2014 February Oak Cliff

NIGHT & DAY: YOUR GUIDE TO ALL–DAY ROMANCE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

You’re unlikely to find a more eclectic collection of exceptional homes or neighborhoods than those in North Oak Cliff. Artists, architects, musicians, designers and, yes, Realtors, call this outstanding area home. Tour our listings at www.davidgriffin.com, or call 214.526.5626.

“I love the neighborhoods where the way to fit in is to stand out...” We get it.

TOP 5 MOST-READ STORIES

The eight most anticipated Oak Cliff restaurants in 2014

Wall Street Journal: Oak Cliff is ‘next hot neighborhood’

Overhaul of West Davis sidewalks coming this year

Six-foot sign stolen from Sweet 200 salon

Ray Porter, 56, raced the Tour Divide

READER COMMENTS

“If I could find a storefront in the [Bishop Arts District] that was reasonable we’d love to re-open Metro Retro which was in Lakewood.” —AJ on Pebble + Pine closes Bishop Arts shop to go online only

“I think residential in new or refurbished properties will help (with underground or back street parking) as well as assist those who live there to take pride in their neighborhood. A pedestrian plaza is an interesting concept, but be sure the designer knows what sort of urban hell Dallas becomes in the summer. Trees, people, trees.” —Angeline Churchill on How should Jefferson Boulevard be rezoned?

“While I’m not disappointed to see the trailer park go, I’m not loving all of these high-end apartments going up in OC. It’s been a hidden treasure to those of us who live here for so long, I hate to see it taken over.” —keepOChidden on After 60-plus years as a trailer park, this West Dallas tract will become high-end apartments

emergencies check in online.

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For life-threatening or serious situations, please call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

TRUE ROMANCE

Why, for some of us suckers, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with doomsday

A co-worker says Valentine’s Day killed two of his dating relationships; he says he broke up with his then-girlfriends on the day itself when he realized he just didn’t care enough about these women to keep dating them.

From a guy’s standpoint (or at least this guy’s standpoint), what he did was a noble gesture. Rather than pretend to think something he didn’t, he told the truth on a day when the truth should count for something.

From the women’s standpoint, I imagine the feeling wasn’t necessarily mutual, at least not at that date and moment in time, because who wants to hear the truth about a relationship just prior to some expected wining and dining?

My own Valentine’s Day history is checkered with less-than-romantic incidents, so I know of what I speak.

After my wife and I were married, I became obsessed not with turning Valentine’s Day into a personal romantic showcase, but with avoiding friendly fire on that day for not being romantic enough, something that just seems to come naturally to me.

Scheduling a wildly expensive dinner at a dress-up restaurant initially seemed like a safe bet, and our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple was spent under the twinkling lights of a tree growing partially inside said restaurant.

The setting was romantic, the company divine, but another known shortcoming of mine reared its ugly head during the appetizer. My wife can tell you now that the more expensive the meal, the more antsy and disagreeable I become as I watch food masquerading in my mind as $20 or $50 bills floating in on a plate and then just as quickly floating away from the table and from my wallet.

And when I became antsy about money, I became distracted from conversation. When

that happened, my wife wanted to know what was wrong, and I resisted telling her for her own protection. She asked again, and I resisted again because I didn’t want to make her mad or spoil her fun. Then she dug deeper because she didn’t know why I wouldn’t tell her, and I started to grump because I couldn’t believe I was spending all this money just to have a bad time, so I told her what I was thinking. And then she figuratively reached across the table with her eyes and tried to strangle me because she knew the pricey dinner was my idea.

On this particularly memorable night, we made it to the car without bloodshed, although my grumpiness provoked her to grumpiness during the meal. And then somewhere on the drive home, as we continued discussing the meal, I said something that double-grumped her enough that she ordered me to stop the car so she could get out and walk home.

I kid you not.

Even as a self-anointed loving and supportive husband, I admit that my first thought wasn’t to roll down the window and beg her to hop back in the car, even though I’m sure she was justified; instead, I was hacked enough to consider speeding away to see how much of the hockey game I could catch on TV.

But again, that was only my first thought. And after some silent obscenities and after pondering various scenarios — all of which seemed to end with me impaled on a broom handle — I lowered the car window while creeping down the street, and like a good and chastened husband, I begged her to get back in the car.

After some more lively discussion, she eventually agreed, and I’m pleased to say that after many happy years and more mature behavior on my part, we’ve never again celebrated a Valentine’s Day with one person in a moving vehicle and another walking beside it.

Over the years, regardless of what has or has not been spent on a holiday seemingly invented by greeting card companies and florists, the ones we’ve enjoyed the most are the ones where we’ve just been together, period.

And she’s just fine with that. So far.

Rick Wamre is president of Advocate Media. Let him know how we are doing by writing to 6301 Gaston, Suite 820, Dallas 75214; or email rwamre@advocatemag.com.

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editors:

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BRITTANY NUNN

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designers: LARRY OLIVER, LISA DUDLEY

contributing editors: KERI MITCHELL, SALLY WAMRE

contributors: GAYLA BROOKS, SEAN CHAFFIN, GEORGE MASON, BLAIR MONIE, ELLEN RAFF, PAM HARRIS, WHITNEY THOMPSON

photo editor: DANNY FULGENCIO

214.635.2121 / danny@advocatemag.com

photographers: MARK DAVIS, ELLIOTT MUÑOZ, KIM LEESON, DAVID LEESON

copy editor: LARRA KEEL

interns: BRANDY BARHAM, JAMES COREAS, JUN MA, JENNIFER SHERTZER

Launch community | events | food

Q&A: Eric Barclay

Late last year, Oak Cliff-based illustrator and graphic designer Eric Barclay published two children’s books that he wrote and illustrated, “Hiding Phil” and “I Can See Just Fine.” He finished the two books within about a month of each other, and they were published in September and October, respectively. Barclay, 45, is an independent artist who writes and illustrates greeting cards for Hallmark, American Greetings and Papyrus, among other jobs. He has illustrated several children’s books by other authors. And he has written and illustrated two more children’s books, “Rainbow Cats” and “Counting Dogs,” which are available in Germany, France and Finland. He expects those to be published in the United States this year.

Eric Barclay: Kim Leeson

How did you get into illustrating children’s books?

I started a blog about five years ago and started putting my illustrations out there, and it started getting a following. The first book I did was for a Slovenian publisher who had seen my website and asked me if I wanted to do it. After that I was hooked.

