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January 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Sunday being the last day of Mary Louise's vacation, we Homecrofters had the pleasure of entertaining at dinner Mr. and Mrs. John Fox of Palacios. Mr. Fox is a highway engineer of considerable renown, but his main reason for his distinction is the fact that he has earned the right to the degree of C. H. which means cheese hound. Well, anyway, now that I have explained who this bird is, I'll state that our old oaken board was a peach in its green and red studies, dishes more than seventy years, spoons made by my great grand uncle, more than one hundred years ago, cutlery used by my parents fifty years ago. But of course, all this was but the frame of the picture the table presented, for the main thing that interested the eye and tantalized the palate was a big pot roast cooked in mother's old iron pot. Boy it was some grand center piece and so you men readers may surprise your wives I give the recipe. It is an old time tried and tester and takes the wrinkles out of the tummie. First procure a fine hunk of meat with some fat on it and a bright red color. Marinate it in a spicy mixture using a teaspoon each of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Rub this all over the meat. Pour on a cup of vinegar (wine if you are lucky) and put the meat in a dish to soak for twenty four hours. Yes, Bill, twenty four hours if you desire tantalization. The next day put in your old iron pot, smear it with a spoon of mustard, a cup of brown sugar, put in about six or eight cloves of garlic, chop up three onions, a bay leaf, pour on a can of tomatoes, put in plenty of boiling water, put her on the fire and let her simmer about three hours. Let her just lay there in the pot and smile, no loud laughter needed. Twenty minutes before serving, introduce potatoes and cabbage and have a platter hot. In this place the meat and around it neatly place the spuds and cabbage. Don't wait, but go to it and boy if you don't have a dish fit to serve a king or even an editor or a second vice president, call on me for explanation.
It was a grand dinner party, with joy a plenty even tho it did mean that in a few hours our wonderful daughter would be on her way back to A. & M. It was the end of a perfect week even if I was compelled to witness the demolition of my glorious cheese which I did with regret and disgust. What I told the miserable wretch...first time in one's life one has a big crumbly, well aged cheese with whiskers three inches long, one has a prize.
One of our distinguished guests was Mr. Vernon King Hurd who is Chief Oil and Asphalt Inspector for the road work. Vernon was quiet, reserved, and knew exactly how to cheese it at the proper time which can not be said of some others.
I will state that the Mopac House is about completed and as soon as a chimney is built, a few things touched up and the building painted we will have the opening of a very fine house devoted to the happiness and pleasure of our people. The floor of cement has been prepared by a master finisher and is as slick as glass. No better building job in the county and a credit to the Forman Mr. Huey Linder, who is no kin to the Huey who is the Dictator across the river. Yard all cleaned up, walk repaired and all as slick as is milady when she greets her lover.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, January 10, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Thursday, Raymond Hunt and Winston McKissick went to Houston to join the Navy. This is a fine ambition and those boys will be a credit to the national sea force. I asked Buster Hunt what he planned to do and he replied "I don't know now what I shall do but I know what I will not do." When asked what he would not do he replied "I'll not be a blacksmith." It would be a joke if when he enters the navy they put him next to a forge.
I noticed by reading the advertisements that one of the Bay City cafes served a free lunch with each bottle of beer. This shows progress and is a credit to the cafe, but in plain words informs people in foreign parts that Bay City is out of the doldrums and on the high sea to prosperity. When any burg begins to furnish free lunches, there is no depression. And by the way, I lunched Wednesday at a safe next door to the Keller office I dare [not] mention the name for fear of the blue pencil, but it is next door. There I was served with the finest RED HOT Rolls I have ever had from any cafe in America. They were not from the oven, as dainty and soft as an angel's breast, light as a morning zephyr, tasty as the honeyed kiss from the lips of a sweetheart and they are served twice each day. Get around there about 11:45 A. M. and you'll meet something to be remembered. And say boy that pretty girl brought a second helping. Don't know her name, but she was a sweet doll.
Tried to borrow some lunch money from the new county judge and he sent me to Charles Langham who he said held all the cash. Charles told me the safe contained less than fifteen dollars and he needed that himself. Eugene Wilson told me he would gladly aid me when as and if he got his first month's pay. Looks as though I am obliged to wait for my $200 a month pension. Wait until these guys ask again for my two votes.
The Woman's Club met in the Library Thursday in annual meeting. Much business was dispatched including the secretary's report for the year 1934 which showed that 1789 books had been let out and 965 people had visited the library and inscribed their names on the guest book. The treasurer reported that about one hundred dollars had been received and disbursed for community benefit during the year 1934. It being the time for the election of officers to serve for the next two years, ballots were spread and resulted in choosing for President, Mrs. Burton Hurd, for Vice President, Mrs. Roy Nelson, for Secretary, Mrs. L. E. Liggett, for Treasurer, Mrs. Frank King was re-elected. Ten voting members were present and twelve visitors. When anything of value is accomplished in this community it is a good guess to say that the Woman's Club did it. It was a very proper thing to elect Mrs. Hurd as president for she started the club and library more then a quarter of a century ago. Some call her the club's mother, but she laughs and claims that she is the grandmother and I reckon that is about correct for she has always been a grand club mother. Mesdames Liggett, Nelson, Clapp and King have been excellent aunties so one may rest assured that with such kin folk the club will have good care.
The B Square Sunday School class tendered a shower to Ruth Boeker Tuesday night. Ruth is a member of this class and although the birdies have not informed me when wedding bells will ring and I was not present, I am informed that some day soon we shall lose Ruthie. I am informed that the gifts were many, beautiful and useful.
The other day the wind blowing soft and gentle from the northwest meaning from Austin way it brought me this.
Department of Agriculture State of Texas J. E. McDonald, Commissioner Mrs. Cora Young, Chief Clerk Austin
January 11th, 1935
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Clapp Collegeport, Texas
My Very dear and esteemed friends:
To day Mrs. Roe handed me your Christmas card and I am indeed grateful to you for so kindly remembering me, and I am wishing for Homecroft and the Homecrofters all that is good during the year 1935.
Mr. Clapp you have lived a busy and constructive life and your works and deeds will live on to encourage and enrich future generations.
Mrs. Clapp you are a dear sweet woman and I enjoyed being with you so much at College Station last summer and am still hoping to go fishing and crabbing with you and enjoy that fine meal you promised me.
You are both mighty fine and sweet and I would be delighted if you could be in Austin sometime and visit me in my office.
With all good wishes and the very kindest regards, I am, Very sincerely yours,
J. E. McDonald Commissioner of Agriculture
P. S. I received my card and thank you so much for thinking of me. I enjoyed meeting and being with you in College Station and hope to meet again.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Young
Just a dandy whiff of the Christmas tide that sort of sets the pulse to an acceleration, brings joy and happiness and fills life with perfume.
Mopac House is receiving the finishing touches. Some kitchen fixtures to complete, glass to be puttied in, two doors to hang, painting and then this beautiful house will be ready for an opening. It has been a long, hard pull but thanks to George Harrison, the end is near. Proves the wisdom of "let George do it."
The Matagorda County Tribune, January 17, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Monday morning a fog came down on Collegeport with a silence like the hush of morning prayer. It appeared to hug mother earth as if to protect her breast from the piercing rays of the rising sun. So dense was the fog that objects forty yards distant were indistinct and at fifty yards everything faded into invisibility.
Hark. What was that? Was it the sound of a church bell? Listen! I hear it again. It is naught but the school bell calling pupils to their lessons.
By noon it had disappeared to the place from whence it came and we enjoyed another summer day with a temperature around eighty.
John Merck is swelling around because he is the daddy of a ten pound son [John Maurice Merck]. Hazel is the sweet little mamma bird and she will make a grand and wonderful mother for she is not only very pretty, but has plenty of charm and an abundance of rare good sense, and with this she has ideals and ambitions. Don't worry about this kid for he will be well taught and will become a valuable citizen.
Mr. H. E. Miller left the Mopac job and went to Sandy Point to build a residence for Melvin Spoor.
Sunday night some miscreant broke into Mopac House, partly wrecked four windows, tore the step/stop? board from the new front doors, which he left open and left the back door open. Why any one would do such a deed is beyond me when the house is open every day for any person to visit. Just a case of vicious application of destructive vandalism. This fellow better watch out or he may get a charge of buck shot in the west end going east. The Collegeport Industrial League might pay ten dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person breaking and entering this property. This act of vandalism cost about $2.50 for labor to repair the damage and besides that the floor was scratched and it is unfinished so that damage cannot be easily repaired. We fear the marks will show through the final finish.
Two people have been canvassing this community offering for sale books in the interest of a religious organization that attacks the Roman Catholic Church and others of close kinship and some protestant organizations and accuses them of trying to take over our government and erect one under their control. There is just as much danger of the Roman Church accomplishing this as there is of the Baptist Church doing it or the Episcopalian Church and any other church. What is the use of waving a church aggression flag in the face of the people who are well satisfied with the privilege given to worship each one as he pleases. As for me, I would rather have the Roman Church take us over than to have some of the others I might mention.
Members of this church signed the Declaration of Independence, they fought in every war, they paid out their dollars, they died on the battle field and in the hospitals and they have shown by their acts that they are Americans. Others have done the same, for whether we are Jews or Christians, we are all Americans and we all desire free speech, free press, free worship. Stop waving the flag.
The Bay View Bob Cats went over to Palacios, 32.6 miles distant, Thursday night and played basket ball with the Palacios school team. Result 27 to 9 in favor of the Cats. Friday night they journeyed to Bay City and returned with a score of 29 to 28 favoring the Bay City team. The Cats have played fourteen games and lost only two which is a very sweet average I'll say. These Cats sure do scratch when they have opportunity.
Thursday, I was invited to meet with the Kings Daughters and I was right there on time when the lunch bell tolled its cheering toll. The meeting was held in the Liggett home and was attended by perhaps forty women and two men. The table, as usual, was loaded with pleasure, gladness, rapture and bliss interpreted in food of many kinds from chicken, sausage, cold and hot meats, salads, pies, cakes and coffee. After the lunch was dispatched, us guests, two in number, departed not waiting for the religious program. We felt that we could go off some place and communing with God could thank Him for the bountiful luncheon that we had received. A splendid program was given, entertaining and instructive.
Saturday, Mr. Taylor, County Relief Administrator, and Mr. McIntosh, Engineer for the State Board of Control, visited Collegeport and inspected Mopac House and much to the delight of the miserable wretch who entertained them, they expressed pleasure and satisfaction as they viewed the building from kiver to kiver. They were very much surprised to see the library all a shinin' with its 1600 books. Few towns can brag of such a splendid free public library. It is the result of twenty five years work of devoted women.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, January 22, 1935
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The Home Demonstration Club met at the Community House Monday afternoon, Jan. 28.
The club adopted the constitution and by-laws suggested by the committee which drew them up. A few changes were made in selecting demonstrators for the year. Mesdames J. O. Prunty and Jones were elected to serve as farm food and supply demonstrators. Mesdames Carl Boeker and Dean Merck as yard demonstrators, and Mrs. Frank King as bedroom demonstrator. Mrs. Anna Crane gave the council report. Mrs. Dick Corporon, who had charge of the afternoon's program, discussed pictures of noted artists and American Must Choose.
From now on the club will hold its meetings in the community house except when the demonstrators have their meeting.
The following members were present: Mesdames Frank King, Dick Corporon, Anna Crane, Jerry Lashbrook, Louis Walter, Carl Boeker, Roy Nelson, Henry Guyer, J. O. Prunty and Dean Merck.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, January 31, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article about Mr. Clapp's hometown in the 1870s.]
I am informed by a little eight year niece that Gertrude Hunt is married and that her "old man" is rich and has two race horses and a hound dog. All the lucky man needs now, is a shot gun and a fish pole and he will be fixed. Gertrude's little niece is my informant and it may be child's chatter, but again, there may be some truth in the tale. Gertrude is by far the prettiest girl turned out from this community and we hope for a long and happy life and a few kiddies.
Ella Mae Chiles now Mrs. William Watterman of Bryan, Texas. She is now the mother of a beautiful little girl named Susan Chiles Watterman. If the kid grows up with half the pep her maw always had, she will be full of pepper sauce. Ella Mae was one of the bright pupils in the local school.
Sunday the 20th was the last of twenty perfect days. That evening about 4:30, down came a blustering norther with a forty mile gale, heavy rain that quickly froze, covering grasses, trees and flowers with an ice coating that looked like crystals of diamond dew. Temperature Monday down to around 14 which is some cold down here in the sunny southland. Gone were the flowers, the budding trees, the luxuriant gardens with their lettuce headed, onions, spinach, cabbage. All wiped out in an hour. Cattle on the range froze and died along the fence rows. The tide went out with a rush so that only the channel was left. Thousand of fish were picked up so chilled they could not wiggle their tails. One boat picked up a thousand pounds. Oysters on big reefs were there for the gathering and many a bushel taken. As I looked at the narrow channel, I thought that perhaps the state highway commission were planning to wait until the bay filled up to Collegeport and then they might build a road across the bay. It was the coldest weather since the storm of 1924.
I read in the paper that a steel bridge is being built near Palestine at a cost of $100,000. One end is twenty feet above the proposed road and will require a long twenty foot fill. The other is fourteen miles from a highway and the report adds that it will be at least three years before connections will be made. Now here between Palacios and Collegeport is a site that is ideal. All it needs is the causeway and two communities now separated by 32.6 miles will be only a five minutes drive apart. The pavement can then be extended right east on high ground to connect with No. 60 at Matagorda going through that town on a street 130 feet wide. Wonder how long we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, must wait before we will be permitted to walk across the causeway to attend services at St. John's Chapel.
Seventy eight men working on the seawall and two on Mopac House. Waiting for paint and then for the opening of this fine house for community pleasure. It will be a monument to our precinct commissioner for without his friendly aid, his contact and influence with strong men, there would be no Mopac House.
Children now growing up will tell their children "This is the House that George Built." And yet before the "Ides of March" in 1936, there be some who will forget George and there be some who will not forget.
The Collegeport Bob Cats trooped to Port Lavaca Saturday and engaged the local team in basket ball. My informant was unable to give the score, but told me that the Cats won a certain number of games. I don't know whether the trophy was a solid gold cup or a diamond belt, but my dictionary tells me that a trophy is "anything taken from an enemy and preserved as a memorial of victory."
Anyway, we have a trophy. On their return they were entertained by Coach Elliott Curtis with an almost midnight supper.
Writing about dogs makes me wish you folk might see Jimmy crawl on his belly and at last turn on his back for a tummy rubbing. Never saw a pooch do that trick in the same way. If I place a bit of candy between my lips, he will take it in a dainty way and never touch my lips. Great pooch even if Carrie Miller Whitehead does say he looks starved. She don't appreciate pedigrees four miles long.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, January 31, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
This tale is written because several have asked "what is Mopac House;" how was it built?" "what will it be used for?" So this is the story of the House that George built. When I was a lad, I had a picture book about the house that Jack built. There was the house, the malt, the rat, the cat, the dog, the cow, the maiden, the man, the priest and the cock that crowed in the morn and wakened the priest all shaven and shorn who married the man all tattered and torn, to the maiden, all forlorn, who milked the cow with a crumpled horn, that tossed the dog, that worried the cat, that killed the rat, that ate the malt, that lay in the house that Jack built.
In the house the picture showed the malt. In Mopac House, there will be no malt, hence no rat, or necessity for the other characters. I have never been informed how Jack built the house and care not for the house was in evidence. I do not know to this day how Mopac House was built, but I do know that it stands in the community this day almost ready for use.
One day in December, 1933, as I sat as my desk, I heard the clang of steel and the ring of hammers and I knew that the rails, that for twenty-five years had connected us with the main line were being torn up and loaded on cars. I looked from the window and there stood the station building and in a flash the idea came "why not get possession of that building and remodel it for community use?"
Without consulting a soul I wrote to Mr. H. R. Safford, executive vice president Missouri Pacific Lines in Texas and suggested that the building be given to the Collegeport Industrial League. This was on December 8. No reply came, but on the 20th arrived Mr. T. C. McCord, division engineer, who called and informed me that Mr. Safford had asked him to look the situation over. I gave him all the information he wished, showed him the library and explained that it needed more room and when he left he said "Mr. Clapp, you may consider the deal closed and the property is yours, for I shall make a favorable report, but do not move it until you have formal notice."
Then I called in George and told him about the affair and he much to my delight said "good work and we will put it over." Thus another hill was crossed. February 20th came a formal bill of sale transferring to the League the property and asking that it be removed by the 12th of April. May 24th a gang of men appeared and began work. They cut the building in two parts for moving, but at the end of three days work stopped. There the building stood until the storm of July 25th, when the freight end having been robbed of partitions was wrecked. Time passed and on August 21st work began again and lasted until September 15th and then stopped. December 15th, work began and continued until the old building had been wrecked, material moved to the league property and the new building erected. It needs two doors, water in the kitchen, electrical wiring and paint for inside and out and then for the opening. The building has been attached to the library giving us a building 92 feet long and twenty-four feet wide. The library has been supplied with additional room 12X14 the kitchen is 10x12 supplied with cupboards, tables and will soon have a sink and water. The main room is 60x24.
A cement floor for the entire structure, ample windows, inviting front doors and a friendly shelter over the front gallery. The only credit the writer claims is that he had the vision. He has staid back of the lines, asking for this and for that and up to this day, what he asked for in some mysterious way was forth coming. The writer loaded the gun, but George did the pointing and pulled the trigger and so accurate was his aiming technique that he seldom missed his mark. Of course George did not do all this great work alone. He gathered about him such men as Homer Trimble, James Gartrell, Glenn Taylor, the county board of relief; E. N. Gustafson, the county court and others and every sunuvagun showed their interest by their activity and piece by piece the work was done. The Central Power and Light Company by its district manager donated all materials for electrical wiring. O, well, so many have been helpful and generous it is most difficult to record the many acts of aid.
Mr. Huey Linder was in charge of construction and the job stands there as evidence of his ability. Answering the first question will reply that Mopac House is what is usually known as a community house. In reply to the second question, I simply must say I do not know how it was built and in reply to the third will state that it will be used for any clean, wholesome community purpose, such as meetings of civic clubs, Girl Reserves, luncheons, banquets, private and public parties, lectures, religious services, dancing, card parties, amusements of many kinds and in fact for any and all decent purposes.
There will be no malt in Mopac House and with a cement floor we fear no rats. The fact is that the writer knows very little about this building and how it became a reality. He does know that without the generous aid and sacrificing work of George, it would still be standing down by the tracks.
George is a big man, with a big warm heart, that reaches out to other fellows. He is widely known throughout the state and thus was able to enlist the interest of many men, some of whom did not know Collegeport existed. They gave their aid because George asked for it. I give as a guess that George has made as many as thirty trips to Austin on this project at his own expense and that his telegraph and telephone bill would not be covered by fifty dollars. All this he paid from his own purse. It has been a continuous struggle. Every nail, every ounce of material has been produced through sheer push and pull but it was done. The how and the way of all this I am in ignorance of. I can only guess.
January 30 the league met in special session and appointed a board of five administrators who will have charge of the property and administer its use. This board consists of Hugo Kundinger for one year, H. A. Clapp for two years, Seth W. Corse for three years, Mrs. Dena Hurd for four years and Mrs. Agnes Liggett for five years. Each year one member will be elected for five years, thus making the board a self perpetuating body. Soon as the board is organized the names of its officers will be published. There is one secret about the matter which I will give to the reader provided it goes no further. So far as the board may prevent, there will be no liquor used in or about the premises. For heaven's sake don't mention this. Keep it a secret. Soon as kitchen equipment is in place and the final finish is complete there will be a formal opening. On this occasion a luncheon will be served by the Woman's Club to which the public is invited. This luncheon will be quite elaborate and will cost fifty cents. We expect representatives from the A. & M. College, the State Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Pacific Lines, The Intracoastal Canal Association, the Gulf Sulphur Company, the County Court, the State Board of Control, the Office of the Attorney general, the State Highway Commission and other bodies.
Some of them will be there with good words of cheer. At this time the Blessing of God will be asked, as the building is dedicated to the comfort, the happiness, the pleasure of the community. At the battle of Aggincourt King Henry V said:
"And gentlemen of England now abed Shall think themselves accursed They were not here; And hold their manhoods cheap While any speaks That fought with us upon St. Crispian's Day."
This is what the people of this community will say, who do not attend this opening which marks an important event in the community life.
Without George there would be no Mopac House. Remember this fact, for it is the solemn truth. So this is the tale of the House that George built.
Some times in a while "Thoughts" fine readers who agree and they write sweet letters and here is one that arrived the other day.
"Dear Mr. Clapp: I am not a regular reader of the Matagorda County Tribune, but my attention was called by both Catholics and non-Catholics to your article in last Thursday's paper.
"Let me take the liberty and express my appreciation and thank you heartily for your sound thoughts expressed especially in regards to the Townsend plan and the peddling of anti-Christian papers and the fostering of bigotry.
"The Townsend plan into my notion is about the silliest thing that has shown its face to the public in past years. I should heartily welcome and support an old age pension but not the kind that is advocated by the Townsend plan.
"As to the non-Christian propagandist we know that they would not like to swallow the medicine which in their hatefulness and ignorance, they are so anxious to give to some one else.
"Best wishes and may God bless you,
Sincerely,
A. I. Weber, Pastor St. Peters, Catholic Church, Blessing, Texas.
Some times there comes letters which are not so kindly and helpful but it is a difficult thing for a man with a wooden leg, one eye and half a brain to please every reader. I gave up trying years ago and just go ahead writing my "Thoughts." I record with sorrow that little John Morris Merck, Jr. has been attacked by some mysterious ailment that has made it necessary to take him and his sweet mamma to the Bay City hospital. We trust that the doctors who are handling the case may be able to supply relief. We have no desire to lose any of the little children who come to our homes.
The past week has been dull so far as news is concerned. The only thing of interest is that it is rumored that two test wells will soon be started right east of town. Prospects are still at work with elaborate equipment so it appears that oil companies are still willing to spend money on exploration.
The Matagorda County Tribune, February 7, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Friday morning seawall workers assembled as usual only to be informed that work would be deferred until some later date. Saturday they waited at the Boeker store for the pay wagon which probably arrived in good time.
A splendid job has been done along the seawall shore and it looks beautiful. Work on the Mopac House stopped because there was nothing to do until paint is received and two doors, one for the reception room and one for the kitchen.
Wiring will begin in a few days and thanks to Roy Miller, director of publicity for the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company, funds have been provided for a light plant. Just appears that God planned it all out that this community should have this splendid house with its spacious auditorium library room and kitchen.
Our friends have been so generously helpful that it appears we must give hearty thanks not only to those friends, but also to the good God who prompted them to give so willingly and so bountifully. As for me, it has brought me much happiness. Mopac House means much to me for it is the culmination of twenty-five years of dreaming. Its opening will mean to me what the completion of the Intracoastal Canal will mean to Roy Miller. God has been good to us. Will we thank Him on opening day? I guess yes.
Several have asked "what kind of luncheon will be served?" I don't know a thing about it nor do I care. The Woman's Club assumes all that obligation and we all know that they do grand things in a right way. Be present and try the eats and you will have the answer.
Reverend James Aiken, pastor of the local church, held a school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for the study of foreign and home mission work. With so much mission work in our own yard, I am not very much interested in poking our brand of religion down the throats of those who live in other lands. There is a possibility that their religion is better than ours and that it brings less confusion, more happiness and peace. We resent their attempts to build temples and present their beliefs on our soul. It might be a good plan to mind our own business, at least until it is well done. There is plenty of mission work right here in this burg to keep a few militants busy for a time.
Mrs. Thomas, the new teacher of English, has arrived and assumed her duties. She is an accomplished teacher of our language and the board is to be congratulated on securing her services. It is hoped that she will spend some of her time teaching the teachers how to use good English, for there be some who sure need teaching.
Little John Morris Merck has been taken to a specialist in infant diseases at Houston. The community pray God to spare the life of this fine baby boy and to bring the mamma bird back to normal health.
The Matagorda County Tribune, February 13, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
One of the pupils in the English class worked up a peeve because Mrs. Thomas, the teacher, insisted on the observance of certain rules in the use of English and refused to enter the class. On being asked why he cut language he replied "she ain't got nuthin' about langwage that she kin tell me." From my observation of this lad for several years, I am inclined to believe that he told the truth. No one is able to teach English to such a sponge.
The Woman's Club held its regular monthly meeting in the library on Thursday with a small attendance because of the inclement weather. Those fortunate enough to be present enjoyed a splendid program and had the privilege of partaking of a very dainty refreshment service, tendered by Mrs. Vera Batchelder. All who were there knew exactly how refined and exquisite was the affair.
Friday the library was opened as usual and a good business transacted as more than fifty books were loaned and thirty-five visitors registered.
For more than a century, the Woman's Union have observed the birthday of George Washington with a banquet. This year will be no exception and the affair promises to be up to former marks, both in quantity and quality of food and in the arranged program. Mr. Cherry, superintendent of the school, will act as toast master, while Reverend James Aiken will be the principal speaker and tell us all about George. The menu will consist of roast pork with dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, baked apples, pickles, jelly, hot rolls, cherry pie and coffee and all this for thirty-five cents. The hot stuff by Cherry and Aiken are free. We hope for good weather and large attendance.
It is with pleasure I am able to announce that little John Morris Merck was operated on in a Houston Hospital and is now making a rapid and favorable recovery. I am informed that the trouble was found to be a small tumor located where the stomach joins the intestinal tract, thus almost closing that connection.
With sorrow I announce the death of Sam Franz. Mr. Franz died in Bay City, Friday, February 15 and was buried in the old home cemetery in Matagorda. Sam Franz filled his place in this community where he operated a barber shop. It was a clean shop and Sam was a good barber. He often gave me service, during which time we conversed on many topics and I found him well posted on current events and at times his thoughts led him to discussions that were far and away beyond the ideas of many people who not knowing him well would have been surprised. Sam Franz filled his place in the community well and when one has done that one has made one's self a real and indispensable part of community life. I shall miss Sam Franz and his cherry "Good morning Mr. Clapp."
Beginning Sunday the 9th, the sun hid his face from us poor mortals for a full week and during most of the time he shed tears a plenty until it is estimated that Ben R. Mowery, local weather observer, that four inches of rain fell. Along with it we enjoyed severe wind squalls and near freezing temperatures so altogether we had a very nasty week. Saturday night the 16th, the moon rode in glorious majesty and the stars glittered and sparkled in the calm, cold blue and Sunday morning the sun peeped above the horizon on a cloudless sky. We may now expect some fine weather at least so says Mr. Radio.
Friday morning about fifteen men assembled for work on seawall and Mopac House, but all they did was assemble for at 9:30 came the foreman who announced that work was suspended for a time. All went their way more or less disgusted especially those who came seven miles. Wiring on Mopac House about finished so that much is good. This job of doing things on the installment plan is a fine thing for it causes one to acquire patience and that is a grand virtue.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, February 21, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
It was so dark outside, that one was unable to see six inches from the window glass. The rain driven by the winter's gale beat on the sash as if determined to break into the room. The wind howled and screamed around the house, its claws reaching out as if to clutch shingles from the roof. Inside a cheery fire burned in the spacious fire place and before it we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, sat in comfort. She was knitting, while I smoked my cob pipe filled with good old R. J. R. Between us Jimmy reposed, stretched out enjoying the comfortable fire, his fine brown eyes sparkling with pleasure. There we sat in comfort and as we looked
"On that hearth of fire Flaming with heart's desire."
I voiced my wish that time would turn back in its flight and make me a boy for just this night. As I made my wish and looked in that fire, lighted a quarter of a century ago, lo, the flames parted. My wish was granted. The years rolled back and I was a boy at home with my father, mother, sisters and aunt. I was in the grand and beautiful old home place where joy and tragedy had walked. Joy? Yes, for there I spent the joyous days of life. There my baby son climbed about the floor and learned to walk. There my sisters went with me to school. There my mother folded me in her beautiful arms as she prayed that God would keep me clean. Tragedy? Yes, for there my mother died in the bloom of a graceful, sweet life, just beginning to be made into the charm and mellowness of age. That was my first great sorrow.
As I sit gazing into the dancing flames I recall and suffer again the shock that came to me with her sudden passing. Looking into that "hearth of fire" I saw my boyhood sweethearts, all clean, sweet girls and their faces pass in review, Flora, Emma, Alice, Minnie. O, their names constitute a legion, for I was something of a Mormon in those days and after quaffing the cup of honeyed joy passed on to another.
Summer days were spent in fishing, swimming in the old narrows and during the day I wore a hat, a shirt and pants. Nothing more. Bare foot and almost bare back, but 'twas enough and I was a happy lad.
Evenings I spent at home or going to parties where I would, in an embarrassed manner, meet a girl friend and had the joy of escorting her to the home gate. Arriving there we would linger. I wishing I had the courage to kiss her and she hoping I would. She on one side, I on the other, both wishing for what was so near and yet so far until at last a voice from the house "Emma are you never coming in?" compelled a reluctant parting.
But never mind on the morrow, sweet little notes of love were passed and we were ready for another evening of tantalization. An evening of eagerness lost through lack of courage. Happy days those and as I look back, I realize that I was a very fortunate boy. Years rolled around. Local school days were over and away I went to New York to secure better education. Back to begin a business life also filled with joy and happiness until it all culminated in the bringing to me that wonderful sweet daughter Mary Louise and it was on the day of the christening by Father Sloan that the fire was lighted with the force of love, flames leaping from the hearth of hope, flames of dancing, leaping heart's desire and as I looked on her baby face and saw the flash of joy pass over that face, the thought came that God was merciful, that God was good to me, for he brought to me "My Heart's Desire." As the flames died down and began to smolder, telling us that it was time to retire, the years slipped around the scale of time and there I sat a man past seventy two and by my side the wonderful woman who has walked with me for forty years, standing without criticism for the bitter, enjoying to the fullest the sweets, a faithful, loyal pard going along with me on the last trek. My son, my daughter. What wonderful treasures. What a glorious sunset will be ours, for long after we have passed, both will look back with loving pride and will be glad that they were of us and for us. The wind still howls. The fire is a bed of glowing red hot coals. It is time for dream land. Good night "Flame of Heart's Desire." Good night "Hearth of fire." Good Night! God go with us all "before the lights are lit."
The board of trustees of Mopac House met Tuesday and adopted a constitution and by laws and elected the following officers: Seth W. Corse, chairman of the board; H. A. Clapp, manager; Mrs. Dena Hurd, vice manager; Mrs. Agnes Liggett, secretary; Hugo Kundinger, treasurer. Rules and regulations for the use of the house will be prepared soon and the same will be made public. Charges will be as low as possible, but in all cases must be sufficient to cover cost of lights, heat, janitor service and upkeep.
Some call him Gustafson, others say "N. E." and those who know him best and love him most just say "Gus." Gus acts just like the leaven in bread. He keeps a risin'. He left this county as engineer and relief administrator to go with the PWA at Fort Worth. Here he again made a success and was soon promoted to chief expediter. I don't know much about the mission of an expediter, but it is something like the pusher used on big mountain locomotives. Sort o' gets behind and keeps things goin'. That is what Gus did. He got behind and pushed. Now he goes with the Portland Cement Company as research engineer and they think so much of him that he is authorized to roam all over Texas and New Mexico and they pay his expenses while he roams. When Gus stops roaming for an hour or two, he will rest his shanks in Austin. As no one can keep this boy down, we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, send hearty congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Gus.
The twenty-fifth annual Washington banquet sponsored by the Woman's Union is a part of the community history. It was a brilliant affair attended by about one hundred folk. The tables were arranged in a big "U" and seated ninety four. Decorations were the red, white and blue in air streamers and table strips. Little blocks of cherry tree with a red hatchet set in the bark were at each place while larger blocks stood about, each telling the tale of the famous cherry tree.
