Witch-hunting Texan makes a curtain call

Martin Dies, fire- breathing founder of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), came out of retirement on Apr. 26, 1952 to run for Texas’ new at-large congressional seat. After graduating from law school in 1922, Dies joined the family law firm in Orange.

In good shape, for the shape I’m in

I’m trying hard to remember. What was so dad-gum funny about that?”— Me. I said that. About 1982. ------“Hello, how are ya,” a friend greeted me. We met last weekend where I shop for vitamins. “I’m in good shape for the shape I’m in,” I joked, laughing like friends do when they run into each other.

Mutiny on the road to San Jacinto

Learning his commander-in-chief had decided to stand and fight, an insubordinate captain rejoined the Texas Army on Apr. 17, 1836 in time for the Battle of San Jacinto. When Travis’ final appeal reached the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos on Mar.

Not many things can eclipse an eclipse

Ican’t imagine anything in the past or in the future being as memorable and awe-inspiring as the 2024 Great American Eclipse that recently passed right over Texas.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s not too late

“Remember the good times? When phones were dumb, and people were smart?” — Spotted on a tee shirt. Worn by someone using a smart phone. ---- Old movies and television shows are the best. People enjoying life with each other. Without a cell phone.

Green Light to Shine

Under the fading light of day, I witnessed a scene that tugged at my heartstrings. A young man, barely out of his teens, stood at the edge of life’s crossroads. With a cardboard sign held high, he seemed to be fighting against the invisibility that often cloaks those on the streets.

Killer tornadoes lay waste to Panhandle

The only F5 tornado ever to touch down in the northernmost part of the Lone Star State tore through the Texas Panhandle on Apr. 9, 1947 leaving death and destruction in its 100-mile-long wake. Seventy-seven years ago, “tornado” was not a word weather predictors used in their forecasts.

You learn something new every day

Most mornings for me are about the same. Get up around 5:30 because the dog wants to get up. Take her outside so she can “take care of her business.” Bring her back inside to eat. Then take her back outside so she can take care of any undone business.

God is still my co-pilot

“Go on to Mount Pleasant. They’ve got a long, wide runway up there.” — Center Airport Manager Bill Neve’s advice after I reported instrument issues with my airplane. ----It was about forty years ago. Give or take a flight or two. A sunny Saturday afternoon.

Rough Rider roosevelt returns to Texas

Aspecial train carrying President Theodore Roosevelt to a Rough Riders reunion rolled across the Red River bridge on Apr. 5, 1905. The eternal optimist expected an enthusiastic welcome, but his aides feared a chilly reception in the staunchly Democratic state.