Gone But Not Forgotten

September 21, 2015, 6:52 pm

≪ Previous: Expansion of El Salvador's Telephone System

New Jersey, Morris County, Boonton

In Memory Of Those
Who Left Us So Suddenly

Dedicated May 21, 2005
Detective Gordon N. Smith, March 17, 1975
Captain John D. Muriano, Feb. 28, 1982
Patrolman Stephen J. Koval, June 6, 2002
Patrolman Kurt A. Keller, Nov. 14, 2006

Gone But Not Forgotten

(Heroes) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

County's First Law Men

September 21, 2015, 6:58 pm

≫ Next: Home County of Famous Frontiersman J. Wright Mooar

≪ Previous: Gone But Not Forgotten

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

First sheriff elected when the county was organized, 1884, was W. W. "Uncle Billy" Nelson. He authorized the first "Calaboose" (jail)—a frame structure only 8 x 10 x 8 feet. Uncle Billy resigned after 6 months since cowboys were an unruly lot.
T. J. Faught was next appointed sheriff, 1885. He gained respect of cowhands when, using a wooden pool cue as a weapon, he calmed a rowdy group in the west side saloon. Faught never wore a gun; was elected 3 terms, 1886—1892.
In original Snyder town plat, a street was named for Sheriff Faught; it is now 27th Street.

(Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Home County of Famous Frontiersman J. Wright Mooar

September 21, 2015, 7:29 pm

≫ Next: Township of Oswegatchie World War II Roll of Honor

≪ Previous: County's First Law Men

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

Champion hunter of buffalo—largest game animal in North America. Born in Vermont; came west at 19. Began hunting in 1870 to supply hides for market.
In partnership with his brother, John W. Mooar, in 1873 established first buffalo hunting camp in the Texas Panhandle. On Oct. 7, 1876, at his first hunting camp in Scurry County, killed a rare albino buffalo—one of two known to have been killed in Texas. The hide of that albino, afterward shown in 1904 St. Louis Fair and many other occasions, is now preserved here in Scurry County by Mooar's descendants.
Hunted regularly until 1879; in 1881 helped furnish game and hay to feed construction men and animals building Texas & Pacific Railroad in West Texas.
During his career, he shot about 22,000 buffalo—a record probably unsurpassed. His ability to hit a vital spot at a distance of 1,000 feet or farther won the respect of such Indians as Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, who became his friend in later life.
Began ranching with his brother in 1877. Also had a business in Colorado City, 1881-1905. Was highly esteemed. Site of killing of white buffalo (10 mi. NW of here) is near the Old Mooar Ranch headquarters, where his hand-hug water well is now surrounded by oil wells.

(Animals • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Township of Oswegatchie World War II Roll of Honor

September 21, 2015, 7:52 pm

≫ Next: Scurry County's Canyon Reef Oil Field

≪ Previous: Home County of Famous Frontiersman J. Wright Mooar

New York, Saint Lawrence County, Heuvelton

1941 Township of Oswegatchie 1945
World War II Roll of Honor
Lest we forget

(War, World II) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Scurry County's Canyon Reef Oil Field

September 21, 2015, 7:52 pm

≫ Next: The Ogdensburg Agreement

≪ Previous: Township of Oswegatchie World War II Roll of Honor

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

Attracted international attention by size and engineering achievements. During 1948 four widely dispersed wells penetrated the Canyon Reef Formation at depth of 6,500 feet. Soon more than 2,000 wells defined gigantic fields which contained an estimated four billion barrels of oil.
This rapid drilling involved thousands of people—contractors, drillers, engineers, geologists, lawyers, office workers, roughnecks, roustabouts, suppliers. Oil companies poured $300,000,000 into the operations.
By 1951 engineers saw that only 20% of Canyon Reef oil could be produced in competitive operations, but recovery could be doubled by pressure maintenance in unitization. Successful formation of Diamond "M", Sacroc, Sharon Ridge Canyon, and Cogdell Units and initiation of fluid injection were events of immense significance. The programs showed by 1955 that free American enterprise can work out voluntarily the most modern and efficient conservation procedures.
Thus Scurry County--with a petroleum industry dating from shallow wells in 1923—has become a pioneer in oil history, and is assured a high level, stable economy for many future decades.

(Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

The Ogdensburg Agreement

September 21, 2015, 8:08 pm

≫ Next: Elk Rut

≪ Previous: Scurry County's Canyon Reef Oil Field

New York, Saint Lawrence County, Heuvelton

In Heuvelton at a railway siding the night of August 17, 1940, Pres. Roosevelt and Prime Minister King discussed mutural problems and created a permanent joint board on defense known as the Ogdensburg Agreement.

