Drumroll please…My Latest Book is about to hit the shelves!

Galveston’s Tremont House Hotel – A History

My latest book, about the history of the Tremont Houses in Galveston, will arrive in stores on May 13th!

I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of this amazing series of hotels with everyone. You may have heard that there have been three Tremonts on the island. Actually, there have been a couple more if you count the smaller ones who adopted the name in between – but yes, three majors.

The current beauty is housed in the historic 1879 Blum Building, which George and Cynthia Mitchell transformed into a world-class hotel.

Presidents, actors, ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, military officials and luminaries such as Sam Houston, Clara Barton, Buffalo Bill Cody, Harry Houdini, Ana Pavlova and more stayed at a Tremont House while visiting Galveston. The list is impressive – the stories are fascinating.

After three years of research in archives locally and across the nation I’ve pulled together a history of the Tremont, illustrated with over 60 photos.

I hope that you enjoy it!

You can pre-order now from your local bookstore or via amazon.com, by clicking HERE, or pick it up when it releases on May 13.

See you at the Tremont!

Great Food Truck Race: Galveston Edition

   Do you watch Food Network’s show The Great Food Truck Race with Tyler Florence?

   Teams from around the country operate food trucks in a winding string of cities, advancing to the next round of competition each week by how much the trucks earn. It’s fun to watch, and today…it was fun to watch them film in Galveston, too!

   The trucks parked in Saengerfest Park on The Strand downtown, and began serving at 11 a.m. Each truck had a film crew assigned to them to capture the action – good and bad.

   When I saw that the array of food included Mexican and Cajun food and seafood, all I could think was “They better have really brought their “A” game.” Galvestonians are a food-loving bunch, and these dishes are regular “food groups” there.

   The crowd wasn’t disappointed. The cooks running the trucks were spirited and enjoyable, despite the pressure of the competition, and the dishes got a round of thumbs-up from everyone I talked to –  which is high praise.

   As the lunch hour approached, the lines got longer and some of the trucks simply couldn’t keep up the pace.

   Others sold out of product and had to make a mad dash to the nearest grocery. If you watch the show, you’ll know that this is one of the biggest “oh no’s” of a day of competition because it causes a truck to miss precious hours they are allowed to serve.

 Pups even came with their owners, hoping that something would drop within their reach.

 

 

   By 2:30 p.m. (I think they were only allowed to serve until 3:00), half of the trucks were sold out.

   We’ll have to wait until the new season airs to see who makes it to the next round…and eventually wins. If you have a favorite television show that films on the road, be sure to check their website. Travel schedules are often posted, letting you join in the fun.

   Thanks to Chef Tyler and the Food Network for bringing the trucks to Texas and Galveston – hope to see you again soon!



Fields of Honor

   Last night we ventured to the San Jacinto Battleground to witness the grounds being softly illuminated by over 21,500 luminarias.

 

   Each candle represented a Texan lost in battle from the Texas Revolution through the war in Afghanistan.

   In the Texas Revolution alone, 1,700 Texans perished.

   Over 100 volunteers laid the luminarias out along a three-mile-long trail and grounds. Photos simply can’t capture how beautiful, moving and humbling the experience was.

   Simply stunning.

Moody Gardens Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday

Get set for the “coolest” way to add holiday fun to your calendar in Galveston! 

   A team of skilled ice carvers from Harbin, China (home of the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival) has spent 45 days and over 1,100 hours in an enormous tent kept at a brisk 9 ° Fahrenheit, carving over two million pounds of ice into a tropical themed wonderland.  It’s the only rainforest you’ll ever visit that will have you thankful to pull on a complimentary parka!


   From the minute you walk through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a magical icy forest filled with plants, trees, creatures and a few Christmas-y surprises.

  Even the adults will get in line to go down the ice slide…you better believe I did!    

   Shivers Ice Bar is a great – and adventurous – way for grown-ups to wrap up their visit, sipping adult beverages while sitting on benches and at tables made of blocks of ice.

   What to expect:

Detailed carvings of tropical plants and adorable animals

A festive Santa scene, complete with ice tree

A winding ice tunnel

Shivers Ice Bar for adults

Photo opps galore

A uniquely Galveston experience

 

   Bring your gloves, caps, warm sock and shoes – Moody Gardens will provide the parkas. Open November 18, 2023 through January 6, 2024.

   While you’re planning your visit, be sure to check out Moody Gardens other holiday offerings, including the Festival of Lights, train rides along the trail, breakfast with Santa, holiday buffets, holiday theme 3D and 4D films, fireside s’mores and a brand new family-friendly variety show, – “Christmas Wish: A Holiday Spectacular.”

   For details and tickets, visit www.moodygardens.org

Galveston’s Tremont House & the 1900 Storm

Coincidence? Perhaps.

