store would create more traffic and trash within their neighborhood. Willborn motioned to deny rezoning and it was seconded by Commissioner Zephaniah Timmins. After lengthy discussion by city commissioners, the vote to deny carried 7-0."  The developers claim the City gave them bad information. Read more about it: http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/content/news/stories/stories/2009/011510_web_city.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=7 If you choose to listen to the automated voice reading of the article provided by the Messenger, you'll notice something a bit interesting.  When the article contains the written word "residents" the audio clearly, multiple times, speaks the sound "republicans."  Is this an accident or an anticipation of George Orwell incarnated in the Marshall News Massage   Marshall is a good example of a small town, still less than 30,000 I believe, which maintains an historical sensibilty.  I notice that because I regularly from my 10th grade bicycle delivered the Messenger to Y.A. Tittle's mother, and personally take credit for his mother's happiness which in turn certainly gave Y.A. the stability to win all those professional football games.  Miss Brötze (actually Selma and Emma Mae both) taught me to read what is written in my government and senior English classes.  My familiarity with automated voices tells me that such an inadvertancy can be corrected.

David Rumsey Historical Map Collection

The David Rumsey Historical Map Collection is open to the public online.  He's got a personal collection of many, many maps and he's had over 20,000 of them digitized for your easy inspection.  He specializes, but is not limited to, 18th and 19th century North and South America. The search box for "Texas" retrieves 1,200.  I took the pleasure of surveying the Tanner map to check how Coahuila related to San Antonio.  The image was sharp and clean. It's not surprise that he received a special award for his collection and public space from the Special Libraries Association.Of course, he sells reproductions. Check him at http://www.davidrumsey.com/

Robb Walsh's Texas Food Writer's Blog

Journalist and author of several Texas culinary books, Robb Walsh holds forth in his "Food Writing from the Lone Star State."  Postings are historical, technical, contemporary-pop, recipes, etc. with excellent photos and videos at  http://www.robbwalsh.com/ recent posts include Foodways Texas (FTX) Christmas Tamales Top Food Books of 2009: Sex, Death & Oysters Wild Duck Gumbo from Scratch How to Make a Frito Pie Here's Robb in the editorial phase

Will the Fire - damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Be Preserved?

Seems a little early citizen input could have been useful. Perry: Experts will decide fate of mansion Austin American-Statesman - Mike Ward - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ Even as their staff members continued working to obtain approval of a two-story addition to the Governor's Mansion, members of the state board ...Preservationists criticize renovation plan for Texas governor's mansion Dallas Morning News - ‎Jan 6, 2010‎ AP AUSTIN – Historic preservationists told Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday that they object to a renovation plan for the fire-ravaged Governor's Mansion because ... Mansion alteration angers an area historian Abilene Reporter-News - Emily A. Peters - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ Shirley Caldwell of Albany believes it's her duty as a passionate Texas historian to preserve the buildings that embody the Lone Star ... Challenges to proposed Governor's Mansion additions News 8 Austin - Ashley Porter - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ The Heritage Society of Austin Board President Mandy Dealey considers herself an architectural history buff. "It's just been a passion of mine forever. ... Renovation of Texas Governor's Mansion challenged Dallas Morning News - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ AP Heritage Society of Austin members are objecting to renovation proposals for the Texas Governor's Mansion. Society president Mandy Dealey and others told ... Challenges to addition to Texas gov's mansion Dallas Morning News - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ AP Ten former members of the Texas Historical Commission are objecting to a proposed addition to the fire-damaged governor's mansion. ... Fehrenbach and Oaks: Addition at Texas Governor's Mansion ill-advised and ... Fort Worth Star Telegram - T.R. Fehrenbach, Lawrence Oaks - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ Only a mere 20 years passed after the 1836 heroic stand at the Alamo and the improbable triumph at San Jacinto before the ... Texas Governor's Mansion expansion is blueprint for historical disaster Austin American-Statesman - ‎Jan 5, 2010‎ When the idea first came up to add a 3000-square-foot addition to the Governor's Mansion as part of the postfire rebuilding project we weren't quite sure ... Governor's Mansion addition draws opponents Austin American-Statesman - Mike Ward - ‎Jan 4, 2010‎ With a decision fast approaching on whether to add onto the fire-gutted Texas Governor's Mansion as part of its restoration, a growing chorus ... Even weasels deserve marital bliss Austin American-Statesman - ‎15 hours ago‎ Our governor has violated the first rule of marriage. No, not the one about the Appalachian Trail, the one about always supporting your wife's decisions ...

