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Newsletters From 2008

6 Jan

Howdy, Ya'll,

Happy New Year to all of you and may this be your most prosperous one yet. Many thanks for coming back along for the ride.

The question we asked right before Christmas was "The world's first what was held on July 4, 1883, in Pecos, Texas?" We didn't stump you this time either!

NasCar24Grl
"Yeehawwwww it was rodeo, pronounced ro-di-o..NOT ro-DAY-o....ro-DAY-o is a place to go shopping for stuff you don't need and can't afford even if you DID need it"

TexasLilyBelle
"Yippe-ay-yo it was the rodeo!"

Very good, ladies! It certainly was the rodeo, a Texas standard.

This week we ask what Texas building is referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World? Is it the Astrodome in Houston, the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, or the Trammell Crow Center in Dallas? Let us know!

Here's a look at what's happening in Rockwall for the month of January. Let us know if you go to any of the scheduled events.

13 & 14 - Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Awards Banquet
15 - Ribbon Cutting - Presbyterian Hospital of Rockwall
16 - Membership Luncheon
17 - Ribbon Cutting - Willard Heating and Air Conditioning
18 & 19 - MusicFest Roast for Raymond Cameron
20 & 21 - Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is closed
22 - Ribbon Cutting - Value Place
23 - The Lunchbox Series 2007-2008
24 - Ribbon Cutting - Debbie Adams/Coldwell Banker APEX
27 - Rockwall Kiwanis Club presents "A Musical Fundraiser"
28 & 29 - Ribbon Cutting - Red Woof Inn

Trivia Answer...
The Astrodome

13 Jan

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope your new year is progressing successfully. Winter sure is here, isn't it?

We seemed to have stumped you last week when we asked "What building has been called the Eighth Wonder of the World?" It is the Astrodome in Houston, of course.

Now here's a question near and dear to my heart... What creamery began in Brenham, Texas, in 1907? I could sure go for some of their product now!!

Planning a jaunt around Texas? We'll supply a website each week to a county in Texas. If you visit, drop us a line and let us know. This week we feature Hays County, home to San Marcos, Texas.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Trivia Answer...
The Blue Bell Creamery

20 Jan

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another week of GTT. Hope you are keeping warm!

Last week we asked what creamery was in Brenham, Texas. And, yes, it is Blue Bell as correctly guessed by the following;

Nascar24Grl
"Bluoooooooooe Bell Creamery! Its a nice place and YES the product is YUMMY, especially if you eat it there when its only hours old!"

TexasLilyBelle
"Awwww...I miss my Bluebell!!"

This week we are asking an easy one... "Who is the 52 foot mascot who greets visitors at the State Fair of Texas each year?" And bonus points if you can correctly guess who did the voice!

This week why not visit the Dallas County website. If you find out things unusual, common or just downright interesting, let us know.

Any new recipes floating around? Yellowrosie has sent in a couple of good ones and those will be on the site hopefully next week.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Trivia Answer...
Big Tex and the voice was provided by Jim Lowe

27 Jan

Howdy, Ya'll,

Here's hoping your week has been productive.

We have a new recipe on the site this week. It's for an award winning Pilsbury Pie and was supplied to us by Yellowrosie. Let us know how it tastes if you have a go at making one.

We certainly didn't stump you last week! We asked "What is the name of the 52 foot mascot who greets visitors at the Texas State Fair and can you name the man who did the voice?"

Yellowrosie
"Big Tex is the Texas size visitor who greets Fair Goers, I think the voice for many years was Jim Lowe but not sure about that...." Yellowrosie, you are correct! Big Tex made his debut in 1952 and Jim Lowe provided the voice starting in 1954. After Mr Lowe's untimely passing in 2000, many have tried to imitate the voice, but none come close to the original!

TexasLillyBelle
"That would be Big Tex voiced by Jim Lowe! H-O-W-D-Y!"

KC Crockett
"The answer to the 20th Jan question is Big Tex...... I remember him."

So a big howdy and a welcome to the State Fair to all!

This week we ask having only one city in its county, what is the smallest county in Texas? Let us hear from you!

This week we put the spotlight on Tarrant County, Texas. Go to Tarrant County and check it out. If you go to anything there or you have been there, let us know what you saw.

Trivia Answer...
Rockwall

3 Feb

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to the first February 2008 newsletter.

We asked last week "What is the smallest county in Texas?" Right on cue, we got back answers from

Nascar24Grl
"Rockwall county is the smallest county."

Detective Pinkerton
"Hi, Texasrose, the smallest county in Texas is ROCKWALL. Its only got one city, is 147 miles square and the population in 2000 was 17,976."

Glad we couldn't stump those two. Maybe they'll have as much luck with the 'Name That Texan'.

This week we ask in April 1836, where did the Texans defeat Santa Anna? Let us hear from you! Our county of the week, this week, is Lavaca County and their web site is here. If you go to the website, let us know what you think.

Have a good week,

Trivia Answer...
San Jacinto

10 Feb

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope you are having a good week here leading up to Valentine's Day. Other than Valentine's Day, here are a couple of other historical happenings in February for Texas:

1 February 1861 - Texas seceded from the Federal Union following a 171 to 6 vote by the Secession Convention. Governor Sam Houston was one of a small minority opposed to secession.

17 February 1929 – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is founded in Corpus Christi.

Last week we asked in April 1836, where did the Texans defeat Santa Anna? We heard from these folks:

TexasLilyBelle
"The battle of San Jacinto...or if you're from Texas San Jacinta."

Yellowrosie
"Santa Anna's 'Waterloo' was San Jacinto and in my opinion he got off much better than he deserved after what he did at Alamo and Goliad." You have a few other people agreeing with you!!

Detective Pinkerton
"The Battle of San Jacinto."

All three are correct!

This week we ask what month, day and year did Texas become a state? Easy peasy! Let us hear from you.

Our county this week is Smith County. Their website is Smith County and there is quite a bit of history on there. Have a look and see.

Trivia Answer...
Dec 29 1845

17 Feb

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hopefully spring is on the way. I know we could sure use a dose of heat around here! How about you?

Good news. We've had a revamp of the Gone to Texas website. Hopefully you'll still be able to find your way around. Just to get you started, have a go at the Name that Texan quiz, it's on Photo Quiz. Let us know what you think of the site. Report any glitches, (missing images, missing pages, etc.) you may find. Do this at Contact Us. The Discussion Board, Discussion, has been disabled during the upgrade and will be up and running again shortly.

Last week our question was what month, day and year did Texas become a state? We got these replies:

Texas LilyBelle
"December 29, 1845! Gee...I wonder what other WONDERFUL thing happened on December 29th many years later??" (I think she's trying to tell us she has a birthday on the 29th!)

Yellowrosie
"Texas became the 28th state, Dec 29, 1845."

Congratulations, you ladies are absolutely right! Texas was a republic for a little over nine years before she became a state.

Now comes this question...there was a time in history after Texas became a state that she succeeded from the Union. Why did Texas do that, who did she join and for how long? Let us know the answers to any of these questions. We'd love to hear from you!

Here is the official website for Anderson County. Visit it here. Let us know what you think. Have you ever visited there?

Trivia Answer...
Succeeded to the CSA for 9 years

24 Feb

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another exciting week of history with Gone to Texas. Spring is definitely in the air and getting closer all the time.

The discussion board is up and running again after last weeks revamp. Check out the discussion board or follow the 'Discussion' link on the homepage.

We've added the words to "Texas, Our Texas" to the site. They can be found on the emblems page.

Last week we asked "There was a time in history after Texas became a state that she succeeded from the Union. Why did Texas do that, who did she join and for how long?"

CalicoLace gave us the answer...
"Because of the War Between the States (or Civil War or The War of Northern Aggression) Texas seceded from the Union in 1861 and was readmitted to the Union in 1870 (after the radical reconstruction)"

Good going, Lacey!

This week we ask what Texas city is known as "The Rose Capital of the World"?

I bet you know this one! Let us hear from you.

We spotlight on Pecos county this week. It's website is at Pecos County

Trivia Answer...
Tyler, TX

2 Mar

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to a new month! Daffodils will hopefully be blooming soon then, later on it will be time for bluebonnets.

There's a new recipe on the site this week. It's for Yellowrosies Chicken Fried Steak. Go to Yellowrosies Chicken Fried Steak and let us know how it tastes. Any of the rest of you have any Texas or favorite Southern recipies, let us know and we'll get them onto the site to share with the others.

Our question for you all last week was "What city in Texas is considered the Rose Capital of the World?" We couldn't fool you with this one!

Texas LilyBelle said,
"Tyler, Texas."

CalicoLace said,
"I believe that is Tyler, Texas."

Yellowrosie answered,
" If it's not too late, the Rose Capital is Tyler.....sorry to be late in replying. (It's never too late, Rosie!!)

And our very own Detective Pinkerton gave us the most detailed and informative answer when he wrote in,
"Hi, Texasrose, Tyler, Texas is referred to as the rose capital of America because of its large growing industry. 20% of commerical rose bushes produced in the USA are grown in Tyler and Smith counties. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October. Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is at 1900 West Front, Tyler, Tx. It has 14 acres and 400 rose varities with free admission."

Wow, Det. Pinkerton, you really did your homework! Good job and thank you! Thanks to all of you who wrote in. We love to hear fom you.

