7/10/08 addendum
I got this email and thought y'all would like to see it.
Hey George,
That all sounds great. How do I pre register for Pilgrim's Camp? I'd like to get my artillery certificate.
And the answer? Go to the Event
Details. Toward the bottom of the first paragraph in the Pilgrim's Camp description, there's a link marked (Here's the link to the form in Word .doc); click that link to go to the registration document. Just type the info into the gray boxes (they'll expand to the size you need). Save the completed form to your computer, then attach it to an email and send it to the email address on the form.
If it's not working for you, let me know so we can a) troubleshoot and b) use "the alternate method" to get you registered.
For those in the "Participant" category (crewmembers on guns), the fee will be collected on site (cash or check).
George
7/10/08
As you may have noticed, the new Calendar of Events is up and running. It still needs confirmation on some items... most of these are marked with a question mark and last season's date; if you have better info on anything, I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Major notes:
1. Pilgrim's Camp (Jan 17) will include an Artillery School for linstock (1830's drill) artillery. - Observers welcome - observers who preregister will get a certificate; we would especially like to invite Infantry and Cavalry reenactors.
2. There have been changes in personnel at several sites
and leading several groups; just another reason to get your RSVPs in as soon as
practical.
3. Texas Independence celebrations are going to be interesting... Some are celebrating Feb. 28 (closest Sat) and others are waiting until March 7 (closest Sat in Texas History Month) which means that there will be more opportunities to make it to more events... Enjoy!
4. If you are not sure about your TLA membership status, email me and I'll help you.
Thanks to everyone helping to keep us up-to-date. If you have details on an event that needs updating, send an email to webmaster@TexianLegacy.com and I'll take care of it.
3/14/08 Here's more...
1. When you RSVP for the Runaway Scrape, here's the info they'll need: Name, E-Mail, Address, Phone; Which camp (Mexican Army,
Texian Army, or Colonist); Yes or no, can you assist with the command of a small group (max. of children ) to command during the guest based battle?; Can you assist at one of the three stations ( Army Medicine, Food of the Army, or Equipment of the Soldier)? Expected time of arrival, and will you be camping overnight? You can fax the answers to: 281-343-9316 or email jrthomas@georgeranch.org
2. Jim Lauderdale sends: "The dates for the Taking of the Presidio event this year will be November 7-9, 2008. This event will we sponsered by the Refugio Militia again this year. A registration packet and schedule will be released in early April."
3. Scott Wendt sends: "Hey, well I finally did it, I created a web site for our group, the Sabine Volunteers. I also created a short video to send to local groups in our area like scouts, churches, and schools. You can see the video by clicking below or at our website. It is mostly under construction. http://www.sabinevolunteers.com/" The video is a good one, the website is (as stated) still under construction.
4. Joe Wolf sends along an invitation to the Texas Free Trappers' Rendezvous VIII. This will be the weekend of May 2-4 near LaVernia, TX (east of San Antonio) though camp can be set up as soon as noon Thursday. For more info, flyer and map contact Joe Wolf (Grey Wolf)
830-935-3121 or wolfbear@gvtc.com
5. For those in Austin soon, Taylor Tomlin advises that the Bob Bullock Museum is now displaying several items of interest, including the Toluca Battalion flag, ca. 1836 (Alamo)(display to May 08); a surplus British carbine used by the Mexican army (to May 08); Santa Anna's chamber pot (San Jacinto)(to July 08), and more.
Thanks to all these folks for keeping us up-to-date. If you know of an event that is coming up, send an email to webmaster@TexianLegacy.com and I'll see about posting it.
03/10/08 Several items; lots has been happening (it's that time of year) and hopefully everyone has come through Texas Independence Day and the Alamo commemorations intact.
1. The George Ranch will be hosting the Runaway Scrape on Saturday, April 12. RSVPs needed... More info on the Calendar.
2. Mike Cox's "The Texas Rangers: Wearing the Cinco Peso, 1821-1900," the first of a two-volume, 250,000-word definitive history of the Rangers, will be released by Forge Books in New York on March 18. The 496-page book sells for $25.95 and is available from amazon.com linked here, Barnes and Noble, Target and most other booksellers in the U.S. and Europe. Kirkus Review, the American Library Association's Book List and the San Antonio Express-News have all written rave reviews about this book, the first mainstream, popular history of the Rangers since 1935.
3. For those intending to go to San Jacinto, remember that this year is PRE-registration ONLY. No walk-ons or on-site registration... so get those forms in.
4. Here is a link to the Hill College flyer (see 2/3/08, Apr 5th) for those interested in the symposium.
2/18/08 For those invited to the San Jacinto Reenactment in April, please note that this year begins Mandatory Pre-Registration... time constraints and mandated safety meetings have made this necessary. Get your forms returned as soon as possible... and I would suggest getting hotel or motel rooms reserved promptly too, especially at La Quinta. For those who wish to be considered for an invitation, you'll need to discuss that with Jerry Tubbs as there are a number of requirements...
