Meet The Team Lindsey Kasprzak
PUBLISHER, ART & MEDIA DIRECTOR
Leslie Henderson MANAGING EDITOR
Robert Kasprzak EDITOR
Taylor Smith WIRTER
Welcome to Lone Star Local Guide! My name is Lindsey and I am so proud to not only call myself a Texan, but also a Houstonian. My family history is not only deep in the heart of Texas but deep in the heart of Houston since I’m a direct descendant of the Allen Brothers. I’m therefore very proud that my digital publication represents the area where I live and where my family is from. I am passionate about my community and the businesses that reside in it. Without a community, we have no place to call home and nothing to leave the next generation. I believe strongly in the power of the small business and what it represents. When you shop at a small business, you’re not only supporting your community, but you’re also supporting a family. I started Lone Star Local Guide to showcase these local businesses. I strive to fine unique small businesses, each offering something different. You may not have even known some of these companies were local to you and my hope is that I’ll be able to give them exposure and support for their businesses. Along with promoting these unique businesses, the Guide will also include informational, educational, and just plain interesting articles on various issues and topics that I hope you will enjoy. Here’s a helpful tip: every ad is linked directly to the advertiser’s website so no more having to write it down- just click and go! Thanks again for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you again in the next issue! Please help spread the word by liking and following us on Facebook and Instagram, where we’ll regularly post upcoming local events, news, and, of course, awesome local businesses!
Beth Waytt SALES
CONTRIBUTORS:
Meet Our Publisher
MAJOR ROBERT KASPRZAK LAURA LARREGUI CLAUDIA LAIRD W.F. STRONG RAIGAN MAYO CONROE/LAKE CONROE CHAMBER
Lindsey Kasprzak Click Here To Download Our App
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LONE STAR LOAL GUIDE © 2019, all rights reserved. All editorial and advertising copy belongs solely to LONE STAR LOAL GUIDE Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is strictly prohibited. Articles are the opinions and experiences of other people and we do not necessarily approve, agree with, and/or condone those opinions.
table of
CONTENTS AUGUST 2019
Business of the Month Texas State Railroad - Page 6
Features Spring Fire Department - Page 5 Squeaky Pig Living Keto - Page 11
11
A Page From History - Page 13 Learn From Lady Justice - Page 17 Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber - Page 19
13
Come And Explore It - Page 21 Teddy Roosevelt’s Texas Campaign - Page 27 Texas: The Name Heard ‘Round The World- Page 33 Lone Star Local Savings - Page 34
21 Lone StarEdition Local Guide Dock Line Magazine - Atascocita AprilPage 20183 3
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Stay Cool During the Hot Summer By: Laura Larregui
As the temperatures rise to the triple digits, the Spring Fire Department wants to share some tips to keep you and your family safe and cool this summer. Now that the sun is heating up, more people are getting out and enjoying their summer days. Thus, it is important to watch out for heat related emergencies, which include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. According to Spring Fire EMS Coordinator John Bradley, the number one mistake people make is not recognizing that they are actually suffering from a heat related condition. Specific signs of heat stroke or ex-
(Photo: John Bradley)
haustion are if someone’s skin is flushed, talks about being exhausted, and if they stop sweating. If someone stops sweating that’s a serious sign, and 9-1-1 needs to be called. “Although more prone in the Spring and Summer months, heat related emergencies can happen anytime the
human body is placed in conditions where heat, lack of circulation and dehydration are factors, Bradley said. “An example of this could be construction workers in an in closed space such as a tank or room. Although temperature outside is in the 70’s, the inside temperature in the enclosed space can rapidly rise due to heat produced by the worker and lack of circulation in the space. Combined with failing to maintain hydration, this can lead to heat related conditions despite it being comfortable outside.” In order to avoid heat related illness, Bradley suggests residents to drink at least 16-20 ounces of fluid 1-2 hours before outdoor activity. Other illness prevention tips include limiting outdoor activities for early evenings, wearing sunscreen, and monitoring children and pets. Laura Larregui is a Library Science graduate student from Syracuse University who is spending the summer as an communications intern at the Spring Fire Department.u
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By: Taylor Smith
ALL ABOARD!! It’s time to venture out of Montgomery County and take a day or weekend trip up to Palestine, Texas. This short car ride up highway 19 is like traveling back one century at a time. Once you make it out of Huntsville and make your way north you’ll drive through some very small towns that have buildings still standing from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Make sure you drive slow because you won’t want to miss the local fruit stand that is sure to have delicious farm fresh berries for sale. Once you’ve made the beautiful country drive to Palestine, you’ll take highway 84 just a few miles until you see the tall sign on the right that says, “Texas State Railroad.” That’s when you’ll begin your Texas-sized adventure. When walking into the train depot, you are instantly greeted with a friendly smile at an old ticket window where you pick up your tickets that you ordered online. Texas State Railroad offers many different class tickets that are affordable on any budget. Presidential Class is where you’ll find comfortable leather seats, attentive taLone Star Local Guide Page 6
