Queen Bess, Bessie Coleman, took to the skies as a stunt pilot after years of racism and sexism. She is our first in this month’s celebration of Texas Women’s History. Resources: https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/bessie-coleman-trailblazing-black-texan-pilot/ https://www.biography.com/explorer/bessie-coleman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_Coleman
The Rattlesnake King
Clark Stanley began selling his “snake oil” at Western Medicine Shows and called himself “The Rattlesnake King.” This week, we discuss what he sold and where it came from. Resources: NPR Wikipedia https://tomrizzo.com/snake-oil-king-wackos/ https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/02/27/snake-oil/
L.E.A.F. (Llano Earth Arts Festival)
In the town of Llano, along the river of the same name, is a festival devoted to art, earth, and rockstacking. Resources: Volunteer here: https://www.llanoearthartfest.org/volunteer Plan your trip here: https://www.llanoearthartfest.org/
The Cowgirl of the Typewriter
Frances Kavanaugh made a name for herself writing Westerns in the 1940’s. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frances_Kavanaugh https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-frances-kavanaugh4-2009feb04-story.html http://www.cowgirl.net/portfolios/frances-kavanaugh/
The Creepiness of Caddo Lake
In East Texas, near the Louisiana border and Jefferson, Texas lies one of the creepiest lakes in the country. This week we discuss Bigfoot, some legends, and the weird atmosphere of this place. Resources: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caddo-lake https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/alligator-safety/alligator-safety. https://localprofile.com/2019/05/31/the-wilds-of-caddo-lake/ https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/the-lake-no-one-knows/ https://visitjeffersontexas.com/bigfoot-in-jefferson https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/30lake.html https://theforumnews.com/article-3324-the-green-monster-of-caddo-lake-is-in-retreat.html https://www.wideopencountry.com/texas-man-catches-monster-on-caddo-lake/ http://texaslesstraveled.com/bigfootcountry.htm https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/30lake.html
ShangriLlama- Royce City, Texas
Near Dallas there is a magical Irish-style castle, where six llamas live happily and visit with those who come to visit them (reservations are required) Resources: http://www.shangrillama.com https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2018/october/shangri-llama-zoo-plano-royse-city-dallas/
The Battle for the World’s Largest Pecan
In 1982, Texas lost its claim to the World’s Largest Pecan. However, Texas doesn’t give up. Resources: https://www.mysanantonio.com/community/article/Seguin-retaking-the-pecan-crown-1450043.php https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/worlds-largest-pecan https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/4031
The Maceo Family Empire- Galveston’s Very Own Mob Duo
When you hear about the mob, most people picture Boston, Las Vegas, or New York. Most people don’t picture Galveston, Texas. One of the most successful mob duos ever, Sam and Rose Maceo, made their name in the “Ellis Island of the West” and their reputation lives on. Resources: Galveston’s Maceo Family Empire: Bootlegging and…
That Time Big Tex Caught on Fire
In October 2012, a major icon of the Texas State Fair, Big Tex, caught fire in front of a crowd. Resources: https://nypost.com/2012/10/19/giant-big-tex-statue-burns-down-after-60-years-as-state-fair-icon/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Tex https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/10/19/163247347/a-fire-i-cant-put-out-texas-state-fairs-big-tex-destroyed-by-blaze http://www.yesterdayusa.com/big_tex_fact_page.htm
Bob “Daddy-O” Wade
Bob “Daddy-O” Wade created some unmistakable Texas landmarks with his art. Though he passed at the end of 2019, his creations live on. Resources: https://texashighways.com/travel-news/the-death-of-artist-bob-daddy-o-wade-leaves-a-texas-size-hole-in-the-lone-star-art-world/ https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/9/record-holder-profile-video-bob-wade-and-the-largest-cowboy-boot-sculpture-395634 https://bobwade.com/ https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/arts/2019-12-27/in-memoriam-bob-daddy-o-wade/
Texas: Slang for Crazy 