see no evil - pec.coop · a special love for the poetry of john keats. when boyce’s daughter...

APRIL 2020XIT Builds the Capitol Farmers Market Feast Sunset Scenes

SEE NOEVIL

Rattlesnakes deserverespect and caution,

not universal loathing

PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NEWS

Use Your Smartp

hone

To Prepare for S

torms

SEE PAGE 2

0

2004_local covers custom.qxp 3/12/20 1:25 PM Page 7

for ont Cont

Availabitact U A ilab

itact Us T

ytytyy odayilitilit

TexasCoopPower.com April 2020 Texas Co-op Power 3

Since 1944

FAVOR ITES

5 Letters

6 Currents18 Co-op NewsGet the latest information plus energyand safety tips from your cooperative.

29 Texas HistoryDeath on Tiny Wings By Martha Deeringer

31 RecipesFarmers Market

35 Focus on TexasPhoto Contest: Sunsets

36 Around TexasList of Local Events

38 Hit the RoadDark Landmark By Chet Garner

ONL INETexasCoopPower.comFind these stories online if they don’tappear in your edition of the magazine.

Texas PlacesLost, Texas Excerpts by Bronson Dorsey

ObservationsThe Sneed-Boyce Feud By Gene Fowler

ON THE COVER Rattlesnakes are among the most commonly encountered snakes in the state. Illustration by David Danz

NEXT MONTH Firmly Rooted The Stark family lumberempire in Orange forged cultural destina-tions that offer nature, art and history.

TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Alan Lesley, Chair, Comanche; Robert Loth III, Vice Chair, Fredericksburg; Gary Raybon, Secretary-Treasurer, El Campo; Mark Boyd, Douglassville; Greg Henley, Tahoka; Billy Jones, Corsicana; David McGinnis, Van Alstyne • PRESIDENT/CEO: Mike Williams, Austin • COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER SERVICESCOMMITTEE: Marty Haught, Burleson; Bill Hetherington, Bandera; Ron Hughes, Sinton; Boyd McCamish, Littlefield; Mark McClain, Roby; John Ed Shinpaugh, Bonham; Robert Walker, Gilmer; Brandon Young, McGregor • MAGAZINE STAFF: Martin Bevins, Vice President, Communications & Member Services; Charles J. Lohrmann, Editor; Tom Widlowski, Associate Editor; Karen Nejtek,Production Manager; Andy Doughty, Creative Manager; Elaine Sproull, Advertising Manager; Chris Burrows, Senior Communications Specialist; Grace Fultz, Print Production Specialist; Travis Hill,Communications Specialist; Qasim K. Johnson, Administrative Assistant; Megan Myers, Food Editor; Jessica Ridge, Communications Specialist; Chris Salazar, Digital Field Editor; Jane Sharpe, Senior Designer; Kristin Wise, Digital Media Intern; Shannon Oelrich, Proofreader

A Snake To Love Outdoorsman comes to admire rattle-snakes, which are not the evil beings of legend and myth. By Mike Leggett

XIT: The Ranch That Built the Capitol Immense territory is as legendary as the building it funded. By Gene Fowler

128FEATURES

29

31 38

35COWBOYS: COURTESY PANHANDLE-PLAINS H ISTORICAL MUSEUM. EGRET: ALEKSANDER BOLBOT | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cowboys brand cattleat the XIT Ranch.

April 2020

More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.

Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a personal electric vehicle that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering lever so it’s simple

to operate, and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 miles on a single charge.

Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life

Zinger Chair®

Call now and receive a utility basket absolutely FREE with your order.

1-888-802-0192Please mention code 112724 when ordering.

The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid.

© 2020 fi rst STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Just think of the places you can go: • Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours • Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house

It’s not a Wheelchair... It’s not a Power Chair...

It’s a Zinger Chair!

� e Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.

10”

Introducing the future of personal transportation.

8399

9


Not a Flicker of DoubtIn Focus on Texas in February,you identified a bird as a wood-pecker. The bird is a flicker.MARYLIN DOW | SCROGGINS

WOOD COUNTY EC

Editor’s Note: We checked with Clifford Shackelford, anornithologist at the Texas Parksand Wildlife Department. “It’s amale red-bellied woodpecker,”he said. “The flicker wouldnever have that much red onthe head.”

Crawfish CrazyI am crawfish crazy [A Tale ofTexas Crawfish, February 2020].It’s a pastime, like baseball orfishing. Conversations over mud-bugs and beer—can’t beat it.RYAN WAGNER | VIA FACEBOOK

You left out the best place alongthe coast in Calhoun County.

Bubba’s Cajun Seafood has beenserving up its own special sea-soning on heaps of steamingcrawfish for almost 10 years. BECKEY BOYD GOODEN | SEADRIFT

VICTORIA EC

I call ’em what they are, craw-fish, and the very best comeout the Atchafalaya spillway,not farm raised.DARYL RODRIGUEZ | VIA FACEBOOK

A Tree’s TrialsI’m a crape murderer—but notbecause I’m trying to restrictthe height of them [Crape Mur-der, February 2020]. My crapemyrtles border our driveway.They bloom beautifully andlook great during the warmmonths.

However, once the first freezeoccurs, they turn brown andbecome a bit of an eyesore.Even worse, left untrimmed,they drop dead leaves and seedpods onto my drivewaythroughout the winter, much ofwhich is then blown into thegarage. Foot traffic then bringsthem inside. TOM MILLHOLLON | GRANBURY

UNITED COOPERATIVE SERVICES

I enjoyed Sheryl Smith-Rodgers’article, but it should have beentitled Crape Assault and Batterybecause it’s almost impossibleto kill the average crape. Threeyears ago, I cut off a 6-inchdiameter volunteer crape justabove the ground (that was tooclose to the house), and it cameroaring back.

I repeatedly cut it back andfinally was able to kill it bypouring a thick layer of con-crete over the stump. There’snothing delicate about a crape!DUDLEY DOBIE | AUSTIN

FAYETTE EC

For all of my 50-year career inTexas horticulture, I have yet tohear even one valid reason forthis practice. When authorSheryl Smith-Rodgers quotedGreg Grant, she went to one ofTexas’ finest resources. Indeed,we must “stop the madness.” NEIL SPERRY | MCKINNEY

GRAYSON-COLLIN EC

CRAPE

MURDER

: MICHAEL

KOEL

SCH TEXAS CO-OP POWER VOLUME 76, NUMBER 10 (USPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC). Periodical postage paid at Austin, TX, and at additional offices. TEC is the

statewide association representing 75 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE is $4.20 per year forindividual members of subscribing cooperatives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. If you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rateof $7.50. Individual copies and back issues are available for $3 each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please enclose label fromthis copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers. ADVERTISING: Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 30 sister publications in other states, contactElaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication. Product sat-isfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser.

© Copyright 2020 Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohib-ited without written permission. Willie Wiredhand © Copyright 2020 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

You can call them whatever you want. I call them good.MICHEAL WOODARD | VIA FACEBOOK

I grew up in West Texas, and we called them crawdads. Inever knew people ate them.MARCIA HERALD | VIA FACEBOOK

LETTERS

GET MORE TCP ATTexasCoopPower.comSign up for our e-newsletter formonthly updates, prize drawings and more!

We want to hear from you!

ONLINE: TexasCoopPower.com/share

EMAIL: [email protected]

MAIL: Editor, Texas Co-op Power,1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701

Please include your town and electric co-op. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

Texas Co-op Power DFE

True ConfessionI had never seen a crape myrtle before I moved to Texas [Crape Murder, Febru-

ary 2020]. There was a row of them along the property line of my lot in a mobile

home park. My neighbor told me to cut them back. Soon afterward, I found out

that was wrong. I’ve felt bad ever since. They were fairly tall.

LISA CULBERTSON | VIA FACEBOOK

HAPPENINGS

School LaunchProgram

6 Texas Co-op Power April 2020 TexasCoopPower.com

ROCK

ET: PR

EMIU

M V

ECTO

R | SHUTT

ERST

OCK

.COM. 20

: CH

ALR

UMPO

N O

NNONGWA | SHUTT

ERST

OCK

.COM. PA

REN

TS: GOOD STU

DIO

| SHUTT

ERST

OCK

.COM. TH

OMAS: COURTE

SY ELA

INE TH

OMAS. PEN

NIES: JILLE

KULC

HIN

SKY | D

REA

MST

IME.CO

M

CURRENTS

FINISH THIS SENTENCE

I never should havetold my parents . . .a Tell us how you would finish that sentence. Email your shortresponses to [email protected] or post them on ourFacebook page. Please includeyour city and co-op.

Below are some of the responsesto our February prompt: My mostunforgettable first date was ...

With two different boys. They both showed up at the same time. Awkward.BARBARA TALIAFERRO | SPRINGTOWN

TRI-COUNTY EC

With a girl who had to stop and go to the bathroom in the woodson the way home.JIM MORROW | HIGHLAND VILLAGE | COSERV

The one that resulted in my lunchdate and I being inseparable fromthat day forward.CONNIE THOMAS | VIA FACEBOOK

To see more responses, read Currents on our website.

Brett Williams’ push for a STEM-based curriculum at Fredericksburg

High School in 1996 certainly took off. Williams found a fun way to

teach students lessons in science, technology, engineering and math

while building a model rocket, which they then launched.

He called his program SystemsGo, and it spread to other schools.

Students design rockets to meet specific criteria, such as sending a

1-pound payload 1 mile high or exceeding the sound barrier.

This year, more than 80 high schools in four states will participate

in ROCKETS 2020 launches. The first event in Texas is APRIL 24–25 in

JACKSBORO. Launches in Stonewall and Anahuac will follow later

in the spring, and Jal, New Mexico, will host an event.

Rockets will launch throughout the events, which

are open to the public and free.

INFO a (830) 997-3567, systemsgo.org

WEB EXTRASa Find morehappenings

online.

BY THE NUMBERS

That’s how many Americansdemonstrated on behalf of theenvironment on the first EarthDay, April 22, 1970. Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator, started themovement 50 years ago.

MILLION

L IFESTYLE

MAKINGCENTS


TCP CONTEST a $500 RECIPES: GAME DAY SNACKS Don’t put money on the game—score with our new $500 prize! Enter online.