ble service, large windows, and a private outdoor viewing platform, not to mention you get a wonderful plate of meats,
cheeses, bread and chocolate-dipped strawberries with a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider when
Presidential Class
Caboose
First Class book the exclusive glass-top dome car! It features soft leather seats with convenient tables. The birds-eye view is something everyone in the family is sure to enjoy. A personal valet pours a compli-
the train departs. Presidential Class is an adults-only car (which makes for a great anniversary or date trip) – so just keep that in mind when you’re ordering tickets. The next car is the First-Class car complete with equally comfortable cloth sofas. The same beverage options are provided here along with the same charcuterie board that you would get in Presidential Class. This class is perfect if you’re wanting to take a trip with some friends since the two sofas sit two on each side with a table in between. But, no worries if there are only two in your party. Right next to the sofas across the walkway is a lovely two chair and table combo that you’re sure to feel right at home in. What’s that you say? Your kids would be bored? No way! Especially when you
mentary champagne or sparkling cider and serves freshly-prepared appetizers. A choice of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. So maybe you might feel claustrophobic being inside with other people? That’s okay because the Texas State Railroad has you covered. Enjoy the openair car with vintage seats in the Open Air Coach. This exciding form of travel includes vintage wooden bench seats in a car with no windows so the East Texas air flows directly through. A concession car is accessible for purchase of refreshments along the route so no need to worry about not being able to get a cool drink on a hot Texas day. These are just a few of the class seats Continue on page 9 u
Glass-Top Dome Lone Star Local Guide Page 7
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available to everyone. Plus, if you’re wanting to have a party of up to 8 people, you can always rent out the caboose! That would be one party you would never forget! As you make your way to Rusk, Texas, you’ll pass a few towns that may look familiar not because you’ve driven through them before but because you’ve seen them in movies. “Texas State Railroad is embedded in American moving picture culture. Having been featured in over 30 big-screen movies, television series, special productions, documentaries, commercials and music. “Great Debaters” starring Denzel Washington, “O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?” with George Clooney and John Goodman, and “Rough Riders” featuring Tom Berenger and Sam Elliot are just a few of the many filmed on location. NBC also filmed the popular television show “Revolution” along the route.” Once in Rusk, you’ll stop for about an hour for lunch- you can order ahead of time or you can order once you get there but I would recommend ordering online so you have more time to spend relaxing. They have a great selection of lunchbox items to choose from and you get served plenty of it. I even had leftovers. Once you get your lunch from the
train car that’s been converted into a kitchen, you’ll make your way over to the park that is completely shaded with huge trees. Even in the summer, there’s no need to worry about getting hot because there is a wonderful breeze that comes off of the lake that’s just to the left of the park. After lunch take some time to walk around and explore the area or, if you do need to cool Lots of History to Learn! off, there is an air-conditioned giftshop and plenty of sitting inthey sell out fast and tickets just went on side the train depot. sale! If you decide to get back on the train It’s a guarantee that a ride on the a little early, I suggest walking around Texas State Railroad is an experience to see all the different classes. You’ll be you will never forget. It’s something for amazed by the amount of history and the whole family or even just a romantic original artifacts that are still on display. getaway plus Texas State Railroad also Once everyone has had their lunch departs out of Rusk, TX, home of their hisand is back on the train, it’s a very quick toric iron-ore depot. For more information ride home so make sure you take all the to go: www.texasstaterailroad.net and pictures you can because before you to buy tickets for The Polar Express go to: know it, your travel back in time will come www.texasstaterailroad.net/events/poto an end. But that doesn’t have to be lar-express/.u it! You are always welcome back with a Some statements in this article were taken from the Texas State Railroad website. friendly smile and even a themed weekend or event like “Romance on The Rails” or their family classic “The Polar Express” but hurry for The Polar Express because
Lunch Car! Friendliest Staff Ever!