Not so random link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/multimedia/media/learning/webcasts/story/14_texas_revolution.wmv (huge, though... 16.7 MB)
2/17/08 New rules at Washington on the Brazos... new Park Ranger (Scott McMahon) and Park Specialist (Janice Campbell). Notable rules include: Each unit must have a safety officer. No fire pits; either fire pans or fire rings filled with sand. Fire extinguisher / water bucket requirement. Overnight fire watch requirement. Fire remnants after extinguishment must be disposed of "at your return destination". "Under no circumstances will the park visitors be allowed to handle, pick up or use an edged weapon" and the same applies to longarms and handguns. Lots of gun rules (safety info, maximum cartridge loads, paper cartridges only, all firing at 45 degrees above horizontal with a "clearly defined, physical barrier between the firing line and the park visitors" and wait.. there's more). Liability release forms now mandatory. For all the rules, and a print - and - sign copy of the liability release form, email Scott McMahon Scott.Mcmahon@tpwd.state.tx.us or call him at 936 878 2214 ext. 224.
2/3/08 It's that time of year, lots gearing up fast... Get those RSVPs in and, if necessary, tickets bought....
Feb 22 Candlelight tours at the Alamo; invitation only event; contact Bruce Winders bwinders@thealamo.org
Feb 23 Documentary film premiere, French Legation, Austin; 6:30 PM. Contact Cullen Sartor programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org for more info / invitation.
March 1: Celebrate Texas parade, Congress Ave., Austin: Staging starts at 9:30 for a 10:30 parade start; then to the Capitol for the ceremonies there.
March 2: Texas State Cemetery Memorial event, 2 PM (note time change for this year; weapons check at 1 PM) and then to the Capitol south lawn for the Alamo Defenders Memorial Service. Figure on 10 cartridges....
April 5: Texas and Texans at War: The Fragile Frontier: Texans at War 1835-1870; Texas Heritage Museum, Hill College in Hillsboro, one of the presentations is Alamo Artillery; A Matter of Perspective by Charles Yates. It will include a review of the Mexican Artillery emplacements at the Alamo and new information concerning documentation about their location. Website is http://www.hillcollege.edu/museum/index.php and phone is 254/582-2555, Ext. 295
1/29/08 The old quote goes "The only constant is change", and that applies with us as well. Our web host has changed the way they operate, and it has caused changes to our website.... Please let me know of any broken links or helpful (!) hints...
Pilgrim's Camp was wet, cold, and a good time. Turnout was light, which can be attributed to a combination of weather and location. A note for next year: There is a move afoot and things underway to have Pilgrim's Camp set at a given location for a few years to make it easier to find. Stay tuned.... Several old members renewed and some new ones signed up... Remember, dues for the year are due April 21 and powder can't be shipped.... email me if you need any details.
1/14/08 Happy New Year, and I trust this finds you well.
First, Scott McMahon (tejanodiablo@hotmail.com) has a 5 page detail document for the ROT Frolic (Feb 15-17, Round Top). Email him for a copy.
Second,
Austin's oldest structure and architectural treasure, the beautiful French Legation, will open its doors February 23, 2008, for a special screening of "A Glorious Opportunity: The French Legation in Texas." This 20-minute documentary examines the life and times of Dubois de Saligny, the French diplomat sent to establish relations between France and the newly established Republic of Texas.
The Museum will also host a one-of-a-kind celebration to accompany the premiere. Live music, reenactments of early Texas life, and moonlight tours of the French Legation Mansion, French-style kitchen, and the Legation grounds will be held.
Under the care and custodianship of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Inc., the French Legation has thrived as a tourist attraction and landmark. In addition to showing the Legation as it exists in the capital city today, the documentary illuminates the ill-fated diplomatic mission of Jean Pierre Alphonse Dubois de Saligny. Sent to the newly established Republic of Texas in the immediate aftermath of San Jacinto, de Saligny arrived in Austin as the diplomatic representative of the Kingdom of France. De Saligny's hapless and incompetent efforts in international relations soon led to disaster and culminated in what became known as "The Pig War." Following de Saligny's recall to France, Austin Mayor Dr. Joseph Robertson purchased the Legation for use by his large family. The Robertsons lived in the home until 1940 when the mansion was sold to the state of Texas. "A Glorious Opportunity: The French Legation in Texas" documents a crucial - as well as comedic - episode in the history of the Texas Republic.
This event will provide for the ongoing historic preservation and education efforts of the Museum as well as provide a unique experience for everyone interested in the history of Texas. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, picnic baskets and beverages of their choice. Texas History re-enactors will be on hand to demonstrate the daily lives of the Robertson family and live musicians will be on hand to perform. Tickets are $4 at the door. The French Legation is located at 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, Texas. Doors open at 6:30, Documentary starts at 7:15, Tours begin at 7:45 and end at 9:15. Reenactor note: This is a "finest attire & best behavior", NO POWDER event.