Our question this week is "What lake is the only natural lake in the whole state?" Let us hear fom you!

This week's county in the spotlight is Limestone County, home of the famous Parker's Fort. Check it out at Limestone County. If you've ever been and would like to send us something about your trip, please do. We'd love to hear about it.

Trivia Answer...
Caddo Lake

6 Mar

Happy Alamo Day!

Spare a moment today to think about the brave men who stood, and died, for what they believed in this day 172 years ago. A special "Thank You" to those brave men who helped make Texas what she is today.

Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!

9 Mar

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope the March sunshine is greeting you today. Hopefully in a few more weeks wildflowers will abound!

Have a look at My Texas to see what makes Texas. This was part of an email sent to Texasrose by Calicolace. Hope you don't mind us using it on the site, Calicolace.

Last week we asked "What lake in Texas is the only natural lake?" We certainly didn't fool you!

Calicolace
"Caddo Lake is Texas only natural lake."

TexasLilyBelle
"That would be Caddo Lake... Thank you, I'll take my winnings in the form of a check!" (Good sense of humor there, LilyBelle!)

Nascar24Grl
"Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas and named for the Caddo Indians....its a very pretty but mysterious looking lake.....looks like a swamp in places....its a GREAT place to visit! I have been there a couple of times, as a teenager. My family camped out there, it's a really nice lake."

Detective Pinkerton found its history for us:
"This lake was the only natural lake in Texas until it was artificially dammed in the early 1900's when oil was found and for flood control in 1914. A new dam replaced the old one in 1971. Caddo Indian legend attributes the formation of the lake to a giant flood. Scientists believe the lake formed when floodwaters, blocked by massive log jams on the Red River, backed up into the Cypress Bayou watershed, forming the lake."

Thanks, Detective Pinkerton, for taking the time to let us know all of this.

This week our question is "What group of Law Enforcers were created to help fight the Indian problem in Texas?" They have since become world famous helping to capture Bonnie and Clyde and two of their more famous members have been John Coffee "Jack" Hayes and "Big Foot" Wallace. Let us hear from you!

Our county this week is Harris County which is home to Houston, Texas. Have a look around the web site and let us know what you think. Find it at Harris County

Trivia Answer...
The Texas Rangers

16 Mar

Howdy, Ya'll,

A very Happy St Patrick's Day to all of you. May the luck of the Irish go with you this week.

We have added another recipe to the site. It's for Bad Hombre Eggs. We made them yesterday, with scrambled eggs, and they're very tasty. You can find the recipe here. Have a go and let us know what you think.

Last week our question was "What group of Law Enforcers were created to help fight the Indian problem in Texas?" They have since become world famous helping to capture Bonnie and Clyde and two of their more famous members have been John Coffee "Jack" Hayes and "Big Foot" Wallace. We heard from the following:

Texas LilyBelle said,
"The Texas Rangers... the enforcers, not the baseball team... just in case you were wondering!"

North Texas Explorer replied,
"The Texas Rangers."

Detective Pinkerton told us,
"Texas Rangers."

Well done! The Texas Rangers were created to help the Indian probelm during Texas' birthing pains. Helped out by Stephen F. Austin, they have now grown to a force of men that cannot be beaten. Thanks to all who answered.

This week we ask, "If the Texas flag is flown properly which color should be on top, red or white?" Now that's an easy one! Let us hear from you.

Our county of the week is Tom Green County. Visit it's web site here. Let us know what you find here.

Have a good week

Trivia Answer...
White goes to the top.

23 Mar

Howdy, Ya'll,

Happy Easter to you and your loved ones. May spring be on the way for all of us. I know we could sure use the warm weather.

Texas First Train Robbery

1878 train robbery puts Allen, TX on the map.

Not knowing it at the time, Sam Bass held the first train robbery in Texas and it was that robbery that put the town of Allen, TX on the map. On Feb 22, 1878, Bass and his gang held up the inbound train from Denison. The robbery happened at the original train depot in the town but the robbers only got away with $1400, a mere fraction of what they got in the Nebrasaka robbery that they had carried out previously. That robbery netted them $65,000. Lawmen from all across the state of Texas descended upon Allen shortly after the robbery but the robbers had already made their getaway.

Sam Bass and his boys pulled off three more Texas train robberies over the next few months before Mr. Bass was mortally wounded during a shootout in Round Rock. He died on July 21, his 27th birthday.

Allen, Texas and members of its Historical society commerate the robbery each year.

Newsletter Quiz

Last week, in the newsletter, we asked, "If the Texas flag is flown properly which color should be on top, red of white?" These are the answers we received, all 100% correct!

North Texas Explorer answered,
"Unless this is a trick question: White on top, red on the bottom." (No tricks here, just checking on our readers powers of observation as there's a picture of the flag sent with each email!)

TexasLilyBelle said simply,
"White!"

Wisconsin born and raised HoneyBiese said,
"Guess I would say the white, but then again blue is also on top sort of..........

The Texas state flag is the 1839 national flag of the Republic of Texas. The state flag is a rectangle that has a width to length ratio of two to three. It contains one blue vertical stripe that has a width equal to one-third the length of the flag, and two equal horizontal stripes, with the upper stripe white, the lower stripe red, and each having a length equal to two-thirds the length of the flag. The flag has one white, regular five-pointed star. The five-pointed star is located in the center of the blue stripe, oriented so that one point faces upward, and sized so that the diameter of a circle passing through the five points of the star is equal to three-fourths the width of the blue stripe. The red and blue of the state flag are the same colors used in the United States flag. The red, white, and blue of the state flag represent, respectively, bravery, purity and loyalty."

(Wow, HoneyBiese! Thank you for the info! You went all out for us.)

YellowRosie said,
"Even after an argument with my husband Tom, I still had to show him a picture so he would correct the flag on our flagpole (he listened to his brother, they all are from Colorado, what made them think you could fool a native born Texas girl!?) In case somebody isnt observant enough to notice the flag on your page or cant remember on their own, its blue on the left, white on the top and red on the bottom. Here is something to help:The flag is known as the "Lone Star Flag" (giving Texas its nickname of the "Lone Star State"). This flag was introduced to the Congress of the Republic of Texas on December 28, 1838, by Senator William H. Wharton. It was adopted on January 24, 1839 as the final national flag of the Republic of Texas. When Texas became the 28th state of the Union on December 29, 1845, its national flag became the state flag. Texas law assigns the following symbolism to the colors of the Texas flag: blue stands for loyalty, white for purity, and red for bravery. The official Pantone shades for the Texas flag are 193 (red) and 281 (dark blue).

(We are so impressed with all the onformation we keep getting from everyone. Thank you all so much!)

Nascar24Grl said,
"In the Texas flag, which flies from a pole in my back yard, the white is on the top and the red is on the bottom."

Detective Pinkerton got it right by answering,
"The white stripe, of two equal sized horizontal stripes, goes to the top."

We love to hear from you. It honestly just makes our week.

Now we pose this question to you... "Who were the only two women who were Texas governors?" Let us hear from you and keep all that information coming!

Our county of the week is Crockett County, named for the illustrious Davey himself. Have a look at the website and see what you like about it. Crockett County website can be found here.

Until next week...

Trivia Answer...
Miriam 'Ma' Ferguson and Ann Richards.

30 Mar

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope you are being treated to a wonderful early spring. Bt it never can come early enough, can it?

We have another recipe this week. It's for Tequilla Slush and sounds wonderful. Let us know if you try it. Go to http://www.gtt-gonetotexas.com/recipes.html#tequillaslush to check it out.

We didn't fool many of you last week with our question of "Who were Texas' two female governors?"

HoneyBiese said,
"Miriam Amanda Wallace Ferguson and Ann Willis Richards."

North Texas Explorer replied
"Miriam "Ma" Ferguson & Ann Richards."

Detective Pinkerton answered,
"Ma Ferguson and Ann Richards."

Nascar24Grl said,
"I know Ann Richards, who died last year of cancer was one lady governor, but had to search the computer to find out there was another lady named Ma Ferguson who served as governor after her husband Pa Ferguson. I didn't know there had been more than one. Thanks for making me learn more Texas history! (PS - I wonder how many other states have had husband/wife governors?)

Every one of you was right and we loved the question posed by Nascar24Grl. What other states have had husband and wife governors? Are there any others or is Texas the only state to have that in its history? Let us know if you do some research!

This week we'll go back to the Alamo. Who shared command of the Alamo in 1836 with William B. Travis? Let us know!

We're spotlighting Presidio County. Have you been? Take a peek at their website... It's at Presidio County.

See you next week!

Trivia Answer...
Jim Bowie.

6 Apr

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another week of GTT. Warmer weather will hopefully be on the way to a town near you!

Old Red ready for retro return

Old Red, Dallas County's courthouse, is getting a new make over (Photo 1). Back in 1919, the county removed the clock tower and the three ton bell that chimed the hour. According to Sam Childers, communications manager for the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture, winds swayed the tower, and the ringing bell crumbled the tower's stone and mortar. Now the stone and mortar are coming back, along with the clock tower and bell. It's all part of a $23 million courthouse restoration project.