Texas State Presevation Board Strategic Plan

For the inquiring mind about what the dickens is the State Preservation Board and what do they do?  Their self-description includes: "The State Preservation Board preserves and maintains the Texas Capitol, the Capitol Extension, the 1857 General Land Office Building, other designated buildings, their contents and their grounds; provides facilities and grounds keeping services for the Texas Governor's Mansion; and operates the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. We provide educational programs centered on Texas history. These services benefit the citizens of Texas and its visitors. Philosophy The State Preservation Board acts in accordance with the highest standards of achievement, accountability and ethics. We value our customers and their needs. We strive to maintain a working environment where each participant is valued and where all participants can work together positively to accomplish common and individual goals. We manage our resources wisely. We are driven by our commitment to excellence and our appreciation of the lessons of history and the value of the past as a teacher for the future. Agency Responsibilities In summary, the State Preservation Board is responsible for the following: Providing housekeeping, maintenance and grounds keeping services at the Capitol, Capitol Extension, Capitol Visitors Center, Capitol Visitors Parking Garage, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; Approving all changes involving construction, restoration and repairs in the Capitol, Capitol Extension, General Land Office building, and on their grounds; Providing educational and curatorial services for the Capitol; Care for the Capitol Historic Artifact Collection, which includes Capitol furniture, art and other decorative works; Operating an education and tourism center at the Capitol Visitors Center; Providing interpretation and guided tours of the Capitol and Capitol Visitors Center; Scheduling and managing public events and exhibits at the Capitol; Scheduling and managing the Legislative Conference Center, Historic Court Rooms, and Extension Auditorium for Capitol occupants; Operating the Capitol Gift Shops; Managing the Capitol Extension Cafeteria; Operating the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage and maintaining the Capitol Complex Parking Meters; Operating the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; and Providing maintenance and grounds keeping services for the Texas Governor's Mansion Strategic Plan, 2009-2013 http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/spb/mission/Images/StrategicPlan.pdf 2010 Budget http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/spb/spb/reports/images/operating_budget_2010.pdf

Literary San Antonio - Website by Paul McQuien and Kim G. Hochmeister

McQuien and Hochmeister have concocted an attrative and informative set of pages on their San Antonio College website, worthy of your visit and use.  The contents include Landmarks Alamo Missions Commerce Street Bridge   & San Antonio River Main Plaza & Military   Plaza Historic Hotels Ursuline Convent King William District San Pedro (Springs) Park   & San Antonio Spring San Antonio's "Literary"   Schools Sources Links to Local Authors Authors Cabeza de Vaca Frederic Law Olmsted Sidney Lanier Oscar Wilde Stephen Crane Ambrose Bierce William Sydney Porter (O. Henry) W. B. Yeats D. H. Lawrence William Faulkner Robert Frost Katherine Anne Porter Graham Greene Jack Kerouac Sandra Cisneros Naomi Shihab Nye The Local Authors Links include San Antonio Authors: The following links feature additional literary authors who have (or had) a connection with San Antonio through their subject matter and/or their residence: Mary Margaret Amberson Irma Ned Bailey Wendy Barker Jacques Barzun Diane Gonzales Bertrand Jay Brandon Anita Brenner Jenny Browne Rosemary Catacalos Joan Cheever Angela de Hoyos Cyra Dumitru Robert Flynn H. Palmer Hall Stephen Harrigan Sterling Houston John Igo Judith Infante Paulette Jiles Steven Kellman Jim Lehrer David Liss Cynthia Leal Massey Bryce Milligan Michael A. Moore Josephina Niggli Paul Perry Andrew Porter Carol Coffee Reposa Rick Riordan Tomas Rivera John Philip Santos Norman Sherry Maureen Smith Claude Stanush Carmen Tafolla Billy Taylor Abraham Verghese Donley Watt   Go To: http://www.accd.edu/sac/english/mcquien/htmlfils/index.html Wouldn't it be nice if some attention were paid to selected  1.  Bexar County enties in the Texas Historical Commission's marker atlas at http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/ and selected entries from 2.  TSHA's Handbook of Texas Online at http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/ 3.  and, well, to push the envelope a bit, how about some links to the San Antonio Public Library's relevant lists, and, well, to go further, how about 4.  Some links to old titles about the town that are now full-text online, as from Google and Gutenberg. 5. And then links to creative writing programs in the area Hmmm, smells like my breakfast taco cookings are ready, I need to go and toss my corn tortillas on the burners for a few seconds and add a little leche to my coffee.