"A Glorious Opportunity: The French Legation in Texas" was written, produced, and directed by longtime KTBC-Fox 7 Special Projects Director Whitney Milam. Milam is also a University of Texas R.T.F. graduate and current Texas State Public History graduate student and recently won a Lone Star Emmy for his documentary of the University of Texas tower shootings.
RSVP required for reenactors and encouraged for guests; email programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org or call 512.472-8180.
12/9/07 Pilgrim's Camp: Folks, we have (finally) gotten a confirmation on the where and when of Pilgrim's Camp in January. From Tubbs:
The date has been finally obtained for the 2008 Pilgrims Camp. The date is January 18th to the 20th. The camp this year will be located at Brazos River County Park in Brazoria County. This is a wonderful place to hold the camp with modern bathroom facilities. A detailed map showing directions to get to the park will be forth coming and posted on the TLA website.
I plan on this being the last time the camp is moved from place to place if it is agreeable to all. I hope to use Washington on the Brazos as the permanent location if the park will agree to it. I know the ones that were there two years ago enjoyed using the kitchen building to prepare supper in and making it a small tavern at the same time.
If you have any question, please contact me.
Thanks, Jerry coloneltubbs@yahoo.com
Thanks Jerry... I know it's not easy in -normal- years to get a government entity to commit to a set date for things (I am reminded of a hammer, nail, tree and Jell-O). Thanks for the hard work, Jerry.
Folks, what details we have are up on the TLA Events by Name page, and I will have the Calendar date circled online soon. Stay tuned for updates...
Good News from Fair Park: We sounded the alarm a week ago tonight that some of the most historically important items in the care of the Dallas Historical Society were missing. I am happy to tell you that all of the artifacts have been safely returned to the DHS archives. Linked here is the news release issued this evening announcing this turn of events, click on Artifacts Returned. Obviously many questions remain and the DHS is pursuing answers, but recovering the collection is a huge relief.
Many you were most helpful in reaching out to your networks to help us spread the word. Local and national media performed a real public service by covering the story -- sort of a historian's version of an Amber Alert. The Dallas Police Department and staff at the Hilton Anatole were instrumental in resolving the disappearance. Thank you all. Craig McDaniel, APR - Senior Vice President - Promote Success
12/1/07 First item: Welcome to our newest member, Noel Clapp out of Seguin.
Second, There is bad news out of Fair Park. Our friend Craig McDaniel sends the following:
The Dallas Historical Society has discovered nearly two dozen items are missing from its permanent collection. These are significant artifacts covering virtually the entire history of Texas. Museum staff and board members are heartsick about this loss.
I have worked with DHS for several years on an annual collaboration with a client, Sterling Bank (formerly The Oaks Bank & Trust Co.). The event centers on a display of relics from the Republic of Texas period. The bank collects historic material from this era, and DHS has done a wonderful job of broadening its outreach by curating an exhibit that includes items from both collections. Many of the missing items have been part of these exhibits. In fact, some of the material that is missing was in the exhibit at Sterling Bank in Dallas that ended Nov. 19.
I spent much of the day working with DHS officials to help spread the word of this unfortunate incident and will continue until it is resolved. You may also see Sterling step up to use its contacts and resources to help locate and return these irreplaceable items.
By aggressively reaching out to the public, collectors, other institutions and the like, there is a good chance that someone will learn the whereabouts of this material and aid in its return. It is possible that the items were taken by mistake when a film production was underway at the Hall of State around the time the artifacts disappeared. If someone took them deliberately, publicizing the incident could help limit opportunities for disposing of them for gain.
For more detail, here is a link to an online newsroom where we have made available the release and photos of the missing items:
https://promotesuccesspr.sharedwork.com/sr/QP9cGdWdkT18ibYhTNqt0auNnTZhFavYVPwZycoRWP1ZyM2IzMx0Ta
To access this screening room without the above link:
1) Go to https://promotesuccesspr.sharedwork.com
2) Enter in the "Email address" box: dhs
3) Enter in the "Password" box: historical
Please help us spread the alert and save some important Texas treasures. My contact information is below and I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks, Craig McDaniel, APR - Senior Vice President - Promote Success
2000 E. Arapaho Road, Suite 4104 - Richardson, TX 75081
214-914-4261 phone - 866-563-1308 fax - www.promotesuccesspr.com
From George: This list is extensive, and it appears to me that many of the two dozen items are irreplaceable. Among them are Santa Anna's spurs, paperweight, and candlestick captured at San Jacinto, and Adm. Nimitz's 5 star collar devices worn in Tokyo Bay in 1945.
11/16/07 First item: From the Texian Legacy Association, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Fellow Members: May each and every one have a happy, meaningful and safe Thanksgiving.