In the center of the "U" rested a small table with several "Old Glories" which George Cohen described in song as "That Grand Old Rag." The stage was decorated in the national colors and on a large easel was displayed a fine portrait of the Father of His Country, draped in the red, white and blue. The complete ensemble was artistic and chaste in its simplicity.
Table service was given by the Girl Reserves all dressed in the Reserve costume. This service adequate and graceful ever present, never pressing. The menu consisted of bake ham with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, Parker House rolls, baked apples on head lettuce, cherry pie and coffee. A generous feed for thirty-five depreciated pennies. After a very fine welcome address by Mrs. Liggett, the program was turned over to Mr. Elliott Curtis who acted as toastmaster, who realizing that the duty of a toastmaster consisted in "starting the fire works," proceeded to do so in a creditable manner. First was the invocation by Rev. James Aiken, then followed a piano solo by Mrs. Dorothy Corporon; America's Creed by Miss Roberta Liggett; The Making of the Flag by Miss George Alice Jones; vocal solo by Miss Sue Mansfield; Your Flag and My Flag by Miss Esther Boeker; George Washington by Miss Parker; Christian Ideals from Washington's Character, Reverend James Aiken; History of Mopac House by Harry Austin Clapp; closing song The Star Spangled Banner by the audience.
While all did well, there were some bright lights. I have known for some time that Sue Mansfield could ride a horse, but I did not know she could sing. She rendered her song in a sweet, melodious voice with good carrying qualities, splendid range and true in tone. I think I'll buy a cage and catch that song bird. Esther Boeker spoke with a voice that carried to every portion of the house. She is a splendid girl, a credit to the Boeker family and with fine talents.
Reverend Aiken, being the principal speaker, discussed the Christian side of Washington's life and drew from lessons for his audience. The writer was not on the program and was given a surprise call, but gave the audience the inside of the building and equipping of Mopac House, its board of administrators et cetera. In vaudeville, especially in the days of the continuous performance, meaning the "ten-twent-thirt" days, it was the custom to place last on the program what was called a chaser. This was a dumb act calculated to clear the house for the next show.
At the banquet, I was the chaser and it is to my credit that I closed the show and cleared the house, as was evidenced by the yawns and the rush for out doors to secure a breath of fresh air. I am glad to inform the community that the board of administrators, consisting of five, contains at least three reputable people and that being a quorum guarantees safety in administration of the property. For the past twenty-five years I have attended all of these banquets when present in the community and in my opinion it was a brilliant affair, with distinguished guests and glittering appointments. A credit to the Woman's Union and I hope they made a million dollars. Among those present I noted Mr. and Mrs. Kay Legg from Gulf, Mrs. Fox, mother of the ubiquitous John Fox, from Palacios; Melvin Spoor and Mrs. A. E. McCune and two sons from Sandy Point; Mrs. Richmond from Palacios; Mr. and Mrs. Pat Richmond of Sandy Point. No doubt there were others, but unable to see with my left eye, it was impossible to visualize all of them.
On Friday night the Girl Reserves will put on for the amusement of the community "The Mellow Moon Minstrels." From the name, this no doubt will be good, provided the Moon is Mellow. It is a difficult task for these girls to produce this number, for not one of them has ever had the privilege of seeing a minstrel show. The days of Hy Henry, Lew Dockstader, Primrose & West are way back in the past. I have seen them all and in my opinion a revival of the minstrels should receive a hearty welcome from lovers of fine music. I am informed that in this presentation the orchestra will appear in black face. This will be some thing new, for I have never seen members of a minstrel orchestra appearing in the pit in black face. It never was done, but then this is 1935. There will be enough black faces on the stage without daubing up the orchestra pit.
I trust the show will have generous support. One of the features will be a song by Sue Mansfield entitled After That Try and Be Good. Don't miss it. Miss Harris will croon a song entitled You Needn't Come Aroun' When Your Money is Gone. All I know about it is what seeped out from time to time, but I have enough to be sure it will be a good show.
If I
should write what I think of the miserable vandal who broke into the
school house and stole the two trophies won by our basket ball team,
Carey Smith would refuse to print it. The trophies were two small
statutes representing basket ball players in action and they were
honestly won by the local teams and prized by them. The miscreant
climbed to the roof, dropped through a scuttle accidentally tapping the
bell once which fixed the time of the theft at 8:30 in the evening. He
descended into the library and left with the prizes. He wore a number
eight shoe with leather heels. This community is infested with some
petty thieves and the sooner the people arouse themselves and take some
action, the better for all of us. A crime on a community is worse than a
crime on an individual. I am unable to understand how any one can steal
from a church, a library, a school or any other enterprise devoted to
public use but we have plenty of evidence that in this burg exists some
low down thieves. The Matagorda County
Tribune, Thursday, February 28, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
To be a symphonious rambler about the City By The Bay is rather difficult. I was there Tuesday and as I rambled, I thought "what a beautiful, charming, sweet little city. A city pregnant with potential possibilities beyond the vision of man, for who can look into the future one hundred years and see Bay City?"
There she sits in unplacid content. I know of no reason for building a city on her site, except that it is the geographic center of the county. Nature made no plans for a city. Man made them. And, although individually, her people have dissensions as all folks do, as a unit she sits on her throne, like a jewel bedecked queen, arrogant, egotistical, a bit selfish and inclined to dictate and dominate. Selfish? It was a bit selfish to rob Van Vleck of the honor and glory of developing an oil field, which is now known as "The Bay City Field."
Not content with that, she now claims the publicity of the birth of triplets over at Sargent. The fact is, that Bay City has nothing to do with this quite important event, except that Paris A. Smith Jr., so I am informed, issued an insurance policy guaranteeing not less than three or more than five. Well, anyway, the babies came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Chambless, Sargent, Texas. They were born on the 22nd day of February, quite an important day, which will be celebrated every year all over the nation. The first child weighed four pounds and was named George, the second weighed five and one-half pounds and was named Martha and the third weighed six pounds and was named Columbia.
The merchants of the county came with arms filled with gifts and many individuals gave from their pockets and family stores. Every thing one might think of from the necessary didies to beautiful dresses, hoods, capes, towels, baby bath tubs, safety pins, blankets, dozens of the most essential of baby foods, clocks to feed by, jugs for heat, a beautiful three compartment kiddie koop 20" x 26" all screened. This koop was designed by Paris A. Smith and Moyes Livengood and built by Dick Harrison, a Bay City Boy Scout, so he also did a good turn. This is the story of the triplets as was told to me as I rambled. They are Matagorda County triplets, so let us invite all the people of the county to participate in this possession.
I called on our French County Agent, the ubiquitous Monty and found him and his aide busy solving cotton problems. Went over to the Tribune office where I have no business, except I like the smell of printers ink and enjoyed handling fine paper, especially when beautifully printed. I realize that I am only a bum scribbler and should be content with peeping in the windows. If Carey Smith buys one more machine even though it be a paper knife, he will have to add more room for the present quarters are so filled with beautiful and costly machinery that one is hardly able to pass through the intricate maze. The last acquisition is a wonderful machine full of cogs, wheels, belts, and what nots and is entirely automatic in operation. If a stack of unprinted sheets is placed on one end and the operator presses a button, he may go to a football game and the machine will deliver at the other end beautifully printed sheets all properly stacked. If any sheet happens to feed crooked, the machine stops and when the pile of sheets is exhausted, the machine also stops. A cute little sucker operated by wind, picks up one sheet at a time and feeds it in. A few more machines like this and even Mirth may stay away all day and still write his column. Guess I'll buy one.
I received quite a shock, for one clerk after I had explained I wanted some articles for Mopac House asked "What is Mopac House?" I explained that it was a community house being built at Collegeport and here came the shock for she asked "Collegeport? Where is that? I never heard of it." Just tie onto that and realize my feelings after twenty-five years of Collegeport publicity. Makes a feller feel as though hell had lost its heat. The idea of such ignorance. George Serrill rushing along to renew a fire policy before the bell rang. Went into Stinnett's where they keep the only real good five cent cigar, the William Penn. Been doing that for twenty-five years and expect to do it for another twenty-five. Called at the cafe next to the insurance office and, lo, they are putting on airs with walls all paneled in natural finished oak with swell mirrors for "mi lady." Viola came to me and gave me good advice as to what the kitchen afforded and with it brought a plate of those glorious red hot rolls. Looking at Viola as if she were your sweetheart brings the repeat. I tried it and it worked. Oak panels and mirrors are all right on the walls, but give me some more of them noble rolls. I was amused when calling at the office of the county judge, for Oscar tries hard to look dignified. Just impossible so long as he keeps that smile. Without it he looks quite fierce and at that I advise the county court to buy him a toupe. Tom Hale has acquired a dignity that befits him well. I am gambling that he develops into a Super of the first class. Fine boy is Tom and he had to be in order to win Barbara, for she it a bit finer.
Looked in the Piggly Wiggly and was shocked to learn that sugar had advanced eighty-five cents per hundred. Did not go in, for had only one of those bent two bit pieces. The Bachman store is a sweet emporium of tantalizing eatables, with gracious service even if one does have to pay for it. Tried to borrow twenty five grand at both banks and at each place was given a dead fish eye. You know the way they look when the answer is "Nay." Had I been successful, we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, would have bought a repossessed car. The man in the post office was tickled to sell me a portrait of George Washington. Sisk does not sell crockery. I had no intention of buying, just wanted to beg a plate or two for Mopac House.
Tried to find my second vice, but was told she was still exploring caverns and monkey islands. Doc Scott was not so hot, for he did not have what I wanted. Fun to watch the stop lights halt traffic until the green shows and then if flows again. City airs at an expense not needed. Registered at the office of the county health nurse for my tonsils were all a tingle. Found her busy with three new babies. The babies belong to the Chamblisan family, so not necessary for any extra excitement. Men with a hunter's face and others with the face of the hunted. One scouting for game and the other hunting for cover. Prices have advanced so that most of us are no longer able to eat pork products, except the tail and even that sells for a nickel and it used to be free. Gone are the days of free liver. Depression is here and yet about the court house square were parked two hundred thousand dollars worth of automobiles. And Bay City sits in calm content knowing full well that no person is able to divert her destiny. She is a sweet lovable, queenly city, even if she does have a few faults. I'll let Mirth tell about them.
I am congratulating Mr. Elliott Curtis on the splendid manner with which he handles the toast master job at the banquet. Elliott evidently knew his onions and that he was not supposed to spend all the time playing his own tune. He played a piccolo, low and sweet and pushed the program right along as all programs should be pushed. He started the fire works and then sat back and let 'em sizzle and sparkle. He proved himself to be some toaster.
Sunday evening we had the delight of a welcome visit from Vernon King Hurd. Vernon is employed in Corpus Christi with the Stewart Construction Company. Vernon is a capable young man well educated and with splendid executive ability and with that good habits and always a gentleman. We are very fond of this boy and proud that we enjoy his friendship.
Sunday was a peaceful day. Gentle breezes, high tide, doors open, no fires, beckoned Spring. Monday morning at 6-5 came a norther. We knew it was coming for we have a magic rug. About 24 to 48 hours before a weather change, if rain is to come, the corners of this rug begin to roll up. Before rain ceases, it begins to flatten out. Sunday the rug rolled and the norther arrived with rain, but early in the day the rug began to flatten and presently rain ceased, but the wind blew a gale and the temperature dropped to around 38. Trees lost their buds, grass ceased its growing, flowering plants beginning to pierce the earth, went back to rest. There is a lesson in all this phenomena. Nature gives all plant life a time of rest. All over the prairies, along the road side, under the surface there rests life, ready when conditions are ripe to spring into glory. If it be true that God does not allow a plant to die and plans that after each resting time it blooms again and turns its flower head to the breeze, how can it be possible that He condemns the soul of man to oblivion? Nay, my friend, this is not true. Man is born, buds into youth, flowers with age and in the passing time reappears to bloom again in another world. This is the hope, the faith of men have hugged to their breasts since man walked the face of this earth. It has brought comfort, peace, solace, to restless souls. If the plant lives, if the sparrow does not fall, man surely will live again. The God who watches over the grass, the shrubs, the flowers, also watches over the souls of men for that is God's most precious thing, His masterpiece.
Oscar Odd's column brags that Cornelius Vanderbilt has made 54 round trips to Europe. That's nothing. Stanley Wright, during the year ending March 31, made three hundred twelve round trips to El Maton and still lives. O. O. better hunt up something wonderful.
When impresaria Nell Harris had the Mellon Moon Minstrels tuned up to her satisfaction, she wished, before offering it to the public to try it out on the dog, so she presented for the first time at the Collegeport Opry House. Much to her surprise, the dog liked it, licked his chops and asked for more. The curtain went up showing a typical minstrel ensemble with the Interlocutor Mr. Elliott Curtis in the center and the familiar half circle extending to the footlights. In the rear on a raised platform the chorus was assembled. The bones and tambos were Clara Nicholson, Annette Johnson, Sue Mansfield on one side and Viola Prunty, Ruth Boeker and Roberta Liggett on the other. Between the bones and tambos were seated several whose principal business appeared to the imitation of baboons and monkeys and Miss Parker sold herself by her makeup. Each of the end men sang a solo with the full chorus for a backing and the singing was most excellent. In addition, Ethel Nelson and Aldine Williams rendered solos in sweet, tuneful tones and with the full chorus brought much applause. Nicholson, Johnson, Prunty and Liggett filled their part of the program to the delight of the audience as was attested by the prolonged applause. Ruth Boeker was the funny man of the show and was continually doing tricks that delighted the audience. The star of the evening was Sue Mansfield and that she is a star of the first magnitude is acknowledged by all who witnessed her performance. That gal can sing like a bird and dance? Whey she does all sorts of regular and fancy steps and does the stunt walk to perfection. As she danced, I knew why she got sore toes riding horse back. I have seen worse on the stage drawing good pay and I see no reason why she should spend her time teaching school. Every thing about the show represented work. The singing was way above par. The orchestra was in charge of that well known director Dorothy Corporon and from bass viol to traps showed the result of much practical training. To sum up the description of this excellent show will say that not one number needed the hook. Coffee and pie served by the ladies and the Girl Reserves replenished their depleted treasury with many of those sixty cent dollars.
At seven o'clock Saturday evening having filled my pipe with R. J. R., got her het up and drawing well and settled down with General Hugh Johnson to discuss the N. R. A. I heard a timid tap on the front door. The door opened on Mary Louise, a wonderful, delightful, glorious surprise. Why boys that girl of mine looked like a bushel of priceless jewels. With her was Mr. Rege Creede of Bryan. He came along to bring a beautiful white sink for Mopac House and incidentally because he wanted to see us. We had nineteen hours of delightful loving, telling all about it, kissing, eating, talking, more kissing and now she has gone back to her place at the A. & M. College. It's a grand and glorious thing to possess such a daughter.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, March 7, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Wednesday, Miss Harris arranged a declamation elimination contest for the pupils of her room the winners to be the accredited representatives at the county meet to be held in Bay City this week. The judges were Mesdames Thomas, Clapp and Bond. The successful contestants were as agreed by the judges to be Clara Nicholson, Margery Brimberry and Ethel Nelson. If they are successful at Bay City, they go to the district meet at Houston and if they win there to the state meet at Austin.
We received as a gift from Mr. Elliott Curtis a quart of the largest and finest oysters we have ever seen. They were from 2 to five inches long raw and after stewing or frying they were more than two inches long. Big, fat, white boys, two of them being quite a feed.
A week ago I wrote when telling about Curtis as a toast master that he knew his onions. That was an error and I write now that he knows his oysters.
If some time Sue Mansfield offers to bring your mail to you, don't fall for the seductive offer, for you will receive some other fellow's mail and most of yours will not be taken from the box. Sue is not to blame. One may not expect first class service from one suffering from a sore toe. If I ever allow any one to handle my mail in the future, I hope some person will dunk me in Pilkington Slough.
Saturday morning at six-thirty, I saw a car coming down the highway with lights burning brightly and it banged right into our yard and pulled up in front of the door and to our delight it disgorged A. D. Jackson, chief of publications Texas A. & M. and Rege Creede. Jackson spoke at a meeting in Richmond Friday night and having a similar date at Rosenberg for Monday night, just drove on down to Collegeport, The Heart of the Midcoast, to pass the time in oystering and fishing and enjoying the society of his friends of many years. Fishing was not a success, but we all gorged ourselves on fine big fat oysters many of them being nineteen inches long or less. Rege Creede is an unlucky boy for every time he comes here to fish, the tide is high or low or the water rolly so no floundering is possible. Well, anyway, we had a swell time and they are both coming back for the opening of the Mopac House.
Last week the fixtures arrived for the Mopac Auditorium and they are nifty, refined, cultured and reflect the good taste of the ladies who selected them. Soon as we find two missing doors and a pot or two of paint, the big affair will be opened with a whizz bang.
Ethel Nelson is making her plans to be a winner at the county meet and she can easily make the grade if she will slow up a bit on her delivery. In baseball, fast delivery is good stuff, but in speaking is not quite necessary. Leave it to Ethel for there is a girl with confidence in herself.
Went over to Palacios Saturday to see the man who built the house, but he is like the little flea, seldom found in one place. Met our old friend of many years, Mr. Burke. Heavy fog all forenoon making driving a bit hazardous. Library opens Friday letting out fifty books and with thirty guests. Relief work slow this week, but with patience the end will no doubt be at the game this week. A new religious sect has located here and hold meetings Thursday nights. They call themselves Israels Elders and appear firm believers in the efficacy of prayer for curing all manner of diseases.
Mr. John B. Heisey brought me a big weeping willow cuttin and with it the tools to set it out with and it's now waving in the breeze and we hope it makes a good growth. Three men working at Mopac installing the sink, putting in water, placing the electric light fixtures; building table tops ad seats. The only thing we want now is two doors and some paint. God only knows when we will have these and He will not tell so we wait with patience.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, March 14, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
I am warning the reader that what follows is not for the education of the matured adult, nor for the edification of the middle aged, nor for the amusement of those in the last teens, those who call father the old man and say impertinent words to the mother, causing heart aches, but for the amusement of those under the age of twelve. With this warning it is not necessary to read farther.
For many years I had enjoyed tales about the Coon River, as related by sea captains, but it was not until this year that I had opportunity to see the strange things along that wonderful river. Our boat was a staunch craft with a captain named Big Bill. With plenty of provisions stored aboard we embarked on our journey of exploration, going up stream hoping to at last reach our destination which I was informed was called Queso Island. Along about the late afternoon of the first day, we notice a red tinge in the water and as we proceeded the color became more intense until we came to a stream flowing into Coon River which was red as blood.
We turned up this stream and at last it lead us into a lake of red flood on the surface of which floated objects the size of an orange. Taking a few in a bucket they proved to be cranberries. It was Cranberry Lake and the shores were lined with cranberry trees loaded with the large fruit as delicious as any I had ever tasted. Going ashore we soon found a strange animal that the captain said was an Imasquidt. It had the head and feathered neck of a hen, the body of a cat and a tail devoid of hair like that of an opossum. The neck was longer than the body and when it rested it tied a knot in its neck in order that it might rest.
This queer animal crowed like a rooster and laid eggs that weighed several pounds. One of them made an omelet sufficient for our crew of ten men. It was a difficult matter to leave Cranberry Lake for the fruit clogged the propeller of our ship, but at last we were free and out in the Coon River stream up which we proceeded. Standing with the captain near the bow we saw what appeared to be a big sand bar but when reaching the obstruction we found it to be composed of those Famous Carrie Nelson Noodles and it may seem strange, but the fact is that the gravy of the noodles did not mix with the river water and there it was in all its original delicious gooey flavor with big bits of chicken floating about.
I need not state that we all enjoyed a noodle dinner much to our gustatorial delight. We anchored that night near the noodle bar so that we might enjoy the delightful aroma that filled the air.
The noodles attracted hundreds of fish and among them were some strange species that I was not familiar with. We caught one that weighed about fifty pounds. It had two eyes in front so it could see where it was going and one eye in back of the head so it could see from whence it came. From the top of the head protruded what might be called a staff on the end of which was an electric eye. This was used at night to attract lesser fish on which it fed. This fish, the captain said was called damfoozle because I always fozzled its food before eating it. Very interesting all these sights, but we had to be about our business of questing Queso Island and so up stream we proceeded until at last we sighted our objective. There it stood rising abruptly from the river perhaps one hundred feet. No visible place for landing and we wondered how we might explore the island.
While figuring on some plan we caught sight of a group of funny looking folk on top of the island who waved flags and beckoned for us to approach from the other side. Steering our ship around we found a portal through which we might enter and were soon on top of this gigantic cheese.
It was made from whole milk by a patent method and strange as it may seem was Coon Cured. The cheese was honeycombed with galleries through which we passed and in which these strange little folk lived. The captain told me they were known to scientists as "Piophaila casei" but were commonly called "skippers." For instance said he "my name is Wilhelm Colvenberg but they call me Big Bill.
These little folk were about three inches tall and wore red coats and green trousers and skirts and a peaked hat. The shoes were long, turned up at the toe to which was attached a sweet toned bell. Imagine the musical effect when several hundred were hustling about. Going about in the galleries cut out by the Piophalia we were urged to taste the cheese and to my taste it was the best cheese I have ever eaten before or since I had that wonderful Christmas gift of a similar Coon Cured cheese.
All a rich golden color, tangy, marty, crumbly and take it for the truth we took large hunks back to the ship and made several messes of a gorgeous rarebit. The little children of these folk were called Imogenities because they were images of one who spends much time fishing along the banks of the Chicago River. The coats of the children were black diplerous whatever that means.
I asked where in the world they obtained enough milk to make such a big cheese and was informed that they caught and impounded many big whales and milked them. A whale gives from six to ten barrels of milk and it is all used to make Coon Cured cheese. I don't know as this it true, for I did not see the whales, but I do know that any kind of a whale will supply several families with plenty of rich milk.
Retracing our course we were met by a federal coast guard boat and failing to heed a call "ship ahoy" they fired a shot across our bow which caused us to stop and anchor.
We were ordered aboard with our clearance papers. When we arrived on the deck I was surprised to be met by Ruth Boeker dressed in the navy uniform. I said, "Why Ruth I supposed you had joined the army. How comes you are here?" Ruth replied "I decided the army was no place for so young a girl and that the navy was a better berth."
I climbed up to the crows nest and found Ethel Nelson stationed there as a look out and it was Ethel who called "ship ahoy."
We were escorted to the captain's cabin by Roberta Liggett and Rosalie Nelson. I said "I supposed you girls were in the Girls Reserve. How come?" They informed me that the Girl Reserves were too tame and the Navy Reserve gave them broader vision and greater activity and more travel. They told me the rest of the Reserves were down in the hold shoveling coal.
On the way to our home port we heard a noise as though some one was sobbing and we anchored the boat with good luck over an oyster reef and found that the sound came from a big oyster which we raised to the deck with others. This oyster we learned between her sobs was weeping because Elliott Curtis had taken her babies from her. Taken from the shell she weighed fifty pounds.
The shell was five feet four inches long, two and a half feet wide and twenty inches deep. Just to prove the truth of this tale I brought it home and planning to use it as a bath tub left it on the front gallery. In the morning it was not there and while I have no proof and therefore refrain from using names it is my belief that a certain fellow who lives not far from the S. W. corner of block 102 took the shell and destroyed it because he did not want people to know there were any oysters larger than those he takes. It was a fine trip and I returned burdened with cranberries, noodles, cheese.
Of course the parents of the children will not believe a word of this tale but Coon River still flows and Coon Cured cheese is still to be had and so they are at liberty to take the trip and have proof.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, March 21, 1935
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article about "mothers of men."]
Tuesday, much to our surprise and delight, came Charles Heck Sr. and visited with us for an hour or two. Charles was the engineer on the first train into this community twenty-five years ago and for many years pulled the regular train between Collegeport and Bay City. He lived here and his children went to the local school and the Heck family was a part of the community. We were sorry when they left. He visited Mopac House which as has been told frequently in this column has been built from material taken from the old Missouri Pacific station building. Mr. Heck expressed his pleasure as he viewed this fine community house and said that every person should be proud of its possession.
In a few days we shall again be allowed the privilege of voting for school trustees. I say allowed the privilege. That is all it amounts to for after the election is over, the trustees consider the school business to be their private affair and seldom or never give out any information to those who pay for the fiddling and never do they ask the school patrons to attend a meeting or allow them to know anything about the financial situation. In a few words, the patrons may go hang themselves on a hickory limb and this they do for they all appear to fear that they might offend the trustees if they ask for information. I have been informed that this year the school board will turn over to the superintendent the selection of teachers. This is a grand idea for it relieves the trustees of severe brain strain, but they forget that they are backing a dictator. They should discuss these matters with the superintendent, but when they evade their responsibility and place all the power in the hands of one man they go just too far. I hope we can select two trustees who will show evidence of having just a few guts, at least enough to cut in on some of the vicious practices that, under present regime, are allowed or at least overlooked.
According to all reports, we have a bunch of hoodlum outlaws in the school who are bent on destroying anything on which they may lay their hands. They destroy, mutilate and desecrate the toilet facilities to the disgust of many taxpayers. The officers of the school simply smile and pass these depredations on as just boy tricks. I am also informed that two teachers are marked up to walk the plank and also the only janitor the school has had.
When North Cable goes we shall be deprived of the services of a man who has taken pride in the buildings and grounds and had the outlaws developed a love for bloom the campus this day would be filled with flowers and beautiful shrubs.
We have two real teachers on the staff.
Friday was library day and fifty books put out and about forty guests. Every two weeks one woman comes and really enjoys the library. She feels its restful atmosphere. She sits in the easy chair and reads and stays several hours. She is the only patron who gives evidence of pleasure and enjoyment and rest. Others take the books and depart. This woman stays and goes away carrying with her something worthwhile. In a short time the reading room will be ready for such as this woman and her enjoyment will be increased. I visit the library often and I too enjoy it. It is a restful place.
One would be compelled to travel many miles to find a better equipped business place than the Collegeport Pharmacy. It is a veritable machine ship. A Delco 900 watt lighting plant with battery. An ice machine making 300 pounds of ice per day. A new silent Alamo generator of 1000 watt capacity, an electric drive pumping plant for water, ice cream mixer electric driven, a Delco Frigidaire for keeping ice cream and other delicacies in fact every machine required for first class service and back of all this maze of machinery one finds day and night the genial faces of Hugo and Hattie always ready to supply high quality service.
Friday night we were favored by a visit from Gustave Franzen thus passing a delightful manner what might have been a dull evening.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wilkinson Jr., a daughter [Jean] comes to brighten their home and a daughter [Barbara Lee] came to the home of R. K Thompson. Thus the burg grows or rather attempts to keep up with desertions.
A delightful letter from a St. Louis Tribune reader says "I shall be sorry if you have to give up Thoughts. It is one of the attractive features of the paper. I have read your column for many years and have enjoyed the combination of news a philosophy. Through this I have become acquainted with a lot of interesting people I have never met, but many of whom I should like to know better. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to attend the opening of Mopac House and meet some of the people who are the life and character of Collegeport." Such letters "brighten the corner where you are."
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, March 28, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
One of the first men I met when I came to Collegeport in 1909, was a man whom at first I considered rather eccentric or aberrant, but as I came to know him better I found that the old fellow had thoughts of his own and when occasion called for an expression was able to do so.
Jed Prutz was his name and he boasted that he was "foalded and rared up right along Pilkington Slough." Jed is tall, thin, lean of flank, strong as a young bull. His hair is a beautiful silver white and his big walrus mustache hangs down on both sides in a generous manner, tinged yellow in the center from continuous drippings of tobacco spittle. His eyes are a washed out blue, but impress one as being like a smoldering fire and when occasion demands, his eyes flash and it is time to begin retraction. I wanted to see Jed and talk things over and so I went down on the slough to his shack and there I found his old woman doing her daily stunt of keeping groceries in circulation by doing her daily washing. When I asked for Jed, she took a stick out of her pocked, dipped into a snuff box, painted her gums and said "I jest don't know where at is that old scout. He were around abouts a bit ago. Reckon he's gone a fishin'! Yes, that's where he is fer his fish pole is gone."
Acting on her advice, I walked along to [the] slough and at last found the old boy stretched out in apparent slumber. Three fish poles stuck in the bank and a line fastened to his toe. Jed was enjoying life and I hesitated to rouse him but at last I called "Hey Jed."
Jed opened his faded blue eyes, spat a stream of juice into the slough where it formed little brown circles and raising up on one arm he said "Well lookee and see who's here." To get things started, I asked how the fish were biting and he replied "they don't bite worth a damn and nothing else is worth a damn. I know I don't own a bit of propty and pay to taxes and expected to keep my mouth shut, but it looks to me jes as if the govement was going to hellanback givin' out this here relief work and free groceries. Of cose it don't mean a doggone thing to me soas long as the old woman can git a few washins' every week, but I jest natural worry about the other fellows and whut the'ell do when the government shuts down, for shut down she must sum day. This thing of handin' out money hain't goin' to last much longer and then sum of these boys got to work for grub."
As I started to say a word, he snapped out "now you just shut up doggone it ontwill I get all this offen my mind." Not even can the government keep a payin' out. They got to stop sometime all this here alfabet foolishment. They tried to make sum folks leave whut they called margarine land. Did they move? Not soas eny budy kin see. So them brain busters envented this here sand storm to make em move outen their lands and they moved lessen they was sanded in soas they caint move. I say the government is just goin' to fur with all this foolaroun."
Out of all this mess kums one idee thet suits me. Thet is Old Doc Townsend's two hundred dollar idee. Me and the old woman kin use our four hunderd fine. Fust thing we do is to git tickets to Houston. I here a feller kin get a good bed for two bits and grub for fifteen cents. You bet your life we deestribit our two hundred right smart away.
"Look at our own fellers up to Austin. Did you ever see such a bunch of talkers and doin' nuthins'? Makes me wish for a unilateral state government with about twenty-six half baked fellers. Such a bunch couldn't do worser. They had been haulin' down ten skin a day and doin' nothing cept to do whut they calls discuss. I say ef folks want to bet on a hoss race, let em and effen they wants to play marbles let em. Them as don't, kin keep out. Now my idee is thet taxes is eatin' us up. I mean them thet pays taxes and that don't mean me. Theys jest got to be let up on this here taxin' business.
Here the old boy sat up and went into action for he had a bite and after a bit landed an eight pound red and having it staked out began another syllabus.
"Now jest look here at this burg. It started out to be some burg and look at it now. Effen it don't git that there cussway, this burg is sure blowed up for Ben Mowery caint never start that hamburger joint soas his wife kin make enuf money fur Ben to live easy on. Ben is sure gittin' nervus over that situatin'."
Jed took from his hip pocket a big slab of plug and bit off a big hunk and with a grin he said "See how ezy I bit thet off? Well it's a funny thing, but a year ago kum next month, Doc Sholars yanked out all my crop uv snags and fixed me up with some chiny teeth. They did fine fur a spell and then begin to hurt me when I et so I went to Doc and he took em out and found two watermelon seeds which must have bin there sence last summer melon time and one uv them hed sprouted. I hate to think of what would hev happen to me effen Doc hadn't found em in time. I can chaw easy now. Wall after all is sed and dun we got to live down here along this slough where fishin' is good and the best oysts in the world kin be had fur the takin'."
"Sumday we'll hev thet cussway, two or three oilers and then we all will sit pretty." Pulling in anther fish and looking t it with a fisherman's satisfied look he said "Well, boy, I got to get back to the shack so Prue can git busy on some dinner fur me. I hain't et a thing sence morning. Effen I don't bring in a fish or two the old woman gives me hellandcomeback. Come aroun' again boy and I'll tell you something else." The last I saw of Jed he was going on down the slough carrying his dinner and talking to himself.
I used to call our county health nurse "our ubiquitous nurse" but now that she is elsewhere and not here I must cease using the term. So far as I know her last call was January 15. She used to call once each week but now it appears she makes quarterly visits. Tonsils need sewage, adenoids need chopping, teeth need cleaning, itch is increasing my brain needs treatment, for the right lobe beginning to skip. Wish she would come on down and play round here a bit.