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Ingredients for the Dough 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved 1/2 Cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and chopped 1/2 Cup Feta Cheese, crumbled 2 Avocado , chopped 3 TBL Olive Oil 1 TBL Lemon Juice Salt and Pepper
By: Raigan Mayo Food Blogger
Tomato Summer Salad This year we decide to do vacation at South Padre Island, Texas and rent an Airbnb which means I have to prepare and plan a menu.When planning menus that you don’t want to spend your whole time cooking therefore think of easy simple foods that can be done in 15 minutes so you can get back to laying by the pool or beach. The idea is always to have some quick, simple and satisfying. The other key portion is to make sure grocery list is check 100 times over because I always seem to forget things. You can really add whatever vegetables you like. I normally would have added cucumbers however I should have check my list 101 times!
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Optional add ins: Mint Basil Cucumbers Red Onion Bell Peppers Jicama Serve and Enjoy!
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A Night To Remember Robert A. Kasprzak Major, USAF (Retired) the explosions and my fading memories. Recently, however, I ran across a detailed report of what happened, how the sappers penetrated our defenses, and the aftermath of the attack. Cam Ranh Bay AB was located midway up the East side of the Cam Ranh peninsula situated on the East coast of South Vietnam. The peninsula itself was nested between the major U.S. coastal air base at Phan Rang and the big U.S. air base at Nha Trang. The Cam Ranh peninsula was of strategic importance since it afforded a deep harbor. It was also home to U.S. and Vietnamese Navy units, and U.S. Army, South Korean, and South Vietnamese troops. The peninsula itself was divided into four sections. The Southernmost section (Section I) was controlled by the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Section II was controlled by the U.S. Army Support Command, Section III (where the Tri-Service Ammunition Storage Area was located) was managed by the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing, and the Northernmost section (Sector IV) was the responsibility of the U.S. Army’s 22nd Replacement Battalion. Each Section was responsible for contributing to a comprehensive joint security arrangement. In addition, rules of engagement had to be coordinated through the local Vietnamese government structure. Within the Tri-Service Ammunition Storage Area (T-SASA), there were 32 U-shaped berms (storage revetments) arranged in six rows (five berms each) and one row with two berms. Roads along each row allowed access to the berms. The three sides of each berm were constructed of sand mounds covered with a black sealant to retard eroMajor USAF installations in South Vietnam sion. Within each berm was a concrete slab, 57 feet by 128
In my early Air Force career as a 20 year-old Buck Sergeant, I was assigned as a power lineman with the Exterior Electric Shop of the 483rd Civil Engineering Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Republic of Vietnam during the drawdown of 1971-1972. Principal duties included high voltage maintenance, perimeter and security lighting management, and airfield lighting operations. During this assignment, one of the most memorable events of my career occurred when our ammunition dump (known as the Tri-Service Ammunition Storage Area) was attacked by sappers. The clandestine attack resulted in a gigantic fireworks display and generated considerable post-attack involvement by our shop. In addition, until recently, I knew little of the attack other than reminiscences gained in photos of
feet, on which the munition pallets rested. Although the berms were rated to contain up to 500,000 pounds of net explosive weight, I recall many berms housed a single 15,000 pound “cheeseburger” used to instantly create landing zones that could accommodate up to four helicopters at a time. According to the after action report, prior to the attack, intelligence data indicated potential enemy activity in the Cam Ranh area between 19-31 August 1971. These indicators included discovery of rocket launch sites, pending Vietnamese elections (scheduled for 29 August), low lunar illumination during this period, and increased sampan activity. As a result, security at the base, including the T-SASA was enhanced but it was not impenetrable. The attack itself occurred during the early morning hours of Wednesday, 25 August 1971. The first explosion occurred at approximately 0230. This initial explosion was followed by numerous others which lasted throughout the day. In addition, two volleys of 107mm rockets were fired as a diversionary tactic by the enemy at about 0330. The rocket volleys detonated at the far side of the air base but did little damage. Miraculously, there were no fatalities as a result of the attacks but Continue on page 15 u
Author (in sunglasses) post-attack in a “cheeseburger” berm. Note his colleague needed a towel to avoid burning his hand on the munition. He is also enjoying a cigarette...not shown is the shrapnel gash on the side of the bomb oozing black explosive material melted by the hot summer sun. Lone Star Local Guide Page 13
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Munitions “cooking off”. Concussion shock wave clearly visible near top of mushroom five security policemen received minor wounds. According to the after action report, the combined sapper and standoff rocket attack was one of the most successful enemy assaults of the Vietnam War: over 6,000 tons of munitions (valued at $10M) were destroyed, almost $200K of damage was sustained by the ammunition storage area, and $100K damage affected the base proper. A majority of damage was done by the actual explosions but significant damage was caused by the concussion’s shock wave. Regarding the power of a shock wave, I recall sitting on a revetment outside our hootch watching the fireworks when I saw a huge explosion. Shortly afterwards, I saw an atmospheric distortion coming towards me bending trees and curling metallic roofs… next thing I knew I was thrown down to the ground by the concussion. Testament to the power of the explosions was our hootch was two miles away from the T-SASA. Post-attack analyses estimated the well-planned attack was carried out by six sappers attached to the 407th Sapper Battalion. The sappers probably approached the area by sampan in order to transport the necessary supplies. The sappers were concealed by darkness (low lunar illumination), dense vegetation adjacent to the T-SASA, lack of perimeter security lighting, and absence of an intrusion detection system (mines, trip flares, concertina wire). This attack was well-planned, flawlessly executed, and well-coordinated. None of the infiltrating sappers were captured, injured, or killed.