(War, World II) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Elk Rut

September 21, 2015, 8:19 pm

≫ Next: First State Bank Building

≪ Previous: The Ogdensburg Agreement

Wyoming, Park County, Yellowstone National Park

As the days grow short and temperatures dip, bull elk feel the nudge of autumn. Instinct and experience guide them. Ready to compete, bulls pierce the air with bugling – their distinctive mating calls.

Gathering and Guarding a Harem
Robust bulls rely on more than muscle to compete in the rut. Herding skills and a spirited attitude are vital, along with a stout pair of antlers. A bull must defend his harem of cows – sometimes to the death – or risk losing them.

While two bulls battle, other bulls sneak in to whisk cows away. Unattended females often wander, only to be herded again. For more than a month, mature bull elk have very little time for food or rest. The rut demands full attention.

Bugle Calls in the Fort
Long before soldiers arrived to protect Yellowstone’s wonders, or built Fort Yellowstone, or graced the parade grounds with bugle calls, bull elk sounded their own bugles.

Elk are wild and unpredictable. They roam freely in the park today, as they did on 1886 when soldiers first marched into Mammoth Hot Springs.

Too Close!
During the rut, bull elk are agitated and extremely dangerous, even when resting. Elk are quick and powerful. Keep your distance.
Stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from elk at all times.
Second Marker : >
Calving Season
New Life in the Elk Herd

A Few Minutes OldCow elk give birth in May or June. In less than an hour, a newborn calf stands for its first meal.
Motherly InstinctNewborns cannot keep up with the herd. A cow keeps her calf safe by hiding it, then grazes or rests nearby. Like its mother, the newborn uses instinct, lying still until its mother returns.

Cow elk are very protective of their calves. A cow may charge if you venture near her young, even if you do not see a calf. Stay alert!

(Animals) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

First State Bank Building

September 21, 2015, 8:26 pm

≫ Next: Company G

≪ Previous: Elk Rut

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

Erected 1907-08 on site where trail of U.S. Cavalry Gen. Ranald MacKenzie ran parallel to Deep Creek. Built for First State Bank & Trust Co., early day cattlemen and ranchers' bank; closed during 1931 Depression year.
Has since housed many firms including local newspaper (when it was "Times Building"). Now used as office building. Exterior of Ionic Greek columned structure is same as when first constructed.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967

(Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Company G

September 21, 2015, 8:49 pm

≫ Next: Scurry County Courthouse Site and Building

≪ Previous: First State Bank Building

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

Composed of National Guardsmen from Scurry County, Company G originally organized and fought in France during World War I. Reorganized in 1924 and mobilized in 1940, Company G was part of the 142nd Infantry of the celebrated 36th Division during World War II. The unit fought in some of the fiercest battles on the European front including Salerno and Cassino. It also saw action in North Africa, in southern France, and in Austria. A heavily-decorated unit, Company G was an important element in the Texan contribution to the Allied Forces during World War II.

(War, World I • War, World II) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Scurry County Courthouse Site and Building

September 21, 2015, 9:13 pm

≫ Next: Rut in Hayden

≪ Previous: Company G

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

Seat of justice for Scurry County, created 1876 and organized 1884. Local landholders--R. H. Allen, Fred Barnard, R. H. Looney, C. C. McGinnis, C. H. McGinnis, T. N. Nunn, W. H. Snyder and H. A. Travekes--donated lots in center of town for the courthouse square. Bonds for construction were purchased by local citizens.
The original 2-story courthouse of locally made red brick was built in 1886 in northeast corner of the square, on site of a former buffalo trail. A jail, built farther northeast, was joined to courthouse by a corridor. Board sidewalks led to the building. A chain hitching rail for horses enclosed the square.
The public windmill, focus for civic and social gatherings, was located in the center of the square.
The commissioners court designated the boundaries of the four county precincts according to the north, east, south, and west lanes approaching the courthouse and these precinct boundaries are still used.
The first courthouse was razed in 1911, after the present one was erected, 1909-11. This building had a dome, which was removed in 1950 remodeling.
A part of the old square is now paved, as today's courthouse visitors require auto space rather than the watering trough and hitching rail.

(Government • Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Rut in Hayden

September 21, 2015, 9:22 pm

≫ Next: Snyder National Bank

≪ Previous: Scurry County Courthouse Site and Building

Wyoming, Park County, Yellowstone National Park

Grunts, rumbles, and roars vibrate the air. The summer day sizzles with energy as hundreds of bison mill restlessly. It seems chaotic, but there is a reason for the agitation. One of nature’s most spectacular reproduction rituals is in motion. Adult bull bison chase after a lone cow, determined to be the one she chooses to mate. Young bison hang