REALTY REPORT
A sample of recently sold properties in the Park Cities and Highland Park.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from September 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.
Giving Thanks
Our November issue centers around being thankful, which truly is the expression of a gift, a benefit, a friendship, a family event - being well pleased. With the coming plans for festivities and gatherings and the kickoff of our yearly holiday season we hope to share our thanks toward you, our families, for your interest and allowing Park Cities Lifestyle to be a welcomed part of your homes.
Having the opportunity to become the new publisher of Park Cities Lifestyle is an exciting step, one that I am expressly thankful for. My dear husband Mark and I have followed a huge nudge and are looking forward to seeing how marvelous this journey becomes! My goal is to reach out to find other business leaders to partner with and find ways to engage our families together. Stepping into these shoes brings excitement to utilize much of my professional background, but combining all efforts with my innate love for others. In this issue I share a huge thank you to my father Phil Livingston for his passion for the world of journalism and telling stories. He has exemplified the strength of a story by spending a lifetime in the western industry magazine world and is a noted artist and writer himself. He has illustrated the gift of pulling thoughts and stories together, along with great photos to share the very air around an experience or event. My desire is to make everything come to life in each issue through the world of words and photos as a gift to all who come near, and that gift cannot be measured, but we all can be thankful for that experience.
As I mentioned, people have always been the number one priority to me; their hearts, their passions, their stories of challenges and success. I was fortunate to spend years both in education and business development, with millions of hours working for others. We all have stories to share and memories to make, together. It is our goal as a team to feature some of the wonderful goings-on here in the Park Cities and we hope to be a place you and your family look to as part of your community family.
Whether your thanks wraps around family, experiences, pets, careers or name many more, my prayer is that your see blessing abound in each and every relationship. Let’s take the time to thank those who have touched your lives and know that in-turn, your have touched theirs.
Looking forward to getting to know you all better!
LINDA LIVINGSTON, PUBLISHER @PARKCITIESLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Linda Livingston | linda.livingston@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kristi Harvey | kristi.harvey@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Mark Hanna | mark.hanna@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Diana Oates, Kelsey J Vanderschoot, David Muscari, Lauren Stone
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Cain Photography, Adrian Faubel Photography, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee Learn
inside the issue
ABPA Home Tour
Cherished
A Journey of Gratitude and Discovery
Find
Elevate Your Family Dinner This Fall
From captivating tableside preparations to
Sadelle’s
Inspired by the peaks and valleys of life, Laura Petka’s “Connecting Points” Series of paintings captivate attention, with a posture of humility.
For available works and custom commission paintings visit:
Balanced between boldness and subtlety Petka’s paintings anchor a room through depth
and dimension. “Art should evoke introspection and emotion around the various ways that life’s relationships connect, contrast and change over time ” Combining calm smoothness and chaotic texture, moments in time are emulated as clusters on her canvas
Laura Petka, UP Resident & Mom of four Hyer kids
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
ML Interior Group is Giving Thanks
Michelle Lynne, Owner/President of ML Interiors Group celebrates the blessings of a good team every day, not only during the season of gratitude. Collaboration and teamwork lead to the award-winning designs along with the approach that the MLIG style is what the client wants, but can’t quite see, in their home. “We interpret that vision and make it a reality!” ML Interiors Group is grateful for many clients throughout the Metroplex who have made them part of the family.
Selby House x Process Home Pop-Up | Extended through November 16th
We've extended our pop-up at Process Home, founded by Lonnie Grover, on Lovers Lane and Inwood. Join us through Saturday November 16th for an exclusive showcase of furniture and objects from The Selby House. The collection is artfully curated and styled, and complemented by featured works from Canvas Showroom, CoCollect and Samuel Lynne Galleries. Process Home: 5501 W Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75209 • Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11am-6pm & Saturday 11am-5pm
ARTICLE BY LAUREN STONE
THE BUBBLE LOUNGE PODCAST HOST MARTHA JACKSON REFLECTS ON THE PAST SIX YEARS AHEAD OF THE SHOW’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
CELEBRATING THE BUBBLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN FAUBEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Martha Jackson, Founder of the Bubble Podcast
Like all great things, The Bubble Lounge Podcast started with a simple idea—to tell the stories of a community. Now coming up on its six-year anniversary, the podcast’s host Martha
and the Chi Omega Christmas Market. “I’m truly inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with all of these talented groups of women who come together to make a difference through their hard
“WHETHER YOU’RE A LISTENER, GUEST OR SPONSOR, WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU.”