Tx Cable News Today in Texas History

The Texas Cable News website has a "Today in Texas History" feature.  It cites its sources as : Texas Almanac, Handbook of Texas, Texas State Library & Archives Commission, Texas Historical Commission, and Dallas Web Sites research.   Today's entry of January 3 is: 1823 Mexican officials approve Stephen F. Austin�s plan to bring 300 families into his colony. This group becomes known as the "Old Three Hundred." http://www.txcn.com/today/

Heisman Trophy Longhorn History

Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998) won the Heisman Trophy in college footabll as University of Texas Longhorns.  But can you name Longhorn also-rans.  Well here's a list. 1947 Bobby Layne, Sixth-Place 1961 James Saxton, Third-Place 1963 Scott Appleton, Fifth-Place 1970 Steve Worster, Fourth-Place 1973 Roosevelt Leaks, Third-Place (Yes, a drought for three decades, except for Campbell and Williams as winners) 2004 Cedric Benson Sixth-Place 2005 Vince Young: Second Place 2008 Colt McCoy, Second-Place 2009 Colt McCoy, Third Place Read the story behind each at the Bleacher Report, a UT Football newsletter http://bleacherreport.com/articles/306612-a-texas-longhorn-heisman-history

Elmer Kelton Statue Nearing Completion

Rick Smith in the San Angelo Standard-Times article ,"Elmer Kelton statue nearing completion," relays the news: "SAN ANGELO, Texas — A life-size sculpture of the late West Texas author Elmer Kelton is nearing completion at a Lubbock foundry said Raul Ruiz, the San Angelo artist commissioned to create the work. "I just came back from Lubbock last week," Ruiz said. "Right now, I'm at the point where I'm putting on the finishing touches." He said the sculpture, now made of clay, will be cast in bronze. "I think it's looking really good," Ruiz said. "It just takes time." The bronze, which will show the West Texas author casually leaning on a wooden fence, will be placed in the new Tom Green County Library when it opens in 2010. Ruiz said the Kelton family will travel to Lubbock to see the clay sculpture before it is cast into bronze. The project has had several unexpected delays. First, the foundry changed hands after owner Jerry House died in July. Then, Ruiz said he was jolted by Kelton's death in August. "That's been the hardest part of this — Mr. Kelton's passing," Ruiz said. Donations to fund the $85,000 project are being accepted through the San Angelo Area Foundation. http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/dec/22/elmer-kelton-statue-nearing-completion/ For more information information, see http://saafound.org/articles/view/35/elmer-kelton-statue  or call 325- 659-3788."

Musings from Sam Houston's Stomping Grounds

"Musings from Sam Houston's Stomping Grounds" The Special Collections librarians up at Sam Houston State University Newton Gresham Library are casting their pods.  Back in 2006 Paul Culp and Cheryl Spencer started talking into one of those talking machines and called them "Musings."  Somebody plugged them into the internet.  Before long it got to be a habit (a good one) and twice a month they'd find some old historical or news article to read or just recollect (no doubt with a bit of research) history about the University, ol' Sam himself, or other local matters.  They read about 2 to 5 minutes each, but sometimes up to 7 minutes.  Rather interesting listening.  Now there's quite a collection online for you.  Should you prefer reading it quietly to yourself, transcripts are available.  And the entries can be arranged by topical place or person.  And here's a bit of news.  They started putting slide shows together to go with the audio.  Well, a good thing gets noticed and sometimes other librarians get their moment in the sound booth. Two recent entries are self-described as: Harmon L. Lowman - 15 Nov. 2009: Cheryl Spencer reads an article about Dr. Harmon Lowman, one of Sam Houston's most beloved presidents. Dr. Lowman was president of Sam Houston State Teacher's College from 1941 - 1964. Episode originally aired 1 March 2007. (2:30) Read the transcript. Dia de la Muertos - 01 Nov. 2009: Erin Cassidy, Reference Librarian, reads a short essay about Dia de los Muertos (the Days of the Dead), written by Norma Beth Williamson, Spanish pool faculty member in the Department of Foreign Languages. (4:19) New format! See more images while listening! (4:35) Read the transcript. Get audio only. I swear, sometimes a college education sure pays off.  I guess what I like best is that the staff is actually expected to know the contents of their archives a trend to encourage. Check the hotlist at  http://library.shsu.edu/podcasts.archive.php Or peruse the Special Collection Thomason Room at http://library.shsu.edu/about/specialcollections/index.php

