On Thursday, July 5, 1951, they cut down the old oak tree that stood near the well in Mason, Texas. For over 100 years, the tree had provided silent vigilance over the founding and growth of the town. Though it never moved, the authorities deemed that the tree was in the way of progress.   Those who advocated to save the tree claimed that it should be kept for historic preservation. Many a resident had watered his horses at the adjacent well and shaded himself under the old tree. Some...

“Texas is a land of eternal drought, interrupted occasionally by Biblical floods!” These words are often attributed to Galveston meteorologist Isaac Cline, whose forecast underestimated the strength of the 1900 hurricane.   Though modern meteorologists have improved instruments, they still have great difficulty forecasting Texas weather. Perhaps they could just say, chili today, hot tamale! Of this I’m certain: the heat in a Texas summer can be hotter than blue blazes.    Researching the...

Reading obituaries has always been interesting to me, as long as it is not mine. A recent funeral notice spoke of an 89-year-old native Texan named Jerry. He was married for over 61 years and had numerous children and grandchildren. Jerry was born and raised in Stranger, Texas, and attended a single-room schoolhouse. Where’s Stranger? On a map, Stranger is located southeast of Waco, near Marlin. Originally known as Blue Ridge, the town was settled around 1840. It received a name change in...