WHEN JAPAN’S ENVOYS signed the documents surrendering tothe Allies on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, they could notknow they were being watched by a sailor from FayetteCounty. Charlie Ripper, a shell man for the 16-inch guns onthe USS Colorado, had an eye on the ceremony. “I was onlookout duty,” Ripper said, “and from the lookout tower Icould see them sign the papers.”

Ripper and 62 other World War II veterans—men andwomen—some who remained stateside to support the wareffort and others who slogged through muddy battlefields,told their stories to Fayette County Electric Cooperativemember Elaine Thomas, who included each narrative in herbook, Veterans’ Voices and Home Front Memories.

“I have been a regular columnist for the Fayette CountyRecord for more than a decade,” Thomas said. “I was talkingto Charlie Ripper and asked him if I could interview him foran article.”

Ripper agreed on the condition that he not be called ahero. “The only heroes are the ones who didn’t come home,”Ripper said.

Thomas’ stories about Ripper and others in the Fayette County Record drew ravesfrom the community. They led to a special section in the paper and then the book.

Four hundred people turned out for the Veterans’ Voices book signing in November2018, and 17 veterans and three female civilians whose stories appear in the book wereable to accept appreciation from the community for their service. Proceeds from thebook, available on Amazon, support a scholarship at Blinn College’s Schulenberg campus.

POWER OF OUR PEOPLE

Sharing Veterans’ Voices

POWER OF OUR PEOPLE recognizesco-op members who improve theircommunity’s quality of life. Nominate someone by emailing [email protected].

April 1 is National One Cent Day. That’s not an April Fool’s Day joke. It’s true.

A penny used to be worth something—enough to prompt the centuries-old saying,“A penny saved is a penny earned.” In fact,some readers remember penny candy andcorner stores, where, for just 1 cent, youcould actually get something sweet.

The U.S. first issued a 1-cent coin in 1792.Because of inflation, what used to cost 1 cent then costs 27 cents today.

Though easily disregarded, the penny is the most abundant coin in the country, with about 7.8 billion produced by the U.S. Mint in 2018. But because pennies cost 2.06cents each to produce, American taxpayerslost more than $82 million that year minting them.

That’s not a joke, either.

Elaine Thomas with WorldWar II veteran Charlie Ripper of La Grange.

WORTH REPEATING

“What is thedifference betweena taxidermist and

a tax collector?The taxidermist

takes onlyyour skin.”—MARK TWAIN

(With that, we remind you the taxcollector comes calling April 15.)

ASNAKE

TOLOVE


Wildlife Department employee offered a 3-footer, and I placed my right boot down next to the snake. The strike was surpris-ingly fast, not even registering as a blow against my calf. Therewere golden droplets of venom hanging off the ballistic cloth of the leggings.

I went several more years without crossing paths withanother rattlesnake, but once I hit my stride, I began to seethem and hear them more often. I would catch them when Icould and pose them for photos in the wild.

I’ve seen them during spring turkey season especially, usu-ally crossing a road or sendero and trying to go on about theirbusiness. I’ve literally stepped on rattlers, stepped over themand walked within inches of them as they hid in the brush, usu-ally under a guayacan or other shrubby kind of South Texasbush. Only one of those tried to bite me, a big snake—more than5 feet long—that fired off from under a bush in South Texas oneday. I killed it with a deer rifle, something I’ve always regretted.

Most of the time, rattlesnakes try to stay hidden or move to ahiding place and avoid any contact with humans. In the course ofdaily life in Central Texas, if you encounter a snake, odds are it willbe a western diamondback rattlesnake or a Texas rat snake. Butrattlesnakes are not the evil beings of legend and myth in Texas.

RESPECT THEIR LETHAL POWERS

We are too big for rattlers to eat, and they know that. Butthey will bite if pressured or frightened, and anyone whosuffers a bite from a rattler is in for a tough time.

On average, one to two people per year die from snakebitesin Texas, according to the Department of State Health Services,and often, those individuals were handling the snake in someway, either by trying to pick it up or fool with it. Most snakebitesin Texas are by western diamondbacks, the most common ven-omous snake in the state.

BY MIKE LEGGETT

OUTDOORS JOURNALISTCOMES TO ADMIRE RATTLESNAKES,WHICH ARE NOT THE EVIL BEINGSOF LEGEND AND MYTH IN TEXAS

Ican trace my love affair with rattlesnakes back more than 60 years to a cool, misty October Saturday morning in themid-1950s when somebody showed up at the little general

story in DeBerry with a very large canebrake rattler in the backof a pickup.

I would have been 6 or 7 years old then, and there was nothreatened status as there is now for these shy, somewhat gentlereptiles. In those days, when anybody encountered one, thesnake invariably lost a war with a load of No. 6 squirrel shot. Thisone had succumbed to just such a blast, but it wasn’t his missinghead that fascinated me. It was the full-grown fox squirrel thatlay in the slit-open belly of the snake. His last meal.

That rattlesnake was absolutely beautiful to me and kickedoff a quest that has kept me fascinated for more than sixdecades. I loved that snake and hated that it had to die.

I wouldn’t see another rattler for at least 30 years. By then Iwas the outdoors editor at the Austin American-Statesman. I

was looking for someone whokept rattlesnakes to allow meto check the efficacy of wading leggings designed to blunt theattacks of stingrays and rattle-snakes. A Texas Parks and

FRIEND OR FOE?What is your experience

with rattlesnakes? Tell us [email protected].

A western diamondback rattle-snake, found in the westerntwo-thirds of the state and one of eight species of rattle-snakes native to Texas. M

IKE LE

GGET

T

TexasCoopPower.com10 Texas Co-op Power April 2020

Except for the big timber areas of East Texas, western dia-mondbacks are the most widespread of venomous snakes, witha range covering the area along either side of Interstate 35 andon into the mountains of West Texas. The South Texas desertand the coastal plains are home to very large diamondbacks, 6–7 feet long. Prairie rattlers show up in the grasslands and scrubbrush of the Texas Panhandle.

There are no regional differences in aggressiveness or ven-omous status of the local snakes, which all have the equipmentto bite and injure or kill humans.

University of Texas herpetologist Travis Laduc has spentlots of time studying rattlesnakes and the way they bite. Cap-turing many hours of footage with ultrahigh-speed cameras,he’s learned that the bite itself, from coiled position to contactand back to coiled position, takes but half a second. In that half-second, the rattlesnake can deliver a load of hemotoxic venomthat works through the bloodstream.

THEIR ROLE IN THE ECOSYSTEM

Rattlesnakes are abundant in most of their natural range,and they are there for a reason. Rats and mice might bestacked a foot deep without rattlesnakes around to eat a few

from time to time. However, I’m not saying you should ignore a rattler in your

yard or close to your house where kids or pets might be in dan-ger. I’ve lost two Labs to rattlesnakes over the years myself.

My wife and I came home one night. As we walked up onto thefront porch in the dark and I was trying to get the key into thelock, we were shaken by the loudest buzzing I’ve ever heard—soloud up under the porch I thought it had to be cicadas. However,Rana wasn’t fooled. She was back in the truck in seconds andyelling for me to get in as well.

I climbed into the cab and turned thelights on to illuminate a large rattlesnakelying on the doormat, just inches fromwhere I had been standing momentsbefore. We had cats then, and as outdoorcats tend to do, they had choused thatsnake until he couldn’t get away and wascornered against the front door.

I had no choice but to do away withthe snake. That’s one rule I don’t break: Nosnakes around the house.

In Central Texas, where I live and where a generous portionof Texas rattlesnakes live, that is kind of a classic encounter.Maybe you find one hiding in your flower bed one morning orcrawling through your corral. We should be thankful for themand for what they do to keep vermin under control.

Here’s a challenge for anyone who comes across a rattle-snake: Let it stay in its hiding place or just crawl away into thebrush. If it’s hiding, rattle or not, it’s just hoping you’ll go on byand leave it to hunt in peace.

Mike Leggett was outdoors editor for the Austin American-Statesmanfrom 1985 to 2013. He has a lifelong fascination with rattlesnakes and is cur-rently writing a book about rattlers, due out in 2021. He lives in Burnet and isa member of Pedernales EC.

WEB EXTRASa Read thisstory on ourwebsite tolearn more rattlesnakefacts.

Here are some steps that could help lessen the nastyeffects of the snake’s venom.

Don’t panic. Head straight for a doctor or hospital.Doctors will have access to anti-venom drugs thatcan help save lives and limbs.

Throw out those old tales about cutting an X abovethe fang mark or sucking out the venom. You’ll probably do more harm than good.

Remain still. Movements help distribute the venomthroughout the body.

Remove jewelry or tight clothing around the bite.

Keep the bite area below the level of the heartto keep the venom from spreading.

DO NOT apply a tourniquet or ice to the bite. And no steroids should be used in treatment.

There is a vaccine for dogs and cats that, with anannual injection, can help reduce the effects of rattle-snake bites. Veterinarians typically keep it in stock.

WHAT TO DO

IF YOU ARE BITTENBY A RATTLESNAKE

ALL

PHOTO

S: SHUTT

ERST

OCK

.COM. RATT

LESN

AKE: FIV

ESPO

TS. CO

TTONMOUTH

: CO

LLEN

LIN

STROM. CO

PPER

HEA

D: RUST

Y D

ODSO

N. CO

RAL, H

OG-N

OSE

D & SPE

CKLE

D KIN

G SNAKES

: JO

E FA

RAH. TE

XAS RAT SN

AKE: DANITA D

ELMONT. COACH

WHIP: IRIN

A K. DIA

MONDBACK

WATE

R SNAKE: FRODE JA

COBSE

N

COTTONMOUTH

COPPERHEAD

CORAL SNAKE

TEXAS RAT SNAKE

COACHWHIP

HOG-NOSED SNAKE

DIAMONDBACK WATER SNAKE

SPECKLED KING SNAKE

COMMONSNAKESOF TEXAS

V E N O M O U SRattlesnakes are not the only venomous snakes inTexas, though they are by far the most common andtend to strike the most fear in Texans’ hearts.Next on the list of most feared snakes is the cotton-

mouth, or water moccasin. Ranging in color from asplotchy gray to nearly black, it is commonly foundaround swampy, slow-water terrain and habitat.The copperhead is a small, beautifully colored and

patterned snake found mostly in yards and woodedareas of East Texas but also Central Texas. It is commonin cities and towns and is known to deliver bites to chil-dren playing outside or adults walking on the lawn.

