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POWER TALK
LETTERS
No Book Burnings in Sweetwater
Carlton Stowers in the December 2007 Footnotes in History, mentions the book
burning alleged to have occurred in Sweetwater in 1925 as the result of Dorothy
Scarborough’s book, The Wind. No trace of factual evidence [of
a book burning] was ever uncovered. The book did create a furor in Sweetwater.
The public library was unable to keep a copy on the shelves. The frustrated
librarian finally chained the book to the circulation desk to prevent it from
being stolen. She also retyped the book, with a carbon copy, which she had bound
and put into circulation.
Texas Co-op Power readers might be more interested in Scarborough’s
book In the Land of Cotton, which chronicles the creation of rural
cooperatives in East Texas.
Jena Moffitt, Sweetwater
Sisters Caring
I must share my excitement and joy over the “Cinematic Cats” story!
I applaud this kind of story as well as applaud the twin sisters who love the
cats/ animals and the work they do on Lone Star Wildlife Ranch.
Cindy Lewis, Blue Ridge
Fannin County Electric Co-op
Editor’s note: Sisters Jamie Ruscigno and Jewels
Satter-field asked that we publish contact information for them at the Lone
Star Wildlife Ranch: (512) 468-7379, http://lone
starwildlife.com or e-mail jamie@lonestarwildlife.com.
Leave Wildcats Wild
Regarding the “Cinematic Cats” feature in your January issue, there
can be no doubt that the ladies have a deep care for the four mountain lions
and two tigers in the story. Humans are fascinated by and drawn to wild animals.
The problem with articles such as “Cinematic Cats” is that they
convey the idea that having wild animals as pets is exciting and harmless. I
can assure your readers that it is not harmless to the animals. Purring Kasey
and the playful cubs lead lives that are deeply diminished compared to wild
lives. Wild animals belong in the wild.
Craig Brestrup, Ph.D.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
Kendalia
Time Out for Texas Co-op Power
What my Texas Co-op Power lacks in size, it more than makes up for
in variety and interest of articles.
I take them with me for the doctor or dentist, where the newest magazine is
at least three months old. I keep one in the car for the times in the Wal-Mart
parking lot when my wife says, “Wait for me, I’ll be right back.”
Translated, that means at least 30 minutes.
Keep up the good work.
Tommy Fluker, Livingston
Sam Houston Electric Co-op
Correction: Due to an editing error, the January article
on “Brenham in the ‘20s,” mentioned a Ku Klux Klan torching
that actually took place in the 1890s.
HAPPENINGS
The abundantly flowering azalea is a perfect harbinger of spring flowers to
come. In Nacog--doches, the first “Azalea City of America,” the
bushes burst forth around mid-March. The Nacogdoches Azalea Trail is open March
15–31 in honor of the prolific bloom.
The 20 miles of self-guided driving tours include a stop at the Ruby M. Mize
Azalea Garden at Stephen F. Austin State University, the largest azalea garden
in the state. There you’ll find one of the most diverse collections of
the flowering shrub in the U.S., with brilliant purple, orange, yellow, red,
pink and white blossoms. The trails also guide you to residential gardens and
public spaces thick with blooming azaleas. Each trail starts at the Visitor’s
Center, located on the downtown square at 200 E. Main St. Color-coded signs
provide directional assistance along the trails.
For more information or to schedule a group tour, call the Convention and Visitors
Bureau at 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN (653-3788) or go to www.visitnacogdoches.org.
ONCE TREACHEROUS COURTHOUSE BROUGHT UP TO DATE
The Shackelford County Courthouse, which sits in the center of Albany, was
vacant for many years due to dangerous conditions that made it unsafe. A malfunctioning
electrical system and gas space heaters put the structure at great risk for
a fire. Water leaks from the downspout and plumbing systems also caused the
courthouse interior to flood, damaging the antique finishes and historical documents
the building housed. Thanks to the Historic Courthouse Preservation Plan, this
courthouse, originally built in 1884, was renovated in 2001, restoring the building’s
safety and beauty.
— From The Courthouses of Texas, Texas A&M University
Press, second edition, 2007
LIVE IN THE ALAMO
Texas musician K.R. Wood made history with his new album, “Davy Crockett’s
Fiddle Plays On: Live in the Alamo.” Wood and his band, The Fathers of
Texas, were the first musical group granted permission from the Daughters of
the Republic of Texas to record live inside the Shrine of the Alamo. But the
historical significance of this album doesn’t stop there. The Witte Museum
allowed Wood to use a fiddle from its collection that reportedly belonged to
Davy Crockett.
The album was recorded during the 171st anniversary of the siege of the Alamo
and features several guest artists including the Alamo choir and descendents
of Crockett himself. Songs range from traditional fiddle tunes to new originals.
You can listen to sample songs or purchase the album for $20 plus tax at www.texannarecords.com.
WHO KNEW?
Culinary Capitals
Continuing our spotlight on unique town titles, here are some state “capitals”
officially designated by the Legislature that focus on a few of Texans’
favorite foods.
Caldwell–Kolache
Elgin–Sausage
Friona–Cheeseburger
Hawkins–Pancake
Lockhart–Barbecue
Madisonville–Mushroom
Weslaco–Citrus
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