Texas Observer - Back issues of Summer and Winter Books Issues online

The Texas Observer, Texas' own guardian of the left bank of the Colorado River. has a book blog "Texas Bound" which occasionally addresses a Texas volume (they prefer the broader view of the nation).   No posting has been made in "Texas Bound" since last October.  But now of note is the TO's online availability of the Summer and Winter Books issues.  The archives go back for ten years.  On the Texas Bound blog's page in the upper right are clicks to those back issues.  For the illiterate with no interest in books, but just their causes of the day, under TO's homepage is the complete list of issues, back for the same ten years.   Read more at http://www.texasobserver.org/texasbound/

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Dies

You may have already learned of Cynthia Woods Mitchell's death on the 27th at age 87.  Her obituary is in today's Wednesday Chronicle.  Should you not have a hardcopy at hand, an electronic link is at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=cynthia-woods-mitchell&pid=137965860 The obituary is the loveliest and most memorable one I've ever read, no doubt enabled by the lovely person, mother, and wife that she was.  Through the obituary, I laughed, cried, and came to admire her and the obituary's author, one of her children.  I recomend you take time from your busy holiday season to read of this remarkable, modern woman, a force behind Galveston's.historic revival, early advocate of sustainable living (The Woodlands), inspiration of and care-taker of the Cynthia Woods Pavilion, wife of dynamo George P. Mitchell, and mother of 10. Will

Land Steward Awards

Lone Star Land Steward Awards Program Self-described as:  "Private landowners are the key to effective habitat management in Texas, since more than 90 percent of Texas is privately-owned. The Lone Star Land Steward Awards program recognizes and honors private landowners for their accomplishments in habitat management and wildlife conservation. The program is designed to educate landowners and the public and to encourage participation in habitat conservation." 2009 Ecoregion Winners   2009 Leopold Conservation Award Winner Read more at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/private/lone_star_land_steward/

New Deal for Texas Parks - interactive exhibit from TPWD

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has developed an interactive exhibit on the New Deal for Texas Parks: It's self-description begins: "Welcome to a New Deal for Texas Parks - an online exhibit and education center for teachers and students of Texas history, made possible in part through the generous support of Humanities Texas' Linden Heck Howell Texas History Grant. Humanities Texas is a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Flip through the pages of the scrapbook to explore how individuals, communities and landscapes in Texas were impacted by the New Deal Era. Discover how the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many of the state parks we enjoy today. Explore a variety of primary source documents such as photographs, oral histories, letters and music that help tell this American story through the eyes of Texas."  Read more at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/historic_sites/ccc/new_deal_texas_main/ Open the Table of Contents or select a theme.  Click on a page's corner and turn the page.  The "My Keepsake" pdf on the left of each section's first page offers a type of lesson plan.

Historic Texas Rancho de las Cabras Buried Under Sand

Old Texas mission ranch buried in funding limbo Dec 24, 2009 3:32 AM (6 hrs ago) By Michelle Roberts, AP Examiner news story begins: "FLORESVILLE, Texas (Map, News) - Ruins that archeologists call one of the last links to the original ranches and cowboys that shaped Texas have been kept behind a gate, literally buried, for more than two decades - awaiting the funding that would allow people to see them. The 18th-century Rancho de las Cabras complex, with its stone building remains, was a birthplace of the large commercial ranching operations that would help define the state. Preservationists have long hoped it could be fully excavated and opened to the public, but so far, the site has been unable to attract the money it would need from Congress or the National Park Service's stretched budget.  "It's one of these kind of once-in-a-lifetime sites. You're not going to be able to see something like this anywhere in the world," said National Park Service Archaeologist Susan Snow. "The mission ranches brought what we know today as the modern cattle industry." The 100-acre site about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio was donated 32 years ago to the state, which handed it to the National Park Service nearly 15 years ago as addition to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park."  Read more at   http://www.examiner.com/a-2388175~Old_Texas_mission_ranch_buried_in_funding_limbo.html?cid=rss-US