I also found my agent through my website.

When did you decide to write your own?

I’ve always enjoyed writing. “Hiding Phil” was the first book that I wrote. It started with a conversation with a friend who was talking about a recent trip to Thailand, where she had met a [literary] agent named Phil. We started joking around about “What would you do if you had an elephant?” and the idea was born from there.

What is it about?

“Phil” is a book for very young readers. The pictures do most of the storytelling. It lets the kids fill in the blanks because there’s no narration; it’s all told in speech. It very much includes the parent in the story because the premise is that [the kids] find an elephant and decide to hide it from their parents, with varying degrees of success and failure. In the end, the parents find out about the elephant, and they work out a solution.

What is “I Can See Just Fine” about?

“I Can See Just Fine” is based very loosely on my own daughter Paige. She had to get glasses when she was 4. A lot of well-meaning friends gave us books about glasses, and they always portrayed the child as a victim, and the message was always, ‘You’re not going to be that big of a freak with them.’ It was always somewhat of a negative experience. Well, that wasn’t our experience at all. Paige is very funny.

She’s independent. And there was a lot of humor in the whole situation. We really wanted to set the tone of, ‘This is going to be a funny book.’ Mostly it shows what to expect in an eye exam and the funny things that can happen in an eye exam. This was an awful lot of fun to write. It is being picked up in Japan and the Netherlands, so it will be published in Japanese and Dutch.

How did the two books come to be published at the same time?

Scholastic and another publisher … wanted “Hiding Phil,” and we went with Scholastic. We sent “I Can See Just Fine” to Scholastic, and they passed on it. Abrams Appleseed and another publisher wanted it, and Abrams got it. Now Scholastic is buying the rights to “I Can See Just Fine,” so they will publish it as well.

What was it like navigating the literary publishing world?

It’s so totally different than anything else I’ve done. I’m used to illustrating for corporate clients and children’s magazines and things like that. It’s a much longer process. There’s a lot of collaboration with editors and art directors, and it’s just very much a collaborative process. And everything takes longer. Just getting the contract signed could take six months. The initial layout and sketch could take six months or longer, and then printing depends on what the publisher’s backlog is.

How old is your daughter Paige now?

Paige is 9, and she goes to the Kessler School [where wife Michelle works]. My older daughter, Emma, is 14, and she goes to Bishop Dunne. I should say, I am writing a book with the main character named Emma. When you write a book about your own kid, you’re the best dad in the world, unless you have two daughters.

—Rachel Stone

1531 OAK KNOLL | E. KESSLER | SOLD

Oak Cliff embodies a community spirit that honors its past, while energetically shaping its future.

community and call Oak Cliff home.”

PAWS & CLAWS

Haute dog

Coconut poses in his stylish Mexican hat. His family members are Marc Fuentes and Sommer Crain of Kessler Plaza, dogs Bogart and Jack, cat Paulie and 12 chickens.

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Vote ‘go Cowboys!’ … and help feed the hungry. Join Taste of the NFL’s Kick Hunger Challenge by voting for your favorite NFL team ahem, the navy, silver and white. Give a donation in the name of your team, and it will go directly to the North Texas Food Bank. Find more information at tasteofthenfl.com.

Sign up for a 5k …

… and help improve Oak Cliff public schools. This year’s Dash for the Beads 5k is Saturday, March 1, so there’s still time to train. Registration costs $30, and proceeds benefit neighborhood schools. Find more information at dashforthebeads.org.

Race a mountain bike …

… or just watch, and help raise money for cancer charities at the Ray Porter Memorial Race Against Cancer. The Big Pig racing team’s annual cancer fundraiser at Tyler State Park has been renamed in honor of Oak Cliff resident Ray Porter, who died of cancer in December. The race is Saturday, Feb. 8. Find more information at bigpigracing.org.

KNOW OF WAYS

that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

SHOW OFF YOUR PAD

Have you recently finished a major home remodel that’s the envy of the neighborhood? Or, maybe there’s something else special about your abode — a killer art collection, impressive DIY, themed rooms or clever uses of space. We want your stories for our annual Advocate Home Design issue. Send beforeand-after photos and a description of your project along with your name, zip code and contact information to editor@advocatemag.com. Who knows? Your home could end up on the cover.

Out & About

February 2014

FEB. 1

‘Liquid Sky’

“Invisible aliens in a tiny flying saucer come to earth looking for heroin…” It gets weirder from there. This 1982 sci-fi comedy heavily influenced the electroclash scene. The Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson, 214.948.1546, thetexastheatre.com, call for times and ticket prices

FEB. 4

‘Pete Seeger: The Power of Song’

A documentary about folk singer Pete Seeger headlines this month’s installment of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff’s First Tuesday Social Justice Films. The movie, which starts at 7 p.m., highlights Seeger’s work for social issues and the American Civil Rights movement.

3839 W. Kiest, 214.337.2429, firsttuesdayfilms.org, free

Feb. 22

The

Pin Show

Neighborhood resident Julie McCullough of Make & Made produces this annual runway show featuring the work of designers who create fashion entirely in their local economies. The 23 designers in this year’s show are from Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and Louisiana. DJ Hammertimez will provide the runway music, Bethan performs during intermission, and the Effinays perform after the show. This year’s show is at the Good Year Plant. 960 Dragon, from 8-11 p.m., thepinshow.com, $20-$60

FEB. 8

Roxy Roca

Austin-based Roxy Roca brings their “dynamite Texas soul” to the Foundry stage. Hall & Oates cover band The Rich Girls perform the previous night, Feb. 7. Both shows start at 9 p.m.

The Foundry, 2303 Pittman, 214.749.1112, cs-tf.com, free

FEB. 14

Pretty Things Peep Show

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a cheeky way at this show, described as “part burlesque show, part carnival freak show, part psychotic circus.”

The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis, thekessler.org, 214.272.8346, $20-$30

Feb. 15

Iris Dement

Singer-songwriter Iris DeMent released “Sing the Delta,” her first album in 16 years, in 2012. A matter-of-fact songwriting style and expressive singing on her first three albums established her as one of the most beloved artists in American song.

The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis, thekessler.org, 214.272.8346, $20

FEB. 15

Jazz at the TeCo

Euge Groove and Gabriel Johnson perform two shows.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S. Tyler, 214.948.0716, tecotheater.org, $60-$65

FEB. 20-MARCH 2

New play competition

The TeCo Theatrical Productions’ 12th-annual New Play Competition spotlights six local playwrights who compete for a $1,000 prize.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S. Tyler, 214.948.0716, tecotheater.org, $60-$65

Location Envy.