Jackson reflects on the show’s incredible journey and how far it’s come.
“What started as a small idea has grown into a platform that reaches thousands of listeners and celebrates the people, businesses and events that make the Park Cities community special,” Jackson says. “It feels amazing to have built something that resonates so deeply with our audience while also supporting our local community.”
The inception of The Bubble Lounge Podcast can be traced back to a heartfelt conversation between Jackson and her husband, Sean. “We were discussing how unique and close-knit our community is, but also how many amazing stories were going untold,” she recalls. Their goal was clear: create a space to illuminate the voices of the Park Cities and connect the residents in a new and engaging way.
Community involvement is a hallmark of The Bubble Lounge Podcast. Jackson is particularly excited about ongoing partnerships with impactful organizations, such as the Cattle Barons Ball, the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas
work and dedication,” she says.
In celebration of its six-year milestone, The Bubble Lounge Podcast will host an anniversary event at Coupes Champagne Bar at the Shops of Highland Park this November. With exciting collaborations, including sponsorship from local brand Socorro Tequila, and the promise of an unforgettable evening, the celebration aims to honor the listeners, supporters and guests who have contributed to the podcast’s success.“This partnership with Coupes couldn’t be more perfect—it’s a local business that truly reflects the spirit of our podcast, and it’s literally the only ‘Bubble Lounge’ in the Park Cities,” Jackson says.
Looking ahead, Jackson is eager for what the future holds and grateful to those who helped the podcast grow. “Whether you’re a listener, guest or sponsor, we couldn’t have done it without you,” she says. “I see The Bubble Lounge continuing to be a vital platform for connecting people, sharing stories and supporting local businesses. As the community evolves, so will we.”
ARTICLE BY DIANA OATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN CAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME TOUR
Cherished Neighborhood Tradition Celebrates 25 Years of Festive Philanthropy
Laura Price, Sara Thieke, Lizzy Brauer, Krystle Womack, Landen Tillery, Lara Francis, Meredith Connally, Kelli Little
The Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association (ABPA) celebrates an impressive 25 years of their beloved Home for the Holidays Home Tour. This year’s tour promises to be unlike any other with four fantastic homes that exemplify elegance in design across various architectural styles.
This parent-led organization has recruited some of its most dynamic members to lead the charge to ensure that the tour celebrates turning a quarter century with pomp and circumstance. This year’s chairs include Laura Price, Kelli Little, Lizzy Brauer, Lara Francis, Sara Thieke, and Meredith Connally.
“I feel so honored to serve on the home tour team because the money that we raise directly impacts our kids that attend our neighborhood schools,” co-chair Laura Price said. “I’m so thankful to our homeowners who are all graciously opening up their beautiful homes.”
Start the tour by enjoying an eclectic Tudor on the corner of St. Johns and Byron. Next dash over to Dartmouth to view a traditional home that has been reimagined and painstakingly curated by the homeowner herself. A Rheims retreat that is reminiscent of a classic east coast wood-frame home has a side yard that calls to you for a game of fetch with fido or a game of catch with your kids.
ABPA incoming president: Landon Tillery, ABPA president: Krystle Womack
Caitlin Wilson's New Home Inspiration
Last but certainly not least, a stunning renovation project also on Rheims by beloved designer Caitlin Wilson combines traditional Americana with refined British influences. In true Caitlin Wilson Design fashion, this property manages to be both historically grounded and bursting with rich textures, luxe materials, and a variety of vibrant colors.
This year’ 25th annual event is taking place on December 6, 2024, and tickets can be purchased at armstrongbradfield.com . It is presented by Briggs Architecture & Design.
“The ABPA welcomed our family with open arms when we moved to the community and has since become a meaningful part of our lives,” co-chair Lizzy Brauer said. “We love how the organization brings neighbors together to support our sweet schools, and the Home Tour is the perfect way to celebrate our community’s families and their beautiful homes.”