The challenge now is to make Old Red look old again and that is exactly what the construction crew working on the building are going to do. By the end of July, Old Red will once be restored to its former glory, (Photo 2) that glory being the fifth courthouse to be used for Dallas County. This includes a soaring clock tower that nearly doubles the building's height to the original 1890's look. Inside the tower is something else that's more than a century old: The clock mechanism that will turn the hour and minute hands on the four faces to display the time. When the original bell was in use, newspaper stories reported it could be heard for 10 miles. No one knows how loud the new bell will be when it chimes the hour.

Last week we asked "Along with William B. Travis, who co-commanded the men at the Alamo in 1836?"

TexasLilyBelle said,
"That would be Jim Bowie....a man who popularized the Bowie knife!"

HoneyBiese answered,
"If I remember my history, I want to say James Bowie, but I could be wrong."

No, HoneyBiese, you and TexasLilyBelle are both absolutely correct! Good work!

This week you may have to do a bit of looking. Who was the United States President when Texas was annexed to the states in 1845? We know you'll get this one! Let us hear from you.

The county we're featuring today is Cameron County and it's web site is at Cameron County. If you live there, or you've ever been there, let us know.

Have a good week.

Trivia Answer...
James Polk.

13 Apr

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hopefully your April is blooming with spring flowers, bluebonnets included.

HoneyBiese got our question right from last week. We asked "Who was the President of the United States when Texas became a state on Dec 29, 1845?" HoneyBiese answered, "James K. Polk." Very good, HoneyBiese!

Our question this week is "What is the name of the Texas state song?" For additional points, tell us who wrote it. Let us hear from you!

You might be interested in to hear about the Book Club of Texas and, especially, one of its publications edited by Christine Gilbert, ed., G.T.T. Gone to Texas: Letters from Our Boys (1878-1889) (Austin: Jace Graf, 2000). The book was originally published in 1884, and the Book Club of Texas published a new edition in 2000. It's about a young man, Willy Hughes, who at age 18 left England and came to Texas to learn sheep ranching and start his own ranch near Boerne. It can be ordered from the Book Club of Texas at http://www.smu.edu/cul/degolyer/pub_booktx.htm

Our county for the week is Willacy County in south Texas. It's website is here. If you have ever been in Willacy County, let us know.

Until next time,

Trivia Answer...
Texas Our Texas. Written by William J. Marsh and Gladis Yoakum Wright.

20 Apr

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope this letter finds you well and healthy. Thunderboomers in Texas have caused quite a stir lately but then the Byron Nelson Golf Classic is getting closer! Last week we asked "What is Texas' state song?"

Detective Pinkerton was definitely on the right trail when he said "The Texas state song, is Texas Our Texas. The offical state song of Texas was adopted by the legislature in 1929 after being selected in a state-wide competition. The anthem was composed by William Marsh of Fort Worth and the lyrics were written by Marsh and Gladis Yoakum Wright. To listen to the state song go to click here and follow the link."

Congratulations, Detective PInkerton!

This week..."Is This The Way To Amarillo?" and "Amarillo By Morning" were giant hits for Tony Christie and George Strait. But what does Amarillo mean in the Spanish language? Let us know!

Our highlighted county this week is Dallam County, the most northern county in the Panhandle. It's website is at www.dallam.org/county

See you next week!

Trivia Answer...
Yellow.

27 Apr

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope that good Texas sunshine is beaming down on you today. How are the bluebonnets in your area? Are there some good areas of them? If you take pictures of them, please send them this way. We'll be glad to put them on the website and you even get credit for them!

Last week we asked "'Is This The Way To Amarillo?' and 'Amarillo By Morning' were giant hits for Tony Christie and George Strait. But what does Amarillo mean in the Spanish language?" We loved it because we got so many of you to write in with the answer.

Yellowrosie said,
"My 4 yr old grandson says Amarillo means yellow, rojo means red, azul means blue and verde means green. He's learing them by watching preschool shows on Noggin." Way to go, Marshall AJ!!

Detective Pinkerton answered,
"Amarillo is Spanish for yellow." Way to track those answers down!

CalicoLace replied,
"That would be yellow (or “yella”). That's the Texan way to say it!"

Texas LilyBelle told us,
"Yellow... I better know this as I am in my 4th semester of Spanish!!" Too smart for us, LilyBelle!

HoneyBiese sent in,
"Amarillo, pronounced Ahmareeyo in Spanish, means the color yellow." Good going!

Thank you one and all for the answer and you are all absolutely correct.

Now this week we want you to go back to the 60's. Lyndon Johnson was President then, a Texas boy born and raised, but what was his middle name? Let us know!

The county for the week is one of the southern port counties, Aransas. It's official site is here. Let us know if you've ever been there.

'til next week,

Trivia Answer...
Baines.

4 May

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hopefully spring has sprung in your area!

Last week we went back to the 60's for our quiz. Lyndon Johnson was President then, a Texas boy born and raised, but what was his middle name, we asked. We couldn't fool some of you!

HoneyBiese said,
"Middle name was Baines. That was an easy one...."

TexasLilyBelle replied,
"That would be Baines!...by the way...I'm still waiting for my check!" That is indeed correct, LilyBelle, but are there cash prizes here?? Maybe that check is in the mail!

Yellowrosie told us,
"LBJ's middle name is shared by his daughter Lucy, it's Baines."

Thanks for answering, ladies. We appreciate that!

We also wanted to know how the bluebonnets were doing in your area. CalicoLace told us things seem to be a bit wet in her neck of the woods right now, the bluebonnets weren't as pretty as they usually are.

YellowRosie said, "As for bluebonnets, they are pretty if you are in an area that has them, though they have just about bloomed out. Most of the great bluebonnets that were along south I 20 are gone due to all the construction down that way. I have looked for several places alone the highways to get some pictures of Marshall AJ with them, but haven't found a good place to stop because of the traffic and constuction."

Darn! Sounds like, so far, it's not just a real good year for bluebonnets.

Speaking of bluebonnets, there is a good book written by Tomie de Paola called The Legend of the Bluebonnet. The little girl in the story is of what origin? Is she Apache, Caddo or Comanche? That's our question this week, so let us hear from you. Don't forget to have a go at our Photo Quiz as well.

Our county for the week is Kinney County. It's website is here. Have you been to the county or have you visited the website? Let us know what you think.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Comanche.

11 May

Howdy, Ya'll,

Happy Mother's Day! You can't get much better than mothers from Texas.

We asked a bluebonnet question last week about a good book written by Tomie de Paola called The Legend of the Bluebonnet. The little girl in the story is of what origin? "Is she Apache, Caddo or Comanche?"

HoneyBiese answered,
"The little girl was Commanche, and this is a wonderful story. Thanks for the reminder of such a good childrens story."

She's right...it is an excellent story. If you have not read it, take a trip to the library and check this one out.

This week we'll keep right on with little Comanche children. Who was the little girl captured from a fort in Groesbeck, Texas in 1836? She would go on to have three children... Quanah, Pecos and Prairie Flower. Let us know!

Our county this week is Childress. It's website is here at Childress Country.

Until next time,

Trivia Answer...
Cynthia Ann Parker.

18 May

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another week of Gone To Texas. I don't have to tell anyone reading this list that Texas is the best state ever and only gets better through the years. God bless Texas!

We sure didn't stump anybody last week with our question about the little girl who was kidnapped from Parker's Fort. Of course, it was Cynthis Ann Parker as the answers relate.

HoneyBiese and North Texas Explorer both answered with
"Cynthia Ann Parker."

CalicoLace said,
"Of course it was Cynthia Ann Parker. These are too easy."

Well, Lacey, let's see if we can come up with something with a bit of bite to it. Who murdered the French explorer Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur De La Salle in 1687? La Salle and his men landed near Lavaca Bay in Texas trying to reach Mississippi, but we want to know who killed him? Let us hear from you!

Detective Pinkerton guessed the face in our photo quiz pages. Check out this week's photo and get you name on the site.

Our county this week is Nacogdoches. Go to Nacogdoches and treat yourself to some old time photos.

Until next time,

Trivia Answer...
Pierre Duhaut.

25 May

Howdy, Ya'll,

Happy Memorial Day to you! The end of spring and the beginning of summer now, but pause a while and thank all those men and women who served, and for those who still serve, so valiantly in the Armed Forces for us. We also include the heroes of the Alamo in that statement.

Last week we asked a toughie. Who murdered the French explorer Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur De La Salle in 1687? La Salle and his men landed near Lavaca Bay in Texas trying to reach Mississippi, but we wanted to know who killed him?

HoneyBiese and North Texas Explorer both wrote in with the correct response,
"Pierre Duhaut."

Congratulations! We were even looking for the answer that "His own men killed him", but these two were a bit more specific.

This week we ask what is a dasypus novemcinctus? That ought to get the ole brain boxes working! Let us hear from you.

This week we salute Presidio County. Follow the web link to see its site. Go to Presidio County.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Armadillo.

1 June

Howdy, Ya'll,

Here we come into the summer months and that means a lot of heat! But it wouldn't be Texas unless we had the sun shining on us 24/7, now would it??

Last week we asked, "What is a dasypus novemcinctus?"

HoneyBiese said,

"Nine banded, long nosed armadillo."
Todd Kent, our Northwest Explorer, answered,
"A Texas speed bump (aka armadillo... a great ingredient for chili)" Hurry and pass the bowl around!!

CalicoLace replied,
"Armadillo. We usually see them a bit flatter than this."