Sunday morning at 12:20 a wind of hurricane velocity visited us. It was accompanied with brilliant lightning, detonating thunder that shook the earth and a heavy fall of rain. Considerable minor damage done to roofs and outbuildings. My friend Andy came over in the morning to see us and he said "All I could do was to pray and the Lord answered my prayer and saved us all." Isn't it grand to have faith in prayer. Hope Andy prays next time he goes a fishin.'
Some farmers got the seed in just before the rain, others wait until after. Hope both win out with an abundant harvest for this county needs a generous crop this year.
The board of trustees of Mopac House met Tuesday, March 26 and transacted the following business: Rules and regulations for the use of the house were adopted. Informal affairs, civic meetings using auditorium only by day no charge. For entertainment given for profit ten per cent of the gross receipts with a minimum charge of one dollar. For use of the auditorium and kitchen with lights the charge will be one dollar for four hours and twenty cents for each additional hour or fraction of an hour.
If used for community dinners, the Kings Daughters or similar affairs during the day there will be no charge. If used at night for banquets or other evening entertainments of similar nature, the charge will be one dollar for the first four hours and twenty cents for additional hours or fractions. This price includes heat, light, janitor. Those using the kitchen will be required to supply oil fuel for stove. Those using the house shall pay for all loss, breakage or damage to the house or equipment. The secretary shall be custodian of the furnishings and equipment of the house and shall be empowered to inventory the same and collect for losses or damages to house or equipment.
The house will be opened about the first of May with a luncheon served by the Collegeport Woman's Club at fifty cents. Proceeds from the luncheon will be used to buy new books for the library. This is an opportunity for our home folk to show their appreciation of the library.
I have been informed that the little daughter which came to brighten the R. K. Thompson home weighed one hundred and thirty-six ounces and her name is Barbara Lee. This will give the dealer an idea of the size of the babies we produce at the east end of the causeway.
That reminds me that the causeway, which many believed was too dead to be revived, is now sitting up and asking for nutrients. If the folk on the west end and the folk on the east end will just make up their minds to comprehend, cooperate, coordinate and cohere before we realize it work will have begun. And I am of the opinion that there will be a swell location for a cold drink emporium and eat shop right near the post office. Some one will grab it. Right at the east end is a location for a filling station, tourist camp, lunch stand.
When a dog loves a fellow there is nothing he will not do for the loved one. Now Jimmy knew that we were out of meat, so he just treks up to the Boeker Grocery and Meat Market, opens the display case, grabs sixteen inches of sausage and starts for home. Just as he arrived at the door and freedom, Carl Boeker detected the theft and gave a warning yell that startled Jimmy into dropping the sausage. Us Homecrofters must needs go with out sausage, but we think more of Jimmy. I raise his price one century.
Another fine letter this week. "A mutual friend has advised me of the wonderful work near completion you have been doing in the way of building a community house. I was also advised that you are in need of funds for the purchase of table ware, etc. for your dining room. So, in this connection I am asking for the privilege of contributing a small amount to this end and want you to know that this small contribution is freely given because of the love and respect I have for you two good people and in memory of our old association in your community." Enclosed was a check for five perfectly good dollars and the letter was signed by our one time County Agent, R. W. Persons. Such letters fan the glowing coals of memory into a blazing, warming flame of happy recollections and we think that after all this is a good old world. R. W. Persons is one of my old time, tried, dependable lovable friends and this letter goes to way of others, in my memory box of old and precious lace.
When I visited Bay City the last time several asked "Why don't you give a dance the night the Mopac House is opened?" The same question was asked in Palacios several have propounded the same here. To them all I reply "why I will take it up with the board of administrators and report. Fine idea to have another the night of the day and one each month during summer. I am fishing around for an orchestra so wait with patience and we shall see what we sha__ the dance floor, good lights, musical ___ make for a nice affair.
Elliott Curtis [lives?] where dwells the ostera [virginianas?] that are nineteen or less inches long and are plump and white and sweet. I have never [ever enjoyed?] luscious toothsome, savory oysters as he brings in. Saturday I obtained what perhaps will be the last two quarts for the season ___. I inform the reader that oysters run 45 to 50 to the quart and that these run 25 to [30?] to the quart one will have an idea of the size. In no place on this globe [can be?] found finer oysters than those here in Collegeport.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, April 4, 1935
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The Woman's Home Demonstration Club met at the Community House, Thursday afternoon, March 26. The meeting was called to order by the president, Mrs. Frank King. The members voted to pay all of the club bills. The AAA program was discussed.
The following were present: Mesdames Frank King, J.
O. Prunty,
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, April 4, 1935
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Several have asked why we call our new community
house MOPAC HOUSE and from where did we get the name. Mopac is the
nickname of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company just as the Katy is
nickname for the Missouri, Kansas and Texas. The Missouri Railway
Company gave the old depot and freight station to the Collegeport
Community in December 1933. The building has been wrecked, the material
moved to a block of ground owned by the Collegeport Industrial League
and erected into a fine community house. This houses the Woman's Club
Library, provides a reception room, a kitchen and an auditorium. It is a
well and strongly constructed building not one 2x4 timber being used
every rafter and studding being 2x6. Mopac House will be opened
Saturday, May 4th, 1935 at one o'clock in the afternoon with a luncheon
which will be served by the Woman's Club at fifty cents. The proceeds to
be used for the purchase of new books for the library. A splendid
speaking program is being arranged with Mr. Roy Miller of Houston, A. D.
Jackson of the Texas A. & M. College and others as principal speakers.
It is hoped that Palacios will be well represented with a speaker who
will take up the causeway project. Preparations are being made to serve
150 at the luncheon. At night a dance will be held to which the people
of the county are invited. We hope the parents will attend and enjoy the
dancing along with the young folk. MOPAC HOUSE will be open house May
4th.
The Palacios Beacon, April 11,1935, Harry Austin
Clapp Scrapbook 3 |
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They say that one of our teachers who has a certificate granted by another state, has been refused a certificate in Texas and for that reason has received no part of her contracted salary since December. In spite of that, this teacher has stood by the game and has taught her grade every day and I doff my sombrero to this young lady as being a loyal scout. They tell me that during the one hundred years just past 76,000 lives were lost in marine disasters. That is sure a terrible death toll for the sea to take, but statistics gathered by the Travelers Insurance Company, tell us that in the United States in the past three years, motor accidents caused the death of 96,300 persons. In the year 1934 36,000 were killed and 882,000 suffered personal injury. What is the use of having a war when we can kill them off faster with autoes? Instead of asking European nations to cease war, instruct them in the use of the auto as a killing agency. It keeps the population down, kills and maims in such a refined manner, that people hardly know it. A fellow told me that R. A. Kleska, county tax collector said that women who in applying for a poll tax, confessed to forty years now boldly declare themselves to be over sixty. This, so they can claim to be officially in line for the Doc Townsend two hundred per. They tell me that some folk in town use postal cards for their correspondence thus saving two cents on each communication. They do this, but at the same time they are cutting down post office receipts and hastening the day when our post office will be abolished and our address will no longer be Collegeport, but R. F. D. Palacios. Every time we use postal cards we are hastening the day. Every patron of the office should rent a box and they should in other ways aid in boosting the post office receipts, instead of cutting petty corners that at last means we cut off our own nose. They say that if our non-resident property owners do not look after their property they are in for trouble, for they say, that several hundred townsite lots have been fenced in for pasture without the knowledge or consent of the owners and without the payment of rental. Also they say that men have likewise fenced in blocks of ten, twenty, fifty and more acres using it for pasture and crops and this also without the knowledge or consent of the owners and without the payment of rental. Some men, so they say, have even gone so far as to render such lots for taxation in their names and have in some instances occupied the ground for as many as ten years and at this time proclaim they own it and warn others to keep off. This is of course just a plain racket that should be condemned by fair men. Anyway, they say, that non-resident owners better be looking after their property. They tell me that at least one of the teachers could not resist the temptation to stick her nose into local school politics. Teachers are here for a year or perhaps two and they have the right to vote under the law, but when they interest themselves in politics for the purpose of keeping a job they just go too far. Teaching used to be a vocation and teachers were a part of the community but now it is a job to be kept until a better one is offered. The recent bond issue was placed in jeopardy because of such pernicious political activity by teachers and yet there be some who continue to insert their nose into the flame. Every word here printed was suggested to me by other men and women. Not one thought is original. Just shows that folks are beginning to think about some things that are of a destructive nature and so they say many things to me that they do not say publicly or even before the buzzards roost in front of the post office. As I am one of the buzzards I hear many things they say. Several old time friends of Collegeport have shown their interest in Mopac House by sending in gifts of money with which a purchase may be made for dishes or tableware. The other day came a box from Mrs. Charles Duller, Blessing, which contained seventy-two green glass sherbet dishes. This handsome gift for the Mopac kitchen was sent in memory of Mrs. Seth W. Corse, the mother of Mrs. Duller and who was one of the original organizers of the Collegeport Woman’s Club and for many years its president. It was a beautiful and thoughtful gift and thankfully received. Frank Ives, St. Louis, sent a set of silver table ware a service for six. Mopac had previously received two similar gifts so the kitchen now has four sets of a silver service. Another sent in a gross of water glasses. Another was a green enameled dish pan. Rege Creede of Bryan sent us a thirty inch white enamel sink. R. W. Persons of College Station sends five dollars for table ware and so forth and so on and after while we will have met our objective which is a complete table service for one hundred guests. Mopac House will have its opening Saturday, May 4 at noon. Luncheon will be served at one o’clock sharp by the Woman’s Club at fifty cents the proceeds to be used for buying new books for the library. A splendid speaking program is being arranged and we hope that our friends at the capital and at the other end of the causeway will visit us that day as well as friends from other portions of the county. Plans are under way for a dance the same night but of this later news will be more reliable. April 3rd, I picked the first dewberry of the season. Just one but well grown and with vines well loaded a good berry harvest is promised. My friend Andy fishing in the slough landed a gar that was about five feet long. He dressed the fish out and pronounced the meat very palatable. I’ll take flounder or sheepshead for my fish diet. As organizer of birthday parties the Ben R. Mowerys are in the super class. Their last stunt was the birthday party in honor of Mrs. Fred Goff. There is nothing remarkable in the fact that this lady was born on the 6th day of April, 1862. The remarkable thing is that she beat me about seventy days and also that Harry Houdini the great magician was born the same day but twelve years later. When one investigates birthdays one is quite certain of finding some interesting coincidence. Well, anyway, this lady has grown to maturity and earned the right to be called grandmaw by those who know her best. The Mowerys sent out the call and promised to make gallons of strong coffee and they did. Guests supplied the eatables in most generous quantities and about sixty friends of the young lady assembled to eat, to congratulate, to wish many returns of the day. Some gifts were brought among them being a very handsome mop from Mrs. Gustave Franzen. We all know what a mop is, but this was a very artistic instrument, handsome enough to hang on the wall as a trophy. The mop is a wonderful thing, cultivate good muscles and handsome arms and if some of our girls would start in and learn how to wring a mop in a musical manner they would develop long slender fingers, strong wrists and beautiful arms. Dish washing, helping mother, is also splendid exercise and develops a strong character much quicker than daubing paint on faces and wearing slouchy hose. I am not writing this for Mrs. Goff’s benefit for she for many years has been familiar with the mop and the dish pan and that is one reason why at the age of seventy-three she is hale and hearty and able to enjoy life and the presence of her many friends as they come to show their respect and regard. One of the happy incidents of the day was the presence of her son Homer and his family who arrived from Houston just as the dinner bell rang. The Homer Goffs have the reputation of never being late when the gong rings. Now take me for instance, I was born June 16, 1862 and Gustaf V of Sweden was born on the same day of the month, only four years sooner. Isn’t life after all a wonderful thing? Birth, growth, physical, mental, maturity, the age of leaf shedding, the passing into the shades across the river. They many friends of Ruby Lee are delighted with the news that she is now on the gain. Ruby Lee is a fine young girl and a credit to the community. I hope soon to joke with her once more. Mrs. Tom Hale or in other words Barbara was here last week visiting her parents and I had the pleasure of seeing her. I was delighted to see her looking so well and cheerful. She looks like a well ripened peach and such she is for Barbara has always been peachy. Hope she will be able to be present May 4. Mopac House will be opened as heretofore announced May 4, 1935 with a luncheon served by the Woman’s Club, and those who attend will not only be satisfied in a gustatorial way but enjoy a program of unusual merit. Several prominent speakers will be there. And by the way we have arranged for a hard surfaced road from your door to Mopac’s door so fear not if winds blow and rains do pour. Saturday night, May 4 a dance will be given to which all are invited young and old. We hope the parents will be present, dancing if they desire or sitting on the side lines on comfortable seats. Sometimes during the next month or six weeks the Right Reverend Clinton S. Quin, Bishop of Texas will hold an evening service in Mopac House the exact date will be announced later. The many friends of the Bishop will receive this news with delight. School election Saturday was noticeable for the lack of interest. Not more than twenty votes cast. No one appeared to care who was elected. I am informed that Roy Nelson was returned and A. Johnson selected for the other victim. Collegeport day comes on Saturday, May 25. I hope that on that day I shall absorb a bundle of those golden delicious Carrie Nelson Noodles.
Matagorda County Tribune, April 11, 1935? |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
On Saturday, May 4, 1935, Collegeport's new community house known as Mopac House will be opened at one o'clock in the afternoon with a luncheon served by the Collegeport Woman's Club and the tickets will cost fifty cents each. These tickets figuring on the basis of our depreciated dollars amount to about thirty cents. A very interesting program is being arranged and several prominent men will speak, among them being Mr. Roy Miller, Mr. A. D. Jackson and Mr. R. W. Persons of the Texas A. & M. College. The toastmaster will be that master of toasts, Mr. E. O. Taulbee. All this for the small sum of fifty centimes or the half of a dollar or so the ordinary many may understand, just four bits.
This week, I have been informed that some of our local burghers are what is called "griping" at the cost. I confess that I was ignorant of the meaning of the word "gropon" so I looked it up and I find that it means "to suffer griping pains; pinching and spasmodic pains in the intestines; pinching distress; griping poverty."
After reading all of this I tremble at the awful indictment. Suppose we review the situation and see if there is any reasonable cause for these griping intestinal pains. About twenty-five years ago Mrs. Dena D. Hurd conceived the idea of a public library. She gathered about her a few souls who liked the idea. Some of them are with her this day. They started the library and although for years it had no home it has grown until now it has about 1600 books. A few years ago the Collegeport Industrial League bought a block of ground near the school house and also bought a small bungalow. This was moved onto the lot, improved with sheet rock and paint, furnished and since then the library has enjoyed a permanent home. During the last fifteen months, the league has secured possession by gift from the Missouri Pacific Railway of the old depot and this has been wrecked and from the material has been built a substantial building for a community house known as Mopac House. This building is 92 feet long and 25 feet wide and furnishes excellent quarters for the library, a reading room, a kitchen and an auditorium. The library has always been free to the people of the community and yet many do not appreciate the labor, the loving labor that it has cost. Only a few women have been faithful. It is time to give them thanks and the opportunity is here. Now is an opportunity for the people of this community to show their appreciation of a community house that has not cost them one penny. Every bit of material, every hour of labor, has been paid from government funds. No one has been asked for a cent and no one has paid a cent except FOUR MEN WHO HAVE STOOD BY to the end.
Everything has been a free gift, thanks to one who is interested in this community and although he makes his home across the causeway, he has been big enough to spread out and by his contacts aided in giving us this beautiful house. Mopac House will be opened May 4 with a luncheon that will cost fifty cents. Those of our home folk who attend will not only be served with a bountiful luncheon which will cause cessation of those griping pains, but will be supporting the library, showing their appreciation and providing the Woman's Club with funds for the purchase of needed new books. Many of those who are griping think nothing of spending several dollars per week for a drive to Bay City for a show, but they gripe at the thought of buying a square meal and giving support to the library. Few of us are poverty stricken when it comes to going to shows or dances, but when it comes to giving a penny for the support of a church, a library or a community house, they at once are stricken with severe intestinal pains. This community has received much and it has given little. Now is the time to show appreciation, esteem, regard, for the efforts of a few faithful women who have stood by this people for a quarter of a century. We have asked our friends in Matagorda County to come May 4 and play with us. Can it be possible that, for the paltry sum of four bits of home folk will refuse their hospitality and be willing to stand on the road side holding the horse while the elephants go by? This is your library. Mopac House is yours. Come out May 4. Show that you appreciate what you have. Eat good food, listen to splendid talks and while enjoying these things be happy in the thought that at this late day you have the chance to aid the project in a small way.
The Bay City Chamber of Commerce gives notice that because San Jacinto Day falls on Sunday the 21st, the day will be observed on Monday.
Quite as important an event also happened on that day, but the world will not postpone the celebration because it comes on Sunday. Sunday is the day we celebrate as the day Jesus rose from the dead.
Mr. Weaver of the Weaver Manufacturing Co., Springfield, Ill., was here Saturday trying to locate some lots he owns. If he was successful, he no doubt found them fenced in and used for pasture.
I see by the papers that Texas will receive about forty-eight million dollars from the Washington government. That's a lot of money and should go a long ways fixing up highways. Now if we can get the highway commission to set aside just one-third of one cent for each of those forty-eight millions, we will have plenty of money with which to build the causeway. One third of one cent! That is not much to ask for and those who are interested on both sides of the bay and over at Matagorda should begin to get restless and hustle around a bit.
The county health nurse made her quarterly visit to Collegeport Thursday and attended the regular monthly meeting of the Woman's Club. She gave a very instructive talk about health work in Matagorda County. Her next visit will be about the 18th day of July. Tonsils, adenoids, itch, athlete feet and concordance of the distebtion area will just have to wait until then for relief and advice. We trust that Mrs. Patricia Martyn will be here on May 4 at the opening of the Mopac House and we also have hopes that Mrs. Leola Cox Sides will be present and dust off some of the Mopac House dust catchers.
The speaking program for Mopac Day so far as may be announced will be as follows: Reverend Paul Engle will ask God's blessing on the house; Burton D. Hurd will give welcome to the guests; E. O. Taulbee of Bay City will act as toastmaster; Roy Miller of Corpus Christi, A. D. Jackson and R. W. Persons of College Station will be the principal speakers.
A representative of the Missouri Pacific, with Eugene Wilson, Judge Oscar Barber, George A. Harrison, Homer Trimble, James G. Gartrell, Glenn Taylor, Mrs. Dena D. Hurd, president of the Woman's Club and others will give short talks. As the program shapes up, further announcements will be made.
Senator T. J. Holbrook has promised to address the assemblage if his legislative duties will permit. We hope also to have a representative of the state highway commission. Reverend James Aiken has been invited to give a short talk and deliver the closing prayer. The tables will be beautifully decorated with graceful roses and other flowers. The ladies of the Woman's Club are making an effort to make this an event in the life of the community.
Vernon King Hurd, who is with the Stewart Construction Co. of Corpus Christi, spent the week-end with his parents. Vernon is rapidly acquiring a good knowledge of road construction. Collegeport has reason to be proud of this young man.
Emma Franzen called on me Saturday for a drink of water. She had been picking dewberries until she had mucho sed. Nice girl Emma.
Master Dean Franzen Merck sports about town in full length trousers. In a short time he will be using shaving cream.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, April 18, 1935
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article about his great-grandfather.]
Reverend Paul Engle was here Tuesday in Holy Week and gave the communion to the "Isolated" which means us Homecrofters and Sue Mansfield.
Missouri Pacific Lines Houston, Texas, April 15th
Dear Mr. Clapp.
This will acknowledge and thank you for your kind invitation of April 9th (which has just come to my personal attention, due to an extended trip from the city) to attend the opening of Mopac House on May 4th.
Unfortunately, I shall be out of the state at that time, but I shall be very glad to ask Mr. A. B. Duke, a representative of the executive department to attend this function and take whatever part you desire of him in the way of speaking, etc. I am sure this will be a delightful affair and I am sorry I cannot be with you.
With kind regards, I am,
Cordially yours,
H. R. Safford Executive Vice President
Those who attend the opening of Mopac House on May 4th will hear some very interesting talks that will be of interest because they will be discussions of ideas that effect local conditions. Mr. E. C. Baker, commissioner of precinct 2 will be present and speak on the causeway project.
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Oberwetter and Mrs. John Logan of Houston drove their new V8 down Tuesday and were entertained by the Burton D. Hurds at luncheon. They drove back the same afternoon.
Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the monthly meetings of the Kings Daughters, but was delighted to sit at a table with two very charming school teachers who enchanted me with their brilliant conversation. I also had the pleasure of meeting Miss Margaret Ann Holsworth, who has the same soft eyes as her mother.
Mary Louise spent the week-end in San Antonio with her many friends. She observed Good Friday at St. Mark's as well as the Easter service on Sunday. That girl never forgets her parents down by the sea shore, so we received a telegram with Easter greetings. It is a great thing for a child to have great parents, but greater for the great parents to have a great child.
Thursday at a called meeting of the Woman's Club with Mrs. King, chairman of the social and finance committee present, final plans were made for the luncheon to be served to those who will be our guests at the opening of the Mopac House Saturday, May 4th. I don't know about the menu, but it starts off with shrimp cocktail and ends up with some of Mrs. Carrie Nelson's coffee. Leave it to Mrs. King and Mrs. Nelson to fix up the middles.
The teachers of the school had an egg hunt Friday for the pupils and the Little Pals of the Girl Reserves. Some of the kids found as many as ten eggs. Wish I might have found about two hard boiled eggs.
Sue Mansfield is out just two hundred and twenty frog skins because she did not go to the show at Bay City Thursday night. For that much money I would take my bed of husks and camp in the theater, and share the husks with Sue if she would split on the findings.
Saturday I received an Easter card from a wonderful girl who teaches in the Moline, Illinois schools. It carried a poem.
"These seeds bear my Easter greetings, Plant them and care for them too. Then you'll bring many surprises And an old-fashioned garden for you!"
On the other leaf I found a flower covered envelope filled with flower seeds. I am planting them on this Easter day and soon I'll have my garden spraying into the air, the perfume of the sweet young girl who sent them to me. Seeds for an Old Fashioned Garden. A very dear and wonderful remembrance from a dear wonderful girl. Isn't life wonderful?
Read an advertisement in one of my magazines thus: "We don't tolerate careless appearance. Sloppy sox are out. The careless dresser usually is a careless worker. Carelessness is more dangerous than ignorance." No girl or woman of culture or refinement will appear in public with sloppy sox. Few legs in this burg will show any charm in the natural. Some that have no appeal in their nakedness may assume a charm when clothed with good, well fitting hose. Why girls insist on throwing away some of the enchantment that God gives them by exposing lean, skinny, sometimes dirty legs well scared with chigger bites and berry scratches is beyond my comprehension. And again these horrible waves they arrange for their hair. The straightest hair may be made a delightful setting, but these waves which every one knows are artificial. O, forgive me, but it's the truth.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, April 25, 1935
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Saturday May 4th, 1935, Collegeport’s new community house known as Mopac House will be opened by one o’clock in the P. M. with a luncheon served by the woman’s club at fifty cents. Proceeds to be used for the purchase of new books. That master of roasts E. O. Taulbee will have charge of the roasting. Reverend Paul Engle will give the opening prayer. Principal speakers will be Roy Miller, of Corpus Christi, A. D. Jackson and R. W. Persons of College Station, A. B. Duke the personal representative of H. R. Safford, Executive Vice President of the Missouri Pacific. Burton D. Hurd will welcome the guests. Short, snappy talks by George Harrison, James Gartrell, Glenn Taylor, Judge Barber, E. C. Baker, Mrs. Burton D. Hurd, President of the Woman’s Club. At this meeting it is the intention to give emphasis on the necessity of taking some immediate action towards designation and construction of the causeway. Several will speak on that subject. We are asking the people of Palacios to visit us that day and play in our yard. The invitation is for the good folk across the bay. The night of the 4th Mopac House will be open for a dance to which every one is invited.
Palacios Beacon, April 25, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
No person is able to realize the scheming, planning, devising ways, the miles of travel, the countless conferences, telegrams, telephones that has brought about the erection of Mopac House. No one but George A. Harrison, who is commissioner of precinct three, address Palacios, but lives in every corner of Matagorda County and a large section of Texas. His contacts and his smiling, easy-going methods, brought results.
Many appear to give me credit, but I was only the Marcelina who held the end of the rope. I picked up a few stakes, but George Harrison tied the ropes and drove the stakes. Don't let any one forget that this is the truth. Without that man block 105 would still contain only the little white library building.
Well, anyway, Mopac House is here for the pleasure and profit of the community. The beautiful Kundinger sign swings merrily in the breeze and all appears to be just about Jake or maybe Bill. Saturday, May 4 at one o'clock in the p.m. the house will open with a luncheon served by the Woman's Club at fifty cents per. Proceeds to be used for the purchase of new books for the library. This day for the first time I had a peep at the menu and it looks as though Old Man Depress had a can tied to his tail and he might be seen scooting down the country road. Here it is: Shrimp cocktail a la Carlton with Juliana sauce; embossed crackers with Kraft-Phenix Old English cheese, meat loaf with Creole sauce, fresh stringless beans with sour dressing, potato chips, hot finger rolls with butter, variety pickles, jellies, gelatin fruit plate with whipped cream, angel food cake, coffee admire. Tables will be beautifully decorated with flowers and streaming vines.
Mr. Riddle, general manager Kraft-Phenix Cheese Corporation writes me "I shall be very glad to send you some Old English cheese to be served at the opening of Mopac House. We want you to say that you know cheese when you ask for Kraft Creamed Old English. I am writing Mr. Gallimore our store manager at Victoria suggesting that if possible he attend the opening and join in the festivities." I am informing your folk that if Old English was the only item on the bill it would be worth the visit just to take a nibble. Well, all right for that which came from Coon Island up the river. We have so many head liners on the program that I hesitate to name any one first. E. O. Taulbee will do the roasting and then follows a string of glittering, scintillating talks by such as George Harrison, Roy Miller, James Gartrell, Reverend George Gillespie, A. D. Jackson, R. W. Persons, E. C. Baker, A. B. Duke, Missouri Pacific Lines, Judge Oscar Barber, Eugene Wilson, Mrs. Burton D. Hurd. Mrs. Hurd permits Burton to speak about a minute giving welcome.
Reverend Paul Engle asks the blessing of God on those present, on the community and the house.
Impossible to write personal invitations but every one is invited to come that 4th day of May. At night from 8 to 12 we will dance away all care and trouble and be happy skipping about the floor. The price of entrance will be twenty-five cents for each male person with the girl friend. Of course the other girls are invited and they will be made welcome by the very attractive hostess. Just remember that although it is 32.6 miles from Palacios that a hard road runs from that place to the door of the Mopac House and the same situation exists from Matagorda and Bay City so fill up the gas tank, use plenty of lube, and supply water and roll on rubber to Collegeport and help the community to have a happy, joyous day, a day which is the culmination of years of dreaming.
Saturday the Girl Reserves with chaperons, mamas and teachers journeyed in the Joe Frank school bus to Freeport for a play day of the district. They returned tired but happy and report a perfectly marvelous time. That is some thing that may always be had at Freeport. It is a real play place.
Friday in spite of the heavy rains, the library let out thirty books and twenty guests registered. Bay City from reading Mirth, has a job getting money for a library. No trouble raising funds for baseball, football, softball any other ball. For the library the tenth part of a cent. For play, big round dollars. Wonder why?
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Law (Beryl Bell) were visitors in Collegeport last week end and received greeting from their many friends. Mrs. Law says as between living near Alvin and at Collegeport, she prefers the latter place as there is something here that makes one wish to return. Mrs. Manford Foster when she left here shed tears of regret for said she "there is nothing much in Collegeport but still there is something that makes me sorry to leave and I would enjoy coming back to Collegeport." Nearly every person who lives here feels this something that attracts, allures and charms. It is the same thing that gives a person what is called "It." Most people have a desire to return and drink again from the waters that flow from our deep wells. Mrs. Barbara Hale is home and with her parents for a short time and I regret to inform the reader that this fine girl is enduring much suffering. All her friends pray that she may soon have some permanent relief.
Missouri Pacific Lines Houston, Texas April 19th.
Mr. H. A. Clapp Collegeport, Texas
Dear Sir:
In connection with your celebration on the 4th our magazine editors are very much interested in having a picture of "Mopac House" and it occurred to them that if you have a photographer in that section in advance of May 4th, they would appreciate it if you would arrange to have the necessary photographs taken so that they could be used in a story subsequent to your celebration.
Yours very truly, D. P. Pace Industrial Commissioner
I read with interest the article by Mr. Clarence Ousley which appeared in Thursday's Tribune. It stated that oleomargarine was a fine spread for those who could not afford butter. This is not fair to oleo, for it puts it in the poor man's class. Oleo is a pure, clean, nutritious food, for the rich man as well as the poor man. It is easily digested and a good builder. It should be used more, not because it is cheap, but because of its food value. When I lived in Chicago, I used considerable of this product. With each pound came a capsule of coloring matter and I worked the oleo over into golden blocks. Clarence Ousley is one of our best informed men and a brilliant writer and I know him well. I knew C. O. Moser, when. But that is another tale. I have traveled with him, used same room, eaten with him, spoken on same platform and he is all Mr. Ousley says that he is. Texas may be proud of these two men.
Mary Louise attended Easter service at St. Mark's, San Antonio and reports that there was neither sitting or standing room. There is no depression in San Antonio judging by the number of Easter hats. She says "if the churches would put on a good show every Sunday there would be no complaint about attendance."
Two well rigs are being erected south and west of town. One derrick is 125 feet high and the other 135 feet. Both of steel. Friday twenty-eight truck loads of material arrived and stacked on the ground. About twenty-five men are at work clearing up the ground and getting sump pits dug and foundations ready. One truck brought in many large steel girders about fifteen inches wide on which floors will be laid.
Friday we enjoyed a heavy rain fall which was needed but none of us enjoyed the brilliant electrical discharges and heavy thunder detonations which accompanied it. About two inches of rain fell during the forenoon and now as my friend Andy says "if the farmers do not make a crop it will be their own fault."
The Matagorda County Tribune, May 2, 1935
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Ed. Taulbee Is Toastmaster For Occasion Harry Austin Clapp and his dreams were
rewarded Saturday when Mopac House was dedicated and formally opened to
the community of Collegeport. It was a great day in the lives of those
who have built the town of Mopac House was planned, visioned, and materialized through the untiring efforts of the author of "Thoughts," none other than the inimitable Harry Austin Clapp. This thought and deed, none of the many speakers present Saturday at the banquet failed to mention. The name Mopac House comes from Missouri Pacific. The material in the house was donated by the Missouri Pacific railroad when the railroad was abandoned and the tracks to Collegeport removed. Labor was furnished by the relief administration and others who gave of their time and work. The Mopac house has been built to adjoin the library and give to the people of Collegeport a community place suitable for most any occasion. A new reading room adjoins the library, a large banquet room, new and clean, concrete floor is so arranged that dances, entertainments, bridge games, most any sort entertainment can be held. E. O. Taulbee of The banquet, served by the ladies of the
city, began at Harry Austin Clapp opened the meeting by
asking Rev. Paul Engle of A word of welcome to the more than one hundred present was delivered by Mr. Burton D. Hurd, the founder of Collegeport and a man who believes that this section of the state will some day come true. Mr. Hurd gave a few remarks relative to the history of Collegeport, the depression beginning there immediately following the war, the removal of the railroad, the hotel's abandonment and removal. He paid a great compliment to his friend and fellow townsman, Harry Austin Clapp and stated that he believed the construction of Mopac House would be the upturn in the history of Collegeport. Mr. Taulbee spoke at length lauding the
work of Mr. Clapp and he also introduced the group of Toastmaster Taulbee, called George
Harrison, Jim Gartrell, Ed Baker, Judge Barber, Eugene Wilson, Jack
Barnett, S. A. Gillimore of Addresses of welcome and words filled with a spirit of optimism were given by Mrs. Harry Austin Clapp and Mrs. Burton D. Hurd. These ladies who have lived in Collegeport since its beginning, they who have worked for the cultural advancement of the little city, bubbled with pride that a new home was now theirs in which various accomplishments may be attained. Mr. A. B. Duke, personal representative of Mr. H. R. Stafford of the Missouri Pacific railroad expressed his appreciation at being present and stated that he felt a great pride in that the company he represented had been honored by having the community house named "Mopac" and that they were glad to have donated the material that came from the depot, torn down when the railroad was abandoned. Mr. R. W. Persons, first county agent in
Mr. A. D. Jackson of The high lights of the meeting came when H. A. Clapp, himself spoke. One could feel that he was walking on air that what he had so long worked for had been accomplished. Mr. Clapp gave credit to the completion of the Mopac House to Mr. G. A. Harrison and he gave sketches of the difficulties that arose before the community house was finally completed. Mr. Clapp read letters from any others he had invited to attend the opening but were unable to be present. Following the banquet the floor was cleared for a big dance that night to complete the celebration.