622 Woodlawn Avenue

Steps from Bishop Arts

$385,000

Updated 4/2/1 | 2,176 Square Feet

SUSAN MELNICK

214.460.5565 | smelnick@virginiacook.com

susanmelnick.com

Exceptionally Driven | Exceptional Results

through Feb. 28

‘Eastern Light’

Artist Abebe Zelelew uses traditional African wood-carving techniques and cubist painting on hardwood panels to depict Ethiopian culture and lifestyle. Zelelew graduated from the School of Fine Arts of Addis Ababa and lives in Dallas. He has shown solo exhibits in Texas, California and Washington, D.C Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson, 214.670.3777, dallasculture.org, free

| THREE

1 Nova

Nova is open until 2 a.m., and they serve food until midnight. So a plate of hummus and pita or a pumpkin and persimmon pizza can be had past bedtime.

1417 W. Davis 214.484.7123

novadallas.com

2 Eno’s

Eno’s has a $10 lunch special TuesdaySunday, and they serve their thin-crust pizza until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

407 N. Bishop 214.943.9200

enospizza.com

Coeval

Studio sold Outpost to the owners of Smoke and Bolsa last year. The old Outpost was good, but the new version, with a menu by chef Tim Byres of Smoke and Chicken Scratch, could be great. Byres’ knack for adding modern touches to Southern favorites shines here. Outpost is courting Oak Cliff residents looking for a cozy dinner spot as well as the late-night drinking crowd from both sides of the river. The menu features heavier bar food, including a burger and pepper steak with gravy fries, as well as lighter fare, such as tamarind grilled salmon and a big salad with lavender vinaigrette, sprouts, seeds, nut brittle, croutons and cheese. The warm feta appetizer is served with oregano honey, roasted garlic and pink peppercorns, and it’s a dish full of perfect bites. The chicken chilaquiles at the new Outpost is not the same as the one we loved at the old Outpost, but it is still delicious, with lots of cheese and chile, served in a tiny cast-iron skilled with a sunny-side egg. —Rachel Stone

OUTPOST AMERICAN TAVERN

1115 N. Beckley 214.946.1307

outpostdallas.com

AMBIANCE: NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN

PRICE RANGE: $9-$18

HOURS: TUES.-FRI., 4 P.M.-2 A.M.; SATURDAY, 10:30

A.M.-2 A.M.; SUNDAY, 10:30 A.M.-MIDNIGHT

TIP: THE KITCHEN IS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

3 Whitehall Exchange

This Bishop Arts corner spot serves cheese boards, pizzas, sliders and brunch.

500 N. Bishop 214.946.3900

whitehallexchange.com

MORE PLACES TO MEET UP FOR DRINKS AND BITES |

Cheese plate with nut brittle, fig jam, apricot mustard and toast: Elliott Muñoz

THE PERFECT V-DAY TREAT

Chocolate caramels

So many wonderful traditions tell the story of Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t love a bouquet of red roses, a heart full of chocolates and yummy Champagne? Mix it up this year and share the love of handmade food with family and friends; there is nothing more romantic than that. I want to share one of my favorite treats: chocolate caramels. These little gems are ideal because they fall somewhere between the chewiest caramels and the most decadent dark chocolate fudge. If you love chocolate, play around with the different intensities, and choose your favorite brand to make these bite-sized confections your own. Before serving or wrapping the caramels individually, garnish each one with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, nuts or spicy red hearts. Pour yourself a glass of Champagne and toast to chocolate caramels that are sure to be a Valentine’s Day tradition.

Chocolate caramels

The perfect combination of chewy caramels and chocolate fudge

INGREDIENTS:

500 ml heavy cream

1 ¾ cup granulated sugar

2 ¾ cup corn syrup

1 ½ tablespoons butter, cubed

1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

9-inch square pan lined with foil

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the first four ingredients in a saucepan, and cook to 245 F, stirring constantly.

Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cubed butter and chopped chocolate and stir to combine (do not over-mix or the ingredients will separate).

Immediately pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan.

Let it cool at room temperature until set. Cut the caramel into the desired shape and size.

Leave the caramels plain or dredge in powdered sugar or a mixture of cocoa powder and powdered sugar.

Wrap caramels in wax paper and store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Makes about 50 1 ½-inch pieces, takes 30 minutes

Kristen Massad writes a monthly column about sweets and baked goods. The professional pastry chef graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and owned Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane for eight years. She blogs about food and lifestyles at inkfoods.com.

Chocolate caramels: Kristen Massad

ANY TIME IS A GOOD TIME FOR A DATE IN OAK CLIFF

A typical date night could include dinner at Boulevardier or Nova followed by a show at the Kessler or the Texas Theatre. It could be pool and fried chicken at Chicken Scratch/The Foundry. There’s always dinner at Smoke and cocktails at Bar Belmont or beer and horseshoes at Waldron Lodge. But why not try something unexpected this month? Let us take you through one impossible day of dates in Oak Cliff, our picks for affordable, neighborhood-centric date ideas anytime.

Story by Rachel Stone | Photos by Danny Fulgencio

6 A.M. | SUN SALUTATIONS, $24 ($12 DROP-IN RATE)

Our neighborhood’s only yoga studio offers a 6 a.m. vinyasa flow class from instructor LJ Hash. It is intense, but if you and your sweetie can face the challenge, you can do anything together.

SYNC YOGA & WELLBEING

611 N. Bishop

214.946.2224, syncdallas.com

7 A.M. | WATCH THE SUNRISE, FREE

The sun rises at 7:22 a.m. Feb. 1, and it arrives a little earlier each day. Lovely places to watch the sunrise in our neighborhood include Lake Cliff Park and near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

7:30 A.M. | COFFEE AND DONUTS, $2-$8

We don’t need no Krispy Kreme. Our neighborhood has Southern Maid, Oak Cliff Donuts, Maroches and Vera’s, among many other fine bakeries. At Lone Star Donuts, a square “pretzel” donut costs about 80 cents. They also have cheap coffee, but it’s cheap for a reason. For a perfect cup, try Davis Street Espresso (which serves Vera’s donuts and churros plus croissants from Rush Patisserie), Oddfellows, Bolsa Mercado or Espumoso in the Bishop Arts District.