Prior to the attack, requests from the 483rd Civil Engineering Squadron, the 483rd Security Police Squadron, and the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing leadership for additional security measures for the T-SASA were denied by Seventh Air Force. In defense of 7th Air Force, this was a time of “Vietnamization” and drawdown of U.S. forces. There was little appetite for investing thousands of dollars for additional security measures in a drawdown environment. Had the 7th Air Force known an attack was imminent and sufficient time was available, I’m sure the support for additional security measures would have been there. Nevertheless, as soon as the explosions died down, Civil Engineering went to work. The Roads and Grounds folks did a terrific job by quickly clearing a 100 yard-wide swath of vegetation around
the T-SASA. Our shop, the Exterior Electric guys, found every inch of cable we could muster and installed perimeter lighting around the entire T-SASA. Interestingly, during our pre-brief by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, they cautioned us to call them should we uncover anything of danger. I subsequently inquired about the thousands of alka-seltzer looking tablets scattered everywhere…EOD told us they are not a big deal but we should not step by on them: “worst that could happen is you’d lose a toe.” It was an interesting experience digging holes in an ammo dump with alka selter tablets all around! Fortunately, no one got hurt and the lights looked great when we hit the switch. As far as disposition of damaged munitions, I was told these munitions were loaded on barges, taken out to the South China Sea, and discharged into the water. I presume the munitions are still there waiting for an unfortunate inquisitive diver to find! Much of the information for this article was derived from a Project CHECO Report. Project CHECO (Contemporary Historical Examination of Current Operations) was a Headquarters Air Force initiative to document Air Force operations by conducting thorough and scholarly analyses of “lessons learned” for future use. This Project CHECO Report is available on line and I encourage every Cam Ranh vet to take a few moments to read the report in its entirety. It is very detailed and very comprehensive. Finally, I’d be interested in hearing from fellow veterans who were at Cam Ranh who may have additional photographs of the event. My photos are few and faded so any pictures would be greatly appreciated. BOTTOM LINE: It was quite “A Night to Remember” and puts to shame any fireworks show I have observed since!u
Members of the 483rd Civil Engineering Squadron clearing vegetation around the Tri-Service Ammunition Storage Area
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Ethics and the Law It is often the case when some-
ruling in a court is to appeal the ruling
for lawyers to return calls within 24
one meets a judge, they inquire
to the appropriate appellate court.
hours. Another fact people do not
about the television program Judge
The appellate court for the District
often realize is that the client file kept
Judy. In reality this program is a tele-
Courts and County Courts at Law in
by the attorney belongs to the client.
vised arbitration, not an actual trial.