Matagorda
County
Tribune, May 9, 1935, Harry Austin Clapp Scrapbook 3 |
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The heart of Harry Austin Clapp of
Collegeport was made glad last Saturday afternoon when Mopac House was
dedicated and opened. Over 100 guests from Collegeport and the
surrounding district were present at There were many visitors from Rev. Paul Engle of Mrs. Burton D. Hurd and Mrs. Harry Austin Clapp spoke on behalf of the ladies of Collegeport, and were no whit behind the men in their ability and fluency as speakers. Last of all, Harry Austin Clapp, addressed the meeting. He was received by the audience standing as a mark of appreciation. He read letters of apology from those who were unable to be present. In giving an account of the initiation and carrying to completion of the Community House he called himself a visionary. Communities like Collegeport and Palacios need visionaries like Harry Austin Clapp, men who possess not only vision but also energy and enterprise to make their vision real. "Where there is no vision the people perish," and the result of one man's vision was seen on Saturday in the Mopac Community House. Mr. Clapp himself would not wish to take all or much of the credit, and so he expressed in glowing terms his gratitude to all who had helped. They visitors from Palacios came away glad that one more link had been forged in the friendship between the two towns, and looking forward to the time when the Causeway would reduce the distance between the two towns from 32.6 miles to 3 miles. Reporter The Palacios Beacon, May
16, 1935,
Harry Austin Scrapbook 3 |
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THOUGHTS AFTER THE GATES ARE CLOSED By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
As I locked the Mopac House door Saturday night at 12 midnight, I thought of Eddie Foy at the World's Fair singing "After the Gates are Closed." What a boy was Eddie Foy! What a clown was Eddie Foy! What a tender, soft heart beat in his breast! Eddie Foy I wonder where you are. I feel that you are close to the throne and so this day I am writing some rambling memories of Mopac Day.
In the first place, I missed "Little Bright Eyes" and wondered where she was. Then came this from my good friend of many years.
Houston, Texas May 6.
Dear Harry:
I must tell you how sorry I am that I missed your party last Saturday on the occasion of the opening of Mopac House. I fully intended to give myself the pleasure of being with you, but was detained at the national capital and did not get back to Houston until yesterday morning.
With warmest good wishes, Sincerely your friend,
And here is another good scout who writes me from Houston.
Texas Soap Manufacturing Corporation May 4
Dear Mr. Clapp:
Your kind invitation to be present at the opening of Mopac House is duly received and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in remembering me for this occasion. It would be a very great pleasure indeed for me to be with you and all your good people, but I find it utterly impossible to make the trip.
With kind personal regards to Mrs. Clapp, yourself and the others,
I am Yours very truly, James W. Sartwell
From Topeka, Kan.
Dear Friends:
Congratulations upon the achievement of Mopac House. Now prayers may be concentrated upon the causeway.
Best wishes.
And this from a Texas reader who was present: "Word's can't begin to tell you what a marvelous, good, grand, happy time I had at the Mopac House opening and I am sure you know what a good time I had from start to finish. The house is opened and opening was a howling, grand and glorious success and none could have dreamed of anything better. I had not the slightest doubt but that it would be a success."
Also in my mail I have several chances to send to folk I have never heard of the sum of ten cents with a promise I'll receive about $1500, some time. Well as the fellow says "ten cents is ten cents" so I'll keep it, but 4.5 loaves of Johnnie's Bread and we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, will dunk said bread in our coffee.
Collegeport possibly may never be much of a business town, but it is possible to make it a real playground, if the people are willing to stand together and offer what the great majority of folk desire. The Missouri Pacific has issued a beautifully framed card which bears the words "The Winner Never Quits, The Quitter Never Wins." It might be well for our quitters and slackers to adopt this slogan and turn in now and aid in building and cease their work of tearing down everything except their own feeble inventions. And my good colored friend was there Saturday and when I asked what he thought of the day he replied "it peers to me to be the inventionist thing I ever see."
Mrs. Ruby Hawkins, our efficient and accommodating county clerk sends a note of regret. She had to attend the May Fete. Returning the deed from the Collegeport Industrial League to the Mopac House Foundation, she writes "This is complimentary." Shows she desired to help Mopac by asking for no recording fee and so we give many thanks. I missed my "Vice" more than it is possible to express. It tried to be as decent as is possible in the absence of my only "Vice" who always keeps me on the guess.
Saturday night, May 4, a man approached me. A man who has known this community for years and a man who has a vision which reaches into the past, covers the present and strides way out into the future. Said he, "Mr. Clapp, this is a very fine party. In my opinion Mopac House will prove to be of more community benefit than the railroad ever was. I believe it will tend to change the viewpoint of many of our citizens and that it will improve and strengthen the morals of our youth and will be the upward turning point in community life."
Things to look forward to: Collegeport Day, the 26 anniversary with a big get together community dinner. In the afternoon from two to four, Mopac House will be open for a children's skating and play party. Miss Ethel Nelson will be the gracious hostess. Mr. Cherry will conduct the play. Saturday night, May 25, Mopac House will be open for another dance to the tunes of Merton Smith's Midnight Ramblers. At midnight they ramble to Bay City. Tuesday night, May 28, the Rt. Reverend Clinton S. Quin, Bishop of Texas, will preach in Mopac House. Thursday night, May 30, Mopac House will be used for the senior class banquet.
From what I have heard, every one was very happy to see present at the opening, Mrs. Tom Hale (Barbara Fulcher). Poor child, although so afflicted, she keeps her cheery smile and sunny disposition. I know she enjoyed the affair to the limit and her presence added to my personal joy.
Friday morning at 5 o'clock, Superintendent Cherry left for San Antonio taking as his guests the senior class. They plan to visit the Alamo, the missions, Brackenridge Park, City Auditorium and other interesting and historic places.
This year has witnessed the completion of two very important community projects. Both were largely the work of a man whose name I will no mention because I fear to cause him further embarrassment. The first is the sea wall. This distributed several thousands of dollars to local labor and it offers protection to bay shore property from erosion and eating away of the bluff by the always hungry sea waves. This is all good. The other important project is the completion of Mopac House which was opened Saturday, May 4, 1935.
This, in some respects, is of more value to the community than the sea wall, for it will prevent erosion and the eating away of moral fibre in our youth and give them wholesome amusement and at the same time contribute to the comfort of the entire community. Thus we have these two projects both erected for the same purpose, viz: to prevent further destructive erosion.
To Mr. E. O. Taulbee I give thanks for his work as toastmaster at the Mopac opening. He did three fine things, viz: he started the demonstration for the causeway, then he told the audience about the Intracoastal Canal and last, but by no means least, he told us of the arrangement made for paint for the Mopac House. These three things pleased his hearers and so we give hearty thanks to our official toaster, the man who is aiding in the accomplishment of things in Matagorda County.
Ed Taulbee is such a lovable, willing patriotic citizen that one can not help but absorb some of his enthusiasm for a greater and better country. As a toastmaster, he is a superlative. In my opinion, the destiny of Matagorda County rests on the shoulders of such men as Ed Taulbee. He is now president of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and as he believes in telling the world of our section, we may look forward to a publicity campaign that will prove of value. This is just a special bouquet for my friend Ed Taulbee.
Mopac House has another nice gift of a lamp all loaded and ready to shoot. This from Mr. and Mrs. Vern Batchelder. Mighty fine for use when all other lights grow dim and we thank the donors for this useful gift.
Saturday, May 11, Raymond "Busters" Hunt left for Houston to report to the navy headquarters. Tuesday he goes to San Diego for a training course until assigned to some ship. Raymond was one of the best students the local school has turned out, always at the head of the class. He will be a credit to the United States navy and will acquire a valuable education. He plans to study and make application for entrance to Annapolis and we may some day see Buster with gold stripes on his sleeve.
The Woman's Club met Thursday in regular monthly meeting, gave Mother's Day program, transacted routine business, checked up on receipts and costs for the Mopac opening and find the club with a right smart sum with which to purchase new books for the library. For this they give thanks to those who were present and they feel sorry for those who stayed at home.
Missouri Pacific Lines Houston, Tex. May 10, 1935
Dear Mr. Clapp:
This will acknowledge your letter of the 9th, which I have read with much interest.
I was indeed pleased to know that our representatives created such a fine impression when they were with you on the 4th and I know it was a real pleasure for them to be there. Messrs. Duke, McDonald and Andrews have told me of the very pleasant occasion and I am sorry that I could not be there due to absence which was unavoidable.
With kindest regards and best wishes I am sincerely yours,
H. R. Stafford Executive Vice President Missouri Pacific Lines
Missouri Pacific Lines Houston, Tex.,
May 9, 1935
Dear Mr. Clapp:
I want to again tell you how much Messrs. McDonald, Andrews and myself enjoyed being with you and the people of Collegeport and their friends last Saturday. I told Mr. Safford on his return about the splendid meeting and luncheon you had. He was very pleased to know of its success.
With best regards
Yours very truly,
A. B. Duke
The Galveston-Houston District Board Meeting of the Houston Y. M. C. A. was held at the BayTex Hotel in Bay City, Saturday the 11th. Mesdames Batchelder, Nelson, Liggett, Clapp and Cherry and Miss Ethel Nelson attended from this place. In the absence of the secretary, Mrs. Liggett was chosen as secretary pro tem and ably filled the position. At the election of district officers, Mrs. Liggett was honored by being elected vice president. This woman, much loved by those who know her, is a rare worker in all religious and civic projects. She gives freely of her time and talent and is in all things thoroughly dependable. What she does is well done. Her official acts as vice president will reflect credit on the Y. M. C. A. which is to be congratulated in its selection of this worthy woman. I trust that the school board will decide to renew the contract of Sue Mansfield. She has the education, she is a fine teacher, she has won the hearts of the pupils and she has endeared herself to those who know her. She enters heartily into civic projects and is valuable to our community.
Collegeport Day, May 25 with a big community dinner. At night a dance and there are three who are not wanted, the man who needs liquor to have good time, the gate crasher, the spie who comes to criticize and magnify the cad. We want the others from "night about" and from "over yon."
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, May 16, 1935
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
My daughter, Mary Louise, wrote these words the 10th: "This is a note to tell you on Mother's Day I love you--and that you are the best mother in the world. You are so sweet and good and unselfish--together with all the good qualities anyone could wish for. Don't forget that I brag about my mamma to every one."
Of my own mother I am able to use the same words. While it is wonderful to have such a child, isn't it just as wonderful for a child to have such a mother? Our thoughts ramble, from that first mother of legendary fame across the ages to the present day beautiful madonna whom we reverence.
Saturday, May 25, Collegeport Day with a community dinner at noon. From two to four, Mopac House opens for the children to skate and play. The same night Mopac House opens for dance with Merton Smith's Royal Texans. Foundation trustees hope that fathers and mothers will attend to dance if they wish or to look on and visit. Some more of that delicious cold drink will be there, a few barrels more or less. Sunday the 26th, the baccalaureate sermon for the senior class will be delivered in the church by Reverend Deutsch of the Bay City Presbyterian Church.
Monday night the 27th, the Girl Reserves will serve a banquet to the senior class in Mopac House. Tuesday night the 28th, the Rt. Rev. Clinton S. Quin, bishop of Texas, will deliver a sermon and at its close address the senior class.
The Mopac light plant has been installed and is ready for use. Mopac House was lighted with electricity the first time Monday night, May 13, 1935.
Wednesday night at the church the senior class of 1935 will hold commencement exercises. A full week with seven events in five days.
Saturday we trekked to Van Vleck and attended the meeting of the County Federation of Women's Clubs where I delivered an address "Thoughts About the Origin of Mother's Day." In spite of the strong gale and falling rain, fifty women from all portions of the county. The business session closed at noon and then the members and guests were served with a bountiful and dainty luncheon during the while entranced by the melody supplied by Manuel Hernandez and his orchestra. After lunch, reports were delivered by Mrs. Patricia Martyn, county health nurse and Mrs. Leola Cox Sides, home demonstration agent. Then followed a program of music, readings, chalk talks and an address. One could not look into the animated faces of the women, without being impressed that this group of women are intent on doing things for the elevation of the standards of living in Matagorda County. It is such a splendid work, that the men might well take notice and be perfecting a similar organization emulate the example. I took the miserable wretch along because without her as an attraction, folk would scare notice me. She is the light by which I am illuminated. Without her along, it is me for the bushes. I met so many fine women friends that I am unable to mention them all, but I was pleased to see my "Vice" and to realize that she was on the ground once more, where I hope she stays until last week in July. Last time I heard from her, she was sitting on top of the Empire Building's flag pole having her foto taken. She makes a right smart knob for the end of that pole. The visitors from this place were Mesdames Liggett, Clapp, Miss Roberta Liggett, Miss Sue Mansfield and the writer, all of whom took the ride by courtesy of Mrs. Liggett. The women of Van Vleck over did themselves in their generous hospitality and all went home filled with the sweet savor of the Van Vleck folk.
Missouri Pacific Lines Magazine Houston, Texas
May 15, 1935
Dear Mr. Clapp:
Your letter of May 8, addressed to Messrs. Duke, McDonald and myself, thanking us for being present at the opening of Mopac House. I have been out of town and I see that Mr. Safford and the other gentlemen have noted your letter and as I was the last to see it, I am taking the liberty of acknowledging the same. I want you to know that we of the Missouri Pacific Lines really appreciated the hospitality of the Collegeport homefolks. I have received the picture of the old station taken 24 years ago and have developed the new pictures and have selected several to run in the next issue of the magazine which comes out July 5. Don't be surprised if some of us fellows knock on your door around 2 o'clock in the morning ready for a fishing trip. As for the "rest," the wicked never get "rest" so that is out with us.
Yours very truly,
W. L. Andrews Field Editor
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, May 23, 1935
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Saturday May 25th, marks the 25th birthday of the town of Collegeport. The usual community dinner will be served at noon. Bring a sandwich and one for another fellow and throw in. Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4 Mopac House will be opened for the children to skate with Miss Ethel Nelson as hostess. Saturday night Mopac House will open for a dance with Merton Smith’s Midnight Ramblers doing the tooting. Monday night the 27th, Mopac House will be the scene of the Senior class banquet tendered by the Girl Reserves. Sunday night the 26th the Baccalaurette sermon will be delivered. Tuesday night the 28th, The Right Reverend Clinton S. Quin will deliver a sermon and at the close address the Senior Class. This in Mopac House. Wednesday night the 29th Commencement exercises for the class of 1935. To all of these the folks from “nigh about” and from “over yon” are cordially invited. The electric light plant has been installed in Mopac House and the place will be brilliantly illuminated. Seven big events in five days. Come on over you good folks from Palacios, Bay City, Matagorda and other parts and joy with us.
Palacios Beacon, May 23 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
The gale that struck this section last Friday night did considerable damage to roofs and light buildings. The barometer down to 29.65 which was within six points of the low during the storm July 35, 1934. Tide rose at least six feet and covering the sea wall eroded considerable of the bluff. One more course of blocks would be of great value.
Yesterday I went down to our big rose hedge. There it stood as it has for years defying destruction. Its dense green foliage showed character. All over its greenness sparkled the beautiful white Cherokee roses. They looked like the reflection of stars on the bosom of a quiet dark green sea. I picked a large quantity and we filled several vases with the bloom. They were beautiful and filled the room with a delicate perfume. In a few hours, the white petals began to droop and curl. In the morning, the floor was strewn with the fallen petals leaving only the big white yellow center button. Wild flowers, handsome as they are do not readily submit to change. As I looked at the fallen petals, I thought how like attempts to move a soul into strange environment. Like the flower, the soul irks and struggles against the change and confinement. It droops and sheds tears of homesickness. A soul like a flower does best where it is rooted. In most cases it is almost a crime to compel a soul to be cut off from the parent stalk and deprived of parent care. Often it dies from disappointment. Its petals fall to the floor. The savor of a beautiful soul is lost to the world. The white rose petals which covered the floor seemed like showers of blessings to come to our home.
Thursday night, Sue Mansfield staged a hay ride but there was no hay and no wagon for the hay and as it turned out eleven occupied and hung onto a small "Koop" and rode about the burg, evidently from the shouts and screams having a great time. Douglas Whitehead just returned from Arkansas, furnished the auto.
Friday night, Mrs. Liggett tendered a dinner to the senior class and the faculty. Beautifully decorated tables and a menu fit for King George or even Franklin D. When one has the privilege of sitting at the Liggett table, one is subject to congratulation. About fifteen were served.
Saturday our folk and their neighbors celebrated the 26th anniversary of the town. For one reason unexplained, folk appeared to think this was an unusual occasion for the attendance which is usually around 150 this day met the 200 mark. Former residents from several parts of the state came to pay their respects to their former home. The dinner was served cafeteria style and it required 42 feet of tables [to] hold the bountiful spread. I counted ten varieties of meats and from that one was able to select vegetables of many kinds, salads, jellies, jams, pickles and table 14 feet long was stacked with many pies and cakes. The coffee made by that old time expert the maker of those Famous Carrie Nelson Noodles was the sort that lingers in memory long after the last drop.
Mrs. Burton D. Hurd gave a short announcement after which H. A. Clapp invoked the blessing of God. A pronounced feeling of neighborly feeling was present which was evidenced by the hearty greetings. I was pleased to see my old time sweetheart Frances Eisel now Mrs. Ross Chitwood. She looked like about two million dollars payable in gold of the present weight and fineness. After Frances married, I took over Elizabeth, the red bird, but she evidently has passed me up for some sweeter and young guy. A, la, la! Such are the disappointments of love the fickle dame. After dinner, Mopac House was opened for the children to play and skate. Note the word children. But here comes all the others including grandma and grandpa and the house was filled. Outside the men had two horseshoe games going and two quoit games going. Few of the kids had skates, but those who were fortunate enough divided so most of them skated on one foot. That made no difference so long as the fun went on. It was a real play afternoon and justified the construction of Mopac House. In the evening, Merton Smith's Royal Texans supplying the rhythm attracted about 200 people, half being spectators while the other half danced to the fine strains of the musicians. More than sixty-five bought dance tickets. This dance brought the best of the dance lovers from all over the country. Bay City came in generous numbers and Palacios turned out a goodly crowd among them being Dr. and Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Aimee Hall, Judge Gray and his party of six. Many of the men were of the substantial business looking quality men from 40 to 60 years of age and they all had a splendid time. The women were real lookers, well dressed or undressed as the case may be, but each one had what the modiste requires. It was a very fine affair, an enjoyable gathering. At midnight Home Sweet Home was the number and so ended Mopac's second dance. The next will be held Saturday night, June 29 with the Royal Texans.
Sunday night Reverend Paul Engle, rector of St. Mark's Church of Bay City, came down accompanied by Mrs. Engle and daughter, Mary Wilson Engle. His business was to conduct a service in honor of the senior class and deliver the baccalaureate sermon. About 150 were present and listened to the very high class address delivered by Reverend Engle. Our folk have in the past listened to many such addresses but the one delivered Sunday night was received with special delight and interest for it covered several subjects which are at present vexing our citizens and problems which the senior class and others of similar age will be compelled to solve.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, May 30, 1935
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By Harry Austin Clapp
I am sitting before my Corona trying to think some "Thoughts." My corn cob pipe is filled with R. J. R. and as the fragrant breath of Mi Lady Nicotine floats in the air, I try to make smoke rings. O, boy! Did you see that? A perfect ring floats away and never breaks until near the ceiling. I have always been ambitious to make rings and now it looks as though success is here. There's another? This is a big fellow and as it floats away. I am seeing faces of dear kin folk, old sweethearts and years roll away and I am young again.
Another ring and in it I see the faces of the Class of 1935, ambitious faces, faces clothed in wonderment, as to what will be next.
I do not marvel at the spectacle. Fifty-five years ago this June I went through the same experience, so I know all about the marvelous astonishment with which they view the beginning of life. O, girls! Look! I have blown a wedding ring. On whose finger shall it be fitted? Let dame future name the girl. Well I am through with rings, so let us record events.
Monday night at Mopac House the senior class was tendered a banquet, a festival of good cheer wishing a good voyage on life's sea. This banquet was given by the Girl Reserves and was all a banquet should be. Tables arranged in a rectangle to a common center in the ceiling streaming ribbon streamers of pink and white, forming a beautiful bower which reflected the brilliant lights.
I know nothing about the menu for that appears to be a profound secret, but this is the program:
Song. Hello Everybody. Introduction of seniors. Welcome to seniors, Earline Hill. Response, Auldine Williams. Not finished--just begun, Superintendent Cherry. Song, Over Hill, Over Dale. Nothing Great Is Lightly Won, Miss Parker. Song, Miss Sue Mansfield. Address by Elliott Curtis. Skit. Installation by Girl Reserves. Circus oddities, seniors. Ringmaster, Roberta Liggett. Animal trainer, Mrs. Thomas. Clowns, Ethel Nelson, Ella Guyer, Wanda Hill, Allietha Hill.
Tuesday night, Mrs. Charles Williams tendered a dinner to the senior class which was a most pleasant affair, with plenty of rich viands and good cheer. The same night came the Rt. Rev. Clinton S. Quin with the Rev. Paul Engle of St. Mark's, Bay City and held a service in Mopac House with about ninety present. Reverend Engle read the service and the bishop taking as his text the Lord's Prayer, delivered a splendid address explaining the prayer sentence by sentence. Very few realize that Bishop Quin drove 226 miles just to hold this service. He has promised to visit us again in about ninety days.
Mr. H. R. Safford, executive vice president Missouri Pacific Lines, planned to accompany the bishop, but at the last moment was prevented. He wants to see Mopac House and will arrange to do so on next visit.
The management hopes to hold a similar service once each month, the sermon to be delivered by our county clergy.
Wednesday night was the big night the night when the senior class stepped off. The church was gaily decorated with beautiful flowers, Cape Jessamines and Magnolia blossoms predominating and the air was filled with the delicate perfume of those glorious flowers. The class seated on the platform were dressed in their best and formed a handsome picture of youth. The program was as follows: Piano solo, Mrs. Richard Corporon. Invocation, Harry Austin Clapp. Salutatory, Rosalie Nelson. Vocal solo, Sue Mansfield. Class prophecy, Noel Adams. Musical reading, Auldine Williams. Quartette "Gathering Flowers," Messrs. Cherry and Batchelder, Mrs. Liggett and Miss Parker Class history, Arthur Liggett. Valedictory, Annette Johnson. Address, Mrs. Burton D. Hurd. Presentation of diplomas, Superintendent John H. Cherry.
Just at night always one star shines with greater brilliance, so on this occasion one star glittered with a light a bit more resplendent and that star was Arthur Liggett. He introduced the numbers in a dignified manner and with a voice that carried to all parts of the room. If he was embarrassed he failed to show it. I am sorry to report that most of the others appeared to think they were holding a private conference for little of what they said could be heard in rear of the room. Just too bad but it is true. There is small use of speaking if the audience is unable to hear the words.
Perhaps the teachers failed in the training given. The three girls were all dressed in beautiful gowns and with the two well dressed gowns and with the two well dressed boys presented a beautiful picture. Five splendid young folk, just beginning to burst into manhood and womanhood and accepting the responsibilities of citizenship. I wondered as I looked them over, how many realized the obligation that soon will be thrust upon them. Mrs. Hurd's address, if I may be allowed the word, was retrospective in nature. Mrs. Hurd has seen all these seniors grow from babyhood. She has watched their development and she has known the parents and so her address was one that took her audience back in the shades of an almost forgotten memory. Memory! What a wonderful word and how thankful we should be, that God allows us to turn back the pages of life and in review live once more the golden days. I know of no person who has for so many years been so interested in the development of the youth of this community. She has always been alert to their interests and ready with helpful aid. As I viewed the spectacle, in memory I went back to 1926, when Mary Louise at the age of fifteen years and nine months finished the eleven grades the first to do so and the only member of the class. She had no competition as a star for as shown by the decorations she was a Lone Star. Mary Louise stared to school at the age of seven under Mr. Coffin, and completed the eleven grades in eight years, under the direction of Tom Hale, now county superintendent of schools. I shall always remember with gratitude the efficient work of these men and their kindness and patience, in the education of my daughter.
About 225 were present to do honor to this group of seniors and the various numbers were received with delight and pride plainly shown by their animated faces. Many useful and beautiful gifts were given the graduates and with them hearty greetings and congratulations. These five gave reason to be happy folks as they now look forward to the beyond.
Thursday night the seventh grade had its chance at the spotlight with a fine program directed by the teachers of the grammar school. First section, Nell Harris, director. Plays by Kentenel Bond, Betty Nicholson, Eugene Penland, Alfred Smith, Yvonne Oliver, Cleo Bond, Emma Lashbrook. Poem, Kentenel Bond. Dialogue skit called "Johnnie's Logical Conclusion," by Cleo Bond and Irma Lashbrook. Poem, Betty Nicholson. Second section, Eleanor Chapman and Sue Mansfield, directors of third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Japanese doll band, group of girls. Jayville school closing, group of boys. Third section, Elliott Curtis, director seventh grade graduation. Salutation, Viola Prunty. Class prophecy, Chester Corporon. Class will, Geneva Blackwell. Valedictory, Everett Wood. Presentation of diplomas by Principal Curtis.
Tom Hale, superintendent of county schools, delivered an address of much interest. The auditorium was lavishly decorated with beautiful flowers. About 200 were present to honor the public who having completed the seventh grade are now promoted to be next years "Fish."
I was glad to see present Thursday night Barbara Hale, lovely child. Although she is sorely afflicted, she keeps a smiling face and a courageous heart. Barbara is the captain of her ship and she is bound to sail it into the Port of Good Health. Not for long can such souls as Barbara's be kept down.
Wednesday night Mrs. Ben Mowery lightened up our corner with her sweet face and we discussed dogs. It is a wonder she was able to drag old man Mowery out, but she did. I don't bloom "M" for when old age creeps on, a chair, a pipe and a book tempt the best of us.
Tom Hale, county superintendent of schools, started his address by informing the audience that "I am no speech maker" and then proceeded to deliver a most interesting talk lasting fifteen minutes. Guess in his old age, Tom is developing into a joker. The local school board is advised to read Psalms 118:22. Well, anyway, one of the largest and best schools in South Texas grabbed Miss Nell Harris.
Viola Prunty delivered her salutation in a strong unafraid voice that carried to the farthest part of the church. Sue Mansfield is now on the local desk of the Tribune and I shall expect to see from this date, an eight page paper, with enlarged circulation and more attractive spread. She got me down the first day as being a business visitor on our streets.
E. O. Taulbee looks right smart healthy, in spite of the fact that some of his friends thought the bouquet I gave him was an obituary. He is still able to take nourishment and a proper libation.
Jimmy Gartrell, the sweet kid, stepped on his hand and is therefore pecking out letters with one finger of one hand. Did not see that pet of the ladies, Eugene Wilson, much to my regret. George Serrill can talk insurance even if he is silent at the banquet table. John Reynolds got me in a corner and tried to sell me a life prolonging policy but I just don't care about such a policy unless I can see to read it. If I am lucky enough to break my wooden leg, I'll have Louise Sharp for my nurse. She looks right nifty in white uniform. It was all I could do to keep from stealing Jean Steele. We used to work in team play on the Tribune during which time it enjoyed an immense circulation. I went as far as I could on the street in front of George Serrill but wait until we are alone Jean and we'll go shopping. Don't let the miserable wretch see this.
Mirth tries to look dignified like his dad, but it is a difficult task while endeavoring to flatten the floor of the city hall so youth may dance. Well, for a fellow with a wooden leg and a half brain, I have passed through a very active two weeks.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, June 6, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
A friendship that has endured for one-fourth of a century causes one to feel the right to comment on the friendly experience. I first met Charles Louis Langham twenty-four years ago. He had four baby girls and I had one and so we argued as to whether his possession entitled him to four times the sweetness I claimed. As time passed our intimacy increased, until in later years we often discussed some subjects that men seldom think of until the shades of life approach. He was a strong believer in the immortality of the soul and the last visit I had with him, that was the subject he talked about. He told me that he knew life was drawing to the end, but that he had no fear, for he knew that he would live again.
I believe he spoke the truth, for God never allows such souls as Charley possessed to die. All too precious.
Charley Langham was one of the last of the old time Southern aristocrats. A splendid type of the old style gentleman. Always courteous, gentle, kind, approachable. The longer one knew him the more he was loved. Born on a plantation in the days before the war, with plenty of slaves ready to do his bidding, he had but to ring the bell, issue orders and listen to the "ting, ting, ting." He lived to the age of 87 and never did he lose that patrician manner to which he was born. It was bred in his bone. To the high born there can be no retreat. He marched on and he gave to his daughters the heritage that he drew from his parents. At the early age of 12, he joined the army of the Confederacy and had the honor to serve under that gallant soldier General Bedford Forrest.
I advise the youth to read the story of Forrest's life. It is a poem of a splendid brave American. Perhaps his association with this man gave Charley some of the military air that was part of his personality. He not only served his country well in times of peril, but when peace came, he took up the burden of recapture, rehabilitation, rebuilding and well did he do his part. He told me that frequent overflows from the Mississippi caused him to leave the old plantation and seek other places for his activities.
He moved into Matagorda County forty-five years ago, so may be called a pioneer. For fifteen years he served this county as its treasurer and I am willing to state that never in the history of this county has an office been filled with a more capable, efficient kindly official. He was always willing to explain the intricacies of the county finances, always taking the time. His books were immaculate. He wrote a legible and free hand. With his departure to the other shore, Matagorda County loses a picturesque character, the last of our old time aristocrats and what was acknowledged as the state's oldest official. Charley was a good man and his death is mourned by all who knew him. I doubt if America ever sees in any future generation his type. They are just not bred these days of hurry, burley, get there no matter the cost. Heaven is full of such men as Charley Langham, but the world is being emptied of such gentlemen. So this is my tribute to a brave, courageous soul. I give my sympathy to the daughters. They have reason to be proud that they were sired by such a man.
"I cannot say, and I will not say That he is dead--he is just away! With a pleasant smile; and a wave of his hand, He has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there. And you--O you, who the wildest yearn For the old-time step and the glad return-- Think of him as facing on, as dear In the love of There as the love of Here; Think of him as the same I say; He is not dead--he is just away." --James Whitcomb Riley.
My dictionary tells me that torrential means "of or pertaining to a torrent" and looking up the word torrent, I find it to be a "Violent flow of water." That is just what we endured for five hours Monday, a torrential rain. Perhaps not less than six inches of water fell from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and then a good drizzle balance of the day. Continuous electrical discharges with violent detonations of thunder disturbed the nervous system. Tide rose at least six feet covering all low lands making great lakes with good-sized waves running wild. It was a torrential day and all were glad when it ceased. Very bad for the young cotton. Corn suffered little. Cattle washed clean as they stood with tails to the riving storm.