LONE STAR DONUTS

1727 N. Beckley

214.946.2185

lonestarfunfoods.com

DAVIS STREET ESPRESSO

819 W. Davis

214.929.6752

8 A.M. | RIDE THE LEVEES, FREE-$70

Show off your adventurous spirit by taking your date for a bike ride on the Trinity River levees. Borrow or rent mountain bikes and get on the levee at Trinity Overlook Park. If gravel grinding is not your thing, try a spin on the fully paved Santa Fe Trestle Trail, which starts at Eighth and Corinth, crosses the Trinity River and ends at Riverfront Boulevard.

OAK CLIFF BICYCLE CO.

408 N. Bishop 214.941.0010, ocbicycleco.com

TRINITY OVERLOOK PARK

Beckley and Commerce

SANTA FE TRESTLE TRAIL

1837 E. Eighth, trinityrivercorridor.com

9 A.M. | TEE TIME, $23-$50

Take in the North Oak Cliff hills and excellent downtown views at Stevens Park Golf Course. Our neighborhood is home to one of the best municipal golf courses in Texas. Play 18 holes with a cart Monday-Thursday for just $43. Weekday afternoons, without a cart, it’s $23. If you’re rusty, get in shape for this date through Clairevista Vitality Club’s golf conditioning classes.

STEVENS PARK GOLF COURSE

1005 N. Montclair 214.670.7506, stevensparkgolf.com

CLAIREVISTA VITALITY CLUB

2001 Sylvan 214.744.5400, clairevista.com

10 A.M. | TREASURE HUNTING

Bond over a mutual love of all things retro. Go upscale vintage shopping at Zola’s Everyday Vintage and M’Antiques. For a more adventurous shopping trip, try the thrift stores on Jefferson at Marsalis.

ZOLA’S EVERYDAY VINTAGE

414 N. Bishop 214.943.6643, zolasvintage.com

M’ANTIQUES

424 W. Davis 214.941.4195

11 A.M. | FOOT SPA

Treat your sweetie to reflexology at Oak Cliff’s only foot spa. A 40-minute foot treatment costs $26, and 90 minutes costs $60

YA YA FOOT SPA

509D N. Bishop

214.707.0506, yayafootspa.com

NOON | DO THE D-LINK, FREE

Dallas Area Rapid Transit now provides free transportation from Oak Cliff to Downtown via the D-Link. It picks up about every 15 minutes at Davis and Bishop from 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Disembark at Main Street Park or the Dallas Arts District for people-watching, museum-going or a fancy lunch.

DART D-LINK dart.org/dlink

1 P.M. | FANCY LUNCH

A lunch date is a good way to come across as posh without spending a lot, and our neighborhood has several options, including Smoke and Tillman’s, both romantic options. Hattie’s, however, has all that natural light to make you look like a noontime angel for your special friend.

HATTIE’S

418 N. Bishop

214.942.7400, hatties.com

2 P.M. | CHOCOLATE, $5-$30

God bless Oak Cliff. We have not one but two chocolate shops. February specials at Dude, Sweet Chocolate include cherry whiskey and walnut fudge, preserved lemon and Bailey’s truffles, and a sexy “potion or syrup made with vodka, orange liqueur and lime. At CocoAndré, find heart-shaped boxes of hand-rolled truffles including strawberry/passion fruit, raspberry/lavender, café con leche and lemon chiffon.

DUDE, SWEET CHOCOLATE

408 W. Eighth

214.943.5943

dudesweetchocolate.com

COCOANDRÉ CHOCOLATIER

831 W. Davis

214.941.3030, cocoandre.com

Twelve Hills Nature Center provides about a half-mile nature walk, which is nice especially when wildflowers are blooming in the spring. To throw a little cardio into your date, try Kiest Park, which has two miles of paved trail, ideal for baby strollers or skating.

TWELVE HILLS NATURE CENTER

817 Mary Cliff twelvehills.org

KIEST PARK

3080 S. Hampton

214.670.1918, dallasparks.org

The classic and famous Aunt Stelle’s sets a standard for sno cones in Oak Cliff. But they have limited hours and are only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Any other time, try a smoothie or fruit cup from Frutería Cano or Papaya. While Cool & Hot does have good sno cones, its location in a former gas station on the Interstate does not scream romance, so maybe pick a couple up and bring them to the park.

AUNT STELLE’S

2002 W. Clarendon 214.946.1431

COOL & HOT

930 E. Eighth 214.944.5330

FRUTERÍA CANO

1133 N. Zang

214.943.9677

PAPAYA

925 W. Jefferson 214.948.0311

3 P.M. | TAKE A WALK

4 P.M. | SMOOTHIE/FRUIT CUP/SNO CONE TIME

5 P.M. | HAPPY HOUR

Every cocktail on the menu at Bolsa is $5 all day on Tuesdays (and 3-5 p.m. MondayFriday). At La Calle Doce, happy hour runs 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday with $3 margaritas. Most places in our neighborhood offer happy hour specials on weekdays. There’s something for everyone.

BOLSA

614 W. Davis

214.367.9367, bolsadallas.com

LA CALLE DOCE

415 W. 12th

214.941.4304, lacalledoce-dallas.com

6 P.M. | WATCH THE SUNSET

The sun sets at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 and sets a little later every day after. Various places on Jefferson Boulevard will give a view of the sky on fire, including the Texas Theatre and Sunset High School.

6:30 P.M | TACO TIME

Taquería El Sí Hay is a go-to for taco tailgate dates. But Oak Cliff has plenty of options for indoor seating and great tacos. Los Torres specializes in goat tacos and serves them in house-made tortillas. The Mexico City-style street tacos at El Tizoncito beat those Uptown taco places any day. Taco Wagon, the renovated Chuck Wagon restaurant that opened last summer, has a covered outdoor seating area and serves Tex-Mex tacos with guiso or ground beef.

EL SÍ HAY 601 W. Davis 214.941.4042

LOS

4:30 p.m. |

FEED THE DUCKS

Kidd Springs and Lake Cliff parks have plenty of benches, pavilions and recesses that lend themselves to canoodling. Feeding the ducks is a great excuse to find yourself in one of them on a date with someone new. It’s also great for a date with little ones in tow.