Coral snakes, which deliver neurotoxic venom, are found throughout the eastern half of the state,including Central Texas. They are small, slender snakesand must literally chew on a person to get their venominto the bite.

N O N V E N O M O U STexas rat snake Maybe the most common snake inTexas, this acrobatic climber feeds on rats and mice,birds and birds’ eggs. It can grow to be quite large but is not dangerous to humans. It will bite, though, andprotect itself with an obnoxious musk.

Coachwhip A slender, mostly light brown to tan snakethat will kill and eat rattlesnakes, it doesn’t attack people by whipping their legs, as folklore suggests. It eats birds, small reptiles and almost anything else itcan catch and swallow. The Central Texas whipsnake, a member of this family, has a black head and a black-and-white pattern on the rest of its body.

Hog-nosed snake Most common in East Texas, this littlesnake has an upturned nose and feeds on insects. It willplay dead if threatened. It has a brownish to gray bodywith broken patterns of brown and black on its back.

Diamondback water snake A brownish snake with yel-lowish belly, it is common in lakes and ponds throughmuch of Texas, especially the damper eastern half ofthe state. It eats fish, frogs and other aquatic fauna.It is often mistaken for a water moccasin and killed.

Speckled king snake A large snake, it’s commonlyknown as a chicken snake for its habit of sneaking intohen houses and devouring eggs and baby chicks—thoughthe rat snake is more likely the culprit in those raids.

MIKE LEGGETT


QHEN SAM HOUSTON’S youngest son, Temple, spoke at the state Capitol dedication in 1888, hewaxed eloquent about the grand building. “Texas stands peerless amid the mighty, and her browis crowned with bewildering magnificence!” he said. “This building fires the heart and excitesreflection in the minds of all.”

Houston also commented on the logistics required to manifest this structure, which startedwith the creation of the 3 million-acre XIT Ranch and included the construction of the Austinand Northwestern Railroad to deliver red granite for the Capitol from Marble Falls to Austin.

“The XIT looms large in Texas mythology and ranching history because it was the largestfenced ranch in the world during its heyday,” says Nick Olson, director of the XIT Museum inDalhart, which preserves images, stories, saddles and artifacts associated with the XIT. “And it’sthe ranch that built the largest state Capitol in the country.” At the time of its dedication, theTexas Capitol was the seventh-largest building in the world.

Neither the XIT Ranch nor the special, narrow-gauge railroad tracks exist today. The XITlives on as a carefully tended legend, and the reality of the ranch is difficult to separate from themyths. Capitol and XIT historian Bill Green says the ranch’s legacy can be seen as a brandingtool because businesses in Dalhart and around the Panhandle adopt the name: XIT Roofing,XIT Real Estate, XIT Feeders, and XIT car dealerships and communications companies. Thou-sands of area residents own small patches of the fabled ranch. Cattle outfits operate on landspurchased from the original XIT acreage.

Moreover, the XIT legacy looms globally. “I was curator of history at the Panhandle-PlainsHistorical Museum for 17 years,” Green explains, “and we had visitors from all over the world.They all knew two things about Texas: the Alamo and the XIT.”

TexasCoopPower.com

THE SHORT-LIVED XIT RANCH,THE WORLD’S LARGEST, LEFT BEHIND MYTHS AS LASTING

AS THE EDIFICE IT FUNDED

STORY BY GENE FOWLER | ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN A. WILSON

then hired a 27-year-old German immigrant named GustavWilke to serve as contractor. In 1885, the syndicate made anagreement by which it could occupy and ranch on the XIT landeven though it did not yet have the title to it. Once the Capitolwas complete, the legal title would be conveyed from the stateto the syndicate.

To finance the cattle ranching, John Farwell formed the CapitolFreehold Land and Investment Company of London. He and hispartners raised about $5 million to keep the ranch running untilit could be broken up and sold to individual ranchers and home-steaders. Back in Austin, construction started on the Capitol, withthe Farwells paying for the initial stages from their own funds.

As Green points out, Europeans of the time had a ratherromantic view of Texas ranching, and British investors hadbankrolled several large Texas ranches, including Charles Good-night’s JA Ranch. The British Empire enjoyed global reach, andthere was little opportunity to pursue the promise of such lucra-tive investments at home.

BUILDINGTHE CAPITOL

STATE LEGISLATORS realized they needed to plan for a newCapitol in the 1870s, and the Texas Constitution of 1876 setaside 3 million acres of land along the western border of

the Panhandle to fund its construction. Even though they allo-cated the land, they did not articulate a procedure for how tosurvey the land and execute the legal agreements required toconstruct the building itself. In 1879, the Legislature approved aprocess for surveying the land and moving forward with a workingplan. Not long after the existing Capitol burned in 1881, the newlyappointed Capitol Board, including the governor, treasurer, attor-ney general and land commissioner, solicited bids.

In 1882, the contract to construct the edifice went to fourIllinoisans: brothers John and Charles Farwell, Amos C. Babockand Abner Taylor, who formed the Capitol Syndicate. Taylor

W

and freighters—who kept the ranch’s remote outpostsequipped with necessities—came from all walks of life. Onecowpoke was even said to havea special love for the poetry of John Keats. When Boyce’sdaughter Bessie opened a let-ter from a farm boy in Mary-land who professed to lovehorses, she hired him by re-turn mail. A hand named BlueStevens later recalled that hegathered cow chips—used asfuel—for 21 days straight, pick-ing up enough chips “to heatbranding irons for every cowin the U.S.A.”

Noted ranching photogra-pher Ray Rector cowboyed onthe XIT as a youth. Accordingto the 1995 volume The Papersof Will Rogers, the cowboyphilosopher worked on theXIT around 1901. A photo-graph of Yellow Houses’ chuckwagon dining includes anhombre identified as Rogers,who later recalled the Plainsas “the prettiest country I ever saw in my life.”

Operating under threat of receivership by British investorsfor most of its existence, the XIT began selling off its acreage in1901. The last cattle left the ranch in 1912. In 1936, the first XITReunion drew a crowd to Dalhart, and the annual event is nowknown internationally as “the world’s largest free barbecue.”

The Escarbada division headquarters building—decon-structed, moved, reconstructed and restored—can be seen todayat the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. The XITgeneral office and manager’s residence still stand in Channing,where an annual Christmas in July event began in 2018. (The2020 event will be July 25.) The Capitol Visitors Center in Austinfeatures a display on the XIT story.

Was the XIT too sprawling and massive to be a successfulranching operation? Manager Boyce thought so. But AndyWilkinson, playwright of Charlie Goodnight’s Last Night, takes alonger view. “When you let all the big windies about the fabledranch drift off into the sunset,” muses Wilkinson, “what stillremains is a spread of 3 million acres, 1,500 miles of barbed wire,tens of thousands of cattle, and enough outlaws and heroes andhonest-to-goodness cowhands to populate all the rangelandmyths of the American West.”

Writer and author Gene Fowler specializes in art and history.

THE FIRST LONGHORNS

arrived on the XIT rangein 1885, delivered by

a team of drovers led by AbBlocker. J. Frank Dobie wrotethat Blocker was “the mostoriginal-natured trail boss Ihave known.” At the third XITReunion in 1938, where agingcowpokes gathered to swaptall tales and reminisce,Blocker told Lewis Nordyke,author of the 1949 XIT vol-ume, Cattle Empire, that hesketched the XIT brand in thesod with his boot heel for theranch’s manager at the time,B. H. “Barbecue” Campbell.Blocker demonstrated forCampbell that the brandcould be accomplished withfive applications of a straight-line branding iron and wouldbe nearly impossible forrustlers to alter. XIT it was.

In his 1929 book, The XITRanch of Texas, J. Evetts Haleyexplained that managing the sprawling ranch posed huge challenges for Campbell. “Barbecue exercised slight control overhis men and allowed the ranch to become a rendezvous for rustlers, outlaws, and hard cases of all kinds,” Haley wrote.

Ranch operations improved when Albert G. Boyce, describedby Haley as “a frontier cowman of commanding presence andvast experience,” became manager of the XIT in 1888. WhenBoyce took over, he fired and replaced most of the ranch’s 150cowboys. At the same time, John Farwell improved profitabilityby replacing the ranch’s longhorn herds with Hereford, Angusand other purebred stock.

To further streamline the XIT’s business, Boyce divided themassive ranch into eight sections, each with a separate function,and established ranch headquarters in the town of Channing,where he built a house. The northernmost section was namedBuffalo Springs. The others included MiddleWater, Ojo Bravo, Alamasitas, Rita Blanca,Escarbada and Spring Lake. The southern-most division was Yellow Houses, named fornearby limestone formations called las casasamarillas.

Cowpunchers, well drillers, windmill toilers


WEB EXTRASa Read thisstory on ourwebsite to seea slideshow.

COWBOYS

: CO

URTE

SY PANHANDLE

-PLA

INS HISTO

RICAL MUSE

UM. CA

PITO

L: D

OLP

H BRISCO

E CE

NTE

R FOR A

MER

ICAN H

ISTO

RY | U

NIV

ERSITY

OF TE

XAS AT AUST

IN

Above: Bronco busting at the Yellow Houses division of the XIT Ranch in1904. Below: The Capitol in Austin in the late 19th century.