Second item: April 5th weekend is shaping up to be a busy one; among the events, our own Charlie Yates will be at Hill College in Hillsboro, presenting what promises to be an informative essay on Alamo Artillery; A Matter of Perspective. It will include a review of the Mexican Artillery emplacements at the Alamo and new information concerning documentation about their location. This is one presentation of the symposium Texas and Texans at War: The Fragile Frontier: Texans at War 1835-1870
Third item: As always, we are looking for some new information for the website. Full article submissions and book reviews are welcome, as are "bits and pieces" for some of the "Articles & Info" pages. As usual, our Calendar and Events by Name page are works in progress, and everyone's input is valuable. I ask everyone to let me know of typos, changes, updates, and new events for submission... E-mail To: Webmaster@TexianLegacy.com
11/2/07 Just got this in from Taylor A.... Texas Free Trappers Rendezvous VII Nov. 15-18, 2007. There will be separate modern and primitive camps on 800 acres near LaVernia (SE of San Antonio). Bring water, firewood will be available. Period attire required for all competitors. All shooting will be "out of the pouch", traditional black powder weapons, open sights and patched roundball. Setup Thursday; Friday will have events for rifle, pistol, fusil, knife, tomahawk, and primitive archery, with a council fire and candle shoot in the evening. Saturday will have all that and more... including a "play-along" historic surprise. Potluck dinner Sat night (venison and hog will be provided, so bring something that goes with that) followed by round robin and historic storytelling (period music also very welcome). Sunday is break camp and cleanup. Fees: $10 family, $5 individual (no additional fee for traders) and each competitor is to bring a blanket prize of minimum $10 value or $10 cash for a prize (prizes to be juried). Each match / walk will have a winner, no aggregate scoring. For more info (including a map) contact Joe Wolf (Grey Wolf) 830-935-3121 or wolfbear@gvtc.com
Also, on Oct 8, Brazoria County Historical Museum is presenting a lecture on "The History of the Texas Flag" by Thomas Bruce Green III. It starts at 6:30 PM at BCHM, 100 E. Cedar, Angleton; for more info, 979-864-1208 or www.bchm.org
11/1/07 Recent news from Donahoo... "Following an investigation by the Burleson County Sheriff’s Department, Robertson County Sheriff’s Department, DPS Motor Vehicle Theft Division and myself, Kay and I drove to Wheelock, Texas, just South of Hearne, and recovered my trailer. Unfortunately, the only items left inside were 5 cast iron pots, our fireset, one chair and a small sledge hammer. The thief was caught red-handed yesterday (Oct 30) in Burleson County in the process of stealing another trailer, and it appears that over the past several months he has stolen at least 5 more trailers, a John Deere Gator, a 4-wheeler, electric generator, and a bunch of other stuff. After he was arrested, he talked for a short while, but then "lawyered up". We are hopeful that he may reveal to his lawyer what happened to all the rest of our stuff, and we have developed information that he may have some type of storage building somewhere. Further information is that he has recently mentioned making trips to Fairfield, Texas. The investigation continues, so for the time being, we now have a trailer, but nothing to put in it. Thank all of you for your concern, offers of equipment, etc. I’ll keep you posted if anything else develops...
God and Texas, RD"
9/24/07 More Calendar updates...
Also, on Oct 4, Brazoria County Historical Museum is presenting a lecture on "Archeological Investigations at San Felipe de Austin, the Colonial Capital" by Marianne Marek. It starts at 6:30 PM at BCHM, 100 E. Cedar, Angleton; for more info, 979-864-1208 or bchm.org .. Finally, we also got a mention on buckskinning.org... Thanks Paul.
9/9/07 Several updates to the Calendar.... there's multiple items every weekend in October, so you might want to read the whole month....
I spoke with Randy Donahoo this morning, the insurance adjuster has NO clue of what reenacting gear is worth (or that tents don't have model numbers, and blacksmith work doesn't have serial numbers...) and collecting it over years, we usually don't realize it either... He suggests (yes, it's a lot of work) an inventory of your gear "just in case". He's also pretty sure he'll stay in the hobby... as soon as he can get a camp together.... Keep an eye on the flea markets, and the phone number is 979 846-6340 if you hear or see anything. He had a large wedge tent, a smaller wall tent, and his 6x12 trailer had an Alamo flag on the back.
9/7/05 Good news, bad news... Bad news form Donahoo, and a request for your help..."Well, I got home from work about 2:45 yesterday afternoon (6 Sept) and discovered that someone had stolen my trailer. Not so bad the trailer, I can go buy another one tomorrow, but all the stuff inside. Everything we own having to do with re-enacting was inside. (thankfully, no guns, powder or clothes). Two Panther tents, chairs, tables, beds, lanterns, A LOT of cast iron, tin wear, wooden wear, crock wear, utensils, firesets, and about anything else you ever saw at our camp. Looks like our insurance will pay off on at least some of the loss, but as you all know, a bunch of it is not readily replaceable, it’s been collected over about 15 years. If any of you guys hear of some pilgrim trying to peddle off any of that kind of stuff, I’d appreciate a call. Unfortunately, for the time being, we are out of the re-enacting business... God and Texas...RD" If you hear something, email him at robert.donahoo@blinn.edu; if you see anything, you might call your local police before emailing Donahoo.
Now the good news: David Crockett's last letter has been found (or at least, a reasonable facsimile... the discussion and concussion has begun). It did allow me to update the Crockett's Letter page.