KIDD SPRINGS PARK

711 W. Canty 214.670.7535

LAKE CLIFF PARK 1200 N. Zang

7 P.M. | LUCKY DOG BOOKS

Browsing a bookstore is a great way to get to know someone. One’s preference for Harry Potter or Western novels or academic histories or Elizabethan poetry says a lot. There is plenty to do with your eyes and hands during awkward moments. And if it’s really that bad, the maze-like aisles of this bookshop make it easy to duck out unnoticed.

LUCKY DOG BOOKS

633 W. Davis

214.941.2665, luckydogbooks.com

7:30 P.M | PIE AT NORMA’S, $2-$5

Pie is half price thirty minutes before closing time at Norma’s every day. Pick your favorite booth or sidle up to the counter with cups of coffee or a cherry Coke with two straws.

NORMA’S

1123 W. Davis

214.946.4711, normascafe.com

9:30 P.M | FREE TACOS AT OUTPOST

The owners of Smoke and Bolsa recently purchased Outpost from its creators, Coeval Studio (see page 14). Chef Tim Byres is adding his touch to the place, and the restaurant is going for a later crowd they’re open till 2 a.m. Let the siren song of free tacos draw you and your date to this trendy spot. They serve free suckling-pig tacos starting at 9:30 p.m. every Monday.

OUTPOST AMERICAN TAVERN

1115 N. Beckley

214.946.1308, outpostdallas.com

10 P.M. | KARAOKE AT BARBARA’S

Don’t just tell your date you love her, sing “Ring of Fire” for her at Barbara’s. If all goes well, you could be singing “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” together later. Barbara’s has karaoke Thursdays, Sundays and every second Saturday of the month.

BARBARA’S PAVILION

325 Centre; 214.941.2145

8 P.M. | COUPLES SKATE, $4

Make your date feel like a kid again at Red Bird Skateland. The skating rink on the outskirts of Duncanville has adults-only skate from 8-10 p.m. Thursdays, and it only costs $2 per person including skate rentals.

RED BIRD SKATELAND

1206 N. Duncanville Road 972.298.7400

redbirdskateland.com

11 P.M. | TEXAS THEATRE

The Texas Theatre has late-night movies and dance parties every month. Movie tickets cost about $10 each, and you can always just have a drink and chat in the comfy upstairs lounge.

THE TEXAS THEATRE

231 W. Jefferson 214.948.1546, thetexastheatre.com

MIDNIGHT | METRO DINER

Play Michael Jackson on the CD jukebox and stare into your lover’s eyes over a plate of pecan pancakes before saying goodnight.

METRO DINER

2316 W. Davis 214.943.7473

Giving

Norma’s Café donated more than 7,500 free meals and $6,500 to charities in 2013.

The new Walmart Supercenter at Interstate 35 and Ledbetter donated $62,000 to the North Texas Food Bank to celebrate the store’s grand opening in January. The store also gave $2,000 to neighborhood schools, $1,000 each to the Dallas police and fire departments, $1,000 to the Mooreland Family YMCA, $1,000 to Oak Cliff Churches for Emergency Aid and $1,000 to Leading by Example.

Nonprofits

The Well raised almost $30,000 during its fundraiser at the Kessler Theater in December.

Road construction

The Sylvan Avenue bridge is expected to reopen partially to traffic starting April 9. The new $42.3-million six-lane bridge had been scheduled to reopen in January, but now it is expected to reopen completely July 9.

Streetcar rails are in place across the Houston Street Viaduct and into North Oak Cliff. The rails now run from the bridge, up Zang to Colorado, where they make a right turn toward Beckley. All 1.6 miles of rail are expected to be complete soon. Once the installation is complete, traffic interruptions at Zang/Colorado will lessen. The streetcar is expected to begin service around this time next year.

HAVE AN ITEM TO BE FEATURED?

Please submit news items and/or photos concerning neighborhood residents, activities, honors and volunteer opportunities to editor@advocatemag.com Our deadline is the first of the month prior to the month of publication.

SHOW OFF YOUR PAD

Have you recently finished a major home remodel that’s the envy of the neighborhood? Or, maybe there’s something else special about your abode — a killer art collection, impressive DIY, themed rooms or clever uses of space. We want your stories for our annual Advocate Home Design issue. Send beforeand-after photos and a description of your project along with your name, zip code and contact information to editor@advocatemag.com. Who knows? Your home could end up on the cover.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep. org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org

Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service. St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency

call 214.560.4203

Lakehill Difference.

TRUE Crime

The Victim: Peter Brown

The Crime: Investigation of debit card abuse

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 17

Time: Between midnight (Dec. 17) and midnight (Dec. 18)

Location: unknown

CLICK CLICK... IDENTITY THEFT.

Peter Brown was trying to be financially responsible. He went online to his bank account to check his funds and make sure everything was OK.

Keeping tabs on one’s funds makes perfect sense. Especially since identity theft has been a major issue in recent weeks, with the Target department-store chain revealing the thefts of millions of Americans’ credit and debit card numbers in December. Brown’s inquiry paid off. Someone had charged a $200 purchase on a car-racing company website using his card.

Brown quickly notified his bank and canceled his card before any other purchases were made. He has no idea how someone could have gotten his bank card information.

“If I had to guess, it was from an online purchase,” he says.

Brown says his bank has reimbursed him for the money and is investigating the debit card abuse.

Sgt. Kay Hughbanks with the Dallas Police Southwest Patrol Division says those who think they have been victimized this way should immediately cancel their card and contest the charge with the card’s issuing financial institution.

“If the card was used online, change passwords to websites where the card was used. Consumers can also contact credit reporting agencies like Experian and follow up with them on ensuring there has been no other activity involving credit purchases or attempting to get credit using the consumer’s information,” she says.

Victims should also ask the credit bureau about ways to lock their credit or to monitor activity that is reported to their agency.

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and author of “Raising the Stakes”, obtainable at raisingthestakesbook.com. If you have been a recent crime victim, email crime@ advocatemag.com.

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HEALTH

PRESENTED BY

WELLNESS

ADVISOR

TREATING INFERTILITY

For the “roller coaster” that is infertility treatment, Dr. Satin Patel believes in personalized, guided care that fully supports patients and their partners.

Dr. Patel is the medical director for the Assisted Reproductive Technology Services program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. He also founded North Texas IVF, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice,which constantly evolves to provide the latest fertility treatments to give patients the best possible chances of having a baby.

“Part of our mission is to hold the hands of our patients throughout, and education is a big priority before we move on anything,” Dr. Patel says. “I personally see all my patients, so there is continuity of care. I’m always available to them. It’s seven days a week.”