Since its inception, this volunteer organization has raised more than $1 million for the kindergarten and first grade classes at Armstrong & Bradfield elementary schools with its Homes for the Holidays Home Tour.
PHOTO BY BRAND RICH
Gratitude and A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
Four Seasons Safari Lodge
Find a feeling of connection to the earth in the Serengeti
ARTICLE BY THE FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE
Nestled in the heart of the Serengeti’s untamed beauty, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge is a sanctuary of luxury, adventure and connection. It’s a place where the call of the wild meets the comfort of personalized service, where the rugged landscape invites exploration, and where the rich tapestry of life on the savanna unfolds before your eyes.
Wake up to a sunrise painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, the majestic landscape sprawling before you like a canvas of untamed beauty. This is the magic of the Lodge, where luxury meets adventure, where every window frames a breathtaking vista, and where the heart of the experience lies in the profound connection it fosters with the land and its people.
A vacation in the untamed wilderness of the Serengeti isn’t just a vacation; it’s a journey of discovery, a chance to step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary, immersed in authentic culture of the Maasai, learning their ancient dances, the rhythm of their steps echoing the pulse of the land itself.
Imagine sharing stories with local artists plying their trade in the sanctuary of the Lodge, their hands weathered by generations of tradition, their wisdom woven into every brush stroke or caress of the graphite in their hand. Four Seasons Safari Lodge isn’t just about the breathtaking scenery, though it certainly has that in spades. It’s about embracing the spirit of “Giving Thanks,” of recognizing the sacred bond between humanity and nature, and of appreciating the rich tapestry of cultures and commitment to conservation that make up this vibrant sliver of East Africa.
Here, you’ll find more than just comfort; you’ll find an awakening, a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the grand scheme of things. This extraordinary destination is more than just a luxurious escape; it’s a deeply immersive experience.
Beyond the exhilarating wildlife encounters with the big cats, wildebeest zebra and Giraffe, the Lodge offers opportunities to connect with the human spirit and be immersed in the rich cultural heritage. Gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance of the ecosystem through educational activities focused on conservation. And leave with a sense of gratitude for the privilege of sharing this awe-inspiring wilderness.
Whether you seek an adrenaline rush, a moment of tranquility, or a renewed connection to nature, the Four Seasons Serengeti offers a truly extraordinary experience. It’s a place where “Giving Thanks” resonates not just as a theme, but as a profound feeling that transcends the ordinary and inspires the soul.
FALL
FUN STUFF
Don’t miss these six sensational seasonal events in DFW.
ARTICLE BY DAVID MUSCARI
There are plenty of local food festivals to choose from in Dallas-Fort Worth, however, this mouthwatering fall culinary festival November 1-3 in Old City Park specifically showcases the talents of Texas’s top chefs and food artisans while spotlighting and celebrating sustainability, eco-consciousness, and the best in local cuisine.
Texas Bound is an evening of short stories by Texas-connected authors at the Dallas Museum of Art, part of the popular Arts & Letters Live series on November 11. Poignant, witty, and thought-provoking, the adult story time has featured the likes of Luke Wilson, Regina Taylor, Matthew McConaughey, and Marcia Gay Harden.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is nestled on the shores of beautiful White Rock Lake. Every year in November, December, and January, the Arboretum presents an endearing series of seasonal events that include a Magical Christmas Village, plus the 12 Days of Christmas celebrates 10 years, and lovely DeGolyer House exhibitions.
1. CHEFS FOR FARMERS
2. ARTS & LETTERS LIVE
3. HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM
Stephen Tobolowsky
Since 2011 the authentic German market is an indispensable part of the holiday landscape. Born out of Arlington’s storied relationship with sister city Bad Königshofen, it features music, cuisine, culture, gift ideas, and more in a European market. It opens on November 22 and runs through December 23 at Globe Life Field.
For 37 years, the joyous exhibition has benefitted the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and served as a seasonal highlight in Dallas. From opening day on November 16 through January 5, thousands will survey the spectacular miniature landscape that features 4,000 square feet of creative railroad environments, with a variety of Yuletide touches.