Montgomery County is the 9th Court
Attorneys are required upon request
The “judge” is actually a former judge
of Appeals located in Beaumont.
to turn over the contents of the client
acting as an arbitrator. It is just made
Lawyers too are subject to ethical
file to the client at no charge. An at-
to look like a courtroom for ratings.
rules of conduct. All lawyers licensed
torney may make a copy of the file
An arbitration is a method by which
in Texas are to comply with the Tex-
before releasing the file. If a person
parties can voluntarily have some-
as Disciplinary Rules of Professional
has been mistreated by the lawyer
one make a decision in their dispute
Conduct. Grievances may be made
for the party they are in a lawsuit
instead of going to trial in a court.
through the State Bar of Texas. The
against, not only can a grievance be
The most important thing a reader
number one grievance lawyers are
filed, but they may ask the judge in
can take from this television program
sanctioned for is not returning their
the case for sanctions.u
is this: The behavior exhibited by the
clients’ calls. It is standard practice
“judge” in the program is exactly how a judge should not act. If a reader is ever encountered with a judge calling them stupid they should understand, in Texas, this is a sanctionable act. The Texas Code of Judicial Conduct states, “A judge shall be patient,
dignified
and
courteous
to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, and should require similar conduct of lawyers, and of staff, court officials and others subject to the judge’s direction and control.” Judges abusing participants in their court should be reported to the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct. Litigants should understand, however, that the appropriate method to challenge a legal Lone Star Local Guide Page 17
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ak ey Kasprz By: Linds
Palestine, Texas
Champagne Served. Boots Welcome By: Lindsey Kasprzak
Palestine is the type of town where you can go and unplug from the city life and see the East Texas country beauty for what it really is. I was extremely excited when I got the opportunity to explore Palestine and what it had to offer. First, we took the Texas State Railroad to Rusk which you can read all about on page 6. Once we were done with our train ride excursion we made our way downtown to The Redlands Hotel which was built in 1914! This historic hotel is one place you MUST stay! We were instantly greeted with a friendly face at check in. Once we had the key to our room, we were escorted up to our room was, plus we were given a historic education about the building itself.
The Redlands Hotel
With a fine dining restaurant, bou-
Have you ever come across a
greeted with a smile and a man’s
Facebook post where someone asks,
word is as strong as his handshake.
“where is a great place to spend the
tique shop, and a well-stocked bar downstairs, the Redlands hotel is one Continue on page 23 u
weekend with family?” Or, “where is a good weekend getaway for us girls?” The typical answer is always San Antonio, Fredericksburg, or Austin because those of course are the most popular. But, I’ve made it a goal of mine to explore the many unique small towns Texas has to offer. Just about two hours north of Montgomery County is a quaint little place called Palestine, Texas. This unique, and charming town is a place where everyone knows each other‘s names, where you’re always
Red Fire Grille inside the hotel Lone Star Local Guide Page 21
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just the normal size room). They even have an original elevator with the pull lift down in the lobby for you to peek into. Oh, and did I mention their art museum? Yes, they have a wonderful art museum full of art from local artists that are available for purchase. So how do you get room reservations at this wonderful establishment? It’s easy, just go to: www.redlandshistoricinn.com, check out the rooms they have listed, and give them a
lands Hotel Lobby of The Red
call. You are sure to be greeted with a friendly voice more than happy to take your reservations and I’m
place you may never want to leave.
sure they will fill you in on what other
Our room had a huge king-size bed
wonderful things are happening that
with a pull-out sofa bed, full kitchen,
weekend downtown. You can also
and a huge bathroom (and that’s
follow them on Facebook for up to date events and happenings. Speaking of downtown, the Redlands Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to antique shops, bakeries, the theater district and much more. Of course, when we were there it was somewhat hot being the middle of summer, so we decided to drive the short distance to “Old Town” where we stumbled across Oxbow Bakery. Now, if you have a heart condition or you’re diabetic I would say maybe share a piece of pie, but this is one bakery you do not want to pass up. Having a piece of their pie
Original Elevator
is like going over to grandma’s house
Oxbow Barkery and having the best comfort food you can imagine. They have so much to choose from that taking another trip up to Palestine would be worth the trip just to get another piece of their homemade heaven. Right next door to the Oxbow Bakery is a wonderful little coffee house and antique/gift shop where you’re sure to fine a souvenir or two. With a walk across the street, you’ll find “Pint and Barrel Draft House” that has a great selection of beer and food items when you’re ready to sit down and relax for a bit. Now if you’re looking for something to do with the kids to maybe get some of their energy out, just a mile or two from Old Town is the “Museum Continue on page 25 u
King Bed and Daybed/Trundle Loft Lone Star Local Guide Page 23
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A little history for everyone! As we packed our bags and got
So many pies to choose from!
ready to head back home I wanted to grab a bite to eat. What was nice
for East Texas Culture” that was once
have the kids learning and exploring.