Very good!! That is exactly what we were looking for. Also last week was Memorial Day and HoneyBiese enclosed this in her letter to us: "I ditto remembering the soldiers protecting us today and those who gave thier lives doing so in the past. No matter the country, everyone should be proud of the armed forces, and I know we all are here, Texasrose!!!" Thanks, HoneyBiese, we more than agree.

Now this week for the trivia question, we start off with there are four kinds of venomous snakes in Texas: coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Which one never strays far from water and what is its nickname?

This week we salute the county of Ward County which claims to have some of the best water in Texas. It's website is here.

Enjoy the week,

Trivia Answer...
Cottonmouth.

8 June

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope the temperatures aren't too high for you here in June. Summer is right around the corner and there's never a better time to visit somewhere different in Texas. Get out a map, close your eyes and point! Then drive to that town and see what it has to offer. Tell us about it if you get the chance to!

Last week we said "There are four kinds of venomous snakes in Texas: coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Which one never strays far from water and what is its nickname?" We got a host of answers, all correct!

HoneyBiese said,
"Not sure about this one. I do know that the Cottonmouth is also known as Trapjaw or Watermoccosin, and I am pretty sure it stays near the water. What I did learn was that they CAN bite under water. That I didn't know." Exactly right!

Dark Shadow answered,
"The answer you seek is The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin." Right, Shadow and welcome to GTT! We're always happy to have new members come on board.

Tejas KC told us,
"I think I might know what it is.... is it the Water Moccasin?" It certainly is, Tejas KC, and you are also very welcomed to GTT. Hope to hear from you soon too.

CalicoLace replied,
"The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin - which is related to the Copperhead. How about that nice cotton white mouth?"


Thank you to all who wrote; we love getting letters. Hey, YellowRosie, any more good recipes for us??

Now for this week's trivia... April 21, 1836 is a very important date in Texas history. Why is that? Let us hear from you!

The county of the week is Hildalgo in the southern tip of Texas. It's website is www.co.hidalgo.tx.us.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
The Battle of San Jacinto.

15 June

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to the middle of June and all the glories of summer. Along with all the heat, I sure hope there's nice, gentle rains where you are.

Last week our question must have been really hard... "April 21, 1836 is a very important date in Texas history. Why is that?"

We heard from HoneyBiese who had the correct answer,
"The Battle of San Jacinto."

It sure was, Santa Anna's Waterloo. Thanks, HoneyBiese!

This week we ask in what county will you find the Alamo? Now we all know it's in San Antonio, but what county is that? Is it San Antonio County, Tarrant County or Bexar County? Let us hear from you!

We salute Webb County this week. Check out its web site at Webb County. It looks quite interesting.

Have a good week,

Trivia Answer...
Bexar County.

22 June

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope the week is going just right for you. Summer's here and with it thoughts turn to vacations. Invite someone to Texas. Let them experience what real living is all about!

Last week we asked "In what county will you find the Alamo?"

HoneyBiese said,
"I do believe it is Bexar County." You believe correctly, HoneyBiese!

CalicoLace answered, "Bexar. It would be funny if Mexia were in Bexar county? Can’t you just hear the folks trying to correct the pronunciations?" Correct, CalicoLace, and I love that thought too. Very good!

This week we ask "Which city is considered to be the oldest in Texas? Is it Goliad, Laredo, or Nacogdoches?" Let us hear from you!

We salute the county of Bexar, which houses the Alamo and the Mission Trail. Take a look at the web site... it will make you want to go there. Check out Bexar County.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Nacogdoches.

13 July

Howdy, Ya'll,

Our computer problem took a bit longer to fix than first anticipated but, hopefully, we’ve gotten it sorted out and are back again.

The Fourth of July has come and gone, hope yours was a good one. Send us some of your party pictures or tell us what you did and we'll share it with the others. Where has this summer gone - Mid-July already?

We must have had you scratching your heads last time over the trivia question. "Which city is considered to be the oldest in Texas? Is it Goliad, Laredo, or Nacogdoches?"

HoneyBiese buzzed in with,
"Has to be Nacogdoches!!!!" And she is exactly right!

Our question this week is in what city and year was a World's Fair held in Texas? Was it Dallas, 1952; Houston 1972; San Antonio 1968; or Fort Worth 1966? Let us hear from you. We enjoy your letters!

The county we salute this week is Collin County and its website is here. I'm proud to say I've got ancestors from there.

We've some information to pass on, this week, from North Texas Explorer;

NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD – 'TALL TALES OF TEXAS'

Two disc compilation DVD of short films features stories that could only come from the Lone Star State.

Dallas, TX – Explorer Multimedia Inc. announces its newest DVD release with 'Tall Tales of Texas.' This two disc compilation DVD set is available at GeologyVideo.com and contains award winning short films that highlight some lesser known legends of the Lone Star state.

The set includes:

'Standing Tall: Lone Star Statues' – Travel across Texas to discover the history and culture that is carved in stone and steel across the state.

'ToadSpotting: The Legend of Old Rip' chronicles the story of the life and death of the world famous horny toad from Eastland, TX.

'Road Does Not End' is a conversation with eccentric artist Stanley Marsh 3, creator of the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX.

'GeoAmerica: The Black Giant' – Join geologist Devin Dennie as he explores the history of Kilgore, TX, the small town that struck in rich during the oil boom of the 1930’s.

‘North Texas Explorer: Hollywood Comes to Texas' Devin Dennie takes a look at Hollywood’s impact on the Lone Star state and the attractions and travelling exhibits that have entertained Texans for years.

The DVD set is packed with extras, special features and commentaries and is available with other Explorer Multimedia productions at www.geologyVideo.com.

Explorer Multimedia Inc. is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation. For more information: www.explorermultimedia.org.

If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with Writer / Director Todd Kent or Producer / Host Devin Dennie please call Todd Kent at 214-287-8219 or e-mail rockhoundsmovie@hotmail.com.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
San Antonio, 1968.

20 July

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope your summer is going good for you. Hot enough for you yet??

We've been busy here at GTT this summer and we've fallen behind on our newsletters to you. Our sincere apologies for that. We've also been sent various articles and recipies by Yellowrosie which we hope to start catching up with. Keep 'em coming Yellowrosie.

Last week's newsletter trivia question stumped you all. We asked "What city and year was a World's Fair held in Texas? Was it Dallas, 1952; Houston 1972; San Antonio 1968; or Fort Worth 1966?" No one supplied us with the correct answer which was San Antonio, 1968 so this week we'll try and easier question. While you're browsing through the site, think about this. Built as a town next to a ferry landing on the Brazos River, this small town would become known as the Birthplace of the Republic. What is the name of this small town where the delegates formed a new Constitution on March 2, 1836? Is it Austin, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Goliad or Waco? Let us hear from you. We always enjoy getting mail!

Our county in the spotlight this week is Nolan County at Nolan County. The website starts off with a picture of the Nolan Co Courthouse in Sweetwater, Texas. See what you think.

Trivia Answer...
Washington-on-the-Brazos.

27 July

Howdy, Ya'll,

Here's summer halfway through now, but at least the sun is out and shining.

Last week we asked “Built as a town next to a ferry landing on the Brazos River, this small town would become known as the Birthplace of the Republic. What is the name of this small town where the delegates formed a new Constitution on March 2, 1836? Is it Austin, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Goliad or Waco?”

Honey Biese was first with,
“Easy??? I don't think so. But I want to say it is Washington on the Brazos.” You're exactly right! It was easy, wasn't it?

The North Texas Explorer jumped in with,
“Washington-on-the-Brazos.” Correct again!

Hey, where are the rest of you? We miss hearing from Texas LilyBelle, CalicoLacey, Yellowrosie, the Dark Shadow, NasCar24Grl, Detective Pinkerton, Annie Oakley and the others who have submitted answers over the months. Maybe we'll get you to answer with this week's question...

In 1845 Texas joined the Union as the 24th, 26th or 28th state? So which one is it? And get bonus points if you can tell us what month and day it was that Texas became an official state.

Our county of the week is Starr County. It's web site is here.

Have a good week,

Trivia Answer...
Texas was the 28th state to join the Union. She did so on December 29th.

3 August

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome once more to a good week with GTT. I know it's only the first week in August, but are those school bells I hear not too far away?

We start out with a sympathy note to HoneyBiese and her family. HoneyBiese's mother passed away and we send her our heart-felt condolences.

On to our trivia question from last week. We asked “In 1845 Texas joined the Union as the 24th, 26th or 28th state? So which one is it? And get bonus points if you can tell us the month and day that Texas became an official state."

We heard from Texas LilyBelle who said,
"Texas joined the Union as the 28th state on the most wonderful day of the year...December 29th!" I have a feeling that date has to be quite important to LilyBelle. Perhaps a birthday??

Nascar24Grl was back and said,
"Texas became the 28th state to join the Union on Monday, Dec. 29, 1845. Texas seceded from the Union on Match 1, 1861 and President Johnson said 'civilian government' was restored on Aug. 20, 1866 but Texas did not formally return to the Union until March 1870 by vote from Congress, despite not meeting reconstruction requirements." WOW! We love the additional information! Thank you very much for that.

HoneyBiese replied,
"Ok I know it is the 28th state and I am pretty sure it was annexed by the Pres. Dec. 29, 1845. But I could be wrong." Nope, you're not wrong at all!