One such treatment is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which involves a biopsy of embryos to screen for abnormalities, a lifeline for those who are at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to their children.

Overall, PGD can be used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization to improve the odds of conception and lower the risk of miscarriage or multiple births.

Treating infertility isn’t only a medical process, but one that can be full of psychological distress, often straining relationships and resources. Dr. Patel and his staff reassure and inform throughout a journey that typically includes multiple procedures and exams. One-on-one conversations, demos, apps and videos all play a part in helping patients understand what is happening and inviting them to be active participants in their care.

Prospective parents of all backgrounds are welcome at North Texas IVF, including singles and same-sex couples. Newborn portraits by Dallas photographer Kimberly Wylie line the walls of the practice, highlighting why Dr. Patel believes his field is a “unique, special facet of medicine.”

“The gratification is unparalleled,” he says. “Patients and their families never forget. That gratitude is priceless.”HCA

New

Trinity Groves continues to sprout new restaurants. Chino Chinatown, the AsianLatin fusion place from chef Uno Immanivong opened Dec. 30. Kitchen LTO, the permanent pop-up restaurant, is expected to open its next concept this month. Trinity Groves cofounder Phil Romano announced his own new concept, Potato Flats, coming this spring. The Chipotle-style restaurant will allow diners to create their own plates, starting with a flattened baked potato. Cake Bar is a concept from baker Tracy German that will offer several varieties of cake in a bar setting.

Cidery coming

Bishop Cider Co. could open as soon as this month. Cidery owner Joel Malone says the shop, adjacent to Lockhart Smokehouse, could open in February, and the first batches of cider could be available in March.

Back on the market

A 1929 service station at Zang and Beckley is on the market for $340,000. Owners Jay Song and John Chong in 2012 had plans to demolish the former Humble Oil service station and build a beer and wine store. Neighbors rallied for preservation, but demolition seemed inevitable since the property is just outside the Lake Cliff Historic District. But nothing happened. Then a “for sale” sign appeared in January. Listing agent Richard Kang of TW Realty Advisors says the owners didn’t want to deal with construction, which they previously have said includes asbestos abatement.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO. Email a jpeg to editor@advocatemag.com.

Local Resources

TO ADVERTISE 214.560.4203

WORSHIP

ALL SAINTS DALLAS / 2733 Oak Lawn / 972-755-3505

Radical Inclusivity, Profound Transformation. Come and See! 9:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Services. www.allsaintschurchdallas.org

CLIFF TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH 125 Sunset Ave / CliffTemple.org

Building everyday people into everyday missionaries for Jesus Christ. Sunday School: 9:30 am / Sunday Worship: 10:45 am / 214-942-8601

CLASSES/TUTORING/ LESSONS

PIANO LESSONS All ages & levels. Over 20 years experience. Oak Cliff area. Call Tim at 214-989-7093

EMPLOYMENT

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here. Get FAA approved maintenance training. housing & financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Aviation institute Of Maintenance Houston 877-846-4155 or Dallas 888-896-8006

SERVICES FOR YOU

DISH TV RETAILER-SAVE Starting $19.99/mo (for 12 months) Free premium movie channels. Free equipment, Installation & activation. Call. Compare local deals. 1-800-309-1452

GLORIA’S FLOWERS The Finest Flowers for Any Occasion 214-339-9273 gloriasflowersdallas.com 3101 Davis St.

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME 6-8 Wks. Accredited. Free brochure. No computer needed. 1-800-264-8330 Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com

Teacher moves

Stevens Park Elementary

School teacher Jose Gonzalez participates in a dance routine led by Radio Disney in September. The dance was part of a kick-off event for the 2013 Cigna Mayor’s Race 5k (which was canceled due to an ice storm in December). New Balance gave new running shoes to 50 of the school’s students.

Local BULLETIN BOARD

SERVICES FOR YOU

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION SOLUTION New Year, New You!! Reduce Dependency On Prescriptions. Lower Health Costs And Correct Your Metabolism To Loose Weight For Life. Over 30 Years Of Research. 401-741-7596 healthandwealthct@gmail.com

BOUNCE HOUSES • SLIDES • MARGARITA MACHINES

POPCORN MACHINES • PIÑATAS • CHAIRS • TABLES (214)941-7440 - www.pinatacity.com 1705 W. CLARENDON, DALLAS TX 75208

PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES

HOLLOWAY BENEFIT CONCEPTS Benefit strategy for area businesses. www.hollowaybenefitconcepts.com 214-329-0097

TRAVEL

CRUISEONE DALLAS Doug Thompson bigDcruises.com Plan your cruise vacation today! 214-254-4980

PET SERVICES

In-Home Professional Care

Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine

Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

BUY/SELL/TRADE

TEXAS RANGERS AND DALLAS STARS

front row seats. Share prime, front-row Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars tickets (available in sets of 10 games). Prices start at $105 per ticket (sets of 2 or 4 tickets per game available) Seats are behind the plate and next to the dugouts for the Rangers: seats are on the glass and on the Platinum Level for the Stars. Other great seats available starting at $60 per ticket. Entire season available except for opening game; participants randomly draw numbers prior to the season to determine a draft order fair for everyone. Call 214-560-4212 or rwamre@advocatemag.com

TOP CASH FOR CARS Any Car, Truck. Running or Not. Call for Instant Offer. 1-800-454-6951

AC & HEAT

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Repair, Service, Replacement. Honest & Affordable. JB Maintenance. 214-404-1457 LIC# TACLB 17612E

CARPENTRY & REMODELING

TK Remodeling

Your neighborhood remodeler

•Repair •Remodeling •Restoration

•Complete full service

Name it— We do it

http://dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

Tommy 972-533-2872 INSURED

CLEANING

SERVICES

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

APPLIANCE REPAIR

972-523-3996

WWW.AROTX.COM

We at AROTX repair all major appliances Visit our website or call us WE DO SAME DAY SERVICE

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

THE CABINET CONCIERGE

The Art of Storage. Call 214-821-5900

Email jin@thecabinetconcierge.com

CARPENTRY

& REMODELING

ATLANTIS DESIGN-BUILD, LLC

Complete Remodeling. 40 Yrs Exp. Additions. 1 & 2 Story. Kitchens, Baths.

Small Jobs To Entire House.

Renovation & Design. Full Time Supervision.