8/26/07 Just in from Sterling Bank, a Republic-era display in Dallas Oct 19 - Nov 9:
From Republic to Statehood: Dallas Historical Society Artifacts Bring History Alive at Sterling Bank’s 6th Annual Republic of Texas Exhibit
TEXAS, 1836 – The Alamo was history, and rebellious Texians set about creating a nation after winning the final battle with Mexico at San Jacinto. In 1836 Texas became an independent republic sandwiched between Mexico and the still young United States of America. Within a decade, Texas would join its neighbor to the east as the 28th state.
Artifacts, documents and personal items from key figures of that era will go on display Oct. 19 at Sterling Bank’s Greenville Banking Center at 4849 Greenville Ave. (at University) in Dallas. Sterling Bank’s 6th Annual Republic of Texas Exhibit is FREE and open to the public during banking hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. For information, email info@banksterling.com. The exhibit ends Nov. 9.
The Dallas Historical Society, which is curating the exhibit, is drawing rarely displayed treasures from its archives to show with other historic items from Sterling Bank’s own Lex Johnston Republic of Texas Collection for the display.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
* An oak gavel made of wood taken from the first capitol building of the Republic of Texas at Columbia.
* Sam Houston’s letter to Ed Hall (November, 1836) that names his cabinet and discusses the impending responsibilities he faces as president of the republic.
* The "Henderson Documents," which include instruments appointing J. Pinckney Henderson as the Texas ambassador to Britain and France and as envoy to the United States to negotiate annexation.
* A flag from the 1844 presidential campaign for James K. Polk and his running mate George M. Dallas who advocated statehood for Texas. Polk is pictured in the canton and the words “Polk and Dallas” appear in the stripes.
* Letters and images of U.S. Vice President George Mifflin Dallas, for whom Dallas County, and probably the city, were named in recognition of his support for Texas statehood.
* A rare volume containing a copy of the Texas state constitution adopted in1845. At one point, only six public institutions in the United States were known to have copies.
* A deck of playing cards for the home front during the Mexican-American War meant to boost patriotism. The cards depicted characters of the war such as U.S. Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott.
"These are irreplaceable treasures of our Texas heritage," said Sterling Bank President, Chairman and CEO Downey Bridgwater. "We’re honored to be able to make them available for the public and to shed light on a fascinating period of Texas history."
The Lex Johnston Republic of Texas Collection includes documents, flags, maps, art and other items relating to the decade before Texas statehood and honors the late co-founder of Oaks Bank, which merged with Sterling Bank in 2005. The Texas Bankers Association recognized Sterling Bank Director Max Wells, who established Oaks Bank with Johnston, in 2005 with its Cornerstone Award for the bank’s efforts to preserve and promote Texas history.
Sterling Bank’s permanent Republic of Texas collection is on display year-round with items at many of the bank’s local offices.
About Sterling Bank: Sterling Bank, with total assets of $4.4 billion, operates 49 banking centers in the greater metropolitan areas of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. For more information, please visit www.banksterling.com.
8/8/07 For those going to Taking of the Presidio on Oct 20 and 21, there is more info on the Details page... a schedule of events.
There are two new Book Reviews by Michael Thompson.
Wade Dillon has an interesting idea for Alamo Plaza on the Alamo Sentry site...
and Stephanie Jarvis has moved up to Director of the French Legation, and Cullen Sartor has joined them as Programs Coordinator.
That's the news for now....
7/20/07 We have a new link on the Links page for a collection of primary source documents. Some excerpts from the Introduction: "The vast majority of links are to documents having to do with nineteenth-century events." "The compiler... include(d) those documents that most users would consider significant or at least related to significant events. Some documents of lesser importance have also been included because they provide information about how various persons and groups experienced life... or because they illustrate aspects of economic, cultural, or social history." "Most of the documents are printed transcriptions. The quality of the editing, transcription, formatting, and scanning of these transcriptions varies from collection to collection and sometimes from document to document within a collection. Also, a small percentage of the documents are excerpts. Almost all of the documents are in English, some of which are translations from other languages. The site is searchable."
Second, we have an invitation from the Washington County Healthy Living Association "The Senior Activity Center": "We are planning a fall festival for Sat. Oct. 20. We would like very much to have a historic reenactment group here as part of the festival. We can provide lodging and meals and will help with any needs you have." RSVP to Toy Kurtz at (979) 836-6552 or brenhamctr@sbcglobal.net. Indoor displays would probably be best although we have extensive covered breezeways that could also be used, I am afraid our fields might be too muddy. Our address and location are well known in Washington County. The property is located at 1200 S. Market St. and is the old Brenham Elementary School which served the area for over 60 years. Almost everyone went to school here and/or had children in school here. The contacts are myself (Toy Kurtz), Barbara Hemmer and Anita Fairman.
Thirdly, we are looking for some new information for the website. Full article submissions and book reviews are welcome, as are "bits and pieces" for some of the "Articles & Info" pages.
7/5/07 I heard that there are regular Soldado drills on the Alamo grounds, first Saturday of the month... For more details, you can call Don Herlitz at 713-289-4657.