This morning my first thought was that I need to tackle the final draft of the chapter about the 1900 Storm for my upcoming book, History of Galveston’s Tremont House. And no, it actually didn’t occur to me until a couple of hours into work that today is the anniversary of that terrible hurricane.

 

 

About 1,000 people crowded into the Tremont to find shelter during the storm, and luckily all survived. Thousands of other people were not so lucky.

The Thomas Edison film (isn’t it amazing that there is footage?!) entitled ‘Panoramic View of Tremont Hotel Galveston’ was taken in the aftermath, and shows the large structure still standing amid surrounding devastation. It’s the tall white building with narrow windows at the end of this clip. (Click below to view)

I’m looking forward to sharing this and other amazing tales in the History of Galveston’s Tremont House when the book releases in the first part of 2024.

Juliff’s Diddy Wah Diddy Past

     Ever see something that brings a song to mind? Well, back in the day when people saw the sign for Juliff Texas about 20 miles east of Richmond, they probably continued along singing a ditty about a diddy.

     What? Well, like most things, there’s a story there.

     In 1933 a few enterprising citizens opened a dance hall and several taverns right along the railroad line in town. The drinking, gambling and . . .  well . . . working women . . . that followed made this little town a pretty rowdy place. But it helped them get through the Great Depression.

     Inspired by the female professionals, a local musician wrote a song in 1934 called “Diddy Wa Diddy” that was supposedly about Juliff. In part it went, “I got a gal down in Diddy Wah Diddy. Ain’t no town an it ain’t no city.” Some even suggested changing the name of the town to Diddy Way Diddy (I kind of wish they had!), but that was probably after they’d enjoyed themselves a bit too much at the saloons.

     Juliff, a shipping point on the Brazos River, was born on land that was originally part of the antebellum Arcola plantation. It was named for early settler John J. Juliff – “Triple J” to his friends. The town earned a post office in 1891 and by 1896 had its own general store. Business wasn’t steady in the community, and the post office closed in 1908 – only to reopen in 1914 and then – yup – close again in 1958

     But what about the song? It was recorded by countless artists including Bo Diddley (which I guess would be Diddley’s version of Diddy) through the years.

     The playful wording was likely inspired by a 1929 tune by Arthur “Blind” Blake from Florida, whose song was also named Diddy Wah Diddy, but had different lyrics. It wasn’t the only time the phrase was “borrowed” for a song.

     Here are a few of the words from Juliff’s own version:

“… I gotta gal down in Diddy Wah Diddy
(Diddy Wah)
Ain’t no town an it ain’t no city
(Diddy Wah)
She loves her man, just is a pity
Crazy ’bout my gal in Diddy Wah Diddy

… This little girl is sweet as she could be
(Diddy Wah)
I know she’s in love with me
(Diddy Wah)
A lovely face, she’s so pretty
(Diddy Wah)
But she’s still way down in Diddy Wah Diddy

… Ain’t no town, an it ain’t no city
But oh, how they love in Diddy Wah Diddy

… She kissed me all the time
(Diddy Wah)
She gonna turn me outta my mind
(Diddy Wah)
Anything, she says she’s ready
(Diddy Wah)
Run right back to Diddy Wah Diddy
(Diddy Wah)
(Diddy Wah)
(Diddy Wah)
(Diddy Wah)

… Ain’t no town, ain’t no city
Lord, how they love in Diddy Wah Diddy

… Diddy Wah

     If you want to hear audio of the song, click HERE for a link to the 1960s version by Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. Yes, really.

     One of the lines of the song might hide a reason for the fate of the decline of Juliff:  “Everybody would live in Diddy Wa Diddy – if only it wasn’t so hard to find.”

     And that’s how the small town became connected with the jaunty tune. The next time you zoom through Juliff, hum a little diddy to let John Juliff you heard about the good old days in town.

Terlingua Cemetery: Ghost Town Graveyard


Welcome to Terlingua Cemetery, in Terlingua Texas.

   To those who are more accustomed to manicured cemeteries with vast green lawns, this place appears to be abandoned, but Terlingua cemetery is still in use today.

   It’s one of the most photographed graveyards in the state of Texas, which should come as no surprise.

     I’ve wanted to visit this amazing burial ground since I was a child, so to have the opportunity to roam through it – left alone with my thoughts and wonder about those who rest here – was a true privilege. There are the well-known, the unknown and the surprise of finding the grave of someone I knew personally in college. It was an astounding experience.

   Terlingua was one of the most remote areas in North America at the time it was founded. It still remains set apart from more populated areas.

   The cemetery encompasses one acre in the Terlingua Ghost Town – which isn’t really a ghost town at all. True . . . the town used to be the site of a quicksilver mining camp and place where desert folk called home beginning in the 1880s, but it’s now more of an artist community and a low key tourist base for visiting Big Bend National Park.