Licensed/Insured. Free Estimates. 281-761-4648

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Radiant Barrier, Insulation. Bonded & Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home

Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done

Right! www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

RENOVATE DALLAS

renovatedallas.net 214-403-7247

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION & REPAIR

214.341.1448

WWW.OBRIENGROUPINC COM

CONCRETE/ MASONRY/PAVING

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Call George 214-498-2128

CONCRETE REPAIRS/REPOURS

Demo existing. Stamping and Staining Driveways/Patio/Walkways

Pattern/Color available

Free Estimates

972-672-5359 (32 yrs.)

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

4 U ELECTRICAL SERVICE, LLC We will be there 4 U. 972-877-4183

ANNA’S ELECTRIC Your Oak Cliff Electrician Since 1978. tecl25513. 214-943-4890

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com Family Owned/Operated. Insd. 214-328-1333

GOVER ELECTRIC Back Up Generators. New And Remodel Work. Commercial & Residential. All Service Work. 469-230-7438. TECL2293

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

EXTERIOR CLEANING

BLOUNTS HAULING/TRASH SERVICE blountsjunkremovaldfw.com 214-275-5727

FENCING & DECKS

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING Call Mike 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood, New or Repair.

HOUSE PAINTING

MANNY’S HOME PAINTING & REPAIR Int./Ext. Sheetrock. Manny 214-334-2160

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

KITCHEN/BATH/ TILE/GROUT

COWBOY

FENCE & IRON CO.

214.692.1991

EST. 1991 #1 SPECIALIZING IN Wood Fences &Auto Gates

cowboyfenceandiron.com

FLOORING & CARPETING

HASTINGS STAINED CONCRETE New/ Remodel. Stain/Wax Int/Ext. Nick. 214-341-5993. www.hastingsfloors.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

A R&G HANDYMAN Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Fencing, Roofing, Light Hauling. Ron or Gary 214-861-7569, 469-878-8044

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right. www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

HONEST, SKILLED SERVICE With a Smile. General Repairs/ Maintenance. 214-215-2582

Your Home Repair Specialists

Drywall Doors Senior Safety Carpentry Small & Odd Jobs

972-308-6035

HandymanMatters.com/dallas

HOME INSPECTION

ALL SURFACE REFINISHING 214-631-8719. Tub/Tile/Refinishing. allsurfacerefinishing.com

BATHTUB, COUNTERTOP & TILE Resurfacing: Walls, Tub Surrounds, Showers. Glaze or Faux Stone finishes. Affordable Alternative to Replacement! 972-323-8375. PermaGlazeNorthDallas.com

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” Remodels Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

MELROSE TILE James Estrello Sr., Installer 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

25% OFF TREE WORK Trim. Roberts Tree Svc. Insd. 10 yrs exp. 214-808-8925

A BETTER TREE COMPANY • JUST TREES Complete tree services. Tree & Landscape Lighting! Mark 214-332-3444

BLOUNTS TREE SERVICE Winter Special 20% Off Tree Work. 45 yrs exp. Insured. 214-275-5727

HOLMAN IRRIGATION Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

JD’S TREE SERVICE Mantels, Headboards, Kitchen Islands, Dining tables.Made from Local Trees.www.jdtreeservice.com 214-946-7138

ORTIZ LAWNCARE Complete Yard Care. Service by Felipe. Free Est. 214-215-3599

A Better Tree Company

JUST TREES

HOUSE PAINTING

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Painting Interior/Exterior, Stain Etc. Custom Finishes, Custom Texture, Custom Trim www.blake-construction.com

Fully Bonded & Insured. 214-563-5035

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

MOVING

ALL-TEX MOVERS Free Estimates. 11Yr. BBB Member. www.all-texmovers.com 214-869-6566

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

PLUMBING

ROOFING & GUTTERS

NATIONWIDE ROOFING

Fencing, Gutters BBB member. 214-882-8719

Allstate Homecraft Roofing

• Roofing & Remodel •

Tree pruning and thinning Tree removal Stump grinding

214.394.2414

ParkerTreeService.biz

Family Owned since 1937

1651 Wall Street, Garland, Texas 75041 • 972-864-1934 www.beorganic.com

❖ Organic gardening supplies

❖ Landscaping, Stone Work and Fences

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. plumberiffic69@gmail.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded 24 Hours/7 Days

*Joe Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

NTX PLUMBING SPEC. LLLP 214-226-0913

Lic. M-40581 Res/Com. Repairs & Leak Location

REPAIRS, Fixtures, General Plumbing, Senior Discounts. Campbell Plumbing. 214-321-5943

POOLS

LEAFCHASERS POOLS

Parts and Service. Chemicals and Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/ or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

•

•Acrylic

Make plans for a relaxing family getaway and book a night’s stay at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s lodging The Lodge and the Foothills Safari Camp both offer unique experiences with beautiful views, a hot breakfast and a scenic wildlife drive.

Confused? Frustrated? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky computer. Hardware & software installation, troubleshooting, training, $60/hour — one hour minimum.

HERE LIES …

Our neighborhood cemeteries hold some surprisingly noteworthy names

OK. Let’s face it. We’ll all pass on at some point. It’s just the way things are. Some of us have made “prior arrangements,” and some of us have not. But any way you slice it, there’ll be a final resting place for us all, unless we’re either swirled out of an urn and scattered to the wind or buried at sea. Yep! “There’s a place for us” “Somewhere, out there.” Perhaps in Oak Cliff. Many already are here.

If you’ve been hanging around The Cliff for a while, you’re probably aware that the infamous Clyde Chestnut Barrow is among the many notable folks interred in our neighborhood. He’s buried beside his brother Marvin “Buck” Barrow and parents Henry and Cumie Barrow, and his formerly upright marker was stolen so many times from the Western Heights Cemetery on Fort Worth Avenue that when it was recovered the last time, it was recessed into the ground and embedded in solid cement. Now, prying loose the tombstone and carrying it off is no longer a viable option unless you’re the Incredible Hulk or Superman.

Clyde’s partner in crime, Bonnie Parker, was originally interred in the Fishtrap Cemetery on the northern side of Pinkston High School. In her poem “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde,” Bonnie penned, “Someday they’ll go down together; and they’ll bury them side by side.” But Bonnie’s mother overruled her daughter’s wishes and had Bonnie buried separately, stating that Clyde had had her for the past two years and now the family wanted her to themselves. But, because of flooding issues at the burial ground, Bonnie’s family had her disinterred and moved. She now rests in the family plot at Crown Hill Cemetery.