As noted by a couple of people, the link to Alamo Sentry isn't working now... I just tried it and got "can't find the server". It worked when I posted it... I hope it will be working again soon... it really looked good.
While I'm here, does anyone have any submissions for the Calendar, or perhaps for the Articles & Info pages?
7/4/07 Just updated the Alamo Sentry link on the Other Sites page... Wade's done a lot of work on it, and moved the site... enjoy!
6/30/07 The new Calendar is up, as is the new Events by Name page... As usual, our Calendar is a work in progress, and everyone's input is valuable. I ask everyone to let me know of typos, changes, and new events for submission... E-mail To: Webmaster@TexianLegacy.com; if you need to see the old list, it's still available by clicking here.
6/7/07 work has commenced on the 2007-2008 Calendar... if you have a Texas Rev event you want posted, email Webmaster.
4/9/07 For those going to San Jacinto: Because of the ceremony being held at the monument at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday April 21st, there has been a time change for the mandatory safety meeting. The meeting that was scheduled for 9:00 A.M. will now be held at 8:30 A.M. For those of you who plan to attend and or participate in the ceremony, the safety meeting should be over and done in enough time to allow you to get to the monument. If you know of anyone else that this affects, please let them know of the change. Jerry Tubbs is notifying everyone on his E-mail list, and I have done the same (Me too, and am posting it... Webmaster). Every chance you get, put in a word to the Almighty for good weather. See you there….RDonahoo
3/29/07 OK, this one's a lot of reading, folks:
Buckskinners and Texas History reenactors are invited to the Boyd Harrison Memorial combined event April 27 - 29. Boyd was a dedicated living historian and camped with both groups. Each group will have a separate period camp, demonstrating camp life and period activities. Boyd's family, fellow teachers and students will be special guests Saturday to see this facet of Boyd's life. The campsite is on 800 acres near Cibolo Creek near La Vernia, and period dress and gear is required. Thursday 26th: open for setup, informal shooting matches. Friday & Saturday lots of competitions & round robin trading, Saturday potluck shared with guests, Sunday informal competitions & decamp. Fees: Rendezvous competitors $15, family $20, reenactor camp fee $10. No added fees for traders / sutlers, please let your favorite outfit know. Lots more info and a map available from Joe Wolf 830-935-3121 or wolfbear@gvtc.com ...Ask about the shooting events, too much to detail here. This event rating is 3 1/2.
Here's a link to an article on the Angel of Goliad, thanks Charlie Y: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA032707.01B.Angel_of_Goliad.3739102.html
Texas Tejano is having a Tejano Heritage Month poster contest (click here for details), it's open to "...any and all high school students throughout the Great State of Texas". Another project they are working on is the Tejano Oral History Project, best described by an excerpt from the press release:
(San Antonio, Texas) March 26, 2007 - Texas Tejano.com, a San Antonio-based research, publishing, and communications firm, is proud to team with the City of San Antonio Office of Community Initiatives and the San Antonio Public Library to present the second phase of the Tejano Oral History Project.
This special event will take place from 9:00am-noon on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the main branch of the San Antonio Public Library (600 Soledad). Volunteers from the Los Bexareños Genealogical Society will be on hand to collect these priceless oral histories, as well as scan in any photographs and take photos as well.
"When we started Texas Tejano.com over five years ago, this project was always something that we knew we wanted to do," explains Texas Tejano.com President and Founder Rudi R. Rodriguez. "There was no place in South Texas that housed the oral histories and records of the Hispanic community and we knew that that was something that needed to be corrected."
The morning of the event, seniors from several city centers will be transported to the Main Library where they will be given a tour of the facility and its resources. Everything that is gathered and collected that day will be permanently housed and archived at the Library and will be made accessible to the visiting public.
...More information about TexasTejano.com and its projects can be found at www.texastejano.com or by calling 210.673.3584.
And for those that still need to, I will be at San Jacinto (in the Texian camp) if you want to pay dues in person, or email me at TLAdirector@texianlegacy.com for an address to mail in your dues check...
3/4/07 We made it through Texas Independence Day Weekend... wow, lots of great events. Then I got on the computer... and got busy. Updated Events page for Sterling Banc's San Jacinto Exhibit: it's in Houston this year, for those early to San Jacinto; it's also starting earlier... see details on the Events page. (Santa Anna's personal flag...) Also updated Sutlers page as one of the links was broken... and added The Immortal thirty-Two to the History Notes page. Thanks to people hunting me down at events and those mailing in dues, we are now up to 27 up-to-date memberships... if you're not one of them, dues are due by April 21st. I have heard rumbliings of lots more to come.. Soon as I get word, I'll get it posted.
2/26/07 Updated Events page for 19th C. Ladies' Conference: change of presentation. Celtaire String Band sends word that they will be at the Alamo, March 3 & 4 - for those events. They play Texas & U.S. music (from the 1800-1900s).