Tejas KC told us,
"Oh please, this is WAY too easy! December 29, 1845 and it was the 28th state!"

CalicoLace said,
"28th, I think... December 29, 1845." You are right.

Everyone gets bonus points this week too!

Thanks to all who wrote in. We love getting letters from all of you.

A few weeks ago our backup computer crashed and we lost some information. We’ve had a check on the site and discovered that 2 of the Alamo heroes details had been duplicated. We’ve replaced these with 2 new ones so, for those of you keeping up with the series, take a look at Asa Walker and Tapley Holland.

We’ve also added 2 more recipes thanks to Yellowrosie. They’re for Deep Fried Watermelon and Lemony Sugar Cookies. Check them out at Deep Fried Watermelon and Lemoney Cookies and let us know what you think.

So now to this week's question... "The last battle of the Civil War, fought on May 12, 1865, was fought in Texas. Remember this was well after Lee surrendered to Grant. Where was this last battle fought? Was it in Kings Ranch, Palmito Ranch or Three Rivers Ranch?" Let us hear from you.

The county we focus on this week is Zavala County in south Texas. Its website is Zavala County. If you go to it and like it, give us a shout back and let us know.

Until next time,

Trivia Answer...
Palmito Ranch.

10 August

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope your summer is progressing wonderfully for you. Maybe fall is right around the corner.

Last week we asked "The last battle of the Civil War, fought on May 12, 1865, was fought in Texas. Remember this was well after Lee surrendered to Grant. Where was this last battle fought? Was it in Kings Ranch, Palmito Ranch or Three Rivers Ranch?" And we did get the right answers!

HoneyBiese said,
"Palmito Beach. Sure is great to see so many last time. Glad to see more participants." We thought it was great seeing a lot of people here!

Annie Oakley was back with,
"Hi, Texasrose. Sorry I've been away for a while but I'm back now and fightin' fit. I believe the last battle was at Palmito Ranch. Am I right?" You certainly are, Annie! Good to see you back.

Detective Pinkerton gave us some great information,
"The Battle of Palmito Ranch, also known as the Battle of Palmito Hill and the Battle of Palmito Ranch, was fought on May 12 - May 13, 1865, during the American Civil War. In the kaleidoscope of events following the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army on April 9, Palmito Ranch was nearly ignored. It was the last major clash of arms in the war. Early in 1865, the two sides had made a gentlemen's agreement that, in Texas at least, there was no point to further hostilities. By that time, most Union troops had pulled out from Texas for campaigns in the east. The Confederates sought to protect their remaining ports for cotton sales to Europe, as well as importation of supplies, but they were basically cut off from the rest of the Confederacy by the fact that the Union forces controlled the Mississippi all the way down to the Gulf. Texas was largely irrelevant, and the Texans were, for the most part, glad to be out of the war. They could go back to farming and smuggling and making money. The Mexicans tended to side with the Confederates due to a lucrative smuggling trade. Why the needless battle even happened remains something of a mystery. Neither local exports of cotton nor Mexican smuggling had a significant effect on the war. "

Good work, Detective! Thank you for all the information. We love it!

Now for this week's question... Most of us old-timers still remember where we were when President John F. Kennedy was shot but can you name the place in Dallas where he it happened? Was it Mall of the Americas, New Market Place or Dealey Plaza? Let us hear from you!

Our county of the week is Brazoria County in southeast Texas. It's website is here. Let us know if you stop by there.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Dealey Plaza.

17 August

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hard to believe summer is almost over and school bells are ringing in the air. Hope everyone has enjoyed their holidays and vacations.

We’ve added some ‘Rules of Texas’ to the site. Let us know if you agree or disagree. Check them at Rules of Texas.

Last week's trivia question elicited so many responses and all of them correct! We asked most of us old-timers still remember where we were when President John F. Kennedy was shot but can you name the place in Dallas where he it happened? Was it Mall of the Americas, New Market Place or Dealey Plaza? Even Texasrose remembers where she was... a fourth grader at elementary school in Mrs. Bellah's class when the news was announced over the loud speaker. Dealey Plaza is indeed the right answer and we heard from many of you.

TexasLilyBelle said,
"It was Dealey Plaza... see even us youngsters know that!"

Yellowrosie added,
"Kennedy and Connelly were shot in Dealey Plaza from the Texas School Book Depository. Dealey Plaza was named for the founder of the Dallas Morning News which is just across the Plaza from where the shootings took place."

HoneyBiese told us,
"Oh gosh it was Dealey Plaza. I was a freshman in high school, oy does that bring back the memories. He sure touched many, many lives as did his family."

CalicoLace simply said,
"Dealey Plaza."

The North Texas Explorer replied,
"Dealey Plaza. I drive by it all the time."

Detective Pinkerton found this out for us,
"The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located on the sixth and seventh floors of an early 20th-century warehouse known in 1963 as the Texas School Book Depository. Opened on Presidents Day 1989, the Museum has since welcomed more than 6 million visitors from around the world—people of all ages seeking information and understanding about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Museum tours are self-guided so I think the answer is Dealey Plaza."

Tejas KC came in with,
"The answer is Dealey Plaza on November 22, 1963. He was shot about 3 times, once by the "magical" bullet. But he was killed by the killer on the grassy knoll. Also you can go the Wikipedia website to find out more on it."

Wow!! We were bowled over by all the responses. Thank you all so much. We are dealing with a smart group of people here, you know. Thank you to all who responded.

This week's question... "We're still asking about Presidents, but this time tell us who the first president of the Republic of Texas was. Was it Stephen F. Austin, David G. Burnet or Sam Houston?" Any and all other information to go with it is always appreciated. So let's hear from you! By the way, this could be a very tricky question!

Yellowrosie sent us a link to some great Texan recipes on the Dallas Morning News website. Check out their Texas Recipes pages and let us know if you try any of them.

We salute Comanche County this week. Their web site is Comanche County. Let us know if you visit.

Have a good week and just remember Texas is the only place where you can drive up to a convenience store and ask the friend with you, "What kind of Coke do you want?" and they'll answer, "A Dr Pepper please." Truly one of a kind we are!

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
David G. Burnet was the first president of the Republic of Texas whereas Sam Houston was the first elected president of the Republic.

24 August

Howdy, Ya'll,

Another week of summer gone. How fast the time seems to go now.

Last week we asked "This time tell us who the first president of the Republic of Texas was. Was it Stephen F. Austin, David G. Burnet or Sam Houston?" And we did warn this was tricky. We received the following answers:

Detective Pinkerton told us,
"Four presidents served the Republic of Texas during that time. First came interim president David G. Burnet, who was selected for the post by the second meeting of the Consultation in March 1836. Burnet was never elected by the people, so he was really a caretaker for the Consultation for six months until Sam Houston became the first elected president of the Republic in September. I therefore think that the first president of Texas was Sam Houston, am I right?" Let's see if you are, Detective...

Annie Oakley sent,
"Burnet, David Governor (1788-1870) Born in Newark, N.J., April 14, 1788. President of the Texas Republic, 1836; Vice President of the Texas Republic, 1838-41; Texas Republic Secretary of State, 1839, 1839-40. Died December 5, 1870; burial location unknown. Original interment and cenotaph at Lakeview Cemetery. Tricky one this; he was the interim president before Sam Houston , so I'm guessing the answer is David Burnet." Hmmm... two different answers now...

HoneyBiese said,
"David Burnet was the first Interim President but the first elected president was Sam Houston." Well done, all of you! That was exactly what we were looking for.

Now for this week... in southeast Dallas there is a road named Scyene. Scyene was once a very small town between Mesquite and Dallas and was hideaway home to the James Gang and the Younger’s. Who was their 'hostess' while they stayed there? She could be just as rough and tough as any of her male counterparts. Sadly her life ended by the hand of an unknown assassin. Who is this rough and tough hostess?

For some fun over the next few weeks, at the top of each page on the Gone To Texas website is a picture. There are approximately 150 of them and change each time a page is loaded. How many do you recognize? Let us know how many, and what you think you recognize and we’ll keep score until the end of September and give the winner a mention in the Newsletter.

Our county of the week this week is Brazoria County in southeast Texas. Its website is Brazoria County. Have you been to that county lately? If you have, let us know.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Belle Starr.

31 August

Howdy, Ya'll,

Here it is Labor Day and hoping the young 'uns are back at school.

Last week with our trivia question we asked ... "In southeast Dallas there is a road named Scyene. Scyene was once a very small town between Mesquite and Dallas and was hideaway home to the James Gang and the Younger’s. Who was their "hostess" while they stayed there? She could be just as rough and tough as any of her male counterparts. Sadly her life ended by the hand of an unknown assassin. Who is this rough and tough hostess?"

TexasLilyBelle answered,
"I believe it was Belle Starr. Now, how much do I win?" Well, could we say your check is in the mail??

Yellowrosie, who is a proud relative of this lady, said,
"The answer is..... Myra Maybelle Shirley Reed Starr - who was the wife of my 1st cousin, 4 times removed. Her parents had a home in the area and the James/Younger Gang were frequent and welcomed guests. Belle Starr's first husband, Jim Reed was the nephew of my great, great, great grandfather Isaac Reed. He was shot and killed, just southwest of Paris, TX by John Morris, a so-called friend for the bounty, while on their way to the Indian Nation after visiting Belle in Scyene. When Morris tried to claim the reward by having Belle identify the body, she claimed that it was not the body of her husband and Morris, who did not receive the bounty, was later killed by 'unknown' persons but most likely they had been compatriots of Reed who were avenging the murder of their friend.