about the Redlands Hotel is they had
the local high school and opened in
After you’ve spent some time at
information on where to go for what-
1916. It is three stories of Palestine and
the museum, right down the street is
ever you want. They recommended
East Texas history plus they have a full
a splash pad that is fully shaded and
a local diner called “Birds Egg Café,”
log cabin built inside that visitors are
has park benches for parents to sit
which is listed as #1 in the area for
welcome to walk into. With admission
and relax as the little ones burn off
breakfast. Since it was on our way out
at only $3 for adults and $1 for stu-
more energy before you spend the
of town, we stopped in and, again,
dents this is a place you can definitely
day exploring more antique shops.
it was like going to Grandma’s house and having her cook you your favorite meal with all the fixins’. Palestine may not have been on your list of places to visit or maybe you never knew it even existed, but it needs to be put on your list. This amazing historic little town has so much to offer and doesn’t come with the high visitors’ prices bigger cities do. Step out of your comfort zone and explore what this upcoming town has to offer before it becomes one of the big tourist destinations.u
Full size log cabin! Lone Star Local Guide Page 25
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By: W.F. Strong
Before he was president, Roosevelt recruited members for what would later be called his Rough Rid-
Taft and William McKinley. Even Ulyss-
at the Roosevelt bar to this day, 120
es S. Grant slept there.
years later.
The most important name not
How did that happen, you may
yet mentioned (and if you know your
wonder? Well, you know all about
The Menger Hotel in San Antonio
Texas history you’re already about
the U.S.S. Maine getting blown up in
may boast of hosting more U.S. presi-
to email me, but don’t hit send just
Havana Harbor in 1898. At the time,
dents than any other hotel in Texas.
yet because I’m coming to him) is
it was blamed on Spain with battle
George H. W. Bush stayed there. Bill
Teddy Roosevelt. The others just slept
cries like, “Remember the Maine! To
Clinton stayed there, as did Ronald
and left. Teddy did far more. He left a
hell with Spain!” The loss of some 260
Reagan. Richard Nixon stayed there.
bar behind, or at least a bar named
sailors in that blast contributed to the
So did Harry Truman, William Howard
for him, and you can still get a drink
ers, at a historic San Antonio hotel.
Continue on page 29 u
Clogenson, H. (Henry), copyright claimant /Wikimedia Commons [Public domain]
Theodore Roosevelt recruited members of what would become the Rough Riders at San Antonio’s Menger Hotel. In 1905, he returned to the city as president, reuniting with some of those troops. Lone Star Local Guide Page 27
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start of the Spanish-American War.
ers.
delete the horses from your mind.
Teddy Roosevelt was not yet pres-
Roosevelt did convert these inde-
There were none. They did it on foot
ident, but would be in three years. He
pendent men, with the help of Gen-
and on their bellies. Roosevelt was
was 39 and assistant secretary of the
eral Wood, into a disciplined cavalry
on horseback part of the time, shout-
Navy. He asked for, and was given
unit within a month. He even got most
ing commands as they fought inch
permission to put together a cavalry
of the men horses from Texas, some
by inch through tropical brush and
unit of 1,000 men, cowboy soldiers
of them unbroken, but that was no
oppressive heat, dodging torrents of
he called them, to help push Spain
problem for these expert horsemen.
bullets to take the hill, but they did it
out of Cuba. He didn’t name them
Roosevelt named his own horse Tex-
as infantrymen.
the Rough Riders, though. That was
as.
Despite all their cavalry training
a name their public admirers gave
As Roosevelt was always a show-
in San Antonio, they weren’t able to
them. They resisted it at first, but finally
man, he had his commander’s uni-
get their horses to Cuba. Why? When
adopted it themselves.
form made by Brooks Brothers in New
they were ready to depart from Tam-
So where could Teddy recruit
York. He also introduced his men to
pa to Cuba, the Navy didn’t have
1,000 rough riders? Well, in Texas of
the blue bandana with white polka
enough ships for the horses, so they
course. So he went to the Menger
dots, which became the distinguish-
were left behind. Those with military
Hotel, right across from the Alamo,
ing feature of the Rough Rider’s uni-
experience will just shake their heads
and recruited great horseman from
form. To this day, in black and white
at this monumental snafu.
across the Southwest – from Texas,
photographs, the Rough Riders look
Nonetheless, the Rough Riders
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Ari-
impressively stylish in their khaki pants,
and other U.S. forces pushed the
zona. Roosevelt said these were a
flannel shirts, trademark bandanas,
Spanish out of Cuba. Teddy Roos-
“splendid set of men . . . tall and sin-
and slouch hats.