2/21/07 Pilgrim's Camp: From Claudia: Folks coming up Fwy 59 from the south of here can also take the 762/Thompsons Rd exit just past Richmond a few miles before they get up to Crabb River Rd, then head east. It swings up and meets with Crabb River Rd, where they'd turn right by the gas station/convenience store that's at Crabb River Rd & Thompsons Rd which they should recognize.
Claudia
Personally, I will be coming eastbound from I10 at La Grange / Columbus (coming off 71). From I10 head south on 36 (at Sealy) to Rosenberg. Head east through town and turn right on Thompson Rd / 762 to Crabb River Rd, turn right to stay on 762. Once across the bridge over Smithers Lake, the George Ranch is on the right at 10215 FM 762. I am told that should work for all the San Antonio / Austin folks.
Then there's this: My name is Elizabeth Menefee White and I am a member of the James W. Brown Chapter of the DRT. On March 31st at 2:00 we are going to have a Grave Marking for Jemima Menefee Heard in Egypt, Texas. She is one of my ancestors and also of Bud Northington who is a member of the Texas Army.
We would very much like to have the Texian Army participate in this dedication. I appreciate all your Help on this and apologize for the late notice. You can reach me by e-mail at Elizabeth.White@kbr.com.
And finally, the Capitol Rotunda Ceremony on March 2nd is at 11:30 AM, not at Noon as previously advertised.
2/19/07 More new stuff: Update from Tubbs about Pilgrim's Camp: George, Please put the word out that Hwy 99 So. (Crabb River Rd) at Hwy 59 is closed!!! Folks will have to travel south on 59 to the first exit, "U" turn and come back to Crabb River Rd. Be ready for delays!! - Jerry
New details on the 19th C. Ladies' Conference. Thanks Debbie.
2/18/07 New article in the History section, a speech given by our own Charlie Yates (and it was really something to hear!) Click here for the text... don't let the title throw you, there's some real food for thought here.
2/16/07 Those who remember Boyd Harrison may be interested in the Boyd Harrison Memorial Event being put on by Joe Wolf and the Texas Free Trappers oon April 27th - 29th. Texas Rev participants from both Texian and Mexican sides of the field are invited; for more details, click here.
1/27/07 Added Boyd Harrison to the Memoriam page. His service was attended by an overflow crowd, many in period attire. The family requests no flowers; instead, please send a donation to "The Boyd Harrison Children Scholarship Fund" at American Bank of Texas in Seguin.
1/17/07 updated 1/18 Folks, I regret to inform you that due to the weather, Pilgrim's Camp will be rescheduled for February (update: Feb 24/25, still at George Ranch). Jerry and Charlie have expressed their regrets on the inconvenience and short notice, but the weather is the weather... Please let everyone know who intended to attend, and we all hope that everyone can make the rescheduled event.
1/12/07 Not "period", but thought many of you might be interested... I ran across an interesting knife sheath today, made by a leathercrafter at Wicked Leathers motorcycle attire shop in Bastrop. Bob has been making sheaths for lockback knives (like the locking Buck knife) since the 1970s with a unique twist: the sheath opens, sharpens and oils the blade every time you pull the knife out. Email tejascustomleathers@austin.rr.com or call Wicked Leathers 512-985-5314 for more details... prices start at $20 for the standard sheath.
Why was I in a biker shop when I don't own a motorcycle? They make custom leather goods... including saddlebags... and I found out who to talk to for prices, or at least estimates, on custom leather goods like a cartridge box (no blocks or tins, but I can do those) or a portmanteau that doesn't look "factory"...
1/3/07 Much has been done... the holidays are now over, and we are gearing up for the "high holy days" of Texas history. Here's the latest:
1. From the French Legation: "Camp 'History on the Hill': June 18-22, 2007, the French Legation Museum invites children ages 6 to 11 to do some Texas time travelin' atop historic 'Robertson Hill.' This weeklong mini-day camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Each day offers campers fun and educational chances to journey into 1800s Texas through stories, characters in period threads, hands-on activities, music and more. Don't miss your chance to do some Texas time trekkin' at one of Austin's oldest buildings. Costs to attend are $15 per day or $50 for the whole week. Go to www.frenchlegationmuseum.org for registration forms or call 512-472-8180. The museum is located at 802 San Marcos Street." TLA members interested in putting together a history lesson for about 30 youngsters, email Webmaster.
2. Added a Soldado messageboard on the Links page. Primer Battalion is familiar to many of us, having shot either at them or alongside them at a number of events.
3. And a reminder, this is a volunteer effort; if you find a broken link or any other problem with this site, or have anything to add to the conversation, email the Webmaster.
10/29/06 Spent a bit of this morning updating the Sutlers page, and adding three new companies to it.
