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

Lamar University News release: Wooster to edit Gulf Historical and Biographical Record 8/18/2009 Texas Gulf Historical Society Ralph Wooster, distinguished professor of history emeritus at Lamar University, will serve as editor of the Texas Gulf Historical and Biographical Record, Curtis Leister, president of Texas Gulf Historical Society, has announced. Wooster is a prominent and prolific historian, having authored nine books and more than 70 articles dealing with the history of Texas, the South, Secession, the Civil War and World War II." Read more at http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/news/207_7845.htm The Record comes from the Texas Gulf Historical Society. http://texasgulfhistorysociety.org/ http://www.texasgulfhistorysociety.org/NewEditor.htm

This Week in Texas Music History

KERA in North Texas sponsors Art & Seek: A Community for Arts, Culture, and Creative People.  A part of their postings, usually on Friday, are "This Week in Texas Music History."  In order to find a long list of entries, select "Features" and search for "This week in Music History" and you'll receive many entries.  Click on each entry and you'll receive a fuller essay, and, yes, Virginia, audio is an option. Navigation notes remind you that "You can also hear This Week in Texas Music History on Friday on KXT and Saturday on KERA radio. But subscribe to the podcast so you won't miss an episode. And our thanks to KUT public radio in Austin for helping us bring this segment to you." The current listing is on Scott Joplin, the ragtime man. http://www.artandseek.org/

Connect 2 Texas web site

Self-described as " Welcome to the Connect2Texas web site! The purpose of this site is to promote programs offered by interactive videoconferencing providers in the State of Texas. Click here to see the list of providers TEACHERS: Not sure what to expect with a content program? Click here to see a sample program from Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, or click here for a brief overview of Connect2Texas (these files will play in Windows MediaPlayer).   An interesting development worth checking out . http://www.connect2texas.net/ The following providers have programs listed on this site Amon Carter Museum Bass Performance Hall Botanical Research Institute of Texas Cook Children's Medical Center Education Service Center Region XI Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge McDonald Observatory Monnig Meteorite Gallery at TCU National Archives Fort Worth National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Sid Richardson Museum Texas Wildlife Association The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum The Grace Museum UNT Health Science Center

Houston Chronicle's Today in Texas History

The Houston Chronicle blog Texas on the Potomac for last several months has been rather steady in adding 2, 3, or 4 entries a week to their Today in Texas History postings.  Enough to keep regular tabs on, good reading.  I've added it to my Yahoo homepage.  You may want to try it. http://blogs.chron.com/txpotomac/

Quarter Horse - Official Texas State Horse

Logan Head, a youngster in Bonham, led the posse that established the Quarter Horse (Steel Dust and all that) as the official Texas state horse.  Logan's effort has been noted elsewhere, but here's the anticipatory news as reported in New Zealand.  Good going Logan! http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/08/126.shtml The American Quarter Horse Association is headdquartered in Amarillo, of course.  Logan is a Youth member. http://www.aqha.com/ http://www.aqha.com/news/2009PressReleases/08182009_texashorse.html While eating a supper of the official state dish CHILI, seasoned by the official state peppers JALAPENO and CHILTIPEN official state vegetable SWEET ONION and the official state small mammal the ARMADILLO and the official large mammal the LONGHORN, prepared in the official state cooking implement the DUTCH OVEN, cowboys and cowgirls, dressed in their offiicial fabric COTTON shirts and blouses, can tether their quarterhorses to the offical state vehicle the CHUCKWAGON which is always among a field of the state flower the BLUEBONNETS and the official grass GAMMA and the official state plant the PRICKLEY PEAR CACTUS and the official native shrub the PURPLE SAGE. If the chili is quite ready, sing the official song TEXAS OUR TEXAS and snack on the official snacks TORTILLA CHIPS and SALSA. Along with the chili, you'll want the official state bread PAN DE CAMPO.  Afterwards enjoy some official state dessert STEUDEL and SOPAIPILLA and the official health nut the PECAN. Relax under the official tree the PECAN, listen to the offiicial bird the MOCKINGBIRD and the official musical instrument the GUITAR supply music for the official folk dance the SQUARE DANCE, and watch your official dog the BLUE LACY snap at the official insect the MONARCH BUTTERLY, root around the gamma for the official reptile the HORNED TOAD and gaze in puzzle at the official flying mammal the MEXICAN FREE-TAILED BAT.  Non-dancers can chat about the official sport the RODEO, their last sighting of the official fish the GUADALUPE BASS, whether a saddle blanket can be made from the official tartan the BLUEBONNET TARTAN and whether one prefers our current state artist, historian, or poet laureate.

Texas Tech Stadium History etc.

At  "Texas Tech Today" http://today.ttu.edu/2009/11/cultivating-the-home-field-advantage-a-memoir-revisited/  you'll find a very nice essay on the history of the Red Raiders football stadium 1920's onward.  Hmmm, seems like somebody a the Texas Tech University Press could assign an industrious journalism student to compile an anthology of Texas college stadiums (stadia) histories.  The autumn leaves pigskin fans across the state would surely wish to purchase a copy.  It may challenge our many "churches of Texas" volumes.

Salado Library Texas History at the Movies

In their Texas Ranch House blog, the Salado Public Library reports it has just finish a month long series on Texas history in cooperation with the local Silver Spur Theater with a showing of "Giant," which flickered a hour after their presentation of Ramon Carter's "Texas Profiles." http://saladolibrary.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/texas-history-series-at-the-salado-public-library/

San Antonio Radio Memories website

Let yourself drift across the last 50 year of San Antonio, Texas radio at http://www.sanantonioradiomemories.com/ Self-described as "The purpose of San Antonio Radio Memories is to provide a clearinghouse for those who would like to share and preserve their personal San Antonio Radio Memories for future generations. Our mission is to provide a repository for those memories, to collect the stories, and eventually, compile them into book form for everyone to enjoy. " It begins "Remember that incredible, unique sound that was San Antonio radio in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s? There was that "nothing like it before" music that rocked us, but more importantly, there were those incredible air "personalities"…who literally blew us away! These giant talents did more than spin "stacks of wax." They created a whole world of entertainment that we could be a part of at the flick of a switch or the press of a button. Real, live DJs, who chose their own music, created imaginary sidekicks, made us laugh, and filled our days and nights with companionship and joy." Building toward a book.

Fantastic Science Fiction & Lou Antonelli

Lou Antonelli, a Texan science fiction writer who occasionally uses Texas as a setting, self-describes himself as "Lou Antonelli has had 43 stories published in the past six years in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia in magazines such as Asimov's Science Fiction, Jim Baen's Universe, Dark Recesses and Andromeda Spaceways In-flight Magazine. He has had nine honorable mentions in "The Year's Best Science Fiction" (St. Martin's Press, Gardner Dozois, ed.). He lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas, with his wife, Patricia (Randolph), and is managing editor of the Mount Pleasant Daily Tribune." He also posts in his blogs about his work and other science fiction in two places   Fantastic Texas http://fantastictexas.blogspot.com/ and This Way to Texas: Lou Antonelli's Dang Old Blog http://louantonelli.blogspot.com/ For example, a rocket ship lifts off from the Republic of Texas and Buddy Holley is President.

Oral history, Bexar, and Photography Digitization

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has awarded six digitization grants via the  TexTreasures Program, addressing these local (and state) historical locales:  Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi, and Austin with attention to these population segments: general, Tejano, African American. "Houston Oral History Project" ($25,000) – The Houston Public Library is partnering with Houston Mayor Bill White to preserve and make the video-recordings of significant Houstonians available on the web. This grant will convert an additional 288 hours of audiotapes from cassette or reel-to-reel to digital format along with transcripts for the collection. "The Bexar Archives" ($19,930) – The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin will create a research tool, called Bexar Archives Online, which joins digital images of the original Spanish documents with the corresponding English-language translations. "Marion Butts Photography Negatives Project" ($17,571) – The Dallas Public Library will use the photographic records produced by Marion Butts, an African-American photographer and editor of the Dallas Express, as well as other primary source materials such as maps, Negro city directories and oral histories to develop a series of online Texas-focused, TEKS-based lesson plans targeting seventh grade students. The records chronicle Dallas and Texas history during the segregation and civil rights eras. "Lady Bird Johnson Photo Collection Project" ($16,610) – The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin will digitize and provide access to a unique collection of photographs of Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson. She is the wife of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, and was born in Karnack, Texas. As the First Lady of the United States from 1963-69, she was an advocate for nature, beautification and conservation of natural resources. Most of the photographs in this collection date after her return to Texas. "Itinerant Photographer Collection" ($14,389) – The Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin will preserve and digitize a collection of glass plate negatives depicting local businesses owners and employees in Corpus Christi, which were taken by an unidentified photographer in February 1934 during the Depression. The center will provide an online finding aid, an online catalog record and an online exhibit of the fragile items now in danger of emulsion loss. "Tejano Voices Project" ($6,500) – The University of Texas at Arlington Library will digitize and describe 13 oral history interviews from notable Tejanos and Tejanas from across Texas conducted in 1992-2003 by Dr. Jose Angel Gutierrez, associate professor of political science at UT Arlington. Many of the interviews emphasize the personal struggles, from individuals of Mexican decent, who are the first in their communities elected or appointed to government offices. The interviews also reflect the history of the Tejano community as it pressed for an end to racial segregation in the state and access to political power in the post-WWII period.