Feeling quite confident that I had won the heart of the young lady who presides over the local desk in the Tribune office, I called there Saturday. I supposed, of course, that because of our intimate relations, she would feature my visit. Did she? Yes, with just thirteen words informing the public that I was a visitor. My sole idea in making the trip was to see that gal. Just shows how undependable love is. A trip to Bay City is some event in my young life and now I drink wormwood and gall or maybe it is Gaul. O, fickle woman! I shall never trust another.
Hugo and Hattie [Kundinger] operators for Collegeport's Palatial Pharmacy and purveyors of soda-licious cream spent Monday in Houston.
Mopac House has received from Mrs. Emmitt Chiles twelve knives and forks and from Seth W. Corse twenty-four water glasses. Mopac gives hearty thanks for these gifts.
The Liggett place has three husky men, but only one is a real worker and that is Milford. The Liggett family would be in a sad state if Milford should strike. He dressed out a hog Tuesday and the next day he came to Homecroft bearing a big bundle of spare ribs. The ribs were made right welcome, but Milford's smile was more so. I guess his dad and brother helped a bit, but it is a safe bet that Milford did most of the work. Milford is a working kuss and he always has a smile and two dimples.
Kansas State Board of Health has issued some rules for kissing. There are several "don'ts" and among them are the following: "Never kiss in a crowd, but if you must, take a hot mustard foot bath and avoid drafts if you feel 'all in' afterwards." In my kissing experience, I have often experienced that "all in" feeling, but it was never because of drafts. It was something more tangible. "Guard against sudden changes of temperature when kissing." That is splendid advice if one feels sudden heat, just remove lips from lips a moment, cool off, be content with necking. "At a party where 'postoffice' and similar games are played, be sure to gargle frequently." This of course requires one to have a bottle of gargle on the hip and by using it as directed, one will have clean tonsils and it will not be necessary to call in Patricia Martyn. I find that a good gargle between acts, gives kissing a desirable, clean flavor that is absent if gargle is omitted. Of course, there are time, and I have experienced them, when rules are thrown into the waste basket and a fellow keeps on kissing until he feels faint and then he sings "Take, O take those lips away."
Arthur Liggett had some important business in Bay City Friday and so in the face of an approaching storm, he made the hike. There are times when a business emergency exists and neither tide or torrential rains will prevent attendance. It is hoped that this mission was successful and that the Tribune will record "Arthur Liggett was a business visitor Friday." That's as much as he may expect from the local desk until the beach is reached.
How it did pour Friday afternoon. In an hour we had two inches of real rain water. Crops already suffering from too much agua are again bathing their feet in the unwelcome fluid. Grass growing too fast for the most rapid worker. Just shows we don't need an AAA or any other part of the alphabet in order to cut down production.
I knew that Taulbee boy would start something. Just read what he did when he got them there Galveston boys down to Bay City. Now we look forward to a barbecue to start the ball a rollin' for the Midcoast. Watch Mrs. Taulbee's son Eddie. He is going to give this section some much needed publicity and I hope he includes "Pacoma" in his plans for we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, desire to walk across to service at St. John's Chapel in Palacios. Give us a lift you lady kisser. We need paint for the Mopac and not for lips.
When I think of paint for Mopac, my thoughts ramble to Glenn Taylor, the man who holds the paint pot so far away that we are unable to reach it and yet, so I am informed, May 4 he intends to paint Mopac House. All we want to know is when and how.
Just one more squawk and I am done. If the school board decides that we should be deprived of the ability of Sue Mansfield, they will force upon the patrons a decided loss. She may be, for arguments sake, a punk teacher, but he has exercised an influence for good with the pupils of the school that exceeds the influence of all the rest of the faculty. It is possible for a teacher to reach farther than the teaching of the three R's. This Miss Mansfield has done. She has a personality that is a stranger to many of the applicants. Where among them will we find one who can put on a dance such as we witnessed at a recent play? Where among them is a voice as sweet as that of singing Sue? Where is there among them one so willing to engage with us in civic activities? I hope the board will read Psalms 118:22 and do not refuse to grasp good material.
Well, my good readers, when you read this copy, I will have reached the 73rd milestone of life and it appears to me that it is a good string for an old dodie to write. June 16th is the day us Homecrofters celebrate. Come on down and glorify with us. I get a toothbrush and Jimmy gets a beautiful dog harness and that means two happy pooches.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, June 13, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
As I look back over life's way, I feel that much has been accomplished for example on that day of June 16, 1862 I was unable to read or write. Today I can do both so at least two things have been achieved. In another way I have made little progress for on that date I was forced to make a business connection and went into the dairy business. This morning as I milked our cow, the thought came that I had not gone far, for I was still in the milk business.
The barn calico cat, softly purred in contentment as she rubbed against my legs and Jimmy reposed at my feet. It was 5:30 in the morning and the sun was just peaking above the horizon, rubbing his sleepy eyes and showing a big orange tinted face. Soft clouds chased each other across the blue sky, driven by a brisk southeaster. The tide was high and wavelets dashed and fussed at the sea wall, as if eager to o'er leap and fall to the other side. As I listened to the milk falling in regular rhythm, I also heard the music of the corn. It produced at that hour, a deep bass with a melody running into the upper register of God's great organ. As I sat there in the quiet of the morning, I was as Dryden once wrote "forced to make an introspection into my own mind."
And then the words of Pope came to me "the sage with retrospective eye." Looking back--making examination. What a wonderful privilege? It is what God gave us when he separated us humans from the animals.
I have passed the three score by thirteen years. My adorable miserable wretch has passed the mark by eight years. My son has made the half century. My sweetheart daughter has passed the quarter mark. Truly us Homecrofters are on the way. It has been a beautiful way and as I look back I would not make much change. The unhappy rough portions of the way only served to increase appreciation of the smooth and sweet valley trails. Thank God it has not all been mountain climbing. No radio, telefone, electric lights, refrigerators, window screens, autoes, hard roads, brain trusters, inheritance or gift taxes, no attempt to dictate to industry or farming.
People lived well and prospered. Taxes were so light as not to be felt and we used to brag that we paid no federal tax. That was in the "Horse and Buggy Day" for which we thank God. Men worked for a daily wage which is now an hourly wage and they owned their homes, paid their bills, educated their children and were respected units in the community life. Farmers owned their farms and lived on them and from them. They were thrifty folk and never depended on the government for aid, indeed, no farmer ever thought of such an advent. He was a self possessed unit strong in his own kingdom. Those were good days and in my opinion we would be a happy people if we could slip back fifty years and once more take a ride in the "Horse and Buggy."
I was cashier of the bank and my father, thinking of my youthful appearance, suggested I grow a beard, which I did but as it did not serve to increase confidence I cut it off and since then have at intervals shaved my jowls. I never did like whiskers and I soon found that the heavy brush which adorned my face acted as a danger flag and actually drove the girls away, so as between increased deposits and girls I sacrificed the whiskers and kept the girls.
As I look back over my life and review the year after year, I feel certain that although I have endured much suffering, many disappointments, some neglect, still my measure of life contentment is full and I have realized that all things considered, I have been blest beyond my deserts. I guess every man is if he makes proper confession. We are a very egotistical folk. We stalk about in an arrogant manner bragging of our possessions and yet we possess nothing except this moment. We are not even sure of the next breath. When we call our lands, our monies, our properties, are just loaned to us. We only have the use of them and when the time comes we leave them all behind. Not one penny worth can be carried beyond. The only thing we carry away is the respect and love of those who are left behind and that is a fortune that may only be gathered by a life of usefulness. I very much desire to carry that with me. As I approach the land of the setting sun, I have less fear and I know that the exit will be as remarkable as the entrance. Therefore, why fear? God has assured us of a life beyond and the time comes when man welcomes the falling curtain. I have enjoyed my life. I have some good, reliable, fine friends. I still have the ambition to be of use. My home life is peaceful. My health is good. I enjoy food and drink. I enjoy books and music and song. I like to hear the voices of happy children. I see and hear many things as I walk through the fields or stroll along the slough that many men miss and they all tell me of my God.
Tomorrow will be another day and I'll begin checking off another year and I am hoping that it will be as full of delights as was the last year. A box of cigars from my Pal Sue--an angel food cake from Mrs. Liggett--two quarts of pickles from Mrs. Hurd--a fine letter from my dear "vice"--a birthday card from Lutie Ramsey--a box of nuts, sweets and other things from my sweet daughter--a harness for Jimmy--from my sweet skipper who fishes from the banks of the Chicago River a big round twelve pound Coon River cheese, the sort that is old enough to have whiskers ten inches long and a flavor beyond compare. The only chance place where this cheese is to be obtained us up Coon River to Coon Island.
Last Easter I received from Moline, Ills., a card to which was attached a small packet of seed for "your flower garden." I planted the seed on Easter and the first bloom came on my birthday. Fine dating.
The Tribune of June 10 carried an editorial stressing the importance of constructing three very necessary connecting highway links namely the Clemville to Highway 71; Blessing to the Jackson County line; Pledger to the Pledger oil fields. It was a nice little program. The editor said it would do wonders for Bay City and give lasting benefit to the people served. All true as true may be but he forgot that one of the most essential connecting links is the construction of the causeway between Palacios and the extension of the town of Matagorda. This also would be of lasting benefit to hundreds, aye, thousands. If the editor could spend a short time in Collegeport and hear the exclamation of tourists who drive down here expecting to cross over, he might change his mind and urge four connections instead of three. Down here we want Pacoma and until we have it we shall have no peace or freedom from an irritating restriction.
Many times in a while comes beautiful bunches of flowers as for instance this:
"Dear Sir and Friend,
We the Matagorda County Federation of Woman's Clubs wish to thank you for the beautiful talk on "Mothers" to our Federation meeting at Van Vleck May 18. We all appreciate the lovely tribute you paid to mothers.
Respectfully,
Mrs. F. H. McMahon, Secretary Mrs. Phillip Johnson, President"
Reads good and brings cheer to my soul and I thank the Federation for their kind words. And then came this from a reader who lives in Illinois on the banks of the Mrs. Sippy: "the first thing I do when I have the Tribune is to turn to where your 'Thoughts' are and read every word you have to say. So Mopac House is done. Congratulations. I see on the front page of the paper that 'Harry Austin Clapp sees dream come true.' You know if an undertaking is to succeed, there must be real work as well as real dreaming and so I say congratulations to you."
Two nice birthday gifts coming just in time for the fiesta. A Bay City reader sends this "for several years Mr. L. and I have enjoyed your articles in the Tribune but we especially enjoyed your 'Thoughts About Charles Louis Langham' as we too had learned to love him. Perhaps your closing quotation from Riley added quite a bit since I am a native of Indiana and having had an uncle who belonged to 'The Bald Headed Club' with Riley and I have always enjoyed him thoroughly. I have never had the opportunity to meet you nor have I ever stopped to tell you that we appreciate your thoughts as expressed in the paper."
In thanking this woman reader for this fine letter I will add that it will be my business to see that we meet I hope quite soon. Well, all these things help to make life happier and brighter. On this 17th day of June we begin another year and it is my hope that before the end we shall see work begin on Pacoma.
Every one invited to dance at Mopac House Saturday night, June 29, with Merton Smith and his Royal Texans. Some new music will be used on that date the titillating sort.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, June 20, 1935 |
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The women of the Collegeport Home Demonstration Club held their regular meeting at the community house Tuesday afternoon, June 8, with ten members and one visitor present. Plans were made to give a “Womanless Wedding” in the near future to raise money to send a delegate to the short course. Mrs. Leola Cox Sides, county home demonstration agent, was present to give a demonstration on quality products.
Matagorda County Tribune, June 20, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
I am informed by Milford Liggett that because of unsatisfactory and inadequate mail service by train that a movement is on for establishing an air service between Collegeport and Bay City with two round trips each day. This he says is necessary because of the increased mail load and the urgency that exists for quicker letter mail service. In this day, important business must be dispatched promptly.
O. O. McIntyre in his column commenting on the quiet of the pubic libraries writes "who ever heard loud laughter in a public library?" If Oscar will visit the Collegeport Public Library any day when it is open, he will find a library where there is much laughter, rube actions, rough and tumble performances, unrefined talk. None of us are proud of this condition and it is of course a reflection on the parents but little they care.
For the sixteenth annual Texas Writers Conference to be held at College Station July 29 to August 1, inclusive, Matagorda County will furnish three numbers, viz: Cora B. Moore, The Influence of Mexican Literature; Mrs. Abel B. Pierce, Texas Romances; Eugene Wilson, The National Constitution. Commenting on the latter's acceptance of the number, a member of the college staff writes "he is a brilliant young man and will delight the conference." The first three days will be devoted to the regular program. Thursday the business session and election of officers. Wednesday night a gigantic banquet will be held in the general mess hall to which the conference members are complimented. Thursday night the conference will hold their annual banquet at the country club. It is hoped that there will be present at the conference Joe Taylor, state press; Austin Callan, Ben Harrigal, Fred Massengill, the nearest to an inimitable quartet of wags in Christendom. It will be an evening of fun and frolic and a hilarious get together. During the conference a special session will be held in memory of Phoebe K. Warner, one of the original members.
Thursday the 27 it is proposed to hold in LeTulle Park a meeting which I regard as a most worthy affair. The hosts, the Galveston and Bay City Chambers of Commerce realizing the necessity of feeding the brute, announce a barbecue at noon. Then follows the speaking, which will be furnished by some of the most active and brilliant men in the Midcoast. The object is to attract the federal government to the value of our soils as a place where many people may find comfortable supporting homes on the land. If the meeting is successful in realizing the ambitions of the promoters, it may easily mean doubling the population of Matagorda County. I suspect that much, if not all, of this idea originated in the fertile brain of E. O. Taulbee. That boy's brain, if one could look at it, must certainly resemble a struggling, scrambling mass of thinks for general community benefit. That boy is always hunting up some scheme which will be of public value. It is hoped that the meeting will have a large attendance and that our own community folk will awaken from their slumbers and be present. They may hear some words of wisdom, Thursday at noon, June 27, in LeTulle Park where "The Silvery Colorado Wends its Way."
Saturday the local Sunday School enjoyed a picnic on the church grounds. About forty were present and a good time was enjoyed, if the kids told me the truth. While it was planned for a children's frolic, no sooner did the grown folk smell the odor of the eatables than they flocked in and assisted in the dispatch of the generous quantities of food.
The library committee of the Woman's Club met on Thursday and made up a list of new books and as a result, orders have been dispatched for thirty-five books and the Literary Digest for one year. Of all the people who come to the library, I believe Mrs. Robert Murry receives most benefit. Each two weeks she arrives, turns in old books, takes out a new supply. She reads good stuff. Most of the others come in, turn in their books, take out new ones and depart. Mrs. Murry sits in a rocking chair, looks over the many books, visits, discusses books and current events. She, as a rule, stays about two hours and has a restful enjoyable time. All public libraries are restful places if one knows how to relax and enjoy rest and quiet contemplation. In this way, Mrs. Murry obtains greater benefit than most of the other patrons, in fact, I know of no other.
All readers as well as non-readers of the Tribune are invited to dance at Mopac House Saturday night June 29 to the tunes of Merton Smith's Royal Texans. Mopac House has bought a piano and in order to pay for it, we must have a cut in on dances, therefore, we hope for a good crowd. I recall the song the circus clown used to sing "with his toot and toot and toot. O, that's what he played on his horn. He stole the heart of my Sarah Jane with his toot and toot and toot." It might be a good plan to leave Sarah Jane at home unless you are willing to have Merton Smith steal her heart away with his toot and toot. There will be some other Jane present.
The Matagorda
County Tribune,
Thursday, June 27, 1935 |
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The Bay City Tribune of June 17th, carried a letter written by a Palacios citizen that interested and amused. I read the letter with much interest especially the historical portion. I make this reply because so many think it referred to me and in this my friends are in error. In 1908 I was living in Chicago, going about my business and had never heard of Collegeport or Matagorda County. Did not know such places were on the map. Therefore I am not guilty of the crime of 1908. I have made inquiry and so far as I can learn the Hurd Land Company acquired possession of the townsite and adjacent lands in August 1908. There was no Collegeport community. No stores, no business men, no community organization, hence the writer of the letter must have been dreaming about that bond election. On this side of the bay, not to exceed a half dozen voters lived and none of them were interested in the building of a causeway. That is what the old timers tell me. Maybe they don’t know. I do know that when I arrived in January 1909 less than a half dozen were living on the townsite and there were no stores, churches, schools or civic organizations. Not since that time has there been any bond election. I do remember that an attempt was made to interest people in a causeway late in 1909 and that some of the local merchants (we had several then) resisted the efforts fearing it would destroy their trade. Silly folk! Did they not know that for every dollar they might miss, two dollars would present new opportunities? Well, anyway, the cause languished and at last expired. I plead guilty to having written miles of stuff, pleading for a causeway and I shall continue until I am no longer able to see the keyboard of my Corona. People on both sides will remember me as having at all times stood for the construction of some kind of crossing from Palacios to Collegeport and on to Matagorda, so that folk touring the coast may keep close to the scenic shore line and that people on both sides of the bay may enjoy free and uninterrupted transportation, to the end that they may easily enjoy a more complete intercourse. The only thing the letter accomplished was to create on both sides of the bay resentment and condemnation. All who have discussed it with me consider it an attempt to throw a wrench into a machine that is operating smoothly. The writer of the letter offers nothing of a constructive nature. Any project, any man from president down is subject to criticism. Criticism is about the easiest thing in this world but when one criticizes one should be prepared to offer something that will be constructive. Destruction is easy. Construction is difficult. The writer informs us that the causeway is as dead as a dodo. Now a dodo is a large bird now extinct. Pacoma is not a dodo. It is a very fine, healthy bird. It sits on a tree branch, preening its plumes, the sun glistens on its beautiful plumage and it most certainly is preparing for flight. Causeway plans are simmering along in a satisfactory manner. I am in a position to know that this is true. The writer of the letter, not being inside, knows nothing about plans under way by Chambers of Commerce, County Courts, Highway Associations and interested individuals. The folk on both sides are interested and determined to bring about this much needed facility. The individual the writer hit oftenest is a man I have known for twenty years. During this period, until health no longer permitted, he has been active in all progressive efforts. He has done more and accomplished more for the development of Matagorda County than the writer of this letter ever dreamed of. I am unable to think he is guilty of the charge made for to my knowledge he has always been on the side of construction. In my opinion the letter accomplished nothing of value and was quite unnecessary. It developed a feeling of indignation, animosity, irritation. I have an idea that the writer has enjoyed a bad dream and my advice is to wake up. This is not 1908 but 1935. A new situation exists. A new problem is here for us to solve and to do so we need constructive interpretation. It is possible that the writer may sit in the game and be of considerable help. I am glad he wrote the letter for it has served to awaken at least three of our Collegeport day dreamers. Let us remember that Pacoma will soon soar the blue. O, say, by the way I almost forgot about the dance which was the real reason for writing this scribble. Saturday night June 29th is the date at Mopac House with Mertin Smith and his incomparable Royal Texans. Mopac House has contracted for a piano and we need a good attendance so the house’s percent will help to pay for the piano. Palacios folk are invited to attend. Some day we will organize a dance across the causeway. That will be day of hilarious fun. A day when the sun will shine brighter. The day when the Pacoma bird flies high. Come over Saturday night and shake a foot or two.
Palacios Beacon, June 27, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
Have you ever listened to the music of the corn? If not, you have missed something grand. The best time is when the sun is just fading from view. When dusk is coming with its restful light. When the shades of night are being pulled down. Go out in the corn and listen. You will hear a regular rhythm. At first a deep bass. Then as the wind tosses the tassels, you will hear notes from the upper register. The silks rubbing against the stalks give other sweet notes. And then as the wind rises, a crescendo of harmony greets the ear with melody that surpasses anything from human mechanism.
You are listening to God's wonderful organ. Take a stroll beneath the waving tassels. There are no threats in the gentle air. The tall graceful stalks form a veritable wall that shuts one off from the far visions. He looks, instead, far down the cathedral aisle to the far away end and there, one sees the sanctuary with the gleaming cross and the flickering candle flames and then comes a vision of God on His throne looking down with a smiling face, as He sees with approving eyes life unfolding in the growing corn. At the end it is like the rolling up a shade on a window. A fairy land laid out by a genius. Foliage from the ground up and there corn flowers stream. At times one can see rank upon rank of soldiers standing with lances aslant, pennants flying in the breeze. There they stand as if waiting for orders from the Great Commander to march on and one may hear the soldier band playing "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as if to war with the cross of Jesus going on before."
Yes, my friends, the cross of Jesus may always be seen in the corn field if you gaze with eyes turned to illusion. On moonlight nights one listens to symphony orchestras. At times the breeze slackens and then muted music. Then as the wind increases a crescendo of harmonious notes greets the ear and always a rhythmical, harmonious sweet sounding air that delights the ear. Browning once wrote "you get simple beauty, and naught else. You get about the best thing God invents."
If any of you readers doubt all this, just take a stroll as evening falls. Take a walk with listening ears. You may see and hear this cul-de-sac of beauty at first hand in any field of growing corn. Stand there, you will be alone with God, you will learn lessons of tolerance. You will be taught how to suffer and bear the burdens of life. As you look down the cathedral aisle and see the face of God in its shining beauty, the very stillness of the night, the muted music of the corn speaks to you and you have the feeling that God has reached down His hand and grasping yours has led you a little way to the things worthwhile in life. You will go back to your home with a sweeter, cleaner heart, a soul filled with ecstasy. Try it out. Take a walk in the corn field at night. Be for one time along with your thoughts.
The other day the miserable wretch accompanied
Hattie, the boss of the Palatial Pharmacy, on a trip to Bay City.
Arriving there she became a "Business visitor on our streets." On our
streets is right, for where may a visitor in Bay City rest. All one may
do is walk the streets, so it is no joke to report "was seen on our
streets." Well she did have some rest for they drove up to the Black
Cat. It should be named Black Kitten for it is a restful place where
good service lives. Soon as they stopped, out came a fairy with the name
of Florene. Just as sweet as the name suggests and she rendered real
service at the curb. The Doc Pepper which Hattie, being a strict pro
absorbed, was cold and refreshing and the Magnolia with its browning
cuff was a delight to the dusty throat of the "MW." Guess I'll have to meet this little puss called Florene.
Yielding to the urge of the Liggett tribe, we spent Thursday in Bay city and attended the meeting at LeTulle Park. About 250 were seated at the tables eating barbecued meat, salads, sliced tomatoes, bread, coffee and drinking coca cola. It is my bet that about 200 of those eaters honed for the beer which the Galveston brewery offered to send. If beer had been served, that barbecue would have been just 100 per cent perfect and please remember that I am a strict pro, but I am not one of the minority who attempt to impose my likes in eating and drinking on the others. It was a splendid barbecue and a credit to the one in charge. The service was dainty, the food delightful and I give thanks to the fine women who worked so hard to make it a success. We just can't get along without our wonderful women. I met many old boys, whom I used to know years ago when I was in the business of rescuing the farmer. It was not a farmers meeting. It was a gathering of real estate men, bankers, merchants, chamber of commerce managers, railroad men, news gatherers. As I looked them over and listened to the talks, it came to me that no one was nearly as much interested in the poor stricken farmer and his present condition as they were in securing greater and better business opportunities for themselves. The moving of farmers to the Gulf Coast is just an incident. Once located, he becomes a potential buyer for the products of the store, the bank, the printer, the chamber of commerce. That is the main idea and there is no use of trying to hide it.
If there were no prospects of increased trade opportunities, no tears would have been shed for the poor farmers of the "sub-marginal" lands. That word "sub-marginal" is a swell one and I advise its frequent use. It was used over time Thursday. Nearly every speaker showed his distress over the terrible situation of the "sub-marginal" farmers.
Of course we desire to increase our population and we do desire very much to have idle acres under the plow. As was told by many of the speakers, our lands are rich and adapted to a variety of farm uses. Our climate is salubrious. Water in abundance. Fine type of people already settled and room for more. The purpose of the meeting is a most worthy one. The selection of E. O. Taulbee as president of the Gulf Coast Development Association was a tribute to a man who gives freely of his talents for public benefit. Reverend Buckley of Port Lavaca is the vice president.
It is refreshing to find once in a while a minister who has time for material things. We have one in Palacios in the person of Reverend Geo. Gillespie and over at Port Lavaca is Rev. Dave Buckley. Most of the preachers hide away in their cubby holes, gnawing on spiritual things, forgetting that the development of the material would produce greater spiritual opportunities. I therefore thank God for giving us two ministers who have time to mingle with their fellow men and aid in solving the material things of life. They are about as important as the spiritual things so I am pleased that a priest of the Roman Church has time.
The news of this great meeting has been handled by the press so this is just a scribble of my personal ideas. I hope for much benefit to come from it. Every town from Galveston to Corpus was represented. I sat on the front seat right in front of Ed Taulbee and he did not invite me to speak. When we opened Mopac House I featured this guy, gave him a long rope and now witness how he pays the debt. The next time I organize an affair, he will use his mouth for eating only. He sure made me sick the way he neglected me and not satisfied, he called the miserable wretch "honey." Gosh, she is miserable enough now, without being this boy's "honey."
O, well, I pass it by, for he no doubt drank two bottles of that coke.
From this distance looking over the many fine speeches, it is my belief that the one delivered by Carey Smith (old man) was by far the best. He used few words, but told his story and no one did more.
Back in Bay City, I called on Mrs. Mary Long in her office at the Franklin Theater. She was so glad to see me that she told me to go in and see the show. It was "The Scarlet Pimpernel," and it met with my approval for it was a beautiful historical romance. It taught me some good history while it presented a splendid love plot. My visit with Mrs. Long was a delight and I hope I may see her many times in the future. While there I met Jean and tried my best to have her go shopping with me, but she wanted to wait until evening. I don't know why. When I left, I asked her to be true to me. She replied that she would try but if she was unfaithful, she would keep it from me. That is just like a woman. If they are not true, they don't want any one to know about it. The longer I live the more I am puzzled about these here wimmen.
John Billings once said "wimmen is queer critters."
Went around and saw the Penny store and was surprised that Bay City was able to support such a splendid array of merchandise. Mr. Mansfield told me that he could not exist a day were it not for what was outside of Bay City.
Registered at the society desk of the Tribune where Sue put me down as being "a business visitor." We had a swell time even if I did not have a glimpse of my "vice." That gal is never around when I hunt for her. Probably exploring canyons or maybe canons.
Saturday night Mopac House gave its third dance. Small crowd, but easier dancing. Every one had an enjoyable time until 12:30 when the light plant gave up the ghost and then they danced to the light of flash lights. It was a nice little home party. Merton Smith and His Incomparable Royal Texans served the musical tidbits to the delight of the dancers. 1:45 a. m. when we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, hit the hay. Pretty sporty for two old sports.
The Matagorda County
Tribune,
Thursday, July 4, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article."
This from Pennsylvania "The Matagorda Tribune comes to me each Monday. I read it all and have for years. I always enjoy your writings in the paper and have often thought I would write you and ask you about things in general, especially about the oil and rice outlook."
That boy Jimmy Gartrell sure brings sunshine with him. Down here again the other day with an enjoyable visit with him. He promises to bring friend wife with him and they cannot come too soon to suit the Homecrofters.
Well, I see that Taulbee and his crowd are going ahead with their organization without giving Collegeport any recognition. The Collegeport Industrial League is perhaps the oldest incorporated commercial organization in the Mid-coast, if not in the state. Organized under the state laws in 1910 and that was when Ed Kaufmann was secretary of the Galveston Commercial Club; when Roy Miller was secretary of the Corpus Christi club; when Oscar Barber was secretary of the Bay City Young Men's Business League; when Palacios and Matagorda supported boards of trade. It has functioned ever since. Its officer should be on the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Development Association.
How frail the works of man. Well, anyway, I hope that a goodly per cent of that 200,000 families may be induced to settle in the Mid-coast and that some may settle in Collegeport for like hell we need people. If we can get just a few live oysters to come here, we may yet have a chance to walk to Palacios over the causeway.
Andy Jones is the expert gar man for he frequently brings them in. The other day he caught a forty pounder. When properly cooked, the miserable wretch pronounces gar as a very delicate morsel. She always did hone for strange foods and drinks. I have known her to devour with relish blood and cheese pudding so why not relish gar?
About thirty new books have been added to the library and the committee busy cleaning house, installing new cases and placing books ready for the opening. They have subscribed for the Literary Digest for a year and that with other magazines will be on the table.
Girls have returned from camp and report a glee-or-ious time. Some are brown and some are pink, but they care not for that is part of the program. At least two will go from here to the short course at A. & M. last week of July.
This month furnishes the fortieth anniversary of us Homecrofters wedding. I am telling you boys that forty years is a helluva long time to look into one face. This the miserable wretch has done so far as I am able to discover. As for me, while I have done some more or less wandering, I have always returned home most of the time with a righteous face. Any man who can work that game for forty years is some boy. Even now the "MW" believes in me, so you see that I am not only able to catch 'em, but to hold 'em. I look back fifty years and see a sweet, trim figure, coming up the bank at Klinger's Lake with a pair of oars on her shoulder. Wish I might go back, way back down the road, and walk it over again.
Quiet dull week, except from excitement caused by the sudden illness of that fine man, Hugo Kundinger, which required that he be taken to the Bay City hospital for treatment and observation. I am glad to report that he was brought home Sunday much improved. This is too valuable a citizen. He is a big souled, generous, charitable man, one who believes there is good in the worst of us.
Hattie has been as busy as a one armed paper hanger operating the Palatial Pharmacy and hiking to Bay City each day.
Several heavy showers during the week interrupted with extreme hot days.
The next Mopac House dance will be held August 8 and further announcement will be made.
The keyboard of my Corona is hot--my glasses are obscured with mist--my shirt is wet--my face make up is ruined by flowing waters--my hair needs fresh waving--guess I'll go after the mail tomorrow in my BVD's. Even at that I'll be more decently clothed than some of the girls. Saw some of them the other day just returned from camp who would have been well clothed had they worn "G" strings. I like legs as well as any man, but I don't care much for them in the raw. I want something suggestive and this is lacking when the bare flesh, sometimes dirty, is exposed clear up to the top of the hop bones. Legs is too common now days.
Johnny Ackerman, who is in the army has been here on four-day furlough. He returned to the defense of his country Sunday. Army life has done much for this young man. It would do as much for a few others if they had the guts to step out.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, July 11, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Every one in these here parts knows Mr. James Sartwelle, but not all know that he is president of the Texas Soap Company. This company makes several kinds of soap among them being Big State, Big Bar, Texso, Texana. A colored woman names Leanna, who lives on our place, thinks it is the best soap made and when the grocer asks what kind she wants, she just says, "Mr. Man, I don't know nuthin' about them names. All I want is some of Mr. Jim's soap." When I start for the store, the miserable wretch yells at me "Don't forget to bring some of Mr. Sartwelle's soap." Neither one gives a kuss about the brand so long as it is Mr. Jim's soap. As this is not copyrighted, Houston papers may feel free to use it.
Monday we had some delightful callers, among the being Mrs. James Louis Duffy and sweet baby daughter Jane Louise Duffy. Mrs. Duffy is a young woman of much charm and in my opinion, Louie is a lucky kid. Then came Mrs. Richmond and although She is 78, she danced a few Irish jigs just to show off and prove that she was still a young girl. Vivian Johnson, who is now in her ninth year as superintendent of the Pierce school, is a splendid young woman, beautiful and charming and she is one sweet girl and boy I know what I write about when I inform you that she is a sweet girl.
Friday the 19th, the local canning club will present a womanless wedding. I don't know much about it, but Mrs. Frank King informs me that it is perfectly possible to have a real wedding without a woman. Maybe this is true, but she will have to show me. When I married, I had to pay $3.50 for a permit and furnish my woman. Admission five and ten cents of the present depreciated dollars. Ice cream comes at five, a chance at a big basket of groceries and plenty of funny skits. Proceeds to be used to send a girl to the short course. A most worthy project and entitled to a huge attendance.
