Texas Draft Horses Plowing Through History

Do you not agree....they are beautiful. This past Saturday, after reading an article in the local newspaper, I decided to attend the event. After all, it was listed as "free" with hamburgers and drinks being served.

I love horses. Naturally the news article, with headlines of "Plow Through History" caught my eye. The event, held each year, is call Texas Draft Horse and Mule Association Harvest and Plow Day.

How is that for directions? It was on a road I had not traveled before. And even though it was in the same county that I live, the event was almost 45 miles away. When I turned off the main road, I almost gave up and turned back.

Finally, I saw the sign.....

and the entrance gate to the farm!

I can't express how excited I became. There were about 10 to 12 teams of draft horses pulling vintage farm implements for plowing, discing and mowing.

How often do you get the opportunity to see past history in action? Take a close look at those boots.

Would you believe they belong to a woman? Yes, she drove a team of four beautiful Belgian Draft Horses, riding this vintage disc. Her team of horses are featured in the first photo.

In talking with her mother, I found out they are training them for another owner. Her mother said the horses are about 5 years old and still growing.

To give you some idea how tall the horses are, this young woman is about 5' 6".

There was one team of beautiful mules. I thought this photo deserved a title....something must have gotten their attention for both to be looking in the same direction....maybe it was time for lunch!

One minor accident occurred, which only proves how dangerous it might have been for a farmer to be in the fields by himself. This was a time before cell phones!

It was a very hot day with strong winds blowing. But the video was still worth sharing with you. I ended up taking about 100 photos....too many for one post.

My only regret was not doing my homework before attending the event. It was only after, that I started some research on draft horses. I was able to identify two breeds as Percheron and Belgians. Please click HERE to read more about the Belgian Draft Horse.

Are they not magnificent animals?

Meggie Mac

Friday's Fences

At the highest point of a hill, not too far away from my home, is a small Texas Historical Cemetery.

Some of the family areas are still enclosed with metal fencing.








The family cemetery was first established in the 1830's. For some of you living outside the United States, this is probably not very old.

However, Texas didn't become a state until 1845. This was basically newly chartered territory.

In 1879, the family donated 1.25 acres of land and it became a community cemetery. Burials include veterans of the War for Texas Independence, The Civil War, World War I, World War II, and The Korean War.

The Bluebonnets and other wildflowers are in full bloom this week. And, yes, that is an outdoor toilet in this beautiful scene.

It was a very windy day, as it so often is here on the prairie. Looking at this photo, one might have the feeling  of dropping off on the other side of the trees.....and you could.

Meggie Mac


I'm joining with Jan n' Jer's Friday's Fences. Please take a look at other wonderful Friday Fences.

Celebrating Texas Heroes

 


One of two cannons used for the celebration

 With September almost over, there is a noticeable difference in our outside temperatures. Saturday was a perfect day to be celebrating "Texas Heroes Day". The event took place at Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, a Texas State Historic site. You may remember me writing about "Brewery on the Bluff.

Some of the Re-enactors dressed in period clothing

  Yesterday's event specially commemorates the men of the Dawson Massacre of 1842, and the Mier Expedition, 1843.



The Texas Heroes Buried at Monument Hill

The 48 foot shellcrete monument, erected by the Texas Centennial Commission, was dedicated in 1936.

More period styles.....look at all those ruffles to iron !

A local basket maker was there demonstrating her craft.

Two ladies had their spinning wheels working, turning wool into yarn. If you click on the photo, you will notice she is operating the wheel barefoot. I found it mesmerizing to watch her spin and pull on the ball of wool, while making the yarn.

The entire event was free, including a recipe for home-made noodles. A woman, from our community, was rolling out the dough and cutting fine strips for noodles......no Pasta Maker here, just old fashion hand techniques.

No celebration is complete without music. The Monument Hill Singers led in The National Anthem and the Texas State song, Texas Our Texas. Other members of the community brought there dulcimers for our entertainment.

As I walked around enjoying all the events, it made me realizes how much work goes into organizing an event like this. So many people gave freely of their time, that we might remember our history and enjoy a day together.

Meggie Mac

Discovering a Photographer from the Past

For as long as I can remember, I've had an unquenchable desire to learn new things. In the last few years, the Internet has been a great source of information for my discoveries.

My mother gave me the wedding photo of my maternal grandmother's brother and sister-in-law. In a post I wrote, For the Love of Grandparents, I mentioned the close family relationship. The woman, in the photo, is also my maternal grandfather's sister.

Besides the obvious, when examining the old photo, there is a very interesting embossed name at the bottom.

My curiosity sent me to a google search of his name. Much to my surprise, there is a book written about him and his photography, titled "Equal before the Lens".

As a blogger or follower, you know how important the photography is to telling a story. The title alone, of this book, intrigued me.

That is how I discovered an entire life I had never heard of before. John Paul Trlica was a first-generation Czech-Texan. The book tells of how Eastman Kodak Company was instrumental in the training of a young photographer like Trlica.

This photo is for you, my dear friend, Elaine @ Pear Tree Log. I know you and your family are preparing a celebration for the christening of your sweet granddaughter. Hopefully, Francesca will not be wearing a similar bonnet.

What was so extraordinaire about him and his photography, was his openness to photograph not only the privilege, but also to the working class. Here is a photo of two girlfriends.

You must remember, this was in the early 1900's where, ordinarily, the studios only welcomed the upper class.

If you are interested in photography, you might want to consider ordering this outstanding book written by Barbara McCandless. Amazon has used copies for about $12.00.

One never knows where a little detective work and searching will lead them. History is all around us, just waiting to be discovered.

My natural curiosity brought a life from the Blacklands of Texas to this post today....

Meggie Mac