    Marked graves date back to 1903, but burials began back when the dangerous process of mercury mining began here. Mine collapses, mercury poisoning and later influeza and tuberculosis epidemics populated the cemetery.

   Conservative estimates say that there are about 400 burials in the cemetery: Men, women, and children. Miners, goat herders, artists, housewives, ranch hands, cooks, bootleggers, day laborers, war veterans, clergy, even murder victims. About 90 percent of those who rest here are of Hispanic heritage.

   Those that were victims of mining accidents were sometimes laid to rest in coffins made by the companies they worked for.

   Many of the gravesites have lost their markers, or they have simply become illegible over time. Some have all but vanished due to relentless weather and relic hunters.

   Others reflect the character and sometimes humor of those who they remember. A Hobbit hole, a metal T-Rex, and epitaph of “Another good man done gone.” They all lure visitors into slowing down to take in the silent stories of the cemetery.

   The Mining town was abandoned in the 1940s. That’s when Terlingua became a true ghost town . . . years before it became home to artists and others who tired of life in overcrowded communities . . . and eventually the visits of countless curious tourists on their way to Big Bend.

   Visitors are fascinated by the variety of burial markers and folk art memorials, and of course – the stunning View of Chisos Mountains and Sierra del Carmens as a backdrop.

   Each year an elaborate celebration takes place here to mark Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, giving the living a chance to honor and remember the departed.

   Walking into Terlingua cemetery is like walking into a time warp. If a visit to this fascinating place doesn’t make a person stop and reflect . . . I’m not sure what would.

   Join me for a stroll through the grounds of this historic cemetery in my Youtube video of the cemetery HERE.

 

Mustangs Stampede through Texas History

   Galloping across an urban plaza in Las Colinas, these larger-than-life bronze mustangs  represent a unique piece of Texas history . . . and look gorgeous at the same time. The scale alone is awe-inspiring.

   Of course people think of horses when they think of the Lone Star State, but these beauties are wild mustangs – descendants of the Spanish Andalusians that were used in the area by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. The word “Mustang” derives from the Spanish words mesteno, which means “wild” or “stray.”

   They enabled the conquistadors to move faster across the land and carry more equipment.

   Over half of the human on the expedition had died before they came down the Trinity River, and the horses were set free before they left to return to their home country. The resulting herds were used  by the Caddo tribe in East Texas in the 1600s. Two hundred years later, large herds of mustangs ran freely over the Texas plains. They were the favored horses used by the Pony Express and to drive Longhorns to market.


   An estimated 1 million wild horses used to roam Texas!

   Created by wildlife artist Robert Glen, who lives in South Africa, the statue was dedicated in 1984. The statues took eight and a half years to create, which includes one year just for the installation process! Stampeding down a 400-foot river setting in a large pink granite plaza, it’s one of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world. Composed of a pair of stallions, five mares and two colts, the details are so exquisite you can almost hear them whinny as they toss their heads. Small fountains at the base of their hoofs create the illusion of splashing as they run.

   Visit the Las Colinas Mustangs and their free museum at 801 W. Irving Blvd in Irving, Texas.

BBQ Texas Style at the Chainsaw Massacre Gas Station

     I love a scary movie. Not a gory movie or one of the blood-guts-n-gore type. Just scary. Like ‘The Others,’ “Sixth Sense,” or the version of “The Changeling” with George C. Scott. Scare me with a suspenseful story, not with a splatter of blood.

     But even I admit what a cult horror classic the 1974 version of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” has become. And what could be more fun than visiting a film location of a famous scary movie in time for Halloween? This one happens to be on a backroad in Texas.

Scene from ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’

     If you’re familiar with the movie, then the Last Chance Gas Station, also known as Bilbo’s Texas Landmark, is sure to send a shiver up your spine. In the film the station and BBQ joint was run by the character of Drayton Sawyer, the head of a family of cannibals who offered their own specialty of human chili to unsuspecting customers. Mmmmmm.

 

   About four miles south of Highway 71 in Bastrop, the retro-renovated station used in the film is now known as the We Slaughter Barbecue. But don’t worry, if you stop for lunch you’ll be served much more traditional brisket plates than the previous fictional owner offered. In fact, it’s really good barbecue, so you can check out the fun location and check lunch off your list at the same time.

     Any cult classic lover will have a heyday inside the  gift shop filled with horror memorabilia, toys, shirts and souvenirs.

     The owners opened the location as a “bed and barbeque” for those who dare to stay past sundown. Guests can sleep in one of the small cabins out in back of the station. Each cabin sleeps three adults . . . so no one has to brave a night at the location alone. And of course the tiny cabins are decorated with blood red walls . . . maybe so stains won’t show?