8/26/06 The new Calendar is up, as is the new Events by Name page. Please note the newest events: SALHA is having a Living History Open House, Brazos Valley Museum is holding a History Fair, Sons of the Republic of Texas let us know about Texian Navy Day and the dedication of a historical marker at the only remaining international boundary marker between U.S and R.T. (United States and Republic of Texas)... As usual, our Calendar is a work in progress, and everyone's input is valuable. I ask everyone to let me know of typos, changes, and new events for submission... E-mail To:
Webmaster@TexianLegacy.com
7/5/06 Two new items: 1. On July 15 there will be a Historical Marker Dedication in Goliad County for Don Rafael Antonio Manchola. More details have been posted on the Texian Web discussion page, click here for that message. 2. It is time again for submissions to the TLA Calendar. Please email the Webmaster.
5/8/06 Lots to announce, please bear with us...
First of all, the new Director of TLA is George Rollow, your humble Webmaster... Charlie Yates is stepping into the role of Historian. Please bear with us during the transition, it may take a while for emails to be properly forwarded and responded to.... as I have a major event at work on May 23rd, webpage updates will commence after that. Please send Director emails to TLADirector@TexianLegacy.com and Historian emails to Historian@TexianLegacy.com Please contact George about dues (now due) and other membership issues.
On another note, KR Wood / Texanna Records is inviting Texas Rev reenactors to an event at Wolf Ranch on June 24th. Last I heard the Austin Light Artillery Battery is planning on attending... Those interested please contact Natalee at the following as soon as possible: Natalee Norwood 512-267-4472 natalee@texannarecords.com for further info and directions. My understanding is that it is in the Georgetown, Texas area... just north of Austin.
4/16/06 Cannon school May 27 in Hallettsville... details here.
4/4/06 Reenactors are invited to attend the Bastrop Yesterfest on April 29th. If you wish to set up a period craft display / presentation (spinning/weaving, sewing, blacksmithing, woodworking, etc.) please contact Al Moulton at info@yesterfestbastrop.com.
3/15/06 This just in, and added to the Calendar: Deborah Russell is issuing an invitation to the 19th Century Ladies' Conference at Ft. Martin Scott, Fredericksburg. April 7-9.
2/9/06 Latest from C. Yates: It's my distinct pleasure to announce that Dr. James Crisp, Associate Professor of History at North Carolina State University, has accepted our invitation to speak at the Veterans of the Texas Revolution Memorial Ceremony to be held at the Texas State Cemetery on March 2nd. Dr. Crisp is the author of Sleuthing the Alamo : Davy Crockett's Last Stand and Other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution and is an expert in both the Texian and Mexican documents of the Texas Revolution. I have often had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Crisp speak and I can assure you, it will be a treat. Charlie Yates.
Our own Lyn vonRoeder sends us to the General Land Office website with a cryptic "You might find this interesting".... turns out we all have a chance to help Save Texas History. Links to same added to our Main Page and History Articles pages.
2/6/06 From our friend John Baker:
Dear Fellow Texian re-enactors
I have the hard bound book of the Texas Flags and on Page 32 it reads:
During the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos February 1836, the delegates had endorsed the already (popular) symbolism of the lone star. A resolution declared that "the single star of five points, either gold or silver, be adopted as the particular emblem of this republic: and that every officer and soldier of the army and members of this convention, and all friends of Texas, be requested to wear it on their hats and bosoms."
In the same book on Page 87 there is a picture of five of the Terry's Texas Rangers Troopers and under the picture it reads; "Lone star badges on hats and clothing were common among Texas soldiers."
Wouldn't it be neat to wear a star on our clothing during the month of March and on our reenacting clothing and hats?
Best regards,
John F. Baker
Colonel Texas Army
To which we say, "It sure would, John, and we're glad you brought up the idea."
1/26/06 More updates to the Events by Name page. Texas Independence Day: adds to Memorial Service, Capitol Celebration. Also please note (not listed) Texas Independence Day at Hill's Cafe, South Austin: 5 PM. Live music, good food. Help support Celebrate Texas. NOT a Period Attire event; No Weapons. Saturday: Added notes on Parade. Other (modern) events (not listed): 9 AM - 5K run, All Day - Texas BBQ Championship; details on these at CelebrateTexas.org. Alamo Memorial on the Capitol Grounds, March 5th also updated. For those golfers out there, Celebrate Texas is hosting the Jay L. Johnson Memorial Celebrity Golf Tournament at the U.T. Golf Club on Monday, March 6th. Contact Celebrate Texas for more info.
1/25/06 Several updates to the Events by Name page. Updates include Texas Independence Day and Saturday events, and that the Oaks Bank & Trust was bought last fall, and Sterling Bancshares Inc. is continuing the San Jacinto exhibit at their Dallas main office.
1/15/06 The Pilgrim's Camp was a great success, and many thanks go out to all who participated. For those looking for the books Charlie Yates reviewed, they are listed in the Alamo section of our Reading List page, and are these three: Sleuthing The Alamo (James Crisp), Sacrificed at the Alamo (Bruce Winders), and The Alamo Reader (Todd Hansen). All three titles on our page are linked to Amazon.com so you can buy them with little fuss and enjoy them at your leisure.
We also have a new article in the Reenactor Help section on Tejana clothing (thanks to Patty Tristan).
1/7/06 Latest news on Pilgrim's Camp: