In Mexico and South Texas, there’s one frightening creature that terrifies children and adults in the shape of an owl- La Lechuza. Resources: https://www.scarymommy.com/la-lechuza/ http://demonhunterscompendium.blogspot.com/2012/07/la-lechuza-witch-bird.html https://thoughtcatalog.com/emily-madriga/2018/03/17-facts-about-the-lechuza-and-lechuza-stories/ https://www.reddit.com/r/scarystories/comments/ch0s6j/la_lechuza_the_owl_witch_true_story/ Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys by Xavier Garza And this was just cool:
Pamela Dickinson Mann
She always carried a Bowie knife, was almost executed for forgery, and told Sam Houston he couldn’t take her Oxen. Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamelia_Dickinson_Mann https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fma35 https://www.navasotaexaminer.com/article/lifestyle/outrageous-pamela-mann
The Angel of Goliad, Francita Alavez
Though the details of her life were spotty, it is known that Francita Alavez saved the lives of men at Goliad, and earned the nickname “The Angel of Goliad.” Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francita_Alavez https://texashistoricalmarkers.weebly.com/angel-of-goliad.html
Lottie Deno (Carlotta Tompkins)
In a time where gambling was scene as a man’s hobby, Lottie Deno made her name (and her living) winning at the gaming tables of Texas. Resources: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-lottiedeno/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lottie_Deno
Bessie Coleman
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/