Brimming with uplifting songs, and magical spirits, the award-winning Dallas Theater Center’s take on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday yarn is a story of joy and redemption, all wrapped around the spirit of Christmas. Take in a production onstage at the intimate Wyly Theatre from November 29 through December 28.
5. TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET
6. A CHRISTMAS CAROL 4. TRAINS AT NORTHPARK
A Christmas Carol Photographer Karen Almond
We offer non surgical aesthetics services such as Wrinkle Relaxers, Fillers, Facials, PDO Threads, Sculptra, Exosomes, Male Enhancement, Microneedling with PRP, and more. We only carry Emer Skincare and Hydrinity and medical grade skincare lines such as ZO Skin Health.
Our first step is just to listen - to really listen - to your concerns and take the time to reassure you that you can take baby steps. You are going to look natural. You are going to feel confident in your decisions. We are going to respect your budget, and we will move at your pace. We believe in prevention and corrective aesthetics and we pride ourselves on helping our clients achieve their individual goals.
ELEVATE YOUR FAMILY DINNER THIS FALL
From captivating tableside preparations to highquality ingredients, Sadelle’s new three-course kids menu creates the perfect setting to indulge in memorable family dinners this fall.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN STONE
Sadelle’s Dallas is redefining the family dining experience with its newly launched three-course kids menu. Head chef and creator of the menu, Kieth Potter, believes in crafting meals that not only satisfy but also create lasting memories for families. “With this menu, we wanted to level-set a children’s dining experience in our restaurant market,” he says. “We wanted to offer the community an opportunity to build family traditions around elevated dining out.”
Nestled in the bustling Highland Park Village, Sadelle’s is already a hot spot for everything from a quick coffee to a decadent meal in its stunning dining room. With so many families frequenting the area, it was the perfect opportunity to create
Chef Kieth Potter
a kids menu that feels upscale and inviting, bridging the gap between what kids typically experience and what adults enjoy.
The development of the kids menu was a meticulous process. “Any menu debut in Major Food Group is carefully considered,” Potter explains. As a father of two young children, Potter was the perfect chef for the job, as he understands the importance of balancing indulgence, nutrition and a meal that keeps everyone engaged.
“We’ve offered items that my kids, and other kids, love but also things that I actually want my kids to eat,” Potter says. “I want my children to sit still long enough so I can enjoy a three-course meal, and by engineering the menu in the way that we have with the items that are listed on it, we’ve created that.”
One aspect that sets this menu apart is the focus on high-quality ingredients. “Nutrition was naturally woven into the menu,” Potter says. “It’s easy to pick anything on the menu and have nutrition be at the forefront of that preparation—hormone and antibiotic-free chicken breast; burgers ground fresh daily; hummus made in-house; all the bread is baked fresh daily.”
At Sadelle’s, dining is not just about the food; it’s about the entire experience. From its colorful banquette seating to its toile-covered walls, the restaurant is a feast for the senses, boasting a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique decor that captivates diners of all ages. “I think kids walk in and go,
‘I’ve never seen a restaurant that looks like this’—I know my kids have said the same,” Potter says, highlighting how the space itself is engaging to young guests.
To enhance the dining experience further, the entire staff is trained to connect with children on their level. Waiters—or “captains” at Sadelle’s—kneel down to a child’s height to introduce themselves, take their order, personally welcome them and even perform whimsical tableside dessert preparations. Adding an extra layer of fun, the physical menu includes an I-spy game and a sticker book, not to mention the chef hats they bring out for special occasions.
“As a dad, I love all of these tools because I really want to have tradition around the dinner table, much like I had as a young boy,” Potter reflects. “Those memories and restaurants that my parents took me to are what led me to become a chef later in life. And my goal with my children is to keep them off the screens long enough that my wife and I, and they, in turn, can enjoy an elevated dining experience.”
This September, Sadelle’s introduced its new menu with a fun event where kids got to roll pigs-in-a-blanket, and Potter notes more hands-on events and menu editions are to come. In an age where dining out can often feel rushed and transactional, Sadelle’s Dallas stands out as a beacon of thoughtful, engaging and elevated dining for children and their families.
“WITH THIS MENU, WE WANTED TO LEVEL-SET A CHILDREN'S DINING EXPERIENCE IN OUR RESTAURANT MARKET. WE WANTED
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb
feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
Neal Smith, Financial Advisor 8222 Douglas Avenue, Suite 675 Dallas, TX 75225 214-363-8258 6-Month 4.45 1-Year 3.95 2-Year 3.75 09/24/2024
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective . CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
Providing effective, natural health solutions for families to get and stay well
New Patients - Use the QR Code to Schedule Your Consultation for only $149! ($100 discount!)
MAKING AN IMPACT IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE
HeadFirst Mental Health Initiative provides therapy and other mental health resources to families in need.
ARTICLE BY KELSEY J VANDERSCHOOT
While leading her private practice HeadFirst Counseling, child and adolescent therapist Laura McLaughlin identified an unmet industry need. “We were turning people away and giving referrals for people who couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket,” she recalls.
“There wasn't really a solution that was matching people with experienced, quality therapists long-term or for as long as therapy was needed, and doing it at either no cost or very low cost to the families,” Laura McLaughlin
“There wasn’t really a solution that was matching people with experienced, quality therapists longterm or for as long as therapy was needed, and doing it at no cost to the families.” So, in 2022, McLaughlin launched HeadFirst Mental Health Initiative, a nonprofit that does just that. In addition to providing therapy sessions to children and adolescents, HeadFirst offers resources to parents. “We do a lot of parent education groups, which I think is critical, because if you really want communal and familial change, then you have to target the whole family,” McLaughlin says.
And the need has never been greater: fallout from COVID shutdowns, screens and technology, and social media has led to increases in anxiety,
depression, suicidality, and ADHD, autism, and oppositional defiant diagnoses. “Everything really seems to be a lot harder for kids nowadays,” McLaughlin says. This year, HeadFirst Mental Health Initiative has provided more than 400 therapy sessions to families.
McLaughlin hopes to continue raising more funds and providing more services to the DFW community. In November, HeadFirst Mental Health Initiative is the nonprofit of the month at Lakewood boutique Roam Fine Goods, where it will hold a few family-friendly and mental health-centered therapeutic events. “There will be specific days where you can go shop at Roam, and 20 percent of the proceeds will be donated back to the nonprofit,” McLaughlin says.
events
NOVEMBER 1ST-3RD
Chefs For Farmers
Old City Park
There are plenty of local food festivals to choose from, however The annual mouthwatering culinary festival showcases the talents of Texas’s best chefs and food artisans while celebrating sustainability, eco-consciousness, and cuisine. ChefsForFarmers.com Check website for times
NOVEMBER 13TH-JANUARY 5TH
Holiday at the Arboretum
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The seasonal event features a variety of events including a Magical Christmas Village, plus The 12 Days of Christmas and lovely DeGolyer House exhibitions.
NOVEMBER 16TH-JANUARY 5TH
The Trains at NorthPark
NorthPark Center
The annual exhibit has been a highlight of the holiday season in Dallas. Thousands of people visit to watch a spectacular miniature landscape that features 4,000 square feet of creative railroad environments, with a variety of special Christmas touches. TheTrainsAtNorthPark.com
BEGINS NOVEMBER 18TH
Midterm Exam Cram Session
Hola HP
Let Hola HP help your HPMS and HPHS students prepare for their Midterm exams with our 90-minute midterm exam reviews. Registration on November 18th at www.holahp.com
NOVEMBER 23RD
The Nutcracker, Magical Christmas Ballet
Music Hall at Fair Park
Celebrate an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics.
NOVEMBER 29TH-DECEMBER 28TH
A Christmas Carol
Wyly Theatre
Brimming with joyful songs, and magical spirits, the award-winning Dallas Theater Center’s take on Charles Dickens’ holiday yarn is a story of joy and redemption, all wrapped around the spirit of Christmas. ATTPac.org
DALLAS’ ORIGINAL COWBOY
A new biography of 1960s quarterback Don Meredith traces his exceptional football career and Texas-size personality.