evelt wrote the primary history of the
ewy with weather-beaten faces, and
The rest of the Rough Riders story
campaign which launched him into
eyes that looked a man straight in the
is well-known, but perhaps erroneous-
national fame and a good way to-
face without flinching.” He said that
ly visualized.
ward the presidency. The road to the
in all the world there were no better
Most think of it as 1,000 horses
White House, for Teddy, in some ways
men for this cavalry than, “these grim
thundering majestically up San Juan
started in Texas at the Menger Hotel,
hunters of the mountains, these wild
Hill like a scene from “War Horse.”
in the shadow of the Alamo.
rough riders of the plains.”
They did in fact charge up San Juan
Roosevelt’s challenge was to take
Hill and route the Spanish forces, but
This article was edited for broadcast by Texas Standard producers for the Texas Standard radio program on Apple podcast
these fiercely independent men and teach them military discipline. And he had a preference for ex-Texas Rangers. He said, “We got our highest average of recruits from Texas because many had served in that famous body of frontier fighters, the Texas Rangers. Of course these Rangers needed no teaching. They were already trained to obey and take responsibility. They were splendid horsemen, shots and trackers. They were accustomed to living in the open . . . enduring hardship . . . and encountering all kinds of danger.” Native Americans, too, such as the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Creeks were also Rough Rid-
Image sourse: https://www.bartleby.com/51/15.gif
Five Bronco-Busters! Notice the blue bandanas with white polka dots. Lone Star Local Guide Page 29
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By: W.F. Strong I’ve spent a good deal of time over the last couple of years contemplating all things Texas inside of Texas. So I thought I would take a look at Texas outside of Texas. There is a lot out there. First, I suspect you’ve heard that in Norway the word “Texas” means something like “crazy” – more like wild and crazy. Let me use it in a sentence as the Norwegians would: “That party last night, after 1 a.m., turned Texas on us.” I am honored to have Texas utilized that way – describing something that is a bit out of control and rebellious. In Barcelona, Spain, “Texans” is a common name for blue jeans. People in Barcelona often say, “Let me put on my Texans and I’ll go with you.” In other parts of Spain they refer to jeans as cowboys, but in Barcelona, they get right to the point by simply calling them Texans (Tejanos.) In London and Paris you can visit the sites of the Texas Embassies, which were located in those cities in the early 1840s, when Texas was an independent sovereign country. The legations were just rented spaces so no dedicated structures remain. However, you can still see commemorations of the first embassies (and last ones) for The Republic of Texas. When I first saw those words, “The Republic of Texas,” on an antique gold plaque in London, my heart swelled up bigger’n Dallas. Not that I want Texas to be a Republic again, but I love the fact that we once were. The other site has
a carving on the facade of a hotel in Paris, the Hôtel de Vendôme. Leaving Europe, let’s go way down under to Oz. In Australia, there is a town named Texas. It is in Queensland. Texas, Queensland. It’s true. When you see the road sign that says Texas 15, it is surreal. Not just because you are in Australia, but because the 15 is for kilometers and the sign is on the left side of the road, the side you are driving on. From the look of the landscape, you would swear you’re in west Texas, perhaps near Marfa. It is a good comparison because Texas, Queensland is just a bit smaller than Marfa – only about 1100 people live there. But Texas, Queensland has more water – a river runs through it. So, how did it get its name? How did the folks there decide to name their town Texas? Well, first of all, there were no immigrants from Texas who gave it that name. That is a common way that such things happen, but not in this case.
They say that back in the 1840s there was a sustained dispute over the land between the McDougall Brothers, who had earlier laid claim to it, and the squatters who took it over in their absence. Seems that the McDougalls went off to look for gold. When they returned, goldless, they had the added insult of finding squatters on their land. The McDougalls were eventually successful at getting their land back, after a few years in the courts. They said it reminded them of the more famous and much longer struggle Texans had endured to secure Texas, which happened halfway around the world, but at roughly the same time. So in honor of their victory, the McDougalls named their little settlement “Texas.” You already know that everything’s bigger in Texas. As you see from this quick trip around the world, Texas is pretty big outside of Texas, too.u This article was edited for broadcast by Texas Standard producers for the Texas Standard radio program on Apple podcast
Image source: Mattinbgn/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Lone Star Local Guide Page 33
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