Delay in causeway construction keeps us away from many important functions. I hope most earnestly that the project so well outlined by Mr. Taulbee goes right on to success.
The other from one of my sweet girls with this superscription "Regards to the sweet wretch." Sweet wretch me eye! That woman spends her time hunting work for me. From morning to night, it is "Harry do this and Harry do that"." After I retire, she spends about an hour explaining plans for tomorrow. I detest making plans for tomorrow. Plans for today are bad enough. I like to sit in repose with my pipe loaded with R. J. R. and just think. That is a man's right, but this "sweet wretch" fails to recognize my right. I like rest and must have it. She is in every truth my miserable wretch and some how I've loved her for forty years come the 24th.
Mrs. L. E. Liggett left Thursday for Dallas where she will stay for some time at the bedside of her mother who is very ill. In her absence, Roberta is the chief cook and from reports gives splendid satisfaction.
Prevented from going across the bay because the causeway is not open for traffic, Ben Mowery spends some of his time at the small end of a telescope viewing the west side. He reports extensive improvements on the old college located at the west end of the causeway, the building of golf links, the seawall in view near the BYPU grounds and other extensive public works that will be enjoyed by those who live "over there" and by us soon as the causeway is opened.
If folks don't get busy, Ben will begin to look through the large end of gigantic scope. We know what he will then see.
It is reported that Arthur Liggett is so enamored over the Bay City climate that he spends about 99.4 per cent of his time basking in the sunshine of the city far from the bay.
Many strange cars seen on our streets the past week and nearly all seeking a way across the bay.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, July 18, 1935 |
|
By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
The Gulf Coast Development Association asked me to secure as much information as possible regarding lands for sale in this section. Therefore, if any reader of this column, resident or non-resident, has for sale small tracts in the Collegeport area or large tracts that may be subdivided, they are requested to list them with the writer of Thoughts with prices. This will aid the association officers in their efforts to colonize the Midcoast.
Arthur Liggett, who has been absent exploring foreign parts, has returned for a short rest but will soon go right back to the bright lights and eyes. I don't blame him for I remember when I had the fever with a temperature running as high as 120 or more, it was just impossible to keep away from the source of the fever.
Major and Mrs. Putnam, who have been visiting the latter's father Mr. S. W. Corse for the past month, will leave for Washington, D. C., first of the week.
William Korn landed the Wadsworth school painting job and is not at work.
My favorite pipe broke and I was in despair, but Ben R. Mowery looked it over and said that he could fix it and he did. It is a beautiful piece of delicate work and shows that he is some "mechanikan." I hope P. M. General Farley does not read this for he would order Ben to report for pipe mending service in Washington.
Oil well shut down for a few days waiting for special equipment that will enable them to go through the flowing shale. Ruth Boeker stays on her job serving mustard and spinach greens etcetera and other things.
Hugo Kundinger is reported to be up and walking about his apartment which is good news to all our folk.
Margaret Holsworth, having procured a can of paint and a smock, the smock being always worn by artists, will soon give an exhibit of her artistic taste in painting an elegant garage. If she is as good a painter as she is a teacher, we will soon see a gorgeous spectacle on the bay shore.
Louie Walter still smoking that crooked stem pipe and driving his horseless Ford.
The cafe at the oil well, judging from the huge orders of groceries that go out day after day, is doing a rushing business. Those in charge have lost a total of forty pounds, but still look fine in fact much more so.
With a swell golf course and club house at the west end of the causeway and a fine tourist camp planned for the east end, the necessity for this much needed facility ripens. Looks as though Pacoma would at last fly the blue.
The library has received ten volumes Wonder Books of World's Progress, by Henry Smith Williams. Don't imagine they will be used much for they are pretty stiff scientific works and the local gente do not care for heavy literature. The library also received Mandola Mandola by Winifred Holty and Oil for the Lamps of China by Alice Tindale Hobart.
Mr. and Mrs. Emmitt Chiles and family were not only seen on our streets Thursday as business visitors, but as callers at Homecroft and we therefore enjoyed a mot delightful visit with our good friends.
Friday, members of the Merck Klan consisting of Mrs. Merck, Sr., with the grandson, Master G. W. Merck, John and Hazel Merck and infant son John Morris the latter from Sandy Point drove into Homecroft and gave us a happy call. I looked at little John Morris with amazement. When he was three weeks old, he underwent a major operation for the removal of a tumor near the stomach. He lives and is a strong healthy child thanks to the development in surgery.
Mr. and Mrs. E. A. McCune, having disposed of their cafe at Sandy Point, are here for a short time before returning when Mr. McCune will take charge of the new rice warehouse. He reports a splendid crop of rice at Sandy Point. We regret that these fine folk cannot be permanent residents.
Little six year old Gerald Merck caught and landed a nine pound yellow catfish which accounts for his brave air.
The recent heavy rains and flood waters from the rivers has freshened up the waters of the bay to such an extent that few salt water fish come up this far. It is reported, however, that Oyster Lake teems with trout and reds.
The oil well, so I am informed, has encountered shifting shale and work has been interrupted until some new and expensive machinery arrives which will enable the operators to pass through this difficult formation.
Burton D. Hurd, having sold his big Buick and awaiting the delivery of a new car, walks with the other proletaires. I can testify that it is good exercise for I, having no auto, turn off about 1200 miles per annum. Guess I'll invite Burton to join my pedestrian club.
When this is read I'll be on my way to College Station where, as president of the Texas Writers Conference, I will exercise my prerogative as boss of the gang until the last day, when they will use the axe on my neck and toss me into the basket that already holds fifteen heads. How short is glory? Today hearty handclasps, loud greetings--tomorrow an abandoned has been. After Thursday, Aug. 2, I'll be back where I was one year ago just "Mrs. Clapp's husband" and that isn't such a bad position as that.
It is with sincere regret that I have received a letter from Mrs. Abel. B. Pierce that local affairs make it impossible for her to be at the short course and take her number on the program. She would have given a brilliant exposition of Texas Romances. We will see about this next session.
I am reading Oil For the Lamps of China, by Alice Tisdale Hobart. A fascinating tale of the business of a great American Oil Company in China, the land of multitudes and small individual business. It is in the library among the new books and its reading is advised. Wish I might see the film.
Leaf worms have become active the past week and farmers are busy putting on poison. Some are using liquid from the dipping vat, spraying it on with good success. It is not only cheap, but appears efficient.
Have several letters from non-resident land owners who desire to return here and make contact with some business. Most of them state that they are "getting by" and I advise them to stay where they are if they are getting "by" or even "bye bye."
Corn is all made and about ready to husk. Some of it is first class grain, but considerable is badly worm eaten. If thickness of husk is of any value as a weather prophet, we are in for a cold winter.
Mopac House will be the scene of another dance about the 8th of August, the date being left to Merton Smith and the Incomparable Royal Texans.
If the trout and red in oyster lake know that A. D. Jackson would arrive this week, most of them would scoot for the open sea. A. D. Is a rare fisherman. Shrimp are being taken in abundance out in the gulf, but few are in the bay thus far.
O, yes, I forgot to mention that Jimmy goes to the short course with us. He enjoys auto riding.
A letter from an Alice reader states "I don't know when we will get out of the mess that we are in, but I know that we will pay and pay and pay." At times it appears to me that as a nation we are on a shoot the chutes having a helluva, a joyful, gorgeous, laughing time forgetting that soon the sled will reach the bottom with a bang. Then will begin the arduous task of hauling.
Came Sue Mansfield, a nifty gal, with her charming personality and with her Miss Edwina a Peachy peach from Georgia where luscious peaches are grown. Guess I'll go over to that country and look up peach trees and find a peach for my own delectation. I adore peaches. With them for a body guard was Arthur Liggett. He is always nowadays found nearby.
Then a big auto that spelled coin came and brought Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hensley and the old timer Callie Metzger. They promise to come down again very soon which will be a delight. Thus passed Sunday.
Saturday night, much to my delight, the womanless wedding was pulled off to a success adding twenty one simoleons to the canning club exchequer. A big crowd witnessed the solemn ceremony which united Mr. Would B. Wood to Miss Prue Sawdust. The bride was Fred Ballhorst and I have no criticism to make except the bride showed too much embonpoint and the dress was cut to low in front as to show too much bust. I don't like too much exposure. The groom was Jerry Lashbrook and everyone knows that he was a marvelous groom, but very dignified while undergoing the trial of being united. The attendants were Messrs. King, Nelson and Guyer and each one noted for his personal beauty and charm. The ceremony was performed by Judge or maybe Reverend Verl Hill who in his usual dignified and icy manner rendered the service. Sue Mansfield sang one of her songs in her fine voice and Verl Hill played a number on the guitar. Thus passed a very pleasant and profitable evening much to the credit of Mrs. Frank King and her associates. Several from Bay City were present for it is not often that a wedding is solemnized without the gracious sex.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, July 25, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
The ceremony which united that young, tender, innocent, blushing Fredda Ball [Fred Ballhorst] and Terry Lasher [Jerry Lashbrook] last Sunday night was the scene of a happy, hilarious time, but tragedy hovered over the scene--a pitiful tragedy. Mr. A. D Hensley, District Clerk, was here Sunday and he informed me that the situation no doubt would be investigated by the District Court. The County Judge states that the person who performed the ceremony has never qualified as a judge. The County Auditor states that no bond has ever been filed or approved. The County Clerk says no license was ever issued. The County Treasurer states that no fee has ever been received by that office. Clearly this person acted outside the law. Interviewing the minister, we have the information that this person never has been ordained. The District Clerk is of the opinion that the members of the canning club, including the Home Demonstration Agent, may be indicted as accessories before the fact. Nasty mess. But the tragedy is not to the living, for if the union results in a child or mayhap twins, trips, quads, or quints, the poor children will be illegitimate and without a name. My heart pleads goryblood as I contemplate this terrible tragedy. It will take more than the twenty dollars secured from the exhibition to clear all the violators of the law.
As I sit at my Corona this 24th of July my thoughts fly back forty years to the day I was married to my adorable miserable wretch. For that many years we have traveled life's way up hill, down hill, some days drinking bitter waters, other time sipping the sweets of life but always walking the road hand in hand and never forgetting that we had taken on a contract that could only end with the end of life. No man every enjoyed the companionship of a more loyal, lovable, patient, contented, helpful woman. She has been wonderful and never once has she strayed or forgotten the promise she made. Of myself that cannot be said for like the magnetic needle I have at times been deflected, but always come to rest pointing to the north where my heart was welcomed.
Out of all the fortunes given to us, we have enjoyed a wide travel experience which has taken us to all the important cities from Boston to San Francisco and the cities of Mexico and the woman partner has visited the five [countries] continents of the globe. This has given us both an education that may not be acquired in any other way. It has broadened our view point of life, made us more tolerant and added to our ability to extract from life much more of value.
We have had a very happy successful married life and now that we are near the time when the evening shades are pulled down, we have no regrets. We have lived richly and enjoyed the fruits we found along the way. I ask you what more can a man ask? Isn't it a wonderful thing when a woman stands by a man for forty years always loving, always giving, always trusting. And we men in our carelessness give back so little. Well, anyway, folks, it has been a wonderful rich life just to be Mrs. Clapp's husband, which I'll be after Thursday, August 2nd. And with all this I have my "vice."
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, August 1, 1935 |
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One is not obliged to go far from the Midcoast to be impressed with the change in conditions. Leaving Matagorda county I saw grass in abundance. Everywhere it waved in the breeze inviting live stock to generously feed. But I saw small amounts of feedstuffs. Down here we depend on all-year-round pasturing. In the back country they must produce feed. Guess we are lucky, even if we do not always realize it. I am informed that Texas has the greatest feed crop in its agricultural history. Taking 100 as a base, it amounts to 180, and we will have at least a third more than we have animals to utilize it with, hence many farmers, especially in the West, are planning to import cattle with which to feed the surplus. Our trip took us to the short course and the Texas Writers’ Conference. It was a great show with an attendance of seven thousand. They came in busses, cars of recent make, cars of good old age. They came from all parts of the state, eager, determined men and women and kids, but they came and they were busy from early get up to late lay down. Sunday night the Brazos Ministerial association held a big service in the stadium with an audience of 4000. Every minister in the county took part. Harry Knowles of Houston delivered the sermon and a big mixed choir furnished the music. Monday night the Gainesville community circus gave their performance to 9000 people. The college paid the circus the sum of $700 for the show and turned into the extension department a profit of $1200. It was a real circus with clowns, trick dogs, bareback riding, trapeze, wire walking stunts. The performers are citizens of Gainesville. They provide their own costumes, have no pay and all profits go to the fund for extensions. It is conceded that nowhere in the nation is there an organization that even approaches this great community aggregation. Tuesday night we had the opportunity to hear Bishop Quin, a chicken dinner at the Bentley home, a watermelon party at the Person home and the annual Connor reception. We ate watermelon and went to the Connor home. Here we found handsome women, beautifully gowned, stalwart men and the usual cultured people of the college, who annually gather here to pay respects to Mr. and Mrs. Connor. Wednesday night the big 4-H banquet given by Farm and Ranch. Doctor Walton was the toastmaster. After the banquet all adjourned to the stadium, where 169 boys and girls who had made greatest achievement in 4-H work received the gold stars. Two hundred Frank Briggs told me, were eligible, but only 169 were present. Thursday night the writers held their annual banquet at the Country club, with 100 present, among them being Commissioner of Agriculture McDonald, Frank Briggs, Marsh Holland and Peggy Morris of Farm and Ranch, Ben Harigal of LaGrange, Austin Callan, Arthur LeFevre and scores of others. No set program, but many humorous tales were told and an evening of hilarious fun was enjoyed. Closed with a dance. Friday the writers’ annual “bull pen” was held in front of the hospital, and here the old timers renewed their youth. Saturday we took on the return trip and glad to get back to rest after a very busy and hectic week. One of the features of the Writers’ Conference was the able and instructive address on “The National Constitution” delivered by Eugene Wilson. This earned comment in the Houston and Bryan papers. Wednesday the writers held a memorial service in memory of Phoebe K. Warren. Very beautiful and impressive. The twenty-sixth annual short course was unique in many respects. The old-time cheery greetings were given. Old friends met and exchanged views and this, I think, is one of the blessings God gave those who attended. Everywhere, every place, every time something worth while was presented. One was amazed at the multitude of instructive opportunities the Texas Writers, under the leadership of Miss Katherine Pollard, chairman of the publicity committee, arranged with the Associated Press to handle two stories each day. No one can even hazard a guess how far this went, but we do know that each day members of the conference were busy telling the world about the short course. The only people I saw from Matagorda county were F. O. Montague and Leola Cox Sides. The latter acted as though she was mighty glad to see my face and her face was a pleasant thing to rest my eyes on. I had small time to visit the various groups. In fact, this is an impossibility if one is closely associated with any certain group as I was. The writers’ sessions closed Thursday with election of officers, which resulted in electing E. S. Shoaf, Wood county democrat, president, Katherine Pollard vice president and Nell Bentley secretary. This closed my official life and I am now only Mrs. Clapp’s husband. With my downfall went Cora B. Moore, my very dear “vice.” I feel mighty sorry for Cora, for she sure did love the position of “vice.” I have always tried, that is, most always, to be decent, but I must confess that I have learned to love “vice.” I have never been as tired in my life as on my return to peaceful Homecroft. Once a year is sufficient plenty and enough. Just think of 5000 folk attending Sunday night service, 8000 at the circus and 7000 every day milling about the campus, attending the group meetings. Determination to learn something of value was printed in glowing letters across faces and flashed from happy faces. We are going to have a great world in a few years and these boys and girls will be the leaders. Come down and dance at Mopac house Thursday night to the tuneful music of Merton Smith’s Incomparable Royal Texans. Thursday night, the 8th.
Matagorda County Tribune, August 8, 1935 |
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THOUGHTS ABOUT CHEESE By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Tuesday we were delighted to have the opportunity to entertain at luncheon, Mrs. Ross Chitwood (Frances Eisel) and her sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is well known wherever Thoughts go as my redbird, and when I look at her flame of gold bronze, I felt that she was rightly named. Two splendid girls and Collegeport may be proud that it had much to do with the development of their character.
From Decatur, Illinois, I have this interesting epistle: "I see by the papers there is some possibility of doing something with land in your locality. We read Thoughts and Mr. C. enjoys your articles very much and says to tell him to tell us about the oil well every week." All I know is that the well is shut down waiting the arrival of some special machinery by the use of which they hope to pass through the shale and perhaps produce a gusher. This is gossip, and facts are difficult to obtain.
Then I have this from a Tribune reader in St. Louise: "I have just read this week's column and note that you will soon be a past president. Am enclosing news clipping of this Missouri woman, who has just been taken on a joyride because she is the best country newspaper correspondent. Thought you might get something out of it. The enclosed editorial states the case. Country correspondence is what makes the paper interesting to its readers. Most readers don't care how rotten the country is run, but they do care what folks in their county are doing. If I ever have the luck to live any length of time in Matagorda County, I will know most of the folks there because I have read about them for twenty-five years and will know who I will like and who I won't. So you have done a good service with your column and whether you get any recognition for it or not, I know that a lot of people appreciate it. Just on the side, I think it's too bad to waste a round of night clubs of New York on a nice old lady from Missouri. I'll bet you could have got a lot more fun out of it." The old lady referred to is Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mahnky of Oasis, Missouri. She has been writing a column for her county paper, the Forsyth Republican, for forty-four years and never missed an issue. She was selected as the greatest country correspondent in the United States and awarded a trip to New York with generous trimmings and safe conduct to her home. I had no chance on this trip, because I've been writing only twenty-five years, but by golly or by gosh, I would have enjoyed holding a swell blond on my knee while I listened to the chirping and looked at the caperings of twenty or thirty half-clad specials. While doing that and ever and anon burying my face in a tall glass in which tinkled cooling ice, Collegeport would fade from my view and with it the miserable wretch and "vice." No guy can hold a swell blond and think of the folks back home. Maybe it's a good thing for New York that the editors chose Mrs. Mary Elizabeth. I hope she had a swell time and arrived home safe.
Dancing at Mopac House Thursday night, August 15, 1935, with Merton Smith's Incomparable Royal Texans and their cacophonic rhythm. This will be the first of a series which will run once a month during the fall and winter season. Music will begin at 9 p. m. and continue until 1 a. m. The cost per ticket for this dance has been placed at the minimum of 2 1/2 mills per minutes, which is low for so much delicioso amusement. Besides this, every mill placed in the box helps pay for the piano. The Collegeport Woman's Club will be on hand with a cage of cold ice and plenty of drinks. Door opens at 8:30 or close by. I hope the boys who hang around and never spend a cent are so tired they have to hang on to the beautiful Mopac sign will bring their crutches.
Writing about crutches causes me to inform nonresident owners that the oil well is still shut down and I have no information as to when work will begin. The property is in charge of C. W. Boeker, who watches on a twenty-four-hour-shift. Don't know when he sleeps, but will find out soon and report.
Much to our delight, we have our fine daughter home for eight days, 192 hours, or to be exact, 11,520 minutes. Every tick of the clock has spelled a delicious moment. God has been very generous to us and so we give daily thanks for this sweet girl who is our daughter. Sunday she left and as I write, is back on her job as private secretary for Dean Brooks, dean of the school of arts and sciences at A. and M.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, August 15, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
This morning I arose from a taxed bed, put on taxed BVD's, a taxed shirt, taxed trousers and taxed shoes. Men who slaughter beeves no longer prepare the hides, for the sale price is too low; but shoes, God save the Queen, they are taxed. I grabbed a taxed milk bucket and milked a taxed cow, which I fed on taxed fee. I brought the milk in and strained it through a taxed cloth into a taxed pan, and then sat down to breakfast with toast made from taxed wheat, taxed sugar in the coffee, taxed bananas on the side, taxed bacon. Satisfying my appetite, I loaded a taxed pipe with taxed R. J. R., and reading a taxed paper (I blew smoke rings in the center of which I saw additional plans for taxes. After viewing the new plans for taxation, flying around like little angels, I sat down before my taxed Corona to write my daily letter to my sweet daughter. To the postoffice, where I bought a taxed stamp. Taxed? You bet, to the tune of one-third. Our postage bill runs about $60 per annum, 99 percent being used by Ben Mowery for feeding his family and his fine pooches. That 33 1/3 per cent is an additional tax of $20 per annum. It comes slow, day by day, and causes little pain, but, boy it sure comes to twenty simoleons per annum. The only thing I used this morning that was untaxed was a piano stool, now used for a milking stool, which was given to the miserable wretch fifty-five years ago, a glorious time when vicious taxes were unknown, and even that had tacks in the top with tore a hole in my taxed trousers. Therefore it appears impossible to avoid these damned taxes unless and until we have a congress and a president pledged to a balanced budget and a cessation of chimerical schemes. God hasten the day.
We are a tax-ridden folk and will continue to be until we cease chasing after the unattainable and go back to the vulgar past and be content with the obtainable. God has been good to us as a nation and He will continue to be good, but don't forget, good folk, God is too busy to attempt to head us off in our wild scramble for the unattainable. He will allow us to wallow out from the mire of the mess we have made.
Just wanted to get this stuff off my mind. Maybe some will like it.
For the benefit of the society column, will state that Mr. William Korn is no relation to Bill Corn. Also, Mr. Fred Ballhorse is not kin to Fred Baldhorse. Might as well get things down right.
Us Homecrofters had a swell time at the Louie Duffy ranch. A splendid dinner ending with as good ice cream as I ever ate. Sparkling conversation and it was with regret that we started for Homecroft. Mrs. James Louis Duffy is a fine cooker and Louise is a swell cuckoo.
Monday night about fifty gathered at the Mrs. Helen Holsworth home to honor Rev. and Mrs. Paul Jaynes and Mr. F. M. Pine. Mr. Jaynes had his first pastorate in the local church and is now stationed in New Jersey. Mr. Pine, for years a resident, moved to California about ten years ago and is now spending a few weeks of delight with old friends. The entertainment consisted of the Collegeport plan of bringing enough for yourself and for another, so this meant an abundance of delicate and delicious eatables. This community is famous for the abundance of food always provided.
Thursday the King's Daughters met at the Liggett home. I was fortunate enough to have an invitation and enjoyed the lavish and generous luncheon provided by the Daughters of the King. About forty of these dames were present and saw that I was well served. When the Liggetts or Hurds entertain the girls of the King's House, I have the opportunity to fill up. God be praised, that I have two good friends.
The dance at Mopac House Thursday night was a frost. Only twelve and one-half tickets sold, and so the Incomparables were disgusted and the house management was filled with nausea, repugnance and distaste. Most of the time only one couple occupied the floor, and at no time did I see more than six at one time. Seats all well filled with those who spent the time visiting and few spending a cent. Outside about thirty cheap sports hung around, filling the windows with observers and not even buying a nickel bottle of pop. We sure have a hot bundle of cheap fellows, and no wonder the bird utters scream after scream. If the people of this burg think we are going to open Mopac House free of charge so they can have a get-together place for community gossip, they have just one more guess and they are out. Mopac House must be supported or it closes for good-bye all. Several boys failed to bring crutches and being too tired to stand attempted to drape themselves from the beautiful Mopac House sign. The Woman's Club did a fair business on pop, which was cold as north pole bergs. In as much as it was demonstrated that our folks desire a social evening, we will have one next month. If any wish to dance, they may to the music of the piano. If they wish to walk about, go ahead, BUT EVERYONE except nursing babes will be required to spend ten cents for admission. The gang of boys who, having a parasitic nature, just hang around and are not wanted unless they wish to help support the house. It costs money for lights, janitor service, etc., etc. Thursday night the house took $2.85 out of which an expense of $2.10 must be paid. I sure have small use for a small sport.
Saturday we are called upon to vote on several proposed amendments to the Texas constitution, among them the repeal of the prohibition amendment. In my opinion this is a necessity. We have prohibition and yet the state is flooded with liquor. Here in this little community, it may be had any hour of the day. Plenty in the county. Just as easy to have a drink of booze as a drink of water provided one knows where and how. It is just as impossible to prohibit the use of alcoholic drinks as to control human passions. It has often tried and always failed. The next recourse is control. A vote for repeal means this and so I vote for the repeal of the prohibition amendment.
Raymond Hunt has finished his training period at the San Diego naval training school and now expects to go to the plane carrier Ranger. He is home on a ten day furlough and looks fine in his navy uniform. He looks well groomed, well fed and likes his job. He is ambitions and a good student and will, ...
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, August 22, 1935 |
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Nine members and one visitor, Mrs. Raymond Waters of New Braunfels, attended the Home Demonstration club meeting at the Community House Tuesday afternoon, August 13.
Plans were made to have our "achievement day" the fourth Tuesday in September. The various committees were assigned their duties to carry out in preparation for the event.
Mrs. Anna D. Crane, delegate to the short course, gave a detailed report of her trip.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday August 22, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Sue Mansfield, one time of Collegeport but now of Bay City, has been spending a few days here caring for her local interests. Being satisfied that things were rocking along in right good style, she left for her home at 12:21 1/2 a. m. Friday. The local society column of The Tribune will now pick up. Can't expect Mirth to lay down his Corona or Silent Remington to record "business visitors on our streets." Not much Mirth in such stuff and Mirth is not much if not mirthful.
Election day passed quietly with a small vote caused by few poll tax payers and a general non-interest. Every amendment carried by a substantial vote. The following is the vote: No. 1, for 25, against 6 No. 2, for 26, against 8 No. 3, for 26, against 11 No. 4, for 22, against 11 No. 5, for 23, against 11 No. 6, for 21, against 13
The vote on the prohibition amendment is surprising, for this community is considered as being a very dry community. Several rockribbed church folk voted wet simply because they had given the subject considerable study and believed repeal would be best for the moral and financial structure of the state government. One or two actually believed that if the vote went dry that almost at once liquor would disappear from the state. Fifteen years of experiment refutes that idea. Everyone knows that booze is everywhere and easily obtained and whether the vote is dry or wet makes no difference to the men who desire liquor, but if it votes wet, it makes a big difference in the quality and also in the size of the state's exchequer. My friend Andy, going fishing on Sunday was asked "Andy, do you fish on the Sabbath day?" He replied, "Yes, sah, I goes fishin' on Sunday, but I takes my Bible by mah side." Lots of people violate laws and customs by taking their Bible by their side.
Gust Franzen is having a happy time introducing his "baby brother" to the local gente. "Baby Brother" is a strapping big Swede about six feet two, and Gust may easily stand under his outstretched arm.
Went to Bay City as a "business visitor on our streets" and delivered the voting box of precinct. 7. Bay City looks like a rare jewel. Everyone seems busy minding their own business and as much of other folk's as possible. The owners and clerks in some stores reminded me of a spider sitting in his web waiting for a fly to become entangled. Most of them seldom advertise, as they are willing to let the other fellows spend such foolish money and bring in the flies which they hope to catch in their special web.
Had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hagar of the Pig-Wig. I first saw him with a broom sweeping the floor and I thought he was a clerk cleaning up, but he was the boss-man. Mighty pleasant man and a believer in telling folk about the wonders of that store.
Called on Mr. Penny Mansfield, another wide-awake merchant and the daddy of the ubiquitous Sue Mansfield, who sits at the society desk of The Tribune. Most of Sue's business is in Collegeport so she is busy. The Penny Store is loaded with splendid merchandise, plenty of polite help and it is a credit to the manager.
Met Mr. and Mrs. Freeman of Sargent. They both read "Thoughts" which shows they know good literature and are entitled to belong to the literati.
Called at the Bachman store, a sparkling jewel among the others. Clean stock, immaculate store, exquisite service, fair prices. A pleasure to buy at Bachman's.
When I returned, I had four callers. Four gentlemen from Springfield, Illinois, all readers of "Thoughts." they wanted to see what the writer feller looked like, so trekked down here. Also they wanted to see the miserable wretch. They left Springfield at 3 a. m. Sunday morning and slept at Marshall, Texas. Their names are Charles W. Hartman, Sr., Charles W. Hartman, Jr., Charles J. Baumann and Noble Baumann. When fellows will drive 1800 miles to see the writer of "Thoughts," it must be true that it was a damn fine mousetrap. They also inquired where they might see my "Vice." Well, I kept that precious well concealed for fear that someone will steal her. I believe that when a man has a "Vice" he should not allow it to be exhibited. It certainly is pleasing to know that so many Tribune readers read with interest and pleasure the weekly stuff that dribbles from my Corona. Don't take much to suit many folk. Guess I'll write one more string. The Springfield boys tell me that Doctor Van is still going strong and I am glad to know it, even if it does come second hand. Wish Margaret would make us a visit so I could take her to the gin.
Saturday the Woman's Union held a bake sale and luncheon, which as usual fattened the exchequer of that fine organization. Verl Hill, who carries the "male" and also the female, is moving into the Hugo Kundinger north shore residence.
Several have asked when we will have another dance. In reply will say that we are trying to interest the WPA in giving us funds for paint and for a floor finish, so am unable to reply. We will have some entertainment in September so we can have a get-together and have some fun.
The men who planned to build an oyster house on this side have given it up and are building across the bay north of the Allen camp. If the weather continues dry much late cotton will make, which will please the farmers.
I am informed that the oil well will become active in a few days, as men are now on the ground preparing for going down. A 30,000 barrel gusher would be a pleasant sight.
My Friend Andy brought in a large lot of shrimp yesterday and they say the bay is filled with this fine seafood. Oh, yes, we had a mess and fried in sweet Holstein butter and they were delicious or something like that.
Saw good old scout Ed Taulbee and caught him taking a drink of ice water and this on the day that Texas is free. Well, anyway, Eddie is going after things we Matagordians need and he will deliver.
George Harrison walking about the courthouse with a cane and looking pretty swell. He is rapidly recovering from his operation, thanks be to our Good Father in Heaven.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, August 29, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
When the four gentlemen from Springfield visited Collegeport, they wanted to see what I looked like, to gaze on the miserable wretch, to look Jimmy over and to see my only "vice," but as they were leaving one said "Where is Jed Prutz? Wish we might see him." I told them that Jed passed most of his time fishing and I had no idea where he was. After they left, I thought I would hunt up the old rascal, so I went down to their shack and found Aunt Prue folded over a washboard washing her neighbor's clothes. As I said "Good morning, Aunt Prue," she straightened up, took her swab from her pocket, dipped in her snuff and slowly and generously painted her toothless gums. Asking where I could find Jed, she said, "I don't know nuthin' about that lazy rat. I just told him to clean out and git fur from my site and he took his fishin' poles and straipsed adown the slue, and thet's whar you best look fur him." Leaving Aunt Prue in the suds, I walked for over a mile along the slough and at last found Jed flat on his back on some grassy bank, a big chaw of "mule" in his mouth and enjoying his life as he always has done. When I spoke, he rolled over and ejected a big jag of juice into the flowing stream which widened circle upon circle until lost in the flood.
He stroked his walrus mustache and said, "Boy, I is shure glad to see ye. Wondered where you might be." "Jed," I asked, "what do you think of the depression?" [Jed's opinion not included.]
Friday night, September 20, 1935, Mopac House will hold a community social. It will be a box supper affair and everyone, old and young, will be expected to bring a box of eats which will be sold, the funds to be used for the piano payments. Several stunts will be arranged for. It is suggested that every person present over the age of 35 will dress and appear as young as possible and those under that age will appear as old as possible. Elaborate costumes are not to be encouraged, for we wish it to be an old-fashioned young-old gathering. Therefore, wear your old-fashioned duds. Mrs. King will be there with her aides and some bottles of pop, and it is good pop, well aged. If any person has suggestions as to stunts, send them in to Mesdames Hurd and Liggett or to H. A. Clapp and they will have a place on the program. This will be social gathering to which all are invited. Here is the chance for Ben Mowery, Hugo Kundinger, Carl Boeker, George Harrison, Doctor Wagner, Jack Barnett, Duncan Ruthven to appear like sweet little boys, and Jimmy Gartrell, Eugene Wilson, Arthur Liggett to appear as old fogies. Ethel Nelson may make up as a 60-year-old sweet old lady. Hey? No admission except the box of grub.