In the mid 1980s, in the small community of Ben Franklin, just south of Paris, I met a elderly man who was the grandson of Belle Starr's brother, Mansfield and he had pictures taken at a family gathering not long before Reed was killed. Shown in the pictures was his father as an infant being held by Belle, standing next to her husband Jim." We are indeed privileged to know you, Yellowrosie!!

HoneyBiese sent us,
"That would be Myra Maybelle Shirley Reed better known as Belle Starr." Correct!

NasCar24Grl answered correctly along with CalicoLace with,
"Belle Starr."

Thanks to everyone who answered. We always enjoy reading what you send in.

This week we ask what Texas city has a name that is Latin for "Body of Christ?" Let us hear from you!

Our county this week is Baylor County. It's website can be found here.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Corpus Christi.

7 September

Howdy, Ya'll,

Is it getting cooler where you are? Fall is just around the corner now.

Last week we asked "What Texas city has a name that is Latin for Body of Christ?"

TexasLilyBelle sent in,
"That would be Corpus Christi! I still haven't received that check!" We promise, TexasLilyBelle, it's in the mail!! Heehee!

Annie Oakley replied,
"That was an easy one for me for a change. The answer is Corpus Christi."

Yellowrosie told us,
"One of the few words or phrases I know in Latin, it’s Corpus Christi... it's a lovely city too!"

HoneyBiese said,
"Corpus Christi."

CalicoLace answered,
"That would be Corpus Christi."

Detective Pinkerton sent in,
"I think the city is Corpus Christi which means the body of Christ."

Everyone is exactly right. Thank you for sending in those answers. We just love to get mail, you know.

Detective Pinkerton also informed us of an unusual birthday present he received. He went fishing in his local creek and managed to pull in the biggest Rainbow Trout of the season so far. It weighed in at 4½ pounds. Have a look here. Well done to Detective Pinkerton.

This week put on your thinking caps. In the 1860's, what outnumbered people in Texas 9 to 1? Let us know!

Our spotlighted county this week is Marion County. Its website is here.

Have a good week and be proud to be a Texan!

Trivia Answer...
Longhorn Cattle.

14 September

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another week of Gone to Texas. We sincerely hope you are well and that Hurricane Ike has gone by you and your family with minimal damage. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered the brunt of its force.

Last week we asked "In the 1860's, what outnumbered people in Texas 9 to 1?" We got a few responses and I'm proud to say all correct!

Yellowrosie was the first with,
"I'm guessing it's Longhorns... but not for sure." We're sure you're sure!

Annie Oakley was spot on when she said,
"Longhorn cattle is the answer." It certainly is, Miss Annie."

The North Texas Explorer answered,
"Longhorn cattle." Right!

Detective Pinkerton said,
"I think the answer is long horn cattle." And you think right!

CalicoLace wrapped up our answers when she said,
"I do believe that Longhorns outnumbered Texans in the 1860’s."

She and all the others believe right. Very good and kudos to one and all.

This week we ask you might know it better by a somewhat geographical name. Eurycea sosorum is the more scientific name for which of these Central Texas critters? Is it the Hippy Hollow Horned Lizard (Horny Toad), Mexican Free-tailed Bat, or the Barton Springs Salamander? Get those thinking caps on again and let us hear from you.

We salute the county of Hale in the Panhandle. Its web site is here. Go by the site and have a look around.

Until next time,

Trivia Answer...
Barton Springs Salamander.

21 September

Howdy, Ya'll,

The State Fair of Texas is just around the corner (September 26-October 19) and with its theme of ‘Ignite Your Senses!’ it ought to be spectacular! If any of you go this year, please let us know and give us a report. We'd love to put it on the website.

Last week we asked “You might know it better by a somewhat geographical name. Eurycea Sosorum is the more scientific name for which of these Central Texas critters? Is it the Hippy Hollow Horned Lizard (Horny Toad), Mexican Free-tailed Bat, or the Barton Springs Salamander?” And we did hear from you!

Honey Biese simply said,
"Barton Springs Salamander." Correct!

NasCar24Grl told us,
"I guess I cheated, but I looked it up, its the Barton Springs Salamander....I was thinking it was the bats but I was wrong." No, you didn't cheat! We love it when you all research the questions.

Yellowrosie answered,
"After research, the name of the animal is the salamander." Indeed it is.

CalicoLacey replied,
"That would be the endangered Barton Springs Salamander." It certainly is.

Annie Oakley gave us this,
"It's the Barton Springs Salamander. A slender, long-limbed salamander, about 2.5 inches in total length, with a small narrow head and greatly reduced eyes. They vary in color, and can be dark gray, gray, purplish gray, gray-brown, or yellowish-brown. Most individuals have a dark "salt-and-pepper" mottling on their back. These salamanders have external gills which are red in color. The Barton Springs Salamander is entirely aquatic throughout its life . They are also on the endangered list since 1997." Wow, Annie! Thanks! Like we said we love it when you educate all of us.

Detective Pinkerton wound it up by answering,
"I'll take a chance, and go for the Barton Springs Salamander." Good chance and you didn't even need a life line for this one!

Yes, the answer is the Barton Springs Salamander. Thank you all so much for filling us in and letting us know what you found.

Now for this week’s question. We want to know what originated in Lake Jackson in 1978? Was it tacos, jalapeno jelly or chili? Let us hear from you and any information you might gather about the answer. Speaking of food, we have a new recipe on the site for Buttermilk Pie courtesy of Yellowrosie. Check it out at Buttermilk Pie and let us know what you think.

Yellowrosie also pointed out and error in a previous recipe. We had left sugar out of the list of ingredients on the Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe so, for any of you who had tried them and thought something was wrong, why not give them another go?

If any of you spot any other mistakes, broken links or incorrect information, let us know and we’ll put it right.

We look at is Lipscomb County this week and you can find its information at Lipscomb County. This county is in the panhandle and is the first county on the right at the very top.

Have a good week and keep us informed!

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Jalapeno Jelly.

28 September

Howdy, Ya'll,

The State Fair is truly up and running and we hear it is spectacular! Have you been? Let us hear all about it.

Calicolace sent us this article from Dallas Morning News’ Web Blog, see State Fair Blog for more information;

Big Tex went up today without a hitch, save for a few more crows feet around his eyes. By late morning, he was missing only his boots.

To a four year-old chorus of "Howdy Folks!" pre-schoolers unveiled the notorious cowboy, who has had a face-lift and sports new duds. This is a good thing as it's been three years since he's changed.

The Big Tex stand-up means the State Fair will begin this Friday (Sep 26th). Start the countdown now.

Yellowrosie sent us this, also from the Dallas Morning News;

Tex and Tut went tit for tat Monday as Anubis, the jackal-headed guardian of the dead, landed next to the world's tallest talking cowboy.

Nathan Hunsinger / DMN Anubis stands tall next to Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas during the installation of the five-ton, 25 foot-tall statue of the ancient Egyptian god to celebrate the arrival of King Tut at the Dallas Museum of Art this fall.

The State Fair of Texas has become a study in contrasts, but high art and Palaeolithic history wasn't enough to overcome the pure Americana and Wild West ideology of Big Tex.

Sure, the unveiling of both statues marked the start of two highly anticipated events in Dallas - the State Fair of Texas, which begins Friday, and the "Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs"; exhibition, which opens Oct. 3 at the Dallas Museum of Art.

But the chiselled Anubis, at 25 feet and five tons, is half the size of the towering Texas icon, who stands 52 feet.

And Big Tex is pulling rank.

The Egyptian god will take his place as protector near the fair's entrance. His place next to Big Tex on Monday was only temporary. Big Tex, who has a flashy new yellow shirt, clean jeans, a shiny belt buckle and a few more crow's feet around his eyes, will maintain his turf on Big Tex Circle.

"This is what's amazing about Dallas,"; DMA director Bonnie Pitman said as she looked from the god's pointed ears to the cowboy's dusty wide-brim hat. "This speaks to the diversity of interests in the community.";

Big Tex still won the popularity contest, even if the four-year-olds who witnessed the hoisting seamlessly changed their "Howdy, folks!"; mantra into "King Tut! Get it up!";

The Dallas-area schoolchildren participated in Big Tex's unveiling for the first time this year, yanking a white sheet off the resting cowboy.

Dickies, which made Big Tex's new duds, will donate 2,500 uniforms and kids' clothes to the Dallas Independent School District.

Dickies also agreed to give an extra garment for each fan that joins Big Tex's new Facebook page. (Check out Big Tex's Facebook Page for more information.)

And yes, King Tut has one, too.

Thanks to Dallas News for allowing the reproduction of these articles.

The staff of Gone to Texas take no responsiblity
for content on external websites.

Last week we wanted to know “What originated in Lake Jackson in 1978. Was it tacos, jalapeno jelly or chili?” We got your answers...

HoneyBiese said,
"It was Jalapeno Jelly for sure." It sure was.

Annie Oakley said correctly,
"Jalapeno pepper jelly originated in Lake Jackson and was first marketed in 1978."

CalicoLace replied with the right answer,
"Jalapeno Jelly is said to have been originated and/or marketed in Lake Jackson in 1978."

