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A Kerrville Christmas Eve -- 1885
The restored Union Church, photo taken in 2003Something remarkable happened in Kerrville around Christmas Eve, 1885.Though the community had its beginnings in the late 1840s, when Joshua D. Brown and a...
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Saturday Link Pack (and a photo of Pampell's)
Pampell's soda fountain and drug store, July 4, 1952Click to enlarge photoI've been interested in computers as long as I can remember, and recent developments in artificial intelligence are amazing....
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The Six-Letter Mystery
The Six Letters were "CALLCO"Click to enlargeA few weeks ago my son and I decided to see the changes made at the old Hasting's store after its transformation into Entertainmart (or Vintage Stock). As...
View ArticleA New Year
Once again, Gentle Reader, we begin a new year together.This column began in November, 1995. Together we've seen a lot of Januarys on these pages.I reviewed some of my columns published on the first...
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The Kerr County collection
As many of you know, I collect items from Kerrville and Kerr County's history. The collection is housed at our printing company on Water Street, and I hope to donate the collection to a local history...
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Over 65 Million Years Old
Fossils found recently by the author within the city limits of KerrvilleTime is hard for me to understand.I can wrap my mind around some time periods. I understand how it feels to wait in line for ten...
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Do You Remember Seeing “Irene?”
From my collection: poster frame original to Kerrville's Arcadia Theater,with poster from the first movie shown in that theater, 1926With the Arcadia Theater finding itself in a front-page story this...
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Saturday Link Pack
Louise Hays Park, not long after construction. Note the Blue Bonnet Hotel and Cotton Eldridge's ski shack.So many of my readers have memories of the Cascade Pool downtown; my generation made memories...
View ArticleHistory from a cloudless sky
How much does the weather affect the course of history?I'm not talking about the sudden rainstorm which forces Lulu's seventh birthday party to be moved inside. Lulu, of course, has felt a change in...
View ArticleA heart breaker named Silver Queen
I'm proud for my friends at the Plant Haus 2 who are opening their new store on Valentine's Day directly across Clay Street from their old store. I imagine Trena Cullins and her crew are about worn...
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Surprises found in an old book
An old book which held surprises other than its writingI'm re-reading a book I read many years ago, back when our kids were still in elementary school, John Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley." I...
View ArticleImmigrants in Kerr County
It's hard to pick up a newspaper these days and not find a story about immigrants and the politics surrounding immigration. While most agree the laws on the books should be enforced -- that illegal...
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A young Charles Schreiner
Charles Schreiner, sometime in the 1880s.This past February 22nd was the birthday of the man who has been called the Father of the Texas Hill Country, Charles Armand Schreiner; he was born 179 years...
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The Blue Bonnet Hotel in downtown Kerrville
The Blue Bonnet Hotel, in downtown Kerrville,from a 1950s-era tourist postcardMy long-time friend Jan Cannon stopped by our family's print shop for a visit recently, and we shared our memories of...
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It doesn't look a day over 79
The Mystery Photo of KerrvilleClick to enlargeAs you know, I really enjoy a good mystery, especially one which involves an historic photograph of Kerrville or Kerr County.This a kind reader brought by...
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Saturday Link Pack
Postcard I received this week, showing a newly-built Sid Peterson Memorial HospitalClick image to enlargeIf you want to learn to make better decisions, it wouldn't hurt to read this essay about...
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Climate Cooling, Wiretapping and Unrealistic Postcards
Postcard I received this week: the Cascade Pool, in downtown Kerrville.It was along the river bluff at the end of Earl Garrett Street.Click to enlarge image. Yes, someone is performing a swan...
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The Story of Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital
Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital, early 1950s.Note the gas station on the first floor.Click to enlarge photoI've had occasion this week to visit a family member at the Peterson Regional Medical Center...
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Lest we forget
Three Kerrville Heroes. From left to right: Francisco Lemos, Earl Garrett, Sidney BakerClick on image to enlargeLast Thursday, April 6th, marked the 100th anniversary of Congress declaring war on...
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The road over Medina Mountain
The road over Medina Mountain, taken by Starr Bryden, probably in the 1920s.The road was built in 1914. I think this photo was taken on the Medina side of the mountain -- facing north-ish toward...
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