When children come home and bring the grandchildren, the home is filled with laughter and joy. All this came to the Mowery home when Mr. and Mrs. Watson Barker (Ruth Mowery) surprised the Mowery family by bringing along the two beautiful kiddies for grandparents to play with. Kids lucky enough to have as beautiful a mother as these little Barkers have, are bound to be sweet and beautiful. Thus the Mowery family is happy for a week.
Friday us Homecrofters celebrated a double birthday with the miserable wretch and Mary Louise being the celebrants. No use giving out ages, but both may vote provided they comply with the law. My sweet daughter had the day off and spent it in Houston and usens just had a quiet happy day reviewing the past years and visiting childhood scenes, ever and anon allowing thoughts to wander to Houston, where our hearts were. In the p. m. came Sue Mansfield and Roberta Liggett, the latter to buy pop and the former to rope and brand some roaming stock. As I review the years that are now in the past, it seems to me that God has allowed us to walk in the green pastures and drink from crystal still waters. The most sensible merchant in Matagorda County is Nestor of the Palatial Palacios Pharmacy. It is his custom each year to lock the store and dwelling, fill up the old bus with gas, load in the family and away somewhere, some place for a vacation. Returns, opens up, resumes business full of pepper sauce and ready to dispense cold drinks or fill prescriptions.
Mr. F. M. Pine has wrecked his barn and removed the material and now plans some extensive alterations and improvements on the house.
Gus Franzen's baby brother would look swell at the social, the twentieth, dressed in knee pants; that is, provided he shaves his legs.
The library committee plans to open the library about the time school begins. Books have been overhauled, repaired, provided with new tabs and placed on proper shelves. The library will look nice when the work is finished.
Trucks are hauling in extra machinery to the oil well by means of which they hope to conquer the heaving shale. Many mule teams are busy with Fresnos digging extra pits.
Tribune of Friday greeted its readers with a streamer headline announcing the Gulf Sulphur company had started four new crews to drilling new wells at Gulf and that production work would begin very soon. This company has become a major operator in Matagorda county and pays more than half our tax bill and, listen, many of those who are continually fighting them have paid no taxes for several years. They are delinquent, but the sulphur company is not and never will be on that list. It has given employment to many men and it has been generous to its employees. It has given aid to most of the civic, educational, athletic, commercial organizations of the county. It is a friendly corporation and realizes that it is a part of our section. Instead of being a soulless corporation with its stock held by a few, it has more than fifty thousand partners, most of them holders of a few shares. Instead of heckling this organization, we should stand by and aid it in all possible manner. Wish we had several corporations of the same breed.
School opens Monday, the 9th, much to the delight of a few pupils and disgust of others.
Frances King and Rosalie Nelson leave this week for school at San Marcos. The school requires that all students know how to swim, so Rosalie's first lesson will be from that book. If she will keep her mouth closed, she will float and soon learn to paddle. Frances has taken several medals for her accomplishments in the water. Probably forty or fifty, or something like that. Oh, yes, she is some fish. Two fine girls and the community has good reason to be proud of them. Sorry they must miss the social Friday night, the 9th.
A big Royce drove into our yard Sunday and there we found three delightful friends who drove all the way from Bay City to see us. Callie Metzger, for twenty-five years our good friend and well-wisher. Ruby Hawkins, looking years younger and sparkling like the ruby from which he was named. Mrs. A. D. Hensley makes me think of a beautiful calm. She has a soft, low, sweet voice and is so placid that I often wonder if the waters are ever stirred. We had two hours of joyous conversation, led principally by the miserable wretch, who once in a great while allowed me to say just a word. You see she, having just enjoyed a birthday, feels extra chipper. Fine friends of many years which we like to review. Guess the mousetrap is working. Wish my "Vice" had been in the bunch.
Friday night, the 20th, Mrs. Liggett will be there with her choir, and we will have some community singing. This will give Carl Boeker, Walter Wilkinson, North Cable and Brimberry a chance to tune in.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, September 5, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
The Barker family with the little Barkers left Monday morning for the home place.
Thursday night, the 12th, the Woman's club, keeping its annual custom, tenders a reception to the school faculty. The affair is free to all our people and a goodly crowd is expected.
Friday night, the 29th, will occur the first community neighbor get-together social at Mopac House. Good stunts, much singing and a general good time is on the bill. Ben Mowery and North Cable will, if possible, be induced to sing a duet which alone will be worth driving miles to hear. Their voices blend into a sweet harmony that entrances. Hugo Kundinger will deliver the principal monologue. The lunch boxes will be there so all may have an opportunity to push good food into their faces. Mrs. Liggett's choir will be on hand to lead the singing. Friday night, the 20th of September, 1935. Make a cross on your almanac and be on hand.
"The warm summer air Has worked wonders up there In our beautiful willow tree. All is life, all a-bloom, On each branch hangs a plume. As I look at the waving willow tree, In memory I go back many a day When looking as far as I could see Way up in the tree was my baby. 'Oh, Daddy, can't you see 'Way up in the willow tree.' "
I wonder if the merchants of Palacios realize that by mail service we are just as near Dallas as Palacios. Yesterday I received mail from Palacios and Dallas both postmarked the day before. When the causeway is open for traffic, a full day will be cut from the present schedule and the two towns will really be neighbors. Isn't it a nasty mess when it takes an hour to visit a point five minutes distant? Some day we will all wake up, rub our eyes and wonder why we allowed such a situation to exist.
School opens this day with an almost new faculty and even as I write, I see children with their books hastening to the study room. I read in the papers that the WPA regional board has approved a grant of $35,000 for the construction of a new and modern school building. This is a much needed improvement and will provide labor for the local boys. I am pleased with this promise. Of course, the project must pass the scrutiny of the state board, the Washington board and the president, but no doubt it will stand the test and soon we will have the pleasure of seeing the new building being erected. I have not seen the plans, but am informed that they are beautiful and useful. It is all good business and the local board is entitled to congratulations. The regional board allowed projects to the sum of $10,000,000 for every conceivable plan, but turned down a request for $400 for painting Mopac House. A case of swallowing a camel and gagging on a gnat. Well, Mopac, with the aid of George, will hunt another way, for it is impossible to sit idly by and see Mopac go to ruin. Too valuable a community asset.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, September 12, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Attached to the silent Alamo light plant at Mopac House is what is called a crank. It is a geared contrivance which is really an auxiliary crank. The real crank which provides power to crank the auxiliary is supplied in the person of Henry Legg. Without Henry, the auxiliary crank would be of small use, but when Henry puts out his storage battery power, presto, the Silent Alamo begins to purr and there is light. The Mopac management hopes Henry will enjoy a long life and wax exceedingly strong. Henry is, therefore, thanked for his willingness to help out in the frequent emergencies. Hard to get another as good a crank as is Henry Legg. He is not only an accommodating grocery clerk, but a very splendid crank.
The reception to the school faculty went off in grand style. About 120 patrons, teachers, pupils were present. Mrs. Hurd introduced a very pleasing stunt consisting of giving out strips of paper, each bearing a line of some well-known song. The game was for those having the slips to hunt up others until the song was complete, and then the group assembled at the piano and sang the song. This produced much fun and laughter. Mrs. Liggett, with her choir, led in community singing and in this all joined with much gusto. Mrs. King, with her aides, produced a big bucket of punch and with it served real cookies so those present munched cookies and drank punch. It was a real hearty welcome and a promise of co-operation. Only two members of the board of seven graced the occasion with their presence. Thanks to Vern Batchelder and Mrs. Liggett for showing their interest. The absent five should be remembered and no doubt they will.... Lights out at about 11 p. m. and everyone went home after a very pleasant and happy evening.
Next week, Friday the 20th, we will have a community social with box lunches and pies for the items of principal interest. This means eats and our people, being fond of eating, no doubt will be out in goodly numbers. Mrs. Hurd will be there with her box of tricks and Mrs. Liggett with her fine choir and, believe it or not, that choir can sing. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing Roberta Liggett and Ethel Nelson sing that sweet song "I Shall Not Be Moved." Everybody invited to come and bring a box or a pie, any kind of pie, so long as it is apple, cherry, punkin, apricot, mince, berry, cream or lemon. If an apricot pie is offered, I am in advance making a bid, or maybe I will be attracted by an apple pie. Friday night, the 20th.
The other day at the postoffice, I was informed that it was rumored that those who failed to bring a pie or box would be charged two bits for admission. This is too silly, foolish, witless, absurd, stupid, childish and whatnot, for who has a teaspoon of brains to believe. The social is free, free, F-R-E-E to all the community. Pie or no pie, box or no box, all are welcome. Don't give a thought to such frivolous rumors.
When fellows stay out all night chasing wild women, they are sooner or later to meet up with Old Man Trouble. That is the experience of our pooch, Jimmy. The other day after giving him a bath, which he enjoys, he was turned loose to dry off and presto, Jimmy was out of sight. The next day he came back on three legs. Fine he had those three, else a crutch would have been handy. One eye closed from a swell bite. Wounds on his body and a very dirty, disreputable member of the canine tribe. His wounds were dressed, his game leg fixed up and a good bath and he began to look once more like a real gent. This wild woman business never pays, as many a member of the human family well knows. Jimmy is a tame pooch this day.
I am informed that if the PWA project for funds with which to build a new schoolhouse are approved, that local labor and trucks must register in sufficient number to do the work and transport the material. Registration appears to be slow. Looks like our men don't care to work on a government project at government pay and yet many of them expect to live from relief. I am informed that any man who refuses to register for this work and thus earn his pay will be refused future relief. Relief is an easy graft so long as it can be worked, but once shut down and a howl will be heard in the Land of the Free and the Brave.
The first week of school passed off without incident and now the pupils are down to hard work, each one striving to make the grade. Mr. Elliott Curtis, who does the coach work, tells me that soon they will need some cash for athletic equipment. I am sure that the response will be generous for this community has always, in the past, appeared eager and willing to provide the funds. Looking over the faculty, one is assured that good work will be done. We have one teacher with an experience of twenty-two years. Some have been here two and three years, others are on the faculty for the first time, but all appear determined to give the patrons generous service. If they do, everything will be jake when the year is finished and they may expect renewals.
We are fortunate to have Vern Batchelder as president. He shows much interest and is guiding the school destiny along right lines. I also give congratulations on the addition of Mrs. Liggett as a member. This woman has advanced ideas about educational work and will be a valuable member. Wish we had five more like these two.
The library looking sweet, spick and span, will open Friday afternoon from two to five. One hundred and six new books have been added and several more are to be ordered, among them "Victory," by Conrad, and "Return of the Native," by Hardy. Much work has been done during the vacation time and books arranged so as to be easily accessible. This is the only free public library in the county. No membership fee, no dues, no charge of any kind except fines if books are kept out longer than two weeks. Our people should appreciate this library and some of them do.
Three friends all out touring. One writes, "Seeing Mexico. Wish you were with us." Another writes, "Looking at the national capitol. Wish you were with us." The third sends us the third picture with these words, "Touring Pennsylvania. Wish you were with us." Reminds of the fellow who hunted his friend Bill and found him in hell. He shouted down, "How do you like it, Bill?" And Bill replied, "Looking about hell. Wish you were with us." We have the picture cards to prove this and you may believe it or not. Makes no difference to us Homecrofters.
The Matagorda County Museum, Thursday, September 19, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Several years ago I heard a song by Ethel Nelson and Roberta Liggett. It has repeated in my memory day by day. Friday night at the social, on my request, they sang it again. This is the chorus.
"I shall, I shall, I shall not be moved. "I shall, I shall, I shall not be moved. Like a tree by the water I shall not be moved."
The Tribune Wednesday carried some interesting oil news and that about the Continental operations east of Collegeport was interesting news to us. The Tribune reporter just did not know--only thought he did. The Continental is not drilling on Boeker No. 2, but is located on the Fief tract and it is not now drilling, but is preparing to do so some time during the next two or three weeks. At present, the place is occupied principally by a watchman. Some extra tanks are being made. Might as well have this correct. The well is located southeast of Collegeport and is equipped in a splendid manner.
Monday, much to our pleasure, we had as visitors the Misses Ruth and Naomi Harrison of Palacios, George Heidenreich of Chicago, the latter en route to Mexico City. Hope he goes by train instead of airplane. They brought us a sample of "Tap-a-can," which is a nifty way of dispensing the article that made Milwaukee famous. The Harrison girls are planning to enter the Texas University at Austin, and were much pleased that they were to live at Grace Hall. Marion Harrison is at Cornell as a fish.
C. W. Boeker graduated from the Palacios high school with honors. The school is supposed to be an affiliated school, but he took his credits to the A. and M. and they were not recognized, and C. W. was informed that he needed an additional one and a half credits. It appears strange that what is supposed to be an affiliated school is not recognized by a major institution. According to this, the two young girls now at San Marcos would be unable to even look at the university. The local school is supposed to be an affiliated and accredited school and its gradates with the prescribed credits should have prompt access to any major institution, but they are denied under the rather severe rules and requirements of the majors. This being so, one wonders why affiliation?
Some time ago I received a letter from Mrs. Waggoner, and much to my distress the letter has been mislaid. I desire to make reply, and if Mrs. Waggoner reads this and will write me again, I shall be more careful and give prompt reply. This is my only way of making contact for I do not have the address.
The library opened Friday and let out fifty-one books. The new books were speedily grabbed up and soon were exhausted. The library looks spick and sweet to the credit of the library board. It is reported that Rosalie Nelson and Frances King are now living in the San Marcos dormitory and settled down to college life. Nostalgia! They endured a severe attack of nostalgia, but have made good recovery.
Just as a pigeon seeks the home loft, so Mrs. Lutie Ramsey seeks the quiet and comfort of the Ramsey farm. She arrived for a stay that we trust will last at least until the flowers bloom again next season. It is good to see her back with her cheery smile. Things are due to look up around Ramsey farm.
Saturday came Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Goodman of Houston for a week-end. Twenty-five years ago Mr. Goodman was editor of the Southern Farmer and they lived here for about three years during which time they were active in all civic work. They brought us a large collection of books and looking them over it appears that we will be able to add to the library about sixty choice volumes of first-class fiction. Isn't this grand? Sunday, much to our regret, they journeyed back to the home base. We had a happy time with these old friends and hope they will not forget that a hard road runs from their door or our door.
Friday night was social night at Mopac House. The light burned brilliantly. The singing, led by Mrs. Liggett's choir was swell. The speeches by Hugo Kundinger, Vern Batchelder, the singing by Carl Boeker, Ben Mowery, North Cable and Seth Corse was tantalizing, so much so that all of them were fined for their absence. Ruby Lee Corporon and Elaine Hendricks brought boxes of excellent food and many pies were there. All this was sold by auction and brought in about five frog hides. Messrs. Fox and Slone bought the boxes and therefore had the girls and plenty of good food. I was lucky enough to bid in a huge lemon pie from the Liggett kitchen and Mrs. Cherry made a gorgeous peach pie and when I write gorgeous, I mean it was showy, magnificent, resplendent, rich. It went to the Fox & Slone combination, for they seemed to have the only cash. My lemon pie had a flaky crust, about two inches of lemon gooey topped by an inch of frothy goodness. I allowed the miserable wretch a small slice, just to show that I still adored her. About forty were present and all seemed to enjoy the affair. Something like it will be on card next month and I am here making a date for Mopac House for Thanksgiving night. That day I suppose the Citrus Grove folk will hold their usual community dinner so at night Mopac House will hold forth. Some sort of interesting program will be provided.
Ethel Nelson and Georgia Alice Jones appeared beautifully gowned in an attempt to simulate old age or something else and both looked cute. Ethel made me think of a Mexican senorita. Plenty of rain this week, which interferes with rice threshing and cotton picking. It is rumored that the oil well will begin to operate in a week or ten days.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, September 26, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
We who live at sea level do not realize the effect a mile high has on one's mental vision, so the writer of the following may be excused, but anyway, it's from a Tribune reader who lives out Where the West Begins: "I was so interested in the Matagorda Tribune describing the festivities in Collegeport and the grand new Mopac House. It surely is a feather in your cap and to think that you have been instrumental in procuring such a desirable place for Collegeport and then had the nerve to 'see it through.' You deserve a lot of praise and I know all Collegeport is grateful to you and proud to have you their A-1 citizen. I've always read your 'Thoughts' so much and it is good to read them again. They are always so witty and have such good common sense, too." That shows the result of living and breathing a rarified atmosphere, so the reader must needs read with caution. Anyway, it listens good to us, meaning I and the miserable wretch. Each time we read it, it is like another sniff at a bottle of rare perfume, a lasting sweet odor.
Remember the organ man with the monkey? How I wish one of those dark-skinned men with big rings in his ear would come to Homecroft and play his organ. What fun to watch the monkey waddle up the gallery with his little red cap holding it out for a penny. I have not seen or heard a hand organ for many years, but wish I might go back to those days once more. And then the big man with the dancing bear. How that bear would dance at the end of his chain. Wonder where the bear and organ men are. I hope wherever they may be that they will hear beautiful music.
I am not a resident of Bay City, hence what the people of that fine little city do is no business of mine. I do not vote there and I pay no Bay City taxes, therefore if I mind my own business, I will be right in the right, but to a man sitting in "El Sol" the proposition to put in a municipal light plant appears to be a silly project. The Central Power and Light Company is giving most of the folks of Matagorda County excellent service. It employs many people. Some of them have lived in the county for years. This is their home. The company pays taxes for roads, schools, in the city and in the county. It is a decided asset and a splendid going concern definitely tied up in the progress and development of the county. Its service is above reproach and its rates are fair. It is officered by substantial business men. They are our friends and neighbors. Take away the business they now enjoy and the county and city loses good citizens and a very handsome tax income. A municipal plant will also show a profit because like all such projects, its capital will be supplied by the people. It will pay no taxes and will have no capital charge. It will therefore furnish service at a low rate on the bill, but back of that and unseen and unfelt will be the tax burden of a big bond issue. These invisible taxes will be added to the service charge, cost the users of electrical service considerable more than the present charge for similar service, but the people will feel no pain for they will be paying their bills under the influence of an anesthetic. What a howl would be raised if some bright mind would start a project to put on a bond issue for the purpose of starting a municipal drug store, grocery store, dry goods store or a daily paper. Oh, me! Oh, my goodness! I think such a project would be a grand idea. It would not be anything like as silly as the idea being fostered. Just putting my oar into waters where I have no business.
My hens took a day off yesterday and I found only one egg. It was a good egg, but it showed the hen's good will, for at least they try, which is more than many people do.
For five days we have enjoyed a continuous downpour of what Ben R. Mowery calls the equinoctial. Maybe he is right and maybe not, but it has been one helluva rain, something like ten inches and a never-ceasing torrent. For five days no sunshine. It has played rough house for the rice men, for the fields have been so bogged with mud that the largest tractors were unable to move the loads. Threshing stopped. Men had worked in the rain and mud until exhausted. Sometime the sun will shine again and maybe rice will bring a better price. Cotton hangs like dirty ribbons and billows in the breeze.
After six full days of rain and mud this Sunday morning the sun rose on a clear sky and all nature smiles. The sun looks beautiful and its warming rays bring needed relief to us shivering, thin-blooded, sensitive community.
Mopac House will have a program Thanksgiving night, so mark your old almanac. On or about October 25th Mopac House will hold another social gathering with many surprises. Opportunity for King to sell out her store of pop. Exact date will be announced later, but better mark the 25th on the old almanac.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, October 2, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
The miserable wretch just loves to snuggle with her face close to the back of my neck and how she can snore. Think I'll organize an anti-snore association if enough of you boys have the same experience. She just burrs away as if life was a grand joy. I urge fellow sufferers to respond. Let's organize the MPA or Men's Protective Association.
Tuesday I received a sad message announcing the passing of Elizabeth Ruthven, the daughter of my old-time friend Duncan. It was not unexpected for I had known for months of the brave but losing fight the little girl was putting up. Little girl! I like to think of her as I used to know her. About 300 people were present at the funeral to show their respects for the parents. Because of this, flowers were not necessary, but they were there in more than abundance. Great masses of beautiful blooms shedding their perfume on the air just as Elizabeth shed the perfume of her short life on those dear to her. The service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Gillespie in his usual friendly manner. He is a good man. Interment in the local [Palacios] cemetery.
"Iram indeed is gone with all his rose, And Jamshyd's sev'n-ring'd cup where no one knows, But still a Ruby kindles in the vine, And many a Garden by the water blows." --mar.
Wednesday, as the guest of Mrs. Carl Boeker and Ruth, I spent at "Ruth's" which is another way to spell "Conoco." They operate a cafe for the Continental Oil Company. A neat building painted in the Conoco green, well screened and equipped with furniture for successful operation. I had the pleasure of eating the noon meal with the Conoco boys. The service was green glass and the food was all that one might ask in quantity, quality. We had roast beef, rice with gravy, candied yams, mashed potatoes, home-baked beans, sliced tomatoes and onions, bread, cream pie, apple sauce and coffee. All just as tasty and refreshing as the house itself. Mother and daughter worked together like two sisters.
The oil well is an immense affair. It is in the old Fief place, a trifle south of six miles east of Homecroft. Just now the roads are excellent. The derrick has a twenty-foot spread and is 136 feet high, and although it looks slender, it is really a very heavy string of tools. Everything about the place is sturdy, the best that money can buy. I counted thirty men at work. Four boilers of 125 horse-power each were roaring away and I found nine immense fuel oil tanks and a big pond for water supply. While there, six or seven large trucks came in with loads of cement and I estimate that on hand now is as much as five or six carloads. As many as ten to twelve heavy trucks loaded with new and heavy machinery with which I was told they expect to handle the heaving shale. It was interesting to see them unload a piece of machinery that must have weighed four or five tons. Doing this they used their brains instead of brawn. Everything big, expensive and useful. One man said the well was down 6800 feet, but was not sure and said he "We are told to do certain things and we do them and that is about all we know except the rumor that she is making a good show." About one-fourth mile to the west a landing field for planes is being prepared. About forty acres all mowed and made smooth. A place of much activity from "Ruth's" to the Conoco well. Glad I went out with the Boeker girls.
I am thinking of the crullers Gramma Austin used to make. Tasty, crispy and crunchy. A pan full of golden crullers. Wonder where all the cruller makers went. Haven't see or crunched a cruller for nigh on sixty years. Gramma was a real artist when it came to cruller, doughnuts, apple pie and animal cookies. She made elephants, lions, dogs, cats and what fun we had with the owl cookies. Owls with currant eyes that seemed to blink and wink. We soon fixed that blink. Oh dear, sweet Gramma, how I wish you would come back and let me feel your comforting arms as I munch a cruller.
While I was in Palacios, I was introduced to a gentle, modest little woman, the mother of Louise Sharp. She told me she subscribed to The Tribune so she might read "Thoughts." Shows she knows and enjoys good stuff. Wish she would visit us some day. I have an ambition to take a cruise with Louise some of these days (I said days) and catch a coupla of shrimp, and mayhap I will if Louise still feels the same way.
Friday Seth W. Corse, judge of the Seventh Judicial District started on a three-weeks visit to Ed Corse at Greenburg, Kansas. Seth told ne that for twenty-five years he had not been outside of Texas except three times when he visited Houston. I hope he avoids strange women with fixed hair and pulled eyebrows and takes no wooden money. He is bound to have a happy time and will come home refreshed and full of interesting tales. Seth is one of my dearest friends.
Thursday night, October 24, 1935, Mopac House will hold another social. This one will be featured with a grab bag. The bag will contain all sorts of novel things, such as rings, brooches, hats, horns, clappers, watches, more than one hundred articles will be in that wonder bag. Each person who attends is asked to bring some article to place in the bag with the others. Nothing expensive is expected. A pencil, 5-cent bottle of paste, a ring, a banana--anything that will help fill the bag. Each article to be wrapped so as to hide its identity. If you have nothing for the bag, don't let that keep you away. We want everyone in the community to be present and an evening of great fun is promised.
Thanksgiving night another social affair will be held, but the program has not been arranged. Go to Citrus Grove at noon that day and then to Mopac House that night.
Friday, Mrs. Patricia Martyn made her quarterly visit to this community. She is a busy woman, for since January 1, this is her third call. Just too bad of for us adnoiders and tonsillitors. She brought with her my good friend, Mrs. Dismukes. She reports that the Beacon still shines. It is a newsy sheet and much of its delicious stuff is due to Mrs. Dismukes' activity.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, October 10, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
A traveling tobacco salesman here Wednesday remarked that Collegeport per capita used more smoking, chewing tobacco and snuff than any community in Matagorda County, and, that if other places would do as well, the county would be a paradise for tobacco men. Isn't that grand? Now, if we only had such a reputation as consumers of booze, we sure would have some repute. Publicity is wonderful.
Mrs. Patricia Martyn was here Monday on professional business looking the school children over. She reported that of 3000 children who had been treated for deficient eye and throat trouble, seventy-five per cent had shown remarkable improvement after mouth examination and treatment. This is most certainly a splendid record.
The grab-bag social at Mopac House Thursday night, October 24, 1935, will be an informal affair and therefore white ties, diamond studs and tails will not be required. If you desire to do so, bring some article for the bag, but come anyway. Oh, yes, Mrs. Liggett's choir will be present to lead in singing. Perhaps we may induce Mrs. Benjamin Ritter Mowery to be there with her trained pooches. Perhaps W. H. Boeker will deliver a talk on "How to Run a Grocery Store" Well, anyway, there will be much fun.
Another oil well has been added to the battery at the oil well, so there are now five big boilers. Bunk houses are to be erected so those who desire to stay all night may do so. Hot water has been piped into Ruth's cafe, which is a grand idea. Everything about the oil well spells permanence and already it begins to look like a town.
In Java the girls put big rings in the nose and lips. Here they paint their toenails with bright red. Both barbarous customs intended to attract the male.
Thursday, Miss Carter visited the Collegeport Woman's Club, sponsor for the local Girl Reserves. The reserves seem to be on the fade, as much less than a quorum was present. Mrs. L. E. Liggett was chosen as the delegate to the Freeport regional meeting held Saturday, the 12th. Interesting talks by Mesdames Hurd, Liggett and Clapp. A few new members arrived.
The same the local school put on a "Night of Pleasure," featuring a radio program. That the program pleased the audience is evidenced by the receipt of more than $40 for the school fund. In the hands of Superintendent Cherry every cent will be used for school purposes. Mr. Cherry is just another man and his wife makes delicious peach pies.
Friday the library was open as usual and put out seventy-six books and registered thirty callers. About 65 new books, the gift of the Goodman family of Houston, are now on the shelves. The library boasts of something like 1800 books. The new room provided by Mopac House is already well filled and cries for another bank of shelves.
The Mopac management is looking up the proper material for finishing the floor and making it better for dancing. Soon as a permanent finish is in place, another dance will be given. Steve Gardner of the Palacios pavilion has offered to bring his orchestra over and play for a Mopac dance. That will be grand for us burghers. Well, anyway, don't forget to put your hand in the grab-bag Thursday night, October 24th. Might pull out a diamond ring, perhaps, like Little Jack Horner, you might pull out a plum.
Seth Corse writes that he is having a great time with excellent food and service. Now enroute to his old play ground, Pueblo, Colorado.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, October 17, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
...our County Agent, F. O. Montague, although away above his eyes in cotton work, finds time to bring a bunch of TB experts down here and in a few days we will begin a campaign to clean up dairy cattle which react to the TB test. About nine experts in this work will cover the county and it will be just another stop in advance. Monty just keeps on the job, talking little, doing much.
The King's Daughters met Thursday with Mrs. Cherry with small attendance for seven of the girls had important business elsewhere. Their absence did not interrupt the fine luncheon or religious service, both of them going on as usual. I planned to attend, but as soon as I was told that Mrs. Cherry would not put on the table one of apricot pies, I decided to stay at home with the miserable wretch. If the daughters want my company at next meeting, just provide one of those Cherry apricot pies.
It is sure scandalous when a man has a "Vice" that moves about from hither to thither. Friday I heard that my "Vice" was running around Freeport. I'll have to round up Vice.
Tuesday there arrived at the postoffice a big box from Chicago addressed to Mopac House. This box contains one hundred articles of value for the "Grab Bag" social to be held in Mopac House Thursday night, October 24, 1935. It is hoped that those who attend will bring other articles wrapped so as to hide the identity and thus add to the grab-bag. The social is free and every soul in the burg is invited to be present and select a valuable watch or diamond ring, or maybe a pussytail.
Most all have heard of F. O. Montague, but here comes John Montague escorting his mother and Miss Ruby Lunn for a visit to us Homecrofters. Last time I saw John he was having considerable trouble over a sweater. Thursday all went well with him for he needed no sweater. Well, we had a most delightful visit and hope they will drift down again inside the next four years. With them came a most beautiful basket of flowers--just a gift from Monty telling us of his love and affection. The flowers will last for weeks and then the memory will linger long after the roses have faded. God be thanked for our many fine friends, among them the Montys.
The library was opened as usual Friday with Mesdames Hurd and Liggett in attendance. The miserable wretch, being a little under, was unable to be present. From present outlook she will be at the desk this week.
I am having a round of screw worms. Never in the twenty-five years I have handled dairy cattle have I seen such a nasty difficult mess. Just a fight day by day, but it looks as though the worst was over. I read that there is much trouble over the South cattle country, with losses as high as ten million dollars. Terrible thing, so let us hope for cold weather, which will kill off the pests that breed these nasty worms.
Oil well closed down the past week for a new set of pipe. Supposed to start drilling in a few days. Only a day crew at work this week.
While out driving with Jane Ackerman the other day she told me that her father's rice crop would soon be in and she would be glad for she had been doing the cooking for the outfit. Fine stuff for such a little Jane.
Roberta Liggett wears white pants with a red stripe down the side. Looks much better than red on the toenails.
The Palatial Pharmacy is putting on a new drink. It has an Ethiopian name something like Sassy-see. Ask Hattie about it.
When Henry Legg left here the other night with thirty sacks of rice he felt quite smart, but when he arrived at the warehouse he had only fifteen sacks. Wonder how come? Quite a loss, anyway.
The Corporon brothers cleaned up their rice with an average of fifteen sacks per acre, and Vern Batchelder made seventeen. Pretty good crops for new ricers.
George Harrison and James Gartrell are in the most beautiful city in the world hobnobbing with Franklin D., and we hope they arrange the cash for the Portsmouth road, and, by the way, they might talk to Franklin about the causeway. My interest in that project is solely because we, meaning I and the miserable wretch, desire to walk over to attend service at St. John's Chapel. For that reason only, everyone should give the project a boost.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, October 24, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Mrs. Carl Boeker, who is the assistant at Ruth's cafe out at the oil well, while putting a bit of time in the local store trying to sell Luxury _____, told me that the drilling would no doubt be resumed Monday.
This is good news to all of us observers. The other day, so it is said, a man who, from his clerical dress, was a clergyman, visited the well and climbed on the platform where the men were working. He asked, "How deep is the well?" and one of the boys replied, "We are down to hell." The reverend felt insulted and calling one of the officials suggested that an apology was due him. The official asked why and was informed that the worker had said "The well was down to hell." The official laughed and replied, "That fellow is wrong, for we passed through hell last week." Just shows that drilling an oil well is one helluva business. If you doubt this tale, call at the Palatial Pharmacy, and while inhaling one of those "Sasses" ask Hattie, for she sees all, hears all, knows all.
Good catches of trout and red the past week. Andy Jones fishes in Pilkington slough with fine luck, and Shoemaker, who is a guest at the Ramsey farm, uses a boat and goes out to the channel. Being duly sworn, he deposes and says that the trout were just too thick for the amount of bait on hand and after securing a good string, he was obliged to quit for the trout had eaten all of the bait.