State Library & Archives Commissioners reappointed

Last October the Texas State Library and Archives released a news release announcing that "The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce the reappointment of chairman Sandra J. Pickett of Liberty, Martha Doty Freeman of Austin and Larry G. Holt of College Station, to its governing board. Governor Rick Perry has reappointed them to a six-year term to expire on September 28, 2015.:

Texas Tribune - new newspaper

The Texas Tribune is described by the Texas Community College Teachers Association: The TCCTA description begins:  "A new approach to Texas journalism is getting cranked up, and you may want to have a look. It's the Texas Tribune, calling itself a "non-profit, nonpartisan public media organization," with promises to "promote civic engagement and discourse on public policy, politics, government, and other matters of statewide concern."  So far it looks like the effort will devote considerable energy to legislative and education issues." Read more at http://tccta.typepad.com/main/2009/11/texas-tribune-makes-debut.html Or go to the new Texas Tribune, headed by the former head of Texas Monthly, Evan Smith http://www.texastribune.org/ Check its parts Front Page Topics Library Polling Directory Blogs 2010 Calendar CampusWire   Writers include Julian Aguilar Brandi Grissom Reeve Hamilton Jim Henson Elise Hu Ben Philpott Ross Ramsey Emily Ramshaw Abby Rapoport Daron Shaw Evan Smith Morgan Smith Matt Stiles Brian Thevenot

Railroad Commission Turns Over Stones in Oil Patch

Digitizing Historical Records Self-described:  "With a federal grant and state matching funds, the Railroad Commission of Texas will digitize records of national historical significance from regulatory hearings involving fields in the East Texas region beginning in 1932 through 1972—the peak year of oil production in Texas." http://rrcdigitization.blogspot.com/   No doubt the limit of the project is East Texas because Jim Bowie's treasure is buried in Central Texas.

Frank Jennings Died

University of Texas at San Antonio Special Collections notes the passing of Frank Jennings. "Frank Jennings, a longtime donor and great friend of the Archives, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas."   Read more at http://libtmp.lib.utsa.edu/blogs/index.php/2009/08/20/in-memory-of-frank-jennings?blog=7   He followed San Antonio historian Ramsdell.

THC fines Collin brutes

Collin County sold a building (Brutish style architecture) to the City of McKinney which wishes to demolish it.  Texas Historical Commission says, NO, and fines 'em $1,000. http://www.baumbach.org/b2evolution/blogs/index.php/2009/08/21/brutal_fine_for_old_courthouse

Preserving Palo Duro Canyon

A novel historical preservation challenge.  Wind turbines and the Palo Duro Canyon   Read from the Industrial Wind Action Group http://www.windaction.org/opinions/23699 Amarillo.com http://www.amarillo.com/stories/101809/opi_opin4.shtml Protect North Palo Duro Canyon http://www.protectcanyon.com/

James Nava on the Western novel

http://www.jamesnava.com/2009/11/08/literature-the-western-ii/   James Nava, a Spanish native and American adoptee, hold forth on the Western.

Paul Baker's Last Curtain Call

Paul Baker, legendary theater figure in Texas, dies at 98 By Michael Barnes | Monday, October 26, 2009, "Paul Baker, the founding artistic director of the Dallas Theater Center and a legendary presence on the Texas theater scene, has died of complications of pneumonia. He was 98." Read more commentary sparked by his October 25th death in the Austin 360 at:  http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/outandabout/entries/2009/10/26/paul_baker_lege.html     Or other links at http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2009/10/26/paul-baker-dies/ http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/paul-baker-giant-of-texas-theater-dies.html http://www.wacotrib.com/featr/content/accesswaco/2009/10/27/10272009wacpaulbaker.html   No doubt somebody will shortly be working on article for the Handbook of Texas.

Texas Book Festival Commentary

Texas Book Festival: What others said Texas Book Festival: Sales, reflections and what did you think? Texas Book Festival: Barbara Ehrenreich looks on the bright side Texas Book Festival: Luis Alberto Urrea Texas Book Festival: A Jeannette Walls pick-me-up Texas Book Festival: Weirdness in the heart of Russia Texas Book Festival: Tad Friend, Danzy Senna and the perils of writing about family Texas Book Festival: Margaret Atwood, delightfully naughty Texas Book Festival: Andrew Ross Sorkin on "Too Big to Fail" Texas Book Festival: The vision of Buzz Aldrin Texas Book Festival: Jeff Abbott -- thriller writer, genius at the bar Texas Book Festival: Jonathan Lethem's reading list