Detective Pinkerton answered with the right reply,
"I think the answer is Jalapeno Jelly."

Everyone is correct with Jalapeno Jelly first being marketed in Lake Jackson. Thanks to all who responded.

This week we ask a State Fair related question. There were four consecutive years (according to the State Fair History) that the State did not run. What years were they and why did they not run the Fair? Let us hear from you!

This week we salute Galveston County. We understand work is beginning to put the area back together after the devastating Hurricane Ike came through. We continue to offer support and prayers to everyone who was affected by this catastrophe. But the Texas spirit never fails! Check out the website at Galveston County.

Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945. No State Fair those years because of WWII.

5 October

Howdy, Ya'll,

Hope fall has come to your town. The Fair is going full strength and hopefully a lot of Fletcher's Conry Dogs and Corn on the Cob are being eaten! Go by the Craft Building and view the pictures that have been taken, the crafts people have entered then meander on over to the Livestock Building. There's nothing like the State Fair of Texas!

Last week we asked a State Fair related question. "There were four consecutive years (according to the State Fair History) that the State Fair did not run. What years were they and why did they not run the Fair?" And we got the answers too!

Nascar24Grl replied,
"Would that be 1942, 43, 44 and 1945 during WWII?" It certainly would be correct!

Annie Oakley gave us,
"No fairs were held from 1942-1945. this was because of World War II. Am I right?" You certainly are!

Detective Pinkerton also said,
"No fairs were held from 1942-1945 due to WWII." Absolutely!

Honey Biese supplied us all with,
"1942-1945, no State Fair due to World War II. 29th Battalion of Texas Defence Guard uses old WPA building. Horticulture building used by Rationing Board. U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps uses General Exhibits Building (present-day Centennial Building) as a repair facility. In 1944-1945 German POWS work there.) Way to go, Honey Biese! Thank you for all the extra information.

Yellowrosie said,
"It was during the 'rationing years' of WWII, when everything was hard to come by and nobody went much of anywhere or did anything, that required travel or spending money. Most of the men were away at war and many woman and most of the men who couldn’t qualify for military duty worked in war related jobs. I remember hearing my parents and grandparents talk about the war years and how bad it was. My parents were in jr high and high school during the war, my dad was in ROTC and they were considered part of the Reservists and could have been called up if things had not ended in 1945 before they graduated in 1947." Very good, Yellowrosie! Thank you for that.

CalicoLace answered,
"The Texas State Fair was not held from 1942 to 1946 because of WWII. The government did lease several of the buildings in Fair Park for military purposes." Exactly!

Thanks to all of you who wrote in. We really appreciate the time and effort you put into your answers. Big Tex made his debut at the Fair in 1952. Before he became Big Tex, what was he? Was he a statue of Sam Houston, Santa Claus, or a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty in Corsicana? Let us hear from you and any and all other information you have to offer!

A few weeks ago we asked how many of the pictures at the top of the Gone to Texas pages you recognized. Top scorer was CalicoLace. We’re not going to say how many she got in case anyone else wants to have a go but we well tell you she has someway to go to get all 150 pictures.

Our county this week is Bandera County in southwest Texas. It's web site is Bandara County. Until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Santa Claus.

12 October

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another week with GTT. Hope your fall is progressing nicely and trees are beginning to let you know what season it is.

Last week in the newsletter we asked about Big Tex making his debut at the Fair in 1952. "Before he became Big Tex, what was he? Was he a statue of Sam Houston, Santa Claus, or a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty in Corsicana?"

We heard from four of you this week.

Honey Biese said,
"Big Tex is a larger than life cowboy figure converted from the worlds tallest Santa Claus. Big Tex first appeared on the fair grounds in 1952 and continues to welcome visitors in his Texas attire and booming voice."

CalicoLace answered,
"Big Tex started life as Santa Claus."

North Texas Explorer answered,
"He was the world's tallest Santa Claus in Kerens, TX"

Detective Pinkerton gave us,

Big Tex's History

In the free-wheeling years after the war, merchants in Kerens, Texas, had a problem. Residents of the tiny town were driving to nearby Corsicana or even 75 miles north to Dallas for pre-Christmas shopping sprees. Looking for a gimmick that might encourage people to spend money at local stores, the Kerens Chamber of Commerce built what they claimed was the world's largest Santa Claus, a 49-foot-tall figure constructed from iron-pipe drill casing and Papier Mache with 7-foot lengths of unravelled rope for a beard.


The promotion was a big success during the 1949 holidays, but the novelty wore off the following year, and community support waned. In 1951, State Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased Santa's components for $750 and hired Dallas artist Jack Bridges to create a giant cowboy out of the material.

Big Tex made his debut at the 1952 State Fair of Texas. Wearing size 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat, Tex towered 52' above wide-eyed visitors. His denim jeans and plaid shirt were donated by the H. D. Lee Company of Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Cosmetic surgery the following year straightened his nose, corrected a lascivious wink and allowed him to talk.

From “The Great State Fair of Texas – An Illustrated History, by Nancy Wiley.”

"Therefore my answer is Santa Claus"

And you are all certainly right.

A legacy of Texas that can't be beat!!

This week we ask one more State Fair related question... "Who are the two football teams that meet every year at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair?" Let us hear from you!

And while we’re talking quizzes, why not have a go at our ‘Name That Texas’ quiz? The link’s at the top of the page.

CalicoLace is still trying to identify the pictures at the top of the website pages. She’ll take some beating on this one.

Our county this week is Stonewall County in the bottom of the Panhandle area. It's website is at Stonewall County.

Hope to hear from you all soon!

Trivia Answer...
Texas and Oklahoma football teams.

19 October

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to another week with GTT. Halloween is getting closer and the weather has definitely a crisp snap to it.

Last week we asked "Who are the two football teams that meet every year at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair?" We heard from a few of you this week and all correct answers.

Yellowrosie answered,
"That would be the Texas-OU weekend... No. 5 ranked Texas upsets No. 1 ranked Oklahoma 45-35!!" And we even got the score!! Thanks, Rosie!

The North Texas Explorer replied simply but correctly,
"UT and OU."

HoneyBiese gave us,
"Traditionally, one of the centrepieces of the fair has been the annual college football game between Texas and Oklahoma, nicknamed the Red River Shootout and played in the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park."

Very good! Thanks to all who submitted an answer.

This week's question is "As we know Texas has 254 counties, but which one is the largest? Is it Dallas County, Brewster County or Mexia County?" Let us hear from you!

Our county of the week is Bexar County. It's web site is here.

See you soon and until next week,

Trivia Answer...
Brewster County.

26 October

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to Halloween Week. Hopefully you won't have too many ghosties and ghoulies come to your door.

Last week we asked “We know Texas has 254 counties, but which one is the largest? Is it Dallas County, Brewster County or Mexia County?”

We heard from CalicoLace who answered,
"Brewster County." Absolutely right!

HoneyBiese said, "That would be Brewster County."
That would be right.

The North Texas Explorer replied,
"Brewster is the largest county by size and is the home of Big Bend National Park... which is really, really big." It certainly is and you are certainly right.

Thanks to those who wrote in. We love getting letters and reading the entries to our Newsletter quiz and Name the Texan quiz!

Our newsletter question this week is "Santa Anna was known to have "introduced" something to Texas. What was it? Was it horses, chewing gum or tea?" Let us hear from you.

Our county of the week is Frio County in southwest Texas. Its website is at Frio County.

Have a good week and hope to hear from you soon,

Trivia Answer...
Chewing Gum.

2 November

Howdy, Ya'll,

Welcome to November! Thanksgiving will be here soon and I can't wait for the turkey and dressing.

The DFW area experienced something rare, yet moving last week - two small earthquakes that could be felt in the heart of the Metroplex.

The two small jolts hit southwest Irving at 11.25 p.m. Thursday and at 12:01 a.m. Friday, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey's Information Center in Golden, Colo.

The first was a 2.5 magnitude quake and the second was a 3.0 magnitude, the center reported. It awakened residents in Fort Worth, Irving, Euless and Grand Prairie.

Had the quakes occurred just before noon instead of the middle of the night, the 3.0 magnitude quake probably would have gone unnoticed, the quakes were noticed by so many people because they hit during the quiet part of the day." There was no reported damage.

The last earthquake to hit the north Texas area was in 1997, when a 3.7-magnitude earthquake rattled Greenville. That quake came almost two years after a May 31, 1995, tremor near Alpine, according to reports.

Last week we asked you all “Santa Anna was known to have ‘introduced’ something to Texas. What was it? Was it horses, chewing gum or tea?” And we got all correct answers.

Yellowrosie was the first one who said,
"He brought GUM to the US...

"During his time in New York City he is credited as bringing the first shipments of chicle, the base of chewing gum, to the United States, but he failed to profit from this since his plan was to use the chicle to replace rubber in carriage tires, which was tried without success. The American assigned to aid Santa Anna while he was in the US, James Adams, conducted experiments with the chicle and called it "Chiclets" which helped found the chewing gum industry." Very good! We always love extra information.

Nascar24Grl answered,
"As for what Santa Anna 'introduced' to Texas, was it chewing gum? Gum came from Mexico and I think Texans already were drinking tea and using horses... so process of elimination leaves chewing gum. But of course, I can't find a reference to it!" But even without that reference, you're absolutely right.