After purchasing a cemetery on what is now South I-35 E, that originally existed under another name, Laurel Land Memorial Park opened in the early 1940s. Now Oak Cliff’s largest and most recently opened burial ground, it is the final resting place for numerous national figures, some of which may surprise you.

Award-winning singer and guitarist

Stevie Ray Vaughan is buried in the “Vaughan Estate,” along with his parents, Jimmie Sr. and Martha Cook Vaughan. Also interred there are V.O. “Virgil” Stamps, co-founder of the Stamps-Baxter School of Music and music arranger of “When the Saints Go Marching In;” LPGA founder Bettye Mims Danoff; singer and songwriter (“My Maria”) B. W. Stephenson; Carter High School grad and Dallas Cowboy running back Ennis Haywood; Artie Glenn, who wrote the song “Crying in the Chapel;” Richard Lee Newton, who played Judge Richard Cooksey on the TV series “Matlock;” and U.S. Congressman Joe Pool just to name a few.

One of the most interesting burials in the cemetery is that of singer and musician William “Oliver” Swafford, known to most Baby Boomers as simply “Oliver.”

Oliver’s two big hit songs from the 1960s “Good Morning Starshine” from the Broadway musical “Hair” and “Jean,” the theme song from the movie “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” — became both national and international chart-toppers, each earning the singer a Gold Record. Feeling closedin with his musical options, Oliver retired from performing in the 1980s and moved to Dallas. According to his obituary, Oliver spent nine happy years in Dallas working for an area homebuilder and in 1991 married a Plano music teacher. He later worked in Louisiana as a business manager for pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. The former music star died of cancer in 2000 in a Shreveport hospital. The North Carolina native was inducted

into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

However, the most widely recognized person in the cemetery is probably Dallas Police officer J. D. Tippit, murdered on Nov. 22, 1963, by presumed John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald.

Nestled just east of the now vacant N. W. Harlee Elementary School on East Eighth lies the signature cemetery in our neck of the woods: The Oak Cliff Cemetery, created in the 1840s. Roaming the grounds, visitors can view several graves with clearly French inscriptions, indicating a person’s inclusion in the short-lived, utopian La Reunion Colony. The grounds also reveal gravesites of many early settlers and civil leaders not only of Oak Cliff but of Dallas itself. Among the graves are those of leading Dallas businessman Leslie Stemmons (the namesake of Stemmons Freeway and Stemmons Street in East Kessler) and Henry Boedeker (business owner and developer of what was Oak Cliff’s Boedeker Block). Three Dallas mayors are interred there: David Kerfoot, 1876-77; George Ser-

A photo from 1972 shows Clyde Barrow’s grave before the marker was made “horizontal.” : David Fisk

geant, 1935-36; and George Sprague, 193839. The founder of Skillern’s Drug Stores, W. Arthur Skillern, rests at OCC, along with artist Edward Eisenlohr, U.S. Representative Sterling Strong, 1933-35; a Gettysburg soldier; a Seminole Indian chief; and early Oak Cliff settler William Henry Hord, civic leader and namesake of Hord’s Ridge. A Bavarian immigrant buried there was the first zither player in the United States and played French horn in the first Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

But perhaps the most unusual burial in the cemetery is that of Col. William Rogers Houston, the youngest child of Sam Houston. While on duty as a special officer of the Indian Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Col. Houston suffered a heart attack just outside Hugo, Okla., fell from his horse and died. The funeral service was held in Dallas, and Col. Houston now rests … in Oak Cliff!

If all these interesting and notable folks were able to come back and join us for a while, I’m sure we’d learn some extremely interesting facts about our neighborhood and a lot more. But on second thought, we might want to keep Bonnie and Clyde right where they are. Some things are probably better left “as is.”

YOUR STORIES

Longtime Cliffites recount memories about Kiestwood Estates, featured in last month’s column, “The secret is out: Exploring the history of Kiestwood Estates and its notable residents.”

Gayla Brooks can date her neighborhood heritage back to 1918, when her father was born in what was then called Eagle Ford. She was born at Methodist hospital and graduated from Kimball High School. Brooks is one of three co-authors of the recently published book, “Images of America: Oak Cliff”, and writes a monthly history column for the Oak Cliff Advocate. Send her feedback and ideas to gbrooks@advocatemag.com.

I grew up in Druid Hills, a development off Five Mile Parkway just to the Northeast of Kiestwood. As a kid, with BB guns and pellet guns in tow, remember walking across Hampton Rd. and enjoying a cool RC Cola and having a couple of sugar straws at the 7-Eleven. After being fully nourished, returned to Crow Creek to see what we could find! Upon getting my drivers license (age 16 and 8 hours), I remember filling up at Joe Jones Humble for 27 cents per gallon and getting Green Stamps and plastic drink tumblers for being a valued customer of Mr. Jones. Stamps/cups went directly to my Mom. I also remember hanging out at the Pizza Place across from Kiestwood where Mark Cordray worked. The pizza was OK, but I believe all enjoyed being with Mark and listening to the music in his place. We are all so very lucky and fortunate to have grown up during those treasured times! —Bill

Konrad

Coach Kimbell “taught” me how to drive beginning each lesson from the Sunset High School parking lot in the summer of ’65. Of course, I drove over from Glen Oaks to take my lessons from him and hid the car on a side street and walked to my lesson.

—Ron Brannon

We built at 3454 Franklin, right at the end of Woodmere. Hills and woods and many large creeks made the area seem a million miles from the plains of Dallas. The area between Franklin and Hampton was untouched by builders for several years and was heavily wooded. This was our country just like heaven!

Jim Lyons

We moved to Kiestwood in 1960 (2400 blk. of W. Five Mile Pkwy). I had a paper route that included Dr. White’s house. In those days, the paperboy went house to house to collect the monthly delivery fee. I was always impressed by the fact that no matter the day of the week or time of day, Dr. White always had on a dress shirt and tie and Mrs. White had on a nice dress with jewelry (think June Cleaver). They were very nice people and always invited me in for a Coke.

—Skip Freeman

It really was a Father Knows Best and Leave it to Beaver life all rolled into one! Even better news, Kiestwood continues to thrive with a unique and diverse collection of residents who love living in Kiestwood. I am constantly amazed how the influx of residents continues from all over Dallas, so the secret must be out. Thank you so much for this piece!

—Raymond Crawford