     At the time I’m writing this, the cabins are $129 per night, or slightly less if you’re brave enough to stay multiple nights.

     Outside of the station sits an abandoned van that is nearly identical to the van owned by some of the unfortunate customers in the movie, and the owners have recently acquired the actual Black Maria semi truck from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre as well.

     If you’re planning to attend the “Cult Classic Convention” in Bastrop this coming March (2023), this would be an ideal place to stay. But be sure to send a postcard to let loved ones know where you are . . . just in case they have to search for you later.

Location:

1073 State Highway 304

Bastrop, Texas

www.texasgasstation.com

Historic Texas Courthouse Ghost Linked to Murders

    I was considering what my first October post should be this year . . . a ghost story, a fascinating “story behind the stones” of old cemeteries, a thrilling story from Texas history, or a historic site. Why not all of the above? If you travel to Coryell County, it’s all in one place.

     Workers at the Coryell County Courthouse in Gatesville have felt an ‘other-worldly’ presence for years: cold breezes through the county clerk’s office, an occasional firm tap on the shoulder and even furniture being re-arranged in the middle of the night. Locals have dubbed the courtly ghost ‘Elroy’ because they aren’t certain who it actually is. But there are theories that the spirit can’t leave the courthouse because of a connection to a sensational 1909 murder right in the courtroom.


It happened over 100 years ago.

     In 1908 a 19-year-old young woman named Verna Mabel Ware was assaulted by a 20-year-old-man named John J. Hanes in the Gatesville area. It was alleged that Hanes – reportedly studying pharmacy – drugged chocolates he gave to the girl at a spring picnic and then took advantage of her, resulting in the birth of a child.

     He was charged with seduction, as the word ‘rape’ wasn’t used at the time because it was thought to be too harsh.

     Hanes reportedly had several male friends lie on the witness stand during his trail.

     It’s apparent that the behavior wasn’t unusual at the time, because before his own trial proceedings were finished he sat in the courtroom on February 2, 1909 watching another man named Wiley Mulhouse who was being prosecuted on the same charge. Because the jail was in the basement then, Hanes would have been returning to his cell at the end of the day. The two trials had split the town into separate contentious sides.

     Both Ware and Hanes came from respected farming families in the area and had many friends.

     Verna, distraught with her situation, stood in the rotunda with her brother Ezra looking through the plate glass window that separated them from the courtroom. Fearing she would never see justice, she decided to take action herself.

     She pulled a 38 caliber revolver from her purse and shot through the glass, hitting Hanes three times in the back. He died instantly. As people in the courtroom scattered, Ware continued to fire hitting James J. Smith (age 68) in the head, Dave Ross (age 48) in the arm and back and A. P. Wiley, Jr. in the leg. Only Wiley would survive his wounds.

     Initial newspaper accounts reported that the three other wounded men were merely spectators in the courtroom, but local lore hints that they may have been character witnesses for Hanes.

     Judge Arnold maintained composure during the incident and directed officials to take Ware downstairs to the jail. Physicians who visited her in her cell declared that she was in a  “critical condition of nervous collapse.”

     After a few days in jail formal charges were made of three counts of murder and one for carrying a pistol. Her bond was set at $7,500, and was paid by citizens of the community who sympathized with Ware and her situation.

     The trail began late in 1909 and continued until February when she was declared not guilty due to temporary insanity. Reporters wrote that at times during the proceedings the jury and spectators were moved to tears. She did have to pay a fine for having the gun, however.

     So who is the courthouse ghost? Perhaps it is Hanes who was positive he would get away with his transgression, and now is trapped in the courthouse. Perhaps it’s the spirit of someone else. We may not ever know for sure.

     But if you visit the Coryell courthouse, be prepared to feel an unseasonable chill in the air.

   Now, I’m curious…are you more likely to visit the courthouse because of it’s beauty, or because of its ghost?

Incidentally….

  •      The jury for the Mulhouse case returned a few days later and returned a guilty verdict with a sentence of two years.

  • The three shooting victims are buried in area cemeteries, with nothing on their markers to denote their newsworthy demises.

  •      In the 1990s a local artist even depicted the courthouse in an oil painting  with a shadowy figure peering out of a second floor window over Main Street.

  •      The year after her trial, Verna Ware married W.R. Eck who adopted her daughter Opal. He unfortunately passed away in 1918.

  •      Ware remarried, but it didn’t last. She and Opal moved to Utah were Verna passed away in a rest home in 1973.

  •      And the courthouse? It’s well worth visiting with or without the ghost in attendance. The Beaux Arts beauty was built in 1897-1898 of red and white sandstone from a design of architect Wesley Clark Dodson.