HoneyBiese asked,
"Was it chewing gum?" It certainly was.

The North Texas Explorer related,
"Chicle... a.k.a. chewing gum." Great!

Yes, indeed, Santa Anna did introduced chicle, later to be refined as chewing gum.

Thanks to all who write to us and let us know the answers.

This week we ask "What does Texas have 254 of? Is it highways, established ranches or counties?" Let us hear from you.

Our county in the spotlight is Cooke county in north Texas. It's website is http:\\www.co.cooke.tx.us.

Have good week and see you next time,

Trivia Answer...
254 Counties.

9 November

Howdy, Ya'll,

The weather seems to be getting a chill in it now. Winter is lurking in the background.

Last week we asked “What does Texas have 254 of? Is it highways, established ranches or counties?” You all answered and everyone got it correctly.

Yellowrosie was first and said,
"254 counties in Texas!"

Nascar24Grl replied with,
"There are 254 counties in Texas, Rockwall is the smallest in area with 149 sq mi, Brewster is the largest in area 6193 sq mi...least populated county is Loving with 67 people and largest populated county is Harris with 3.4 million." We love the extra information. Thank you!

HoneyBiese told us,
"254 Counties, of course."

Detective Pinkerton was right on target when he gave us,
"The state of Texas is divided into 254 counties, more than any other U.S. state. Texas was originally divided into municipalities, a unit of local government under Spanish and Mexican rule. When the Republic of Texas gained its independence in 1836, there were 23 municipalities, which became the original Texas counties. Many of these would later be divided into new counties. The most recent county to be created was Kennedy County in 1921. The most recent county to be organized was Loving County in 1931." Again thank you for sending on the additional information.

Annie Oakley said,
"I believe the answer is counties."

Well done, everyone! We enjoy your answers and look forward to them.

This week we ask "She started her bread baking in Fort Worth 1908 when her husband became ill. She progressed from a small stove to purchasing a larger one from a hotel, able to bake 40 loaves at a time. Who is this marvellous lady celebrating her 100th birthday in the bread business? Is she Mrs. Baird, Mrs. Wright or Mrs. Baker?" Hope to hear from you soon.

Our county of the week is Bell County in central Texas. Its web site is here.

Have a good week and see you next week,

Trivia Answer...
Mrs. Baird.

16 November

Howdy, Ya'll,

Thanksgiving is getting closer and closer and I can sure smell the turkey and dressing cooking even now.

Speaking of heavenly smells and aromas, we asked "This lady started her bread baking in Fort Worth 1908 when her husband became ill. She progressed from a small stove to purchasing a larger one from a hotel, able to bake 40 loaves at a time. Who is this marvellous lady celebrating her 100th birthday in the bread business? Is she Mrs. Baird, Mrs. Wright or Mrs. Baker?"

Yellowrosie sent in,
"Still the only bread I buy, Mrs. Bairds!!!"

HoneyBiese replied,
"That would be Mrs. Baird."

Annie Oakley answered,
"Mrs. Baird is the lady in question."

And Detective Pinkerton gave us a lot of good information with,
"I think the answer is Mrs Baird.

Ninnie Baird was a remarkable woman...

In a day and age when it was rare for a woman to become a successful entrepreneur, she was. But the founding of Mrs Baird's Bread wasn't exactly a smooth road.

In 1901 William and Ninnie Baird brought their family from Tennessee to Fort Worth, Texas. William, a restaurateur by trade, set up a business in downtown Fort Worth selling popcorn from a bright red cart with brass fittings and a loud steam whistle. Within months his success led him to buy another popcorn cart which was run by his oldest son, Dewey, only eight-years-old. But it wasn't long before William Baird decided to get back into the restaurant business. By 1905, William Baird had started, built up and sold one restaurant and was working on his second, when he received devastating news. He was diagnosed as having diabetes, in those days an incurable and untreatable disease.

Although very ill, William Baird and his young son Dewey worked in the family restaurant. Ninnie Baird tended to the home and her three other sons, and like everyone else of that time, she baked for her family.

Every day she would cut wood to fire the wood-burning stove. It was hot, sometimes dirty work, but in spite of the lack of modern conveniences, Mrs. Baird became a wonderful baker. The loaves of bread, cakes and pies she baked, the family enjoyed. Any extra was shared with the neighbors. Her bread was so delicious that it wasn't long before her reputation was known far and wide.

Ninnie did all her baking in a wood-fired stove...

In 1908, with William's health failing, it became impossible for him to continue working. It was clear that Ninnie Baird needed to find a way to help support her family, so she established Mrs Baird's Bread.

In 1911, William died and Ninnie Baird decided to continue the business she had begun. Every day, in her home, in a wood-burning stove that could bake only four loaves at a time, Ninnie baked her wonderful bread, cakes and pies. Her boys helped bake and deliver the bread on foot. Her daughters took care of the smaller children and did other chores around the house. Mrs Baird's Bread was truly a family business.

As business grew, the boys went from delivering bread on foot, to riding bicycles.

In 1915, demand for Mrs Baird's bread had outgrown Ninnie's wood-burning stove. A larger oven was needed so she bought a commercial oven from the Metropolitan Hotel in Fort Worth. Unable to pay cash for the $75 oven, Ninnie put down $25 and paid out the rest in bread and rolls. The new oven, which could bake 40 loaves at a time, was installed in a small wooden building in the family's backyard.

Sales continued to grow to the point where the boys could not make deliveries on their bicycles. So, the Baird's buggy was converted into a wagon and pulled by the family horse, Ned. The first company employee, Mr. Lipps, who was not a Baird family member, was hired to drive the wagon.

Ned, it turns out, was quite a delivery horse. He came to know the route so well that he would stop at every customer's house without the urging of his driver. Over time, delivering to the sales route became son Hoyt's job. In 1917 the family bought a Ford passenger car, took out the seats and painted "Eat More Mrs Baird's Bread" on the sides.

Old Ned retires and expansion begins...

About this time Mrs Baird's Bread began selling to commercial accounts. Two Telephone Exchanges bought pies daily and Sandegard's Grocery became the company's first bread reseller. Sandegard's, a large store with a delicatessen, proved to be a very good customer as it soon grew to 15 stores, all displaying Mrs Baird's Bread prominently in a glass case. In 1918, Hoyt Baird left Fort Worth to join the Army, leaving the company without a delivery driver. It was decided to discontinue selling direct and concentrate instead on selling only wholesale. Demand steadily increased, and so did the bakery. Now located at 6th Avenue and Terrell Street, the little 30 foot by 72 foot facility housed an oven that could bake 400 loaves at a time. Wholesale deliveries now stretched into every corner of Fort Worth, where fresh-baked bread, rolls, cakes and pies were delivered every day. Over the next ten years the bakery was enlarged nine times, until it was one of the largest baking facilities in Texas. In 1928, the Bairds opened a new bakery across the Trinity River in Dallas, Texas. The stock market crash of 1929 signalled the start of the Great Depression, and, like everyone else, Mrs Baird's Bread had to cut back to survive those lean times. By 1938, business was returning to normal and the bakery needed to expand again. They built a new bakery in Houston, Texas and added another plant in Fort Worth. Once a one-horse delivery system, now a fleet of trucks was needed at each of the four bakeries. The two new bakeries also featured plate glass windows so that visitors could watch the baking process. Not only could you smell the delicious bread, but you could watch it being made as well.

In the 1940's, America entered World War II and the country saw a shortage of many items, like sugar. Because they went off to fight the war, workers were also in short supply. These shortages forced Mrs Baird's to reduce the number and kinds of bread product it baked, but it never compromised on quality. If an ingredient was in short supply, then the bakery just didn't bake that item for a while.

Post War Growth establishes Mrs Baird's as Texas' Bread.

Following the war, in 1949, Mrs Baird's expanded again building a bakery in Abilene, Texas. In 1959 and 1960 the company acquired bakeries in the Texas cities of Victoria, Lubbock, Waco and Austin.

Throughout the 1950's and 1960's, the company prospered. Ninnie Baird, the namesake of the thriving company, however, experienced declining health. Now 80, she stayed at home most of the time. The boys handled most of the day-to-day operations, but Ninnie Baird, still the Chairman of the Board, was always consulted on the major decisions. The family's commitment to quality, freshness and service never waivered. It was a work ethic that was passed on from generation to generation as well as, the importance of family, a Christian upbringing, and community. From the beginning until her death, she shared with her neighbors and her community.

Tour one of Mrs Baird's Bakeries and see firsthand how Mrs Baird's Bread is baked. Tour reservations are granted on a first come, first serve basis, so we recommend you contact the bakery you wish to tour at least two to three weeks in advance. Scheduling a time in the morning is a good idea during hot weather months.

Detective Pinkerton, you are right on target!! Thank you so much for all your time spent researching. I expect a promotion is in order for you!

Exactly right, all of you, Mrs. Baird is the lady we asked about. I can still smell the bread baking on Central Expressway. What a way to wake up!

This week we have a different slant on our question. Thinking about important events in our lives, we always remember where we were when those significant things happened. We all know that President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas. But where were you when it happened? I'll even tell you where I was when we answer this next week.

Our county this week is Jim Hogg County in south Texas. Their web site is here. Why not have a look?

See you next week,

Joni and Kevin
Texasrose and Texasrogue

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