ARTICLE BY DAVID MUSCARI
Contemporary fans of the Dallas Cowboys are quite familiar with names like Troy Aikman, Tony Romo, and Dak Prescott. But what about the guy who really kick started it all? It is hard to believe that there has never been a full length biography of early quarterback Don Meredith.
That is until now.
Longtime Dallas Morning News columnist and consumer watchdog Dave Lieber has written an illuminating account of the late football star, sports broadcaster, and actor. “Dandy Don – The First Dallas Cowboy” was released in July. It is Lieber’s third tale about a memorable Texas icon. His other books, both of which were also made into stage plays, include “Amon! The Ultimate Texan” and “Searching For Perot, My Journey to Discover Texas’ Top Family.”
Lieber follows Meredith from his modest roots in small town Mount Vernon, located about 100 miles from Dallas to football fame at SMU and later NFL glory. After surviving polio as an infant, Meredith grew into a substantial pop culture figure as the leader of “America’s Team.”
Meredith’s aw shucks demeanor contributed to his legend — he famously said he chose SMU over rival offers from bigger programs, including coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at Texas A&M, because it was “close to home and easy to spell.” In 1959, at age 21, Meredith took a daring step signing a contract to play for a team that had no name, no coach, and no other players.
While researching the book, Lieber says he was amazed at the stream of mesmerizing stories he uncovered. “Don was such a provocateur,” he says. “He made things happen to get people involved.”
“Dandy Don Meredith - The First Dallas Cowboy” details Texas businessman Clint Murchison Jr. and his efforts to secure an NFL franchise. Originally called the Dallas Rangers, the team would later be rechristened the Dallas Cowboys.
Lieber touches on memorable quarrels between Murchison and the late Lamar Hunt, whose Texans would eventually leave for his upstart American Football League (AFL) and become the Kansas City Chiefs.
The book takes readers through the Cowboys’ most tumultuous years, with sportswriters’ unflattering coverage, stories of apathetic fans jeering Meredith, and how the pressure weighed on the young quarterback.
Lieber also relates disturbing tales of segregation during travels to games around the country as well as racial divides in Dallas and within the team that impacted Black stars like “Bullet” Bob Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist who was key to the Cowboys’ success, Don Perkins, Pettis Norman, Mel Renfro, and others.
Perhaps the most captivating relationship in the book centers on famed Cowboys coach Tom Landry and Meredith, whom Lieber calls “complete opposites forced by circumstance to deal with each other in a nine-year-long soap opera steeped in drama.”
Meredith led the team to three postseason appearance. He logged 17,000 yards passing, 135 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions while completing half of his passes.
Meredith followed up his playing career with a game-changing gig as a network broadcaster on ABC’s “Monday Night Football.” A charter member of America’s “jockracy,” as Lieber refers to it, Meredith paved the road for retired sports stars to move into broadcasting.
After Meredith commentated his inaugural game in 1970, acclaimed Los Angeles Times sports columnist Jim Murray wrote that the former Cowboys QB “Comes on like a riverboat gambler with a heart of gold. He seems to have the lifestyle of a guy who expected to be shot any day by a guy he dealt four aces to.”
Over time, the team of Meredith, Frank Gifford, and Howard Cosell would define crosstalk in the booth, an undisputable formula that is still followed to this day.
“He won an Emmy for his first year in the booth because his commentary and barbs at Cosell were so enthralling that it became the number-one show in America,” says Lieber. “It wasn’t the game that people talked about; it was what happened in the booth.”
Meredith found the perfect way to close some games by crooning, “The Party’s Over,” a nod to his friend, Willie Nelson.
Meredith eventually left ABC for an expanded role at NBC, where he had a “respectable acting career” in programs such as “Police Story” and “McCloud” while he socialized with popular musicians like Jerry Jeff Walker, Roger Miller, and Nelson.
On December 5, 2010, Meredith died at age 72 in Santa Fe, N.M., and was buried in his hometown.
“Even if you think you know the Don Meredith story, you’ll still find a surprise on every page,” Lieber says. “I’m not sure how he will be remembered, (but) this book should help.”
“Dandy Don Meredith - The First Dallas Cowboy” is available at DonMeredithBook.com