Laredo's Last Bookstore

News of the closing of  Laredo's last bookstore has finally hit the Wall Street Journal of all places.  Apparently literacy in Texas is worth the attention of those who tend the national economy.  Do you suppose that being able to read actually matters? Stephanie Simon's article is headlined: City Tries to Rewrite Lone Bookstore's Last Chapter :  Laredo Residents Campaign to Prevent Closing of B. Dalton Shop That Serves as Community Resource, Gathering Place and begins: "LAREDO, Texas -- Mary Benavides steps from behind the cash register several times a day to embrace the mourners. For more than 30 years, she has managed the mall's B. Dalton outlet -- the only bookstore in Laredo. It will close next month. All B. Daltons nationwide are closing, as corporate parent Barnes & Noble shutters the chain. In this era of mega-bookstores with cafes and cozy couches and 150,000 titles -- and with more than a million books available online -- B. Dalton's cramped outlets no longer make economic sense."  Read more at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126117299083897611.html   Those of us at the Parlor speculate if we lived in Laredo, we'd go to the City Librarian and begin (now just ask or just try) the process of allowing the  City Library discards and the discards from other nearby libraries (hint, hint TAMU-I)  to form the basis of a used book store (with serious intent) through a commodious and convenient, well-lighted space.  In short time, new books could be added to the line.  If  free enterprize will not address the obvious public needs, the government should.  Or you can offer a different idea.

Poking Around in the UT Dallas Archives

Press release begins:   Paul Oelkrug (foreground) leads archivists on a tour of McDermott Library's Special Collections. Archivists Get a Glimpse of UT Dallas Library Rarities Dec. 14, 2009 "Visiting archivists got acquainted with some of UT Dallas' most exclusive holdings recently when they met at McDermott Library to tour the Special Collections department. Paul Oelkrug and his staff in Special Collections led visitors through the History of Aviation Collection, which features a world-class aeronautical archive. The collection is the department's largest section. The saw the Wineburgh Philatelic Research Library, a regional resource for philatelic and postal history; and the Louise B. Belsterling Library, a collection of rare botanical books, including the library's oldest volume."  Read more at http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/12/14-002.php

Ron Stone Academy for the Teaching of Texas History

University of Houston New Release   Texas History Academy links late Ron Stone, UHFoundation Gift Launches New Resource for Texas History Teachers It begins:  "June 3, 2009 - Houston - The rugged history of the Lone Star State is revealed in landmarks, cities and tales.  Now, a new resource at the University of Houston Center for Public History helps Texas teachers harness that rich history for the classroom. The University of Houston Center for Public History has announced a $75,000 gift from the Ron Stone Foundation to begin the Ron Stone Academy for the Teaching of Texas History. The gift will be matched by a $75, 000 contribution by the university." Read more at:  http://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2009articles/june2009/06032009CPHRonStoneAcademyforTexasHistory.php For more information about The Ron Stone Foundation, visit http://ronstonefoundation.org/.

Texas Music History Lecture Series in El Paso

The El Paso Newspaper Tree report begins "New Texas Music History Lecture Series Thursday, December 3, 2009 El Paso Museum of History Begins New Texas Music History Lecture Series "Beginning September 3 and continuing through December, the El Paso Museum of History will celebrate Texas' influence in Zydeco, Jazz, Women in Texas Music and Blues music. The lecture series will take place the first Thursday of each month. It is the first series of events that the museum will charge an admission fee for: $4 for members and $8 for nonmembers. The goal of this series is to offer something special for the museum's membership and to attract potential new members."  Read more at http://www.newspapertree.com/calendar/3272-new-texas-music-history-lecture-series  or visit the museum at http://www.elpasotexas.gov/history/

National Literary Landmarks in Texas

Earlier this December, the Lorenzo de Zavala Texas State Library and Archives Building  received designation as a National Literary Landmark, the fourth in Texas.  The other three are the O. Henry Home in Austin, the Katherine Anne Porter Home in Kyle, and the Menger Hotel in San Antonio.   Learn more about the National Literary Landmarks at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/altaff/outreach/literarylandmarks/index.cfm The Dallas News carried an article about the announcement at http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/12/laura-bush.html   Hmmm, only four.  Sure wouldn't take long to round up a few more.  What're the qualifications?

Dollar Store Dirt and Marshall

Locals angry over store's proposed site Click-2-Listen By Terri Hahn, News Messenger Friday, December 11, 2009   [This article from Marshall reveals Dollar Store's intent to build in a historic neighborhood on Burleson.] http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/content/news/stories/2009/121209_web_city.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=7

General Land Office - Teachers Guide

Teachers Guide: Three Centuries on the Land: The Archives of the Texas General Land Office (The Story of Texas is told through the history of its public lands). Table of Contents Introduction....................................................................3 History of the Texas General Land Office.............................................4 Categories of Land Grants in Texas................................................10 Mineral Files..................................................................15 Digital Preservation Project............................................16 The Campaign to Save Texas History…………………17 Appendix A Commissioners of the General Land Office....................18 Appendix B Sources for Further Reading..........................................19   This 20-page document is available online at http://www.glo.state.tx.us/archives/additionpubs.html