The grab-bag social held in Mopac House Thursday night provided much wholesome amusement and fun. Because of the threatening weather, only about thirty-five were present, but they all had an evening of fun. Age was forgotten and all were boys and girls. The articles in the bag ranged from fans, watches, rings, masks, paper hats to soap, perfume, baking powder, mince meat each article giving full value in cents or in fun. The ladies of the Woman's Club sold candy and Mrs. Cherry brought one of those famous and delectable apricot pies. Soon as I rested my good left eye on that apricot pie, I told my cashier, who is the miserable wretch, to enter into negotiations for its purchase, and as a result I had pie before I buried in the husks for the night. Gosh, boy, but when there is an opportunity to feed yourself with Cherry apricot pie, don't fail to place your money, for it is a sure bet. A number of valuable articles are still in the bag, so perhaps we will have another social.
That was a happy surprise when Rev. and Mrs. Paul Engle came to visit us last Monday. The hour was all too short. Paul Engle never forgets us isolates and to him we owe thanks for the community privilege every year. He is the good pastor of his parish.
I have a copy of the Tyler Tribune. An eight-page weekly owned and edited by Henry Edwards. It is devoted to enlargement and exploitation of the agricultural possibilities of Smith County. If one sees Henry once, one never forgets, for he is one of those fellows who impresses one that character is present. The Tribune is printed on good stock and very black ink is used. It carries generous advertising and the editorials are pertinent and relevant and reflect the thought of the writer. Henry is one of those Texas writers and his annual vacation is the short course at A. and M. I clip this from his paper: "At 30 miles per hour you are going 44 feet per second; at 25 miles per hour you are going 38 feet per second; at 20 miles per hour you are going 30 feet per second; at 18 miles per hour you are going 26 feet per second; at 15 miles per hour you are going 18 feet per second. If you see children playing in the street while your auto travels 25 miles per hour and blow your horn when within 100 feet of them, they have less than three seconds to jump for their lives--unless you slow down." Right here in Collegeport men drive past our school campus at speeds ranging from 25 miles to 70. Some day some child will be killed. Wish we had more Henry Edwards in the printing business. He encourages the beautification of farm homes, club work, better crop method. I hope Henry lives for many years. I hate to record that Henry is a Democrat.
The library opened as usual Friday and put out more than sixty books and about thirty visitors registered. This free library is the outstanding civic work in this community Every since it was first started by Mrs. Hurd 25 years ago with 35 books, it has enjoyed a substantial growth and today, with its 1800 books, it is well housed in permanent quarters.
Frank Travis gave us a flash-like call last week, his first visit for seventeen years. He weighs around 285 pounds and six ounces and is more than six feet tall in the air. Frank is in charge of a church in West Texas.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, October 31, 1935 |
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The Collegeport Home Demonstration Club met at the church on October 29, 1935. Bedroom, garden and pantry cards were filled in and the usual business attended to.
Officers were elected for the coming year as follows: Mrs. Dorothy Corporon, president; Mrs. Roy Nelson, vice president; Mrs. Rena Wright, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. Jones, council delegate; Mrs. King, parliamentarian; Mrs. Crane, reporter; Mrs. Dean Merck, sponsor for the 4-H club girls.
Mrs. Rena Wright was elected bedroom demonstrator; Mrs. Roy Nelson, garden demonstrator; Mrs. Guyer, pantry demonstrator.
Other committees will be appointed later.
Mrs. J. H. Cherry, Reporter. |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
The library enjoyed a good business letting out sixty books and with thirty registered. Rev. Paul Engle gave the library three complete years of Harper's Magazine. Much appreciated. Fine books.
Thursday Miss Carter of the Houston Y. W. C. A. held a meeting with the Girl Reserves. She gave a most interesting and destructive [instructive?] talk. Fourteen girls were present and nine [Woman's] club members. As a result, renewed interest, not only among the sponsors, but among the girls. Good plan of winter work outlined.
Friday night the local basketball team, with Coach Curtis and a bunch of rooters took a school bus and went to Lolita for a night game.
Thursday night we enjoyed a sane celebration. Kids had a great time without destruction. Showed it could be done if just a bit of sense was used.
Friday Seth Corse returned from his travels in foreign parts. He was accompanied by his nephew, Ed Corse, who will stay a few days visiting old friends.
Plenty of rain the past week, and today the sky is clear. The sun shines down in a graceful manner. The oil well is again on the drill, but not much news as to results, for the workers know little and tell less, but she is going down fast with the new and expensive equipment.
The school project for a new building seems to be in the doldrums, for no motion is observed. The board should secure the services of George.
Had a pleasant call from Joe Evans, like his father.
I read in the paper of the passing of Jim Howerton. Fine man, devoted to Cuero and a most valuable citizen. I recall many pleasant visits with him. He has operated the Cuero Record for forty years and made a great success. One by one old-time friends pass. One by one is rapid enough. The greatest thing one can leave behind is a record of service. This goes beyond the grave. Money stays behind.
Rice about all in and cotton about 99.4 per cent in the bale, so the season is about closed.
Mrs. Lutie Ramsey fishing in Pilkington Slough hooked onto a five pound red, and after a long struggle, landing it. Proudest gal in the burg.
Mr. Shoemaker, after spending days here on important business connected with his ranch and other lines of activity, leaves for his base in Laredo. He promises to bring about $200 worth of fishing tackle when he returns, and will make a fresh attempt to land that ten-pound red which got away with hook, line and sinker.
Burton and Vernon Hurd taking a trip to San Antonio on a business deal.
Thanksgiving at noon, a community dinner at Citrus Grove. That night a complete program at Mopac House. Another chance to take a diamond ring or suthin' else from the grab bag. Hope Henry Legg feels stout that night, so the light plant may start easily.
Just received a letter informing us that on Friday we may expect a visit from Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Hermann (Anna Van Ness). Only a day's visit, but the old-timers who wish to see Anna better call around to Homecroft.
Thursday I will be in Houston having my bum right eye examined and maybe a look see about my left lamp.
As Mary Louise writes us each day, "Well, no more news."
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, November 7, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
...down comes a brisk norther with a temperature that makes butter making easy. Some rain, dense clouds, low tide. With it comes wild fowl by the thousands. Seven more days and then many of us will have roast goose. Fish are just not at home with such conditions and bathing in the bay waters not popular.
With one eye functioning any feller is able to see all he ought to see. In the days of short skirts, good old days, a feller needed two good eyes and at that he dreamed at times. I am thankful that with one eye I still am able to see my "Vice" at times.
"That last kiss I recall with despite, It seems too late we were born. I dream all day, I dream at night, Your sweet voice at the waking of morn.
As I think of that kiss I feel a blush That rivals the coming of day in the sky. My heartbeats still and seem to hush, As beat after beat if flutters by.
Kiss me again as in the past, Loving and true at the last. Give me again those lips so pure, Never again will they so allure.
Come to me again, my sweet girl; Come with flouncing, dancing curl, You are my very own sweetheart, Nothing shall ever have of my heart a part." --Fragments from Hack.
Journeyed to Houston Tuesday with Rev. Paul Engle to have an eye inspection, and am glad to announce that with my left eye I shall continue to watch my "Vice." Rambling about the Kress store with Mesdames Clapp and Goodman, I lost my two enchanters and one of the sales girls, a peach with yellow hair that fluttered out like the rays of a rising sun, said, "Can I be of service?" In reply I said, "I have lost two women," and she came back with, "Well, it should not be hard for you to find two more." Mighty sweet gal, and told to a man less modest would have made him feel quite pert. Guess I'll go back to the Kress store and preen around a bit.
A rather more than brisk norther visited us Monday morning and blowing rain all day with temperature way down around 32, we passed a nasty day. Tuesday the sun came up on a cloudless sky, and we were on our way to Houston as the sun creeped above the horizon. Beautiful day and happy visit with the Goodmans.
When Seth Corse tired of romping about in foreign parts, he returned home with his nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Corse of Greenburg, Kansas. They spent two weeks in this section and visiting the Valley and left for their home last Tuesday morning after a delightful vacation time. Wish we had a few permanents like the Corse family.
Wednesday I read in The Tribune of the passing of J. B. Dismukes, publisher of the Palacios Beacon. I was shocked to read that he died Saturday and was buried on Sunday. I have known this man for a fourth of a century, beginning with the days of the Francitas Bee, and esteemed him highly. I regret his passing and give my sympathy to his family. I hope that where he is now that he can smell printer's ink and set some type, for it this is possible he will be content. He was a good printer and an excellent citizen.
The Dean Merck home caught fire Wednesday from a defective flue. Dean, with great presence of mind, closed doors and windows and went into the burning room and at last put out the blaze with the loss of two good eyebrows, some hair from the top of his head and some blistered skin. Lucky feller for this time.
Wonder where Houston police stay. A blind man crossing the street led by a dog. A woman selling paper. A cripple on sidewalk offering pencils. Donated a dime and expect a Packard will pick him up at close of business day. Car drivers and pedestrians observing traffic signals. Many things of interest at parking lots. Man with no legs on small truck moves rapidly by pushing on sidewalk. Boy insisting that I buy a Press. Sidewalk fruit displays. A big plane flies over the city. Folks milling about in swarms made me think of an ant hill.
Cheese week, and cheese displayed in beautiful wrappings, special lighting, banners. I asked a clerk for "Coon River," and he replied "Never heard of it!" In reply I asked, "Have you ever heard of Imogene?" "Nope," he replied, and then I said, "Imogene is the sweet queen of Coon River, and you better find out about Coon River cheese."
The Woman's Club met Thursday in usual monthly meeting. Much business was transacted and talks were given by Mesdames Clapp and Liggett, the subject being "The First Thanksgiving." They arranged for a program in Mopac House Thanksgiving night. Interesting program with fine refreshments. At ten in the morning, Rev. Mr. Janes will hold a Thanksgiving service in the church house, which should have a good attendance. We have much to give thanks for. At noon Citrus Grove will hold the annual community dinner and at night a program at Mopac House.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, November 21, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
Oh, yes, we have plenty to give thanks for and we fail in our bounden duty if on Thursday we do not bend the knee, bow the head and acknowledge God as the great creator of us all, give devout and humble thanks for what has been so generously given us. The folk of this community will have an opportunity Thursday to meet at 10 a. m. and with Rev. Janes as leader, turn our thoughts toward God and render thanks for all things. At noon the people of Citrus Grove, continuing an idea that has been followed for twenty-five years, will hold the annual community dinner and everyone is invited. At night a program at Mopac House for the entire community.
This year the miserable wretch expresses a desire for a gross of clothes pins for her Christmas gift. I approve of such a sensible request. I believe in giving useful articles, for instance, a washboard, a tub, a clothesline, set of sad irons or whatever is needed in every family a wooden chopping bowl with a three-blade chopping knife such as mother used. Corned beef should never be ground if one wishes to make first-class hash. It should be chopped, hence such an outfit makes a useful gift. I hope Santa Claus brings her such an outfit and then as I smoke my R. J. R. I can listen to the chop, chop, chop and anticipate that most excellent dish, corn beef hash. I will buy clothes pins painted in ivory with a green vine and yellow flower on the side. This will be just too sweet.
In Bay City Saturday, I agreed with Mrs. Liggett that the beautifulest thing in the square is the new front to the Secrest store. It sets the pace that is leading Bay City from the village class into the city form. The entire front is made with Carara glass in a light green tone and deep black. I told a friend about it and mentioned the material as Carara glass and she replied, "Why I heard it was Cascara glass." What is the difference anyway, as one looks at the beautiful effects produced? Others will follow this example and in a few years every store will be beautified with something artistic in fronts.
Bay City is a beautiful burg and I doubt if there is an equal in the state. The splendid courthouse placed in the center like a fine white diamond and about it the smaller stones in greens and reds and over all at night the lights glisten like diamonds cast by a lavish hand over a beautiful city. I am only one of eighteen thousand, but I am proud of our county seat.
Geese and ducks in plenty as the season opened, but with the shooting and the warm weather they hunted other sections, so game is scarce just this day, but still several secured the limit. One fellow at 6:45 a. m. the first day shot five times as rapidly as an automatic could fire. Good thing a game warden was not handy. The north wind has given us a low tide, but soon as the tide turns in comes the fish for fresh feeding grounds. Oysters are just not, but the cold weather will fatten them up and soon we shall be having these succulent bivalves. There exists here an opportunity for some fellow to take over a going and paying grocery stock. A nice established business and all information will be given on request.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, November 28, 1935 |
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It is Sunday night after Thanksgiving Day. The festivities of a busy week are over. I am sitting in my easy chair with the front door open wide, because of the end of a perfect summer day. I am smoking my corncob pipe, filled with R. J. R. and as the smoke of Mi Lady Nicotine lazily floats in the quiet air my thoughts hasten back to the past week and I ask "What are you thankful for?" I shall attempt to reply, but fear I shall trespass on the space the editor is willing I should use. In the first place, I have enjoyed good health. No one of my family has passed over or been seriously ill during the past year. For that I am giving thanks. I have retained the loving friendship of my fine friends and have added a few to the friendship garland. Those with whom I have come in contact have been friendly, seemed to be glad to greet me and none of them have given me anything but kindness. This also is something to be thankful for. During the past year I have been given the rare privilege of doing some work of community value. I humbly acknowledge that it was impossible for me to accomplish alone and give thanks to those who aided me, but the building of Mopac House has provided the community with a facility much needed. I am thankful I had a part in this project. I have during the past year been able to lessen the distress of a family, lighten their burden, provide them with some necessary food and thus pass on in a way some of the benefits that have come to me. For this I am very thankful. I have been well fed, warmly clothed, securely sheltered. Never during the year have I felt the pangs of hunger. Yes, indeed, I am thankful for that. I live in the South, on the shore of a beautiful bay, in a nice, small community and have enjoyed during the season the finest oysters, splendid fish, geese, ducks and quail. For this I am thankful. I am an American and I live in a country that compared with others in an incomparable Eden. I have certain rights and in the enjoyment of them I have been amply protected. I am thankful for this privilege. I still have faith in God, I still have hope in the future, I still believe in giving aid to the other fellow, I still believe in a wonderful life beyond and I am grateful to God that He has given me these things. I am thankful for them.
During the year a man in whom I put my trust has violated his word, broke his solemn promise and proven that he is no longer worthy of my confidence. I am not thankful that he has done this dreadful thing, but I am thankful that he has been discovered.
Several of my friends have passed over the river and as I review my contact with them, I find that they have left behind a heritage from which I may have much profit. Some of them have glorified the world they lived in. All of them have added to my enjoyment. While sorry that I have been deprived of their society, I am thankful that I have had them in my life. During the past year I have been privileged to aid in a small way the efforts of local civic bodies. I am thankful for this. During the year my church has never forgotten me, for never has a month passed without some reminder that my church is near me, caring for me, bringing to me her comforting communion. My bishop, my priest, Mrs. Fred Catterall, have all been interested in my church life and have contributed to my continued enjoyment. For this I give most earnest thanks. I believe that during the year I have been helpful in a small way in helping friends, neighbors and in making this place just a bit better place in which to live and rear children. For this I give thanks. For my son and his family, for my sweet wife, for my daughter, for my sister, my nephews and nieces, for all my kin and my dear and close friends and that they have been spared illness, accident, death. I give thanks to my God. Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus, I thank you for watching over me. Jesus, the Son of God, I give thanks for all these mercies. My Heavenly Father, to whom all must bow in humbleness, I give thanks for Thy protection, the many blessing showered upon me, and grant that during the coming year I may grow in grace and desire and willingness to be of value to others. Amen.
The past week has been a busy one. Anticipation has added to the joys, for on Wednesday came our wonderful daughter for a four-day stay. Those of you who have seen the sun rise like a glittering crown of glory, bathing the earth in its scintillating rays. Those who have seen the moon come into the horizon with the man on the moon winking his left eye. Those of you who have seen the millions of stars sparkling in the depths of a turquoise sky. Well, you folk may perhaps realize what the coming of Mary Louise does to Homecroft. She comes with eager face, bright eyes, active ways and as she comes she brings to life, light, happy, joyous things to us. Well, anyway, she came and now she has departed, but happiness is still with us, just as twilight remains after the setting sun.
Well, Thursday, with Seth Corse, we were invited to the Harrison house for a regular dinner, which started with an oversize turkey and ended with ice cream and between all manner of gustatorial delights, even cigars and a libation. Boy, we sure had a grand and glorious day with the George Harrison family.
That night, thanks to Citrus Grove folk, Mopac House pulled a boner. We had planned for weeks to have a community gathering with music, games, fine refreshments. Just a clean decent family gathering, with no unbecoming, improper, indelicate, immodest, obscene or filthy dancing, of which a few of our Christian folk were fearing. If some of the people who pose as Christians would do just a little as Jesus did and exercise just a small part of charity, this community would be better off. Such souls are so small that a million might dance on the point of a pin with room to spare. Well, anyway, Mopac House folded its tent about nine and the ladies took home their baskets of food and their bags of tricks.
When we arrived home Thursday night we found that some persons, unknown to us, for they left no card or note, had brought to us three big, beautiful bouquets. Two were in special baskets covered with celophane in reds and blues and the other in a large box. The donors walked right in and made themselves at home and covered the table with the flowers. It was to us a wonderful surprise and made us very happy, for the flowers told us that someone loved us. Isn't that a wonderful thing? This that is called love. More than seventy flowers in these containers, reds, blues, yellows, pinks, greens all blending into gorgeous motif. The sweet perfume fills our home with delight and while we eagerly enjoy the flowers we wonder who broke into our house and covered us with blooms. Some day we shall know and then better thanks, but anyway, if the person reads this column they will know that this is just one more thing for which we are thankful. Thank God for fine loving friends. We do.
Rev. Mr. Janes held a Thanksgiving service at Citrus Grove Thursday morning and at noon the usual community dinner was served. I am informed that the attendance was the largest in twenty-five years and that never were the tables so generously loaded with food of the finest quality, which included the turkey, with dressing, salads, pies, cakes, nuts and soups. No sign of depression at Citrus Grove this year. Like the famous dinner Jesus gave when they gathered up many baskets of the fragments, these folks also gathered up many baskets which were distributed to those who were unable to be present. January 1 the Collegeport Community will hold its twenty-sixth community dinner. December 5th the Woman's Union will hold its annual bazaar in the church house. Many articles for sale, oysters at noon and night and everyone invited.
Marriage is a solemn contract, but it may also be an interesting and joyous promise. It was such a one that was solemnized Thanksgiving Eve at the home of Allen Spoor in Houston when Melvin Spoor and Lydia E. Parker were united in the bonds. Both are well and favorably known here. For many years Melvin has been a well-known successful rice farmer and by his conduct has earned and received the favorable consideration of all who know him. Melvin has always been a fine gentleman in his contact with women and girls. Always giving them gentle attention and for that I remember him. Miss Parker is a member of the local school faculty and is a valued teacher in her specialty, which is teaching Spanish. She served several years in a South American country as a missionary. She is a woman of high principles and enjoys the respect and love of all who know her. This is a union of two fine folk and I give them my respect and trust that God will go with them, bless them and aid them in making a fine home like and a successful voyage in their future life. I am thankful for this as for many other things.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, December 5, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article about the period of Mr. Clapp's life when he played Rip Van Winkle in a traveling theater company.]
Monday Louie Walter dressed out a hog and hung it under the gallery roof for the night. The next morning he placed a chair on the gallery floor and proceeded to cut up the carcass. A board in the floor gave way and down goes that chair and Mr. Walter. He was taken to Bay City, found all doctors out of town attending a convention in Houston except Dr. Morton and he made an examination and found four broken ribs. The proper dressing was applied and Mr. Walter removed to his home, where he is now as easy as his condition permits.
Although we have used all Sherlock measures we have to this date, not one clue to the burglars who entered our house Thanksgiving Day and covered our tables with beautiful bloom. We will continue following the faint scent and hope some day to land the splendid criminals.
Much rain--in fact, just gushes of liquid water--and now the land is covered with water, plenty of mud, but thanks to the gods it is warm as a summer day.
The Woman's Union bazaar, which has been an annual event for a quarter of a century, enjoyed a nice day. I do not know who made the oyster soup, but it sure was concocted by a master hand. The oysters were large, fat boys, and they floated right merrily in rich milk, well seasoned and a gob of butter floating in the center. Boy that was pompous soup. I looked around for some of that Cherry apricot pie, but finding none I took over a slab of magnificent apple pie. The crusts were delicate, flaky, crunchy and the filling was generous. The pie was not made by a stingy person. The tables were covered with articles for sale and no trouble at all for one to select beautiful gifts for the coming Christmas tide. The attendance was good, the buying liberal and Mrs. Rena Wright standing at the cashier's desk took care that no wandering cash escaped.
Andy Jones fishing this past week with fine success. Besides landing many five-pound redfish, he took one that weighed nine pounds. Oysters are being taken from the bay close to Collegeport and these brought to us are good size and quality. Brought right to the door in sealed glass jars at 35 cents per quart, most anyone may enjoy this fine seafood.
Sunday we have our first wild duck. During the week we have fed generously on fish, oysters, shrimp and now roast duck. The miserable wretch knows just when the roasting turn is reached. Never knew a better game cooker. That is one reason I keep her on the job.
Seth Corse tried to operate his Ford without water. The experiment was not successful.
C. W. Boeker is not in West Columbia in charge of an auto supply store.
Mr. Brimberry, I am informed, will move into the village and Mason Standish Holsworth will put the land operated by Brimberry in rice.
The big dangerous hole near the Boeker Crossing has, thanks to our commissioner, been filled with shell and is no longer a danger trap.
I am thankful that the football season is over. Compelled each day to read Mirth's guesses and listen to the comments of the Miserable Wretch has about driven me to the nut shop. But what-the-hell--if it isn't football, it will be some other bawl.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, December 12, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
During the years gone past I have enjoyed the confidence and friendship of many dogs, but only now have I been the proud possessor of a registered pooch. One time I had a dog named Pieterje, but called Pete for short, and when Pete wagged his stubby tail for the last time and passed over to dog heaven, I wrote a column about my loving pal. I told about his smart antics, how he could talk to me and understood what I told him. Well, that week one of the Tribune subscribers stopped his subscription because he could not stand for such silly dog stuff. Saturday night the Chronicle carried a story by O. O. McIntyre telling us about the passing of his dog Billy. Billy had been the close, intimate associate of the McIntyre family for 13 years and by his intelligence, lovable character and his ability to understand had become an integral part of the family. O. O., as everyone who reads his column knows, is one of our greatest dog lovers. When Billy died, something passed from the McIntyre home to somewhere else. The God I believe in is not a wasteful God and so when Billy died his brave and loyal spirit went straight to the place God had prepared for all good spirits, whether they may be that from a dog or from a human. Rest easy, Oscar Odd, Billy is safe and you shall be with him again sometime, somewhere. As I sat by the fire smoking my corncob pipe, I read the story, and when I was through my lips trembled, my eyes were full of mist and as I looked at the miserable wretch, she was having a quiet bawl. Our Jimmy knew that something unusual was going on, so he jumped into my lap, looked into my face and uttered a little whine of inquiry. He wanted to know what brought the tears and we told him and he put his delicate little paw to my face as if to wipe away the tears and then snuggled close to my breast. The Mowery family had Old Mam for fifteen years. She was deaf and blind and crippled. One day not long ago, while reposing on the back gallery, along comes a big dog suffering from rabies, and when he was through, Old Mam was suffering from terrible mutilations. It was necessary to put the old girl out of her misery, and don't fail to remember that when Old Mam passed from the Mowery home something real, something tangible passed with her. No other dog can take the place of Old Mam. No dog can take the place of Oscar Odd's Billy. No dog can possibly bring the thrills that Old Mam brought. Jimmy looks into my face with his big, bright, beautiful brown eyes and I know that some day we must part, but I feel sure that if he goes first he will be waiting on the other shore, his stubby tail sticking straight up and gently wagging a welcome home. McIntyre's Billy, Mowery's Old Mam gone, but still remembered for their intelligence, loving loyalty. Such dogs are man's most faithful friends. We weep with Oscar Odd. When Boatswain, Lord Byron's Newfoundland dog died he wrote an epitaph which has become immortal and it was inscribed on the stone of the grave:
"To mark a friend's remains these stones arise I never had but one, and here he lies."
I hope that this story will not lose The Tribune another subscriber, but at that, if The Tribune retains on its list the names of all dog lovers, it may well get along without the dog haters.
A last we have a clue to those sweet burglars. Two cars drove into our back yard. One a long, black car, and the other a light tan. Two or three of our friends have black cars, so that is rather confusing, but none so far as we know sport a light tan car. The plot thickens and soon we will know all about this affair. Commenting on this last week my copy read, "We have to date no clue to the burglars who entered 'our' house." The type man set it "entered our 'out' house." This is a terrible charge and I want the reader to know that we have no outhouse, backhouse or privio. In the house we have rigged up a device by which the use of an oval frame from Grampa's picture and Gramma's bread board makes it unnecessary to use any sort of an outhouse. This is mentioned just to keep the record clean. They were mighty sweet burglars and wherever they may be we love 'em.
From time to time we have had for our enjoyment what is called spareribs. Some are well named, for they be exceedingly spare, and one must become a bone-gnawer in order to obtain any nourishment. Thursday Louie and Janie Duffy brought in something less than fifty pounds of what they called spareribs, but that was a misnomer, for they were far removed from "spare." We could not by any words call them spare. Big meat all over and sure was a delectable treat. Being expert meat cooker in this family, I placed the bundle in a baking pan, poured on half cup vinegar (wine if handy) and allowed it to soak for an hour. Then a tablespoon mustard, four chitipiquins, one chili pasila, salt, black pepper to taste, one-fourth cup syrup, five cloves, garlic, one onion chopped and over all can of tomatoes. In oven until nearly done, then added spuds, turnips, cabbage. Boy, stop your talking about spareribs. Them there Duffy ribs are not spareribs.
A very lovely society event was the shower given by Mrs. L. E. Liggett last Thursday in honor of Mrs. Melvin Spoor (nee Lydia A. Parker). About fifty invitations were sent out, but because of the weather and road conditions, only about twenty-five were present. The new bride was dressed in her wedding gown and looked very sweet and charming. From a wedding bell which was suspended over her and which she was invited to ring, the bride was soon covered with a bountiful shower of beautiful and useful gifts, each one reflecting the esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Spoor are held by their many friends. The decorations were in yellow and white. Refreshments were dainty and as usual, when Mrs. Liggett has charge of the arrangements, were all that the most fastidious might ask. They consisted of jellies, chicken, smacks, coffee or tea. It is a shame that the groom was banished, but that is the way with us men. We are quickly put in our place and requested to stay there, but I am certain that before the shower was over it spattered into the heart of Melvin. This boy sure has earned a portion of the rain that fell that day. I knew from what has been reported to me, that those present and those unable to be there give most hearty wishes for a long, happy, joyous life of helpful and useful partnership. Standing on the sidelines with Melvin and looking on, I give him my respect as a gentleman of sterling worth. The bride will loyally take her place in this holy union and as the years pass the love that now buds will bloom into full flower. I hope God goes with them.
Louie Walter, I am glad to report, is mending rapidly and will soon be able to toddle about.
This week the "homing pigeons" fly to the home roost, and that means Rosalie Nelson, Frances King, Annette Johnson, all three from San Marcos, and then, to our delight, Saturday night when the train arrives in Bay City along about 11:30 p. m., from it will alight the only Mary Louise. For ten days we will bask in the light of her blue eyes and charming ways. If our son, Toddie, and family would fly, walk, ride the cushions, sleeper or auto, Homecroft would indeed have a glad Christmas tide.
I am informed that a wedding was formed here Wednesday [night?], but as no information has been [given?] to me, I am unable to make [a report?]. Don't know the name of the [place?] where married, by whom, [or?] the bride's dress, where they...they will reside. I am no...and therefore, in absence of [the de]tails, I am unable to write...know the bride's name, but will...that a close secret until I ...
The Daily Tribune, Wednesday, December 18, 1935 |
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By Harry Austin Clapp
[Local information taken from longer article.]
I like the Christmas spirit. I like to see a fine Christmas tree, provided it is a community tree where all, regardless of religious affiliation, may join in expression of the Christmas spirit. I like to see the children, every mother's son, participate in the gifts that should cover the tree. "Treats," as some call them, not for a chosen few, but for every child, regardless of age. I like to see a candle burning in the home window on the eve of Christmas, beckoning the stranger to come in and join the family joys. I like to see the glittering decorations as they shine and fill the room with radiance and brightness. I like to hear the kiddies sing Christmas carols from house to house on the night before. It is an old custom, almost forgotten, but it is a nice custom and brings a lot of added joy to those who listen.
This community, this year, will have, so I am informed no Christmas tree. Sad error, and it is my hope that in 1936 we will. Let us put a damper on our egotism. Who started Christmas? Did you, my reader? No, you did not. I did not. Not one of us had a thing to do with it. Christmas was started by the baby Jesus in the manger, 'way back two thousand years ago. Jesus started it and no other. It may not be easy for a community to have a tree or a candle in the window, but it was not easy for Christ to hang on the cross. He did it for us. Why can't we do some small thing for Him? Well, anyway, I like a Christmas tree and I like the candle in the window.
Christmas cards are coming in and one is written, "Your kindness and sincere hospitality during our short visit last August has not been forgotten. May God bless you both with His sweetness and richest blessings. Folks like you make life worth while." I think Christmas cards are fine.
Here is a good hen story: During 1935 we never had more than five hens. Just now we have four and an average would be four and a half hens for the year. We have not spent one cent for feed. They have furnished us with eggs we used in the family and we have sold a trifle over $4 worth of eggs. The only difference between this and some other chicken stories is that this one is true.
Well, well, well--three little wells, and after all this squawk about the absence of a Christmas tree, I am informed that the matter has been arranged and we will have a tree...night at the church house. I like this idea and hope there will be a good crowd. Friday afternoon the school faculty sponsored a tree for the school pupils and a splendid program. The teachers arranged so that each child should have a gift. One boy proudly sports a new knife. This was a fine gesture for the teachers. Elliott Curtis brought in the tree and he did not forget to bring a fine one for our family, and we thank him kindly. Next year suppose we begin the plans for a community tree and if weather permits have it on the Mopac yard in front of the library and have it all lighted up with electric lights. The Mopac plant will easily handle fifty tree lights and plenty of juice for yard illumination. Have a committee composed of a few saints and several sinners or even crooks. By doing that a few may be saved. Let them raise sufficient funds to provide gifts for every child in the Collegeport section. I like the plan. Think it over. No religion about this--just a memory of the sweet baby Jesus and His wonderful Mother Mary.
December 21st was the first day of winter, and we sure had winter. Heavy clouds covered the sky. Rain all day and cold norther blowing and it was a first class nasty day, but in spite of the rain, cold and mud, Mr. Brimberry hitched up his gas buggy and took the miserable wretch to Bay City to meet our daughter. After a long, hard pull from the pavement down to our gate, he delivered his load to me at 2:15 in the morning. Got to bed at 3:30 and got up at 6 "for I'm going a-milking sir, she said."
Louie Walter is making good improvement, which is good business. His daughter, Louise, Mrs. Raymond Waters, spent the week with him and returned to New Braunfels Friday. Louise is a very fine, sweet young matron.
Refreshed with Liggett spareribs cooked with sauerkraut, we were prepared for winter's first day. The resultant liquor from sauerkraut and spareribs, makes fine potlikker.
Well, what I did not know last week about a wedding, I know now. Miss Flossie Prunty and Mr. Thomas Watkins were married in Markham by Rev. Mr. Black and took a trip to San Antonio. They plan to live at Furber, where the groom is engaged in rice farming. Good luck, long life and a happy one is my wish for those who embark on the wedding trip.
The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, December 26, 1935 |