OPERATINGTHE RANCH

Y! SALE ENDS 4/30 HURR W FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSUL

W REPLACEMENT EASY & AFFORDWE MAKE WINDO

and

spluLABOR

d.equire rchaseMinimum pur

r amazing finance options.ask about our othease Ple

0 OFF01$*CH WINDOWAE

STTERENIYMENAYMENPA

MONEY DOWPA0 or 12 Months*F

%OFF60

CALL NO CALL NO

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT

e e denoted ar” and all other marks wher Andersen y unaffiliated with Renewal b

ace, o rd tegared financial institutions without red errments and def

TION.ATION.TAW FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTW FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULT

the windows and our yeamlining

ABLEW REPLACEMENT EASY & AFFORD

LABORST

STYMENNMONEY DOW

or 12 Months*

A

y

10+ Windows

with installation eplacement window r

y Andersen owns Renewal b

AKE CARE OF IT ALLWE’LL TAKE CARE OF IT ALLWE’LL T

An

Get ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT 10+ Windowsou Replace

9226-506) 96(4.comdfwrbaof

ed. ver” and all other marks wher Anderseny. “Renewal bementsequiredit ro cr, all subject tuch lender, all subject tomer and s unaffiliated with Renewal bty lendersd-par thiryvided bo, and all financing is prtimates only, and all financing is pre estised ar

ed financial institutions without rtertate charal and sedered, f insurally insureder fyvided bo prinancing is. Fedit onlyye. $0 pachased purequiro minimum rcount applies ts of the initial contact. Disy20 and appointment must occur within 10 da

allytimates only

age.ervcoanty warrbest s ’nationthe with windows and the both backing oject and preplacement

eamlining strocess, pre entirthe y Andersen owns

AKE CARE OF IT ALL

uch lender

When Y

eligion, national origin, scolorailable tv aest for 12 monthsinter

easailable in all arver not a*Off

CALL (4rbaof

tised ar finance terms advex or familial sedit onlyed crvo on apprerso well qualified buyailable t

20 and appointment must occur within 10 da 4/30/ and ends

tatus. Any

eres ration. All rights Andersen Corporation. ©2020marks of Andersen Corporomer and s between the custectlyanged diretailers, under terms and conditions arrr

tised arer finance terms advtatus. Any finance terms advex or familial seligion, national origin, s, rcolor, rcolor tatus. Any

Men’s

Source Code 78808 © Dream Products (Prices valid for 1yr.)

1-800-530-2689 Receive A Free Surprise Giftwith every order!Order Now Toll-Free

THERAPEUTIC ACUPRESSUREWITH EVERY STEP

Acupressure Massage

$999Now Only

Massaging Comfort Slides

$1699was

SAVE $7.00

Ladies’

FREEShippingwhen buying 2 or more

INSOLES MASSAGE &INVIGORATEYOUR FEET

Helps Promote: • Circulation • Relaxation • Overall Health

Sure Grip Soles

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back

All Day ComfortFeather-light acupressure massaging sandals have strategically placed nodules that massage and stimulate pressure points with every step. Acupressure is believed to help overall health by increasing circulation. Easy slip on/slip off style with sure-grip soles. Waterproof sole and upper makes it the perfect shoe indoors or out! Fashion import of man-made materials are available for both men and women. Buy two pair and your shipping is FREE!

Name

Address

City ST Zip

Daytime Phone #

Email

VISA MasterCard Discover®/NOVUSSMCards Card# Exp. Date

78808

/

TOTAL $

$

$

$ 4.00

$

Indicate Qty Under Size

Please Print Clearly


____ Pr(s) Massaging Comfort Slides @ $9.99 pr.

Regular Shipping Add $5.95 1st pairFREE Regular Shipping when buying 2 or more pairs

Add $4.00 Handling (no matter how many ordered)

Men’s

Ladies’#370017

#370018

(5)1190 (6)503 (7)505 (8)507 (9)509 (10)255

(7)505 (8)507 (9)509 (10)255 (11)513 (12)515 (13)1715

M-F 6am-1am CST, S-S 6am-9pm CST

website offers may vary

DreamProducts.comConnect With

*We may be required to collect sales tax. Please visit DreamProducts.com FAQ page if you need more information.

SourceCode

*Add Applicable State/Local Sales Tax

Send check/money order payable to Dream Products412 Dream Lane, P.O. Box 3690, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3690

Men’s




Acupressure Massage

$999Now Only


$1699was

SAVE $7.00

Ladies’




Sure Grip Soles



Name

Address

City ST Zip

Daytime Phone #

Email


78808

/

TOTAL $

$

$

$ 4.00

$







Men’s

Ladies’#370017

#370018

(5)1190 (6)503 (7)505 (8)507 (9)509 (10)255

(7)505 (8)507 (9)509 (10)255 (11)513 (12)515 (13)1715





SourceCode



Men’s




Acupressure Massage

$999Now Only


$1699was

SAVE $7.00

Ladies’




Sure Grip Soles



Name

Address

City ST Zip

Daytime Phone #

Email


78808

/

TOTAL $

$

$

$ 4.00

$







Men’s

Ladies’#370017

#370018

(5)1190 (6)503 (7)505 (8)507 (9)509 (10)255

(7)505 (8)507 (9)509 (10)255 (11)513 (12)515 (13)1715





SourceCode



B.

C.

To Native Americans, the bu� alo was a symbol of sacred life and abundance, inspiring a legend of a white bu� alo calf appearing during di� cult times to usher in a new age of hope

and peace. So sacred is this prophecy, that the Lakota tribe has named a rare and beautiful stone after the white bu� alo calf. To say this stone is as rare as a white bu� alo is an understatement. � ere are a lot of imitations in the market, but don’t be fooled. You want the real thing. And, we have it. White Bu� alo is found in only one mine worldwide, the Otteson Mine located in Tonopah, Nevada. Which is where we went. � e family-owned and operated mine is located near the Yomba Shoshone Tribe of the Yomba Reservation and is roughly 200 miles from Battle Mountain. We were able to secure these authentic desert gems for a remarkable price. You could easily spend as much as $900 for a White Bu� alo pendant in sterling silver. But, our philosophy is to pass our good fortune on to our customers, which is why you can own a piece of Native American history for under $100. � e White Bu� alo Collection celebrates the unique and rare beauty of this legendary stone Generous cabochons of White Bu� alo are set in � ligreed sterling silver settings with an antiqued � nish that beautifully complements this stone’s distinctive white background and black matrix. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Experience the bold and captivating beauty of the White Bu� alo. If you aren’t completely happy, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.LIMITED RESERVES. � is collection is so much more than beautiful jewelry. Each piece is a Native American artifact steeped in meaning and history. It’s time you owned a legend.

� e White Bu� alo stone is as rare as its namesake, and we’ve given it an even rarer price.

A.

D.

Own a legend

• Authentic White Bu� alo • Antiqued-� nish .925 sterling silver settings • Ring: whole sizes 5-10

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TCR139-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Stauer®

A. Ring (20 carats) $395 $99* Save $296B. Pendant (35 carats) $395 $99* Save $296

18" Bali Naga Woven Silver Chain $149 D. Earrings (30 ctw) $395 $129* Save $266

$939 $299 Save $640

* Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

1-800-333-2045Please use this code when you order to receive your discounts.

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Set in .925 sterling silver

� e rare White Bu� alo

stone is only found in one

place on earth.

Transmission lines Breakers TransformerTransmission structures include the large lines that carry high voltage (69- or 138-kilovolts) electricity from the power plant to the substations. PEC owns 304 miles of transmission line. Across the entire grid, there are thousands of miles more that help bring power to our substations.

These breakers protect important substation equipment from issues that occur on the power lines. Similar to the breakers in your home, they automatically “open” when there is a problem like a surge or short, breaking the circuit and preventing damage to equipment.

The transformer represents the core purpose of the substation. It reduces transmission voltage (69- or 138-kilovolts) to distribution voltage (7,200- or 14,400-volts) electricity. This lower voltage power can then be carried to members through PEC's distribution lines.

Anatomy of aAnatomy of a

substation

pec.coop18 Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2020

PEC TCP 2020 04.indd 2PEC TCP 2020 04.indd 2 3/12/20 1:49 PM3/12/20 1:49 PM

Learn about the equipment that helps bring reliable power to your home.

Distribution lines Control houseThese power lines — like the ones you may see in your neighborhood — carry 7,200- or 14,400-volt power to members’ homes and businesses where a smaller transformer will step the voltage down once more before consumption. PEC operates 22,813 miles of distribution line across our 8,100 square mile service area.

This building houses carefully programmed, maintained, and monitored devices called relays that act as the brains of the substation, constantly monitoring and protecting the system. Relays can sense a problem — in the substation or out on the lines — and instruct the relevant breaker to open in a fraction of a second, protecting equipment and isolating the fault so a minimal number of members are affected.

Have you ever noticed the fenced or walled yards housing large electric equipment and wondered what they do? These substations are a crucial part of the power grid, taking electricity transmitted from the power plant and converting it to the power that serves your home and community.

Below, you'll learn about the main components of a substation and the important role they play in bringing you power. Want to learn more? See how our substation crews keep the lights on without causing you any disruption at pec.coop/substation.

substation

April 2020 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC Texas Co-op Power 19

PEC TCP 2020 04.indd 3PEC TCP 2020 04.indd 3 3/12/20 1:49 PM3/12/20 1:49 PM

Weather the storm with your

smartphone Everything you need is in the palm of your hand.

20 Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2020 pec.coop

PEC TCP 2020 04.indd 4PEC TCP 2020 04.indd 4 3/6/20 10:06 AM3/6/20 10:06 AM

SmartHub app

Outage map

We do our best to prevent outages, but when they happen, it's important to be prepared. Your smartphone has the tools you need to immediately report an outage to us. Before the next storm, download PEC's SmartHub app, and keep your phone and a charged battery bank with you at all times in case of an outage or emergency.

Download PEC's SmartHub app today. That way when a storm

hits, you'll have quick access to report and track outages 24/7,

right at your fingertips.

After reporting your outage, track restoration efforts using our outage map at

pec.coop/outages.

Flashlight feature Use the flashlight on your

phone to navigate your home and stay safe during an outage.

Add and save PEC's outage number, 888-883-3379, to your

contacts. When you call to report an outage, you'll need to provide

your PEC account number. Store it in your notepad for easy access.

Contacts and notepad



ROLLING OUT WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT. ANYTIME. IN ANY WEATHER.

April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day.

#THANKALINEWORKER

22 Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2020 pec.coop


PEC

BY

THE

NU

MB

ERS

1,033 kWhFebruary average residential use

$111.52 February average residential bill

332,261Active accounts

As of Feb. 29, 2020

WEIRD OUTAGESmight come from.

You never know where

A PEC crew was struggling to find the source of a recurring issue. Until they discovered a cow that had a habit of using a pole to scratch an itch, causing the power to blink!

Isn't that amoosing?

Missed an issue of this magazine?

Keep your contact information up to date Tell us the best way to stay in touch with you via phone, mail, and email.

• Log in to SmartHub

• Call us at 888-554-4732

• Stop by any PEC office to update your information with a member relations agent

Visit pec.coop/tcp to view past editions.

April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day.

¡VIVA CONJUNTO!

The soul music of South Texas

reaches far and wide

MARCH 2020

Soapy’s Skulduggery Fresh From the Gulf Devil’s Rope MuseumPEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NEWS

Calculate Your

Base Energ

y Load

SEE PAGE 2

2

2003_local covers custom.qxp 2/12/20 10:56 AM Page 7

FEBRUARY 2020Crape Murder Legendary Pitmasters Meet Forget Chocolate

CRAWFISH, Y’ALLMudbug-loving Texans pull up a seat at the communal table

PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NEWS

Get a Fre

e

Seed Packet

SEE PAGE 19

2002_local covers custom.qxp 1/14/20 6:04 PM Page 8




Observations

Family stories, filtered through aforest of genealogy and oral tradition,often have a way of teaching us more his-tory than scholars and their books. My lategrandmother often told stories about aWest Texas ranch on which she and mygrandfather worked in the early 1910s.

The ranch, near Paducah, was owned byBeal Sneed. One of my great-uncles, BeechEpting, worked for Sneed as a tenantfarmer. One day, Sneed’s wife, Lena, ran offwith Albert Boyce Jr., the son of a formerXIT Ranch manager. The resulting feudconnected two wealthy Texas families inan affair that bloomed into a torrid, front-page scandal that would result in severaldeaths. My grandmother’s stories explainedhow Epting got caught up in the drama.

Sneed and Boyce had each soughtLena’s affection when all three were stu-dents at Southwestern University inGeorgetown. Sneed married her, but shedeclared her love for Boyce in 1911, soSneed placed her in Fort Worth’s ArlingtonHeights Sanitarium for moral insanity, adubious diagnosis even a century ago.Upon release, Lena fled to Canada withBoyce but later returned to Texas andrejoined her husband.

So aggrieved was Sneed that he shotand killed Albert Boyce Sr. in Fort Worth’sMetropolitan Hotel in early 1912. Sneedbelieved that the elder Boyce had assistedhis son in breaking up the Sneed home.That March, Sneed’s own father was mur-dered by a tenant farmer whom Sneedbelieved was connected to the Boyces. InSeptember, Sneed asked Epting to accom-pany him to Amarillo to close out some

business affairs. Because he believed theBoyces were intent on revenge, Sneed toldEpting the two needed to travel incognito.

It turned out that Sneed’s business inthe Panhandle was the removal of Al BoyceJr. from this world with blasts from a 12-gauge shotgun. Sneed was charged withmurder, and Epting was charged as anaccomplice.

After each killing, Sneed promptlyturned himself in to authorities. The trialsresulting from the murders generatedreams of newspaper copy and inflamedemotions to a fever pitch. According to anaccount in the Handbook of Texas, at leastfour men died in disputes related to thefirst trial, held in Fort Worth, and womendueled with hatpins in the courtroom andthe courthouse halls.

A hung jury in Sneed’s first Fort Worthtrial for the murder of Boyce Sr. resulted

The Sneed-BoyceViolent FeudLove triangle involving wealthy ranching families erupts in bloodshed

BY GENE FOWLER


in a mistrial, and Sneed was acquitted inboth of his subsequent murder trials, heldin Vernon and Fort Worth. The Vernonjury only needed three minutes of delib-eration to find Sneed not guilty of killingBoyce Jr. A jury in the Panhandle town ofMemphis took a half-hour to liberate Ep-ting from an accomplice-to-murder charge.

Followers of the sensational cases inother states expressed dismay that a mancould be excused for two coldbloodedmurders. The foreman of one jury, whenasked how his peers reached the verdict,replied, “Because this is Texas.” An unwrit-ten law, he and others argued, allowed aman to protect the sanctity of his homeand marriage by any means necessary.

I first learned of these events in Epting’slife in the early 1980s. By then, most of the family members who knew anythingabout the Sneed matters had passed on.

Intrigued, I dug up what I could find andpublished an article in a Western magazine.I didn’t learn much about the senior Boycethen, but in researching a story about theXIT, I came to see him as an important andadmired figure in Panhandle history.

Then I connected with Clara Sneed, awriter and researcher from Berkeley, Cali-fornia. A descendant of Beal Sneed, she hadmuch more information about the events,though her family members—like manyTexans who had some connection to thesaga—had been reluctant to discuss thetragic story. In her account, published in thePanhandle-Plains Historical Review, Claradescribed the lingering discomfort in thedecades after the killings. “I am told,” shewrote, “that one could not be friends withboth families: One had to choose sides.”

Writer and author Gene Fowler specializes inart and history.CO

URTE

SY G

ENE FO

WLE

R

Several of author Gene Fowler’sancestors worked on Beal Sneed’sfarms and ranches in the 1910s.Beech Epting, Fowler’s great-uncle, sits in the horse-drawnwagon at left.

The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but

also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

Not shown actual size.

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK152-01Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.comStauer®

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

Rating of A+

Bad to the Bone

EXCLUSIVE

FREEStauer® 8x21

Compact Binoculars

-a $99 value-with purchase of Huntsman Blade

Huntsman Blade $249*

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045Your Insider Offer Code: HUK152-01You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

• 12” overall length;

What Stauer Clients

Our Knives

“This knife is beautiful!”— J., La Crescent, MN

“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”— H., Arvada, CO


M A R K E T P L A C EB U Y • S E L L • T R A D E • A C R O S S T O W N • A C R O S S T E X A S

Farm • Industrial • Commercial940-304-8068

COM.RHINOBLDG940-304-8068

Farm • Industrial • Commercial940-304-8068

RHINOBLDG@INFO940-304-8068UILDERS/TX.BRHINO Leaders in the

Land Business Selling your ranch or land?

Hire us for top-shelf service and marketing!

(855) 968-1200CapitolRanch.com

On your pond or lake, with or without roof.All sizes—installation available.

ELLISON MARINE • FRANKLIN, TX.45 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Call for Free Information •(979)820-3000www.ellisonmarine.com • [email protected]

FLOATING FISHING PIER

Our65thyear

eet the MuckGet the MuckMarble size AquaClear Pellets clear

your lake or pond bottom.Beneficial microorganisms. Restore balance in naturaland man made surface waters. Increase water clarity. Improve water quality. Eliminate black organic muck.

Apply weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly to maintain.

FREE SHIPPING!

OUOUTUUTUU !OUT!TM

800-328-9350

AQUACIDE CO.AQUACIDE CO.PO Box 10748, DEPT 45HX

White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

KillLakeWeeds.com

A 10 lb. bag treats 0.50 to 1.00 acres$97.00

A 50 lb. bag treats 2.50 t0 5.00 acres$356.00

Order online today, or request free information.

No water use restrictions!

97$MORFSBUTNIKLAWAW

!DELLATSNI599

!SAXETSSORCALLATAST

YAOTHER DAYY..

NIEW

CALL US, DON’T WAIT AN

� ACELEBRATTING 15 YEARS �

888-825-2362 www.bestbuywalkintubs.com

T,

Our products have been made in Teexas since2006. We customize, so why pay for somethingyou don’t want? Get exactly what you want atan affordable price. So stop struggling and startenjoying your bath again. Call us for an in-homeno-pressure presentation. What do you have to lose?

Visit our showroom at 3411 E. Hwy. 377 in Granbury.


!eorM&ids ids or or F

endsendseeeemed hT

onsitnstraomeDtisan rrpespohS+0000

itionsbihxEy erPds of irB

gesatS+52

oustingoustingoustingJJt t t ombaombaombaCCCll ll ll uuu

axahachiein Wth ort WorDallas/Fwnotwnes south of Do

F

2

A

W kun f K

ombaombaombaCll uFFF omba Jombat ombaombaombaomba Joustingoustingoustingoustingoustingoustingoustingomba

Just 30 minut

G

BPEST

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

yannMyalaiiomeM&&ssyyydnuS,syyarrutM

a555YYAMU

Md MHT4L ALRIPPPPA R

t

R 2SA

atu dI

aa r Da o d

HRHa

a2

t SRFets aickTt ouniscet D

NN

G

22

N

2

AAAAAA

ROFEMITN IK ICABAB K

y!daooom .calestivt SRF

2

AU

T

000

NN

2 02

L

2

L

000OYOF E OMI TTHE Y

y!

EIFLR UO

t SRFets aickTt ouniscet DG

y!daooom .calestivt SRF T

y!

HUNTER BEATONDAY 1 BAGSprovide foster children with du e bags filledwith supplies for their move to a new home.POWER OF OUR PEOPLE | APRIL 2019

Tell us about somebody who improves the quality of life in your community. Email your nom-ination to [email protected]. Include the person’s name, co-op a�liation and a short descriptionof his or her work in the community. Featured nominees will receive a $100 donation for their cause.

$100WINNER

POWEROF OUR

PEOPLENominate someone today!

FOCUS ON TEXASPHOTO CONTEST

Every month, Focus on Texas features Texas photos submittedby our readers. Send us your best photos for a chance to see your entry in the magazine!

Upcoming ContestsAUGUST ISSUEOn the WaterDeadline: April 10

SEPTEMBER ISSUEShapesDeadline: May 10

ENTER TODAY AT

TexasCoopPower.com


Texas History

It began with a headache, followedby chills, fever, muscle and bone pain, anddizziness. “After a few hours, the eyes arebloodshotten, and have a peculiar shining,drunken appearance,” wrote Dr. AshbelSmith, who treated patients on GalvestonIsland during the yellow fever epidemicof 1839. “A diminuation of the pains andfebrile excitement very generally takesplace, from eight or 10 to 20 hours.”

At this point, the patient either beganto recover or progressed to the criticalstage. The yellow tinge of jaundice thatgave the disease its name appeared, fol-lowed by the dreaded “black vomit,” whichsignaled the approach of death.

From 1668 to 1893, port cities along theGulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Mis-sissippi River basin were stricken by 135major yellow fever epidemics, accordingto a 1986 article inTexas Medicine. At leastnine times between 1839 and 1867, Galve-ston suffered outbreaks that killed a totalof 6,000–8,000.

Yellow fever, also called yellow deathor yellow jack (after the yellow flags shipswere required to fly when passengersshowed signs of illness), terrified earlyTexans. Once stricken, a healthy personcould be dead within three days, and doc-tors were at a loss to explain the fever’srapid spread. Smith was correct to believethat it was not contagious. But he andother physicians wrongly believed garbageheaps and unsanitary conditions producedparticles called miasmata that infected

those who breathed the contaminants.That theory was questioned during theepidemic of 1853, as increased sanitationand quarantines did not stop the diseaseand 60% of Galvestonians got sick.

The virus that causes yellow fever likelyoriginated in Africa and was transmittedto the Americas by slave ships as early asthe 1600s. Major outbreaks occur in pop-ulated areas where breeding mosquitoestransmit the virus from person to person.Frightened residents of Galveston andother cities hit by large outbreaks burnedbarrels of tar in the streets and sprayedsulfur and lime in the homes of infectedpatients—believing the substances servedas disinfectants. Even so, the agony sub-sided only after a hard freeze, often resur-facing when spring arrived.

During the 1839 epidemic, a cabin justeast of 18th Street in Galveston, built onraised blocks with two windows and a door in the middle, served as the generalhospital. It was erected away from townto isolate the sick. Shallow burials near-by revealed bones exposed by the sea washing over them.

A Cherokee woman named Sarah RidgePaschal successfully treated yellow feverpatients in her home with traditionalCherokee herbal medicine, including teafrom orange tree leaves. All of her patientssurvived, and neither she nor any of herthree children caught the fever.

Texas doctors were unable to recognizethe mosquito vector. Pathologist WalterReed, experimenting on humans in Cubain 1900, confirmed Carlos Finlay’s hypoth-esis of 1881 that mosquitoes transmittedthe disease. The experiments proved thatmosquitoes flourished in fresh water andtransmitted the disease after a viral incu-bation period of at least 12 days. Thisessential information spread, and mos-quito control improved.

Smith went on to become the drivingforce behind the establishment of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas Medical Branch inGalveston. Today, yellow fever can be prevented by a single dose of vaccine.

Martha Deeringer, a Heart of Texas EC mem-ber, lives in McGregor. Read more of her work atmarthadeeringer.com.D

AVID

VOGIN

BY MARTHA DEERINGER

Death on Tiny Wings Mosquito-borne yellow fever terrorized Texas multiple times in the 1800s


TH ANNUAL

Helping Hand Project

www.muellerinc.com877-2-MUELLER

(877-268-3553)

D:DETNAW

SEMOHOMED

2ROFSETIS

NOSAES0202

N

SUTISIVGRERDIDSNONCEWE

!E!LBALILAVAAGNINCNANAIFIDEDVEORPPA-AE-RP E- VE

F N IV I E

W O I E

!BEWEHTNOS

!E!DARATRNOGNIHITHYNA TH

TR E

oHtanoita

MIWS.WWWSUTISI

c

V

axeTedetarepodnadenwoylimafA

TMIWS-008-1oHtanoitacYAYTASTA

T

!0202niem

MOC.NUSXETM!BEWEHTNO

o

S

.6891ecnisynapmoCsa

)9386-497-008-1(XET!0202niemo

Recipes

Farmers MarketIn my view, farmers markets are oneof the best ways to see Texas on display.From rows of stacked peppers to bowls ofthe sweetest berries to the friendly facesbehind the tables, a farmers market is a conduit to all that grows around us—and inspires me to get into the kitchen.

We’re coming into the best time toexperience these local markets. As thegrowing seasons converge, you might seecollards alongside early tomatoes orstrawberries along with the last of the win-ter citrus. Now is the time to experiment!

This dish is a favorite in my house, andit’s a great way to get kids to eat vegeta-bles. Instead of chicken, you can useground beef—or cooked lentils for ameatless option.

MEGAN MYERS, FOOD EDITOR

Zucchini Taco Boats With Chicken4 medium zucchini1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs2 teaspoons olive oil½ cup diced onion1 teaspoon chili powder1 teaspoon cumin1 teaspoon dried oregano½ teaspoon paprika½ teaspoon salt ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa ½ cup shredded cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees andlightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dishwith nonstick spray.2. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise andscoop out centers, reserving the flesh ina bowl. Place zucchini hollow-side upinto baking dish.3. Cut chicken into small pieces, abouthalf-inch cubes. Warm olive oil in a sautépan over medium-high heat, then addchicken and cook until cooked throughand starting to brown, about 8 minutes.Add onion and reserved zucchini fleshand continue to cook 1 minute.4. Mix together chili powder, cumin,oregano, paprika and salt and sprinkleover chicken. Stir to coat and cook 2 min-

IRIN

A | STO

CK.A

DOBE.CO

M

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

April 2020 Texas Co-op Power 31

SHEL

TON-TONGSO

N: CO

URTE

SY BLA

IR SHEL

TON-TONGSO

N. DIP: MEG

AN M

YER

S. BACK

GROUND: BITT2

4 | SH

UTT

ERST

OCK

.COM. VEG

ETABLE

BOX: PR

OST

OCK

STU

DIO

| STO

CK.A

DOBE.CO

M

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

utes. Stir in tomato sauce or salsa andsimmer 5–10 minutes, until thickened.5. Divide chicken mixture into zucchiniand top with cheese.6. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes. a Serves 4.

COOK’S TIP A melon baller works wonderfullyto scoop out the insides of the zucchini, but ifyou don’t have one, a spoon will do.

Follow along with Megan Myers and her adventures in the kitchen at stetted.com, whereshe features a recipe for Carrot Fritters.

Chopped Spring VeggiePasta SaladMARIAN EVONIUK | PEDERNALES EC

Pasta salad is an easy, versatile way to enjoyeverything the farmers market has to offer. If you like, you can skip the step of roasting the peppers and asparagus—just make sure you select thin, tender asparagus stalks at the market.

¼ pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces1 red bell pepper, chopped6 cups plus ¼ cup water, divided use 2 cups uncooked tricolor rotini½ pound green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces2 cups peas½ cup chopped red onion ½ cup chopped cucumber 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped1 clove garlic, minced1 teaspoon salt⅛ teaspoon pepper½ cup Italian salad dressing

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Spread asparagus and pepper evenlyover a large, parchment-lined rimmedbaking sheet. Roast uncovered 20 min-utes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. 3. Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a 2½-quart heavy saucepan, then add pasta.Cook until pasta is al dente, about 8minutes. 4. Drain pasta in a colander, rinsingwith cold water, and pour into a largemixing bowl. 5. Using same saucepan, add the

TexasCoopPower.com

Farmers Market

THIS MONTH’S RECIPE CONTEST WINNER

BLAIR SHELTON-TONGSON | LAMAR ELECTRIC

Fresh sweet corn is the star of this dip that is ideal for entertaining. Remi-niscent of esquites—Mexican street corn salad—it also features cumin, chili

powder and jalapeño. “For an extra kick,” says Shelton-Tongson, “add a dashor two of ground cayenne pepper.” If fresh corn isn’t available, use thawed frozen corn.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a large bowl, mix togethercream cheese, sour cream, mayon-naise, cumin, chili powder, and saltand pepper. Stir until creamy, then set aside. 3. Melt butter or heat oil in a largeskillet over low heat. Add corn, toma-toes, jalapeño and garlic. Sauté gently8–10 minutes. 4. Remove corn mixture from heatand stir into cream cheese mixture.Add cilantro and shredded cheese,stirring until well blended. 5. Pour into a medium baking dishand bake 12–15 minutes. Removefrom oven and let cool 5 minutes.Garnish with chili powder andcilantro and serve warm with tortillasor corn chips. a Serves 12.

Recipes

Baked Street Corn Dip8 ounces cream cheese, softened¼ cup sour cream3 tablespoons mayonnaise1 teaspoon ground cumin½ teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnishSalt and pepper, to taste2 tablespoons (¼ stick) butter or vegetable oil 3 cups sweet corn kernels (about 4 ears)1 cup diced tomatoes1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced1 clove garlic, pressed or minced2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

You’ll want the best Game Day Snacks, ourSeptember recipe contest, when footballseason kicks off. Send us your favorites. Thedeadline is April 10. Readers whose recipesare featured will receive a special Texas Co-op Power apron.

ENTER ONLINE at TexasCoopPower.com/contests; MAIL to 1122Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701; FAX to (512) 763-3401.Include your name, address and phone number, plus your co-op and the name of the contest you are entering.

$500Recipe Contest

New$500prize!

Experience thefreshest fruits andvegetables at your localfarmers market!

Find a TDA certified farmers marketnear you at www.gotexan.org.

Email [email protected] for a copy of our “Texas Produce Availability Chart."

Experience the Experience the

Experience the Experience the

near you at wwwnear you at wwwFind a TDA certified farmers market Find a TDA certified farmers market

farmers market!farmers market!vegetables at your local vegetables at your local freshest fruits and freshest fruits and Experience the Experience the

.gotexan.org..gotexan.org.near you at wwwnear you at wwwFind a TDA certified farmers market Find a TDA certified farmers market

farmers market!farmers market!vegetables at your local vegetables at your local freshest fruits and freshest fruits and Experience the

Find a TDA certified farmers market Find a TDA certified farmers market

eT“ruofoypoc

NAXETOGliamE

near you at wwwnear you at www

CytilibaliavAecudorPsax

ofvog.erutlucirgAsaxeT@N

.gotexan.org..gotexan.org.

".trahC

aro

Look for additional content online TexasCoopPower.com

NEXT MONTHFIRMLY ROOTED The Stark familylumber empire in Orange forgedcultural destinations that offernature, art and history.

LEDGER ART Native Americandrawings from the 19th centuryoffer unique historic perspective.


3 eggs2 cups sugar1 cup vegetable oil1 tablespoon vanilla extract2 cups flour1 cup quick oats1 tablespoon cinnamon1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon baking powder 2 cups grated zucchini 1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease andflour two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans and set aside.2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs,sugar, oil and vanilla until well combined.3. In a separate bowl, stir together flour,oats, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and bak-ing powder. Stir into wet ingredients untilno dry bits remain.4. Stir in zucchini and walnuts, then dividebatter between prepared pans.5. Bake 1 hour, until a toothpick insertedinto the center of each pan comes outclean.aMakes 2 loaves.

remaining ¼ cup water and the greenbeans. Cover and bring to a boil overmedium-high heat. Cook 3–4 minutes.Add the peas and continue cooking anadditional 3–4 minutes, until veggies aretender but still have some bite. Drainand rinse with cold water to stop thecooking process. 6. Into the large bowl containing thepasta, add the asparagus, peppers, greenbeans, peas, red onion, cucumber, toma-toes, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper andItalian dressing. Mix well, cover withplastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hourbefore serving. a Serves 6–8 as a side dish.

Zucchini Nut BreadSILVIA ARNOLD | RUSK COUNTY EC

Zucchini bread is a classic way to use summersquash—and with good reason. “This has been afavorite of the family for years,” says Arnold. Makesure to use quick-cooking oats, which are choppedrolled oats, for this recipe. The oats will helpabsorb some of the moisture from the zucchiniwhile also keeping the bread tender and delicious.

Know Before You GoNew to farmers markets or need a refresher?Here are some tips for making the most ofyour trip.

SHOP EARLY for the biggest selection. During peak seasons, items like strawberries,asparagus and even eggs can sell out quickly.

BRING CASH and pay in exact amounts, if possible. Farmers appreciate not having to make change.

PUT A COOLER in your car. Along with areusable tote, it will help keep items cool and organized for the trip home.

MEGAN MYERS

What Kind of Hearing Aids Do Doctors Use?

The same ones they recommend to their patients!

Advanced Digital Hearing Aid Technology

Visit www.MDBOGO.com Free 1-Year Supply of Batteries with Offer Code JX71 The Doctor’s Choice for Affordable Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aid with thin tubing for a nearly invisible profi le. 3 programs for customized listening environments. Amplifi esthe critical frequencies of the human voice, without amplifying background sounds, so you can en-joy crisp, clear conversations.

CRISP, CLEAR SOUND

MDHearingAids were created by a board-certifi ed otolaryngologist frustrated that patients couldn’t afford the high price of hearing aids. So, he did the only logical thing…he created a low-cost, feature-packed hearing aid that costs 90% less than a comparable hearing aid.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FEATURES NO AUDIOLOGIST NEEDED

Save time and money, cancel those audiologist appointments! Advanced hearing aid techno-logy lets you easily programand adjust your MDHearingAidat home. Set-up is fast and easy,too, going from box to ear in just fi ve minutes.

Only $199 99

Each When You Buy a Pair – LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Reg: $399.98BUY 1

GET 1 FREE

Try MDHearingAids risk-free with a 100% money-back guarantee for 45 days. Just call toll-free or visit the website shown below. Call now and get free shipping plus a free, one-year supply of batteries.

Call Toll-Free 1-800-808-6563

Try it RISK FREE for 45 Days

“MDHearingAids are better than expensive clinic hearing aids, which cost thousands more,” says retired physician Dr. Robert A.

“I have had fi ve pairs of expensive hearing aids and MDHearingAids are just as good,” adds retired neurosurgeon Dr. Brian L.

Doctors Are Tired of Watching Their PatientsWaste Money on Over-Priced Clinic Hearing Aids

MDHearingAids are the best value on the market, says Dr. Clarke:

“I’m a physician, and I know how much people spend on health care. They should get the best value, and this product is just as effective

(if not more) than traditional overly-priced hearing aids. I will be recommending MDHearingAids to my hearing-impaired patients.”

Doctors love MDHearingAids® for the same reasons patients do. These FDA-registered, medical-grade hearing aids have the same high-tech

features found in more expensive hearing aids at a fraction of the cost.

Nearly invisible!

SAVE 90% COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL HEARING AIDS


Focus on Texas

UPCOMING CONTESTS

AUGUST ON THE WATER DUE APRIL 10

SEPTEMBER SHAPES DUE MAY 10

OCTOBER SELFIES DUE JUNE 10

Enter online at TexasCoopPower.com/Contests.

Sunsets“Sunsets, like childhood, are viewed with wonder not just becausethey are beautiful but because they are fleeting.” RICHARD PAUL EVANS,American author

WEB EXTRAS a See Focus on Texas on our website for more photos from readers.

o ALTA COCKRELL, Deaf Smith EC: “My son William thenight I took his senior pictures outside of Hereford.”

a CHARLES CARLSON, Bandera EC: This sunset photoof mammatus clouds was taken on the Frio River nearGarner State Park.

o JIMMIE HEIMAN, Guadalupe Valley EC: “Spring flowersand sunset in rural Lavaca County.”

o TIFFANY ROGERS, MidSouth EC: A musician stands at the end of a pieron Lake Livingston to play out a tune on his guitar late one August evening.

g LAURA BREWER, CoServ: “The per-fect setting for reflection on the pond.”


Mason Mason County Republican Women’sHome Tour, (325) 347-5516, masontxcoc.com

McQueeney McQueeney Baptist ChurchOpen Car Show, (210) 265-9200

Southlake Bobbyfest, (817) 999-8332, bobbyfest.com

April11Onalaska Lew Vail Memorial Easter Parade and Egg Hunt, (936) 646-5000, cityofonalaska.us

Elgin [11–12] Hip Hop Shop, (512) 229-3227,elgintx.com

16San Saba [16–17] Creative Quilting Event,(325) 372-5141, sansabachamber.com

17Beaumont Rend Collective Revival AnthemTour, (409) 838-3435, beaumontcvb.com

Paducah [17–18] Cottle-King Old SettlersReunion & Rodeo, (806) 492-2143,facebook.com/cottlekingoldsettlers

Terrell [17–18] Kaufman Quilt Guild Show,(972) 979-9152, kaufmanquiltguild.org

18Burton Cotton Gin Festival, (979) 289-3378,texascottonginmuseum.org

PAINT ING: MARIA BO | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM. BLUEBONNETS : LEEROBIN | DREAMSTIME .COM. P IE : MYPOINTOFVIEW | DREAMSTIME .COM

Pick of the MonthMaster Artwork ShowBoerne April 17–18(210) 775-6314, masterartworkshow.com

Works by Texas artists featuring oils, digitalart, encaustics, mixed media, abstractimpressionism and sculpture will be show-cased at the Bevy Hotel in Boerne. A portionof all proceeds will be donated to Ballet San Antonio.

Around Texas Event Calendar

April 23–25Avinger, Hughes

Springs and Linden50th Annual Wildflower

Trails of Texas

May 21-June 7 Kerrville Folk Festival

KerrvilleFolkFestival.org

May 23 - July 6 Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show

KaccKerrville.com

Coming King Foundation & Sculpture Garden

TheComingKingFoundation.org

May 23 - 24 Kerrville Festival of the Arts

KvartFest.com

April 23 “Beethoven & Other Olympians”

SymphonyoftheHills.org

Retreat ... Relax in Kerrville The Capital of the Texas Hill Country!

KerrvilleTexasCVB.com • 830-792-3535

Museum of Western Art museumofwesternart.com PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY AT

TexasCoopPower.com

Gas Up and Go!Fairs, festivals, food and familyfun! It’s all listed under the Eventstab on our website.

Pick your region. Pick your month.Pick your event. With hundreds of events throughout Texas listedevery month, TexasCoopPower.comhas something for everyone.

AROUNDTEXASEVENT CALENDAR


Submit Your Event!We pick events for the magazine directly fromTexasCoopPower.com. Submit your event onlinefor June by April 10, and it just might be featured in this calendar.

Chappell Hill [18–19] Official BluebonnetFestival of Texas, (979) 836-6033,facebook.com/bluebonnetfestival

Cypress Mill [18–19, 25–26] BunkhouseGallery Art Show and Sale, (512) 517-3453,bunkhousegallery.com

23Avinger, Hughes Springs, Linden[23–25] 50th Annual Wildflower Trails of Texas,(903) 756-7502, wildflowertrailsoftexas.org

Waxahachie [23–25] Crossroads of TexasFilm & Music Festival, (469) 309-4045,facebook.com/crossroadsoftxff

Hallettsville [23–26] Fiddlers’ Frolics, (361) 798-2311, fiddlersfrolics.com

24 Granbury [24–25] Wine Walk, (817) 964-7993, granburywinewalk.com

Gun Barrel City [24–25] Quilt GuildAnnual Quilt Show, (903) 340-6547, gunbarrelquiltersguild.org

Clute [24–26, May 1–3] Brighton BeachMemoirs, (979) 265-7661, bcfas.org

25Cisco Folklife Festival, (254) 631-6501

April 25Tatum

Pecan Pie Festival

Conroe Relay For Life of Conroe & WalkerCounty, (713) 706-5686, relayforlife.org/conroeandwalkercotx

Jacksonville North Cherokee VFD Fish Fry,(903) 571-5854

Karnack Earth Day Flotilla, (903) 736-3063

Rising Star Rising Star VFD Crawfish Boil,(254) 433-3285, risingstarfd.org

Tatum Pecan Pie Festival, (903) 947-6403,facebook.com/tatumpecanpiefestival

Brazoria [25–26] Migration Celebration,(844) 842-4737, migrationcelebration.org

May2Georgetown Preservation GeorgetownHome Tour, (512) 869-8597, preservationgeorgetown.org

Hilltop Lakes Hilltop Lakes EquestrianAssociation Kentucky Derby Gala, (713) 503-0470

3Wylie Wylie 500 Pedal Car Race, (972) 516-6016, wylietexas.gov

…and SHRED!CHIP...

CHIP branches up to 5" in diameter.

SHRED yard and garden waste up to 1.5" thick.

POWERFUL ENGINESspin massive flywheels and shredding hammers to reduce everything FAST.

Towable and PTO models too!

* Assembled in the USA using domestic and foreign parts.

DRchipper.com877-201-5551

Go Online or Call for FREE Info Kit!

TOLLFREE

1AD

86X

© 2

020

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLYGo online or call for details.

FREE SHIPPING6 MONTH TRIAL

Yard Cleanup is EASY with a

DR® Chipper Shredder!RECIPECONTESTWIN $500

Submit your best recipes for a chance to win $500 and a Texas Co-op Power apron!

Upcoming ContestsSEPTEMBER ISSUEGame Day SnacksDeadline: April 10

OCTOBER ISSUECobblers, Crisps, Betties and BucklesDeadline: May 10

ENTER TODAY AT

TexasCoopPower.com

38 Texas Co-op Power April 2020

My fascination with Texas historyinspired me to visit Marble Falls and Dead Man’s Hole, the dark landmarksouth of town.

I started my visit at the Falls on theColorado Museum, housed in a 129-year-old school building. My education beganby peering at the bones of Rockie, a 700-year-old bison whose remains were foundon a nearby ranch.

Remnants of the town’s pioneer daysinclude artifacts ranging from saddles torailroad ties. I visited the town’s namesakefalls beneath nearby Lake Marble Falls,and I was fascinated by tales of the town’sgrim Civil War experience as it relates toDead Man’s Hole.

Of course, I couldn’t go exploring onan empty stomach, so I stopped by the legendary Blue Bonnet Cafe, which hasbeen feeding hungry travelers since 1929.My chicken-fried steak was made evenbetter by the towering wedge of coconutmeringue pie that followed.

After lunch, I drove 4 miles and foundthe historical marker for Dead Man’s Hole.A few hundred feet away, I saw the hole in the limestone. The 7-foot-wide DeadMan’s Hole earned its grisly name duringthe Civil War, when locals disposed of thebodies of at least 17 Union sympathizersin the cave.

In those days, after Texas seceded,many Hill Country German communi-ties remained loyal to the Union. BurnetCounty voted overwhelmingly against

secession, butlocal Confeder-ate zealots, calledfire eaters, killed

some of those who favored the North.Dead Man’s Hole became both courtroomand cemetery as hasty trials resulted inslaughter.

After Burnet County Judge John R.Scott was deemed a Union loyalist, heattempted to flee to Mexico but wasgunned down, his body tossed into DeadMan’s Hole. Even though the historicalmarker puts the number at 17, legend suggests as many as 36 bodies were throwninto the pit.

Whatever the actual number, it trou-bled me just to stand nearby, even in themiddle of the afternoon more than a cen-tury later. The cavity is now covered by asteel panel to keep anyone from slippingin. I hopped down onto the metal and feltan unnerving thump as my weight hit thesteel and sent reverberations into the

depths below. I bent down and attemptedto peek through. I dropped a pebble downand listened to it bounce off rocks until itfaded away. From the sound of it, the holewent on forever.

The cave was not fully explored until1951, when a group of Austin spelunkerspulled out multiple sets of bones. Locallore suggests that the last skeleton wasbrought to the courthouse, and while itwas awaiting a proper burial, it disap-peared.

I stepped away from the hole and madecertain I was the only person present thatafternoon. As the hair on my neck beganto stand up, I decided I didn’t want to findout if anyone was nearby. I began to brisklywalk (OK, run) back to my truck.

Chet Garner shares his Texplorations as thehost of The Daytripper on PBS.

Dark LandmarkDead Man’s Hole near Marble Falls remains as a grim reminder of Civil War brutality

TODD W

HITE | CO

URTE

SY CHET

GARNER

WEB EXTRAS a Read this story on ourwebsite to see Chet’s video of his visit

to Dead Man’s Hole.

.

Chet Garner at DeadMan’s Hole outsideMarble Falls.

Hit the Road With Chet Garner

20%OFF

SUPER COUPON

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

SUPER COUPON

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, fl oor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/1/20.

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specifi ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/1/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/1/20.

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/1/20 *

















Item 56387 , 64096, 56386, 56392, 56393, 56394

SAVE $740

Customer Rating

30", 4 DRAWER TECH CARTS

Side tray sold separately.

• 12,600 cu. in. of storage• 580 lb. capacity

$ 17999

SUPER COUPON

$ 139 99 YOUR CHOICEOF 6 COLORS

COMPARE TO

$ 880 MODEL: KRBC10TBPC

Snap-onBLUE-POINT

ITEM 69115/69121/69129/69137/69249 / 877 shown

SAVE 65%

Customer Rating

SAVE

NOWNOW

$ 299

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6"ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER

RESISTANT TARP

COMPARE TO $ 878 BLUE HAWK MODEL: BG8X10-Y

$ 499

ITEM 56621/56622/56623 / 56624 shownSAVE $45

SUPER COUPON

NOWNOWNOW

$ 89 99

RAPID PUMP® 3 TON STEELHEAVY DUTY FLOOR JACK

COMPARE TO $ 13527 POWERBUILT MODEL: 647593

• Weighs 70 lbs.

$ 9999

#1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA Customer Rating

ITEM 69385/62388/62409/62698 / 30900 shown

SAVE 50%

Customer Rating

NOWNOW

$ 3 99

10" PNEUMATIC TIRE

COMPARE TO $ 809 FARM & RANCH MODEL: FR1055

$ 699

ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263 / 63091 shown

SAVE 54%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOWNOWNOW

$ 29 99

130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE

COMPARE TO $ 6639 ANVIL MODEL: A137HOS $ 3999

ITEM 64335/ 63585 shown

SAVE $142

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOWNOWNOW

$ 1 49 99

100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT

COMPARE TO $ 29244 WINDYNATION MODEL: SOK-100WP-P30L $ 18999

ITEM 63255 / 63254 shownSAVE $94

SUPER COUPON

Customer RatingCust

NOWNOWNOW

$ 79 99

1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER

COMPARE TO$ 17444 BRIGGS &

STRATTON MODEL: 20600

• 1.3 GPM• Adjustable spray nozzle

$ 9999

ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown

SAVE 66%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOWNOW

$ 499

MECHANICSGLOVES

COMPARE TO

$ 1499 VALEO

MODEL: 25521

$ 549

AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL

ITEM 69652 / 62872/62869 shownSAVE 74%

SUPER COUPON

NOWNOWNOW

$ 1 9 99

18v, 3/8" CORDLESS DRILL/DRIVER AND FLASHLIGHT KIT

COMPARE TO $ 79 RYOBI MODEL: P1811

$ 2499 Includes one

18V NiCd battery and charger.

Customer Rating

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/20 *LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/20 *

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 64410

5000 LUMEN 4 FT. LED HANGING SHOP LIGHT

$ 2999

SAVE 33%

$NOWNOWNOW

$ 1 9 99

Customer Rating

• 30,000 hour LED life• Sturdy lightweight

design (1.75 lbs.)

ITEM 40187/61607/62389 94635 shown

SAVE 65%

Customer Rating

NOW

$ 699

4 PIECE ANTI-FATIGUEFOAM MAT SET

COMPARE TO

$ 1999 NORSK

MODEL: 001119346

• Each pad measures 25" x 25"

$ 899

SAVE 59%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO $ 9862 PORTER-CABLE MODEL: PCFP02003

• Air delivery:0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI

$ 39 99 YOUR CHOICE

ITEM 6926997080 shown

HOT DOGITEM 61615/60637 95275 shown

PANCAKE $ 5999

3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS

SAVE 66%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating ALKALINE BATTERIES

AA, AAA - PACK OF 24

COMPARE TO

$ 1494 ENERGIZER

MODEL: 551413526

• Also available in C - 6 pack, D - 6 pack, and 9v - 4 pack sizes

$ 499 YOUR CHOICE Item 92404

shown

$ 799

ITEM 62523

SAVE $559

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

SAVE

NOW

SAVE

NOWNOW

$ 449 99

$ 49999 COMPARE TO HONDA MODEL: EU2000i

$ 1,009

2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR

• 12 hour run time

ITEM 5889/62281 / 61637 shown

SAVE 83%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOWNOWNOW

$ 1 0 99

29 PIECETITANIUM

DRILL BIT SET

COMPARE TO

$ 6814 DEWALT

MODEL: DW1369

$ 1899

ITEM 62515 / 66911 shown

SAVE 50%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOWNOWNOW

$ 1 9 99

18" WORKING PLATFORM STEP STOOL

COMPARE TO $ 3999 NEOCRAFT MODEL: 60635

• 350 lb. capacity

$ 2999

ITEM 62859/63055 / 62860 shown

SAVE $120

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOWNOWNOW

$ 1 69 99

10 FT. x 17 FT.PORTABLE GARAGE

COMPARE TO SHELTER LOGIC

$ 29075 MODEL: 76377 $ 19999

COMPARE TO

$ 1352

PERFORMANCE TOOL

MODEL: W2364

• Magnetic Base &360° Swivel Hook for Hands-Free Operation

• 3-AAA Batteries (included)

• 144 Lumens

SUPER BRIGHT LED/SMDWORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT

FREEWITH ANY PURCHASE

OVER 5,000 5 STAR REVIEWS

ITEM 63878/6399164005/60566/63601/ 67227 shown

* 14050372 * 1 4 0 5 0 3 7 2

* 14058004 * 1 4 0 5 8 0 0 4

* 14072527 * 1 4 0 7 2 5 2 7

* 14109036 * 1 4 1 0 9 0 3 6

* 14153635 * 1 4 1 5 3 6 3 5

* 14065031 * 1 4 0 6 5 0 3 1

* 14089997 * 1 4 0 8 9 9 9 7

* 14113450 * 1 4 1 1 3 4 5 0

* 14155499 * 1 4 1 5 5 4 9 9

* 14060386 * 1 4 0 6 0 3 8 6

* 14089589 * 1 4 0 8 9 5 8 9

* 14109263 * 1 4 1 0 9 2 6 3

* 14154318 * 1 4 1 5 4 3 1 8

* 14069668 * 1 4 0 6 9 6 6 8

* 14096046 * 1 4 0 9 6 0 4 6

* 14124601 * 1 4 1 2 4 6 0 1

* 14155657 * 1 4 1 5 5 6 5 7

* 14045497 * 1 4 0 4 5 4 9 7

* 14049868 * 1 4 0 4 9 8 6 8

hft_texascoop_0420_M-REG168852.indd 1 2/13/20 11:27 AM

see no evil - pec.coop · a special love for the poetry of john keats. when boyce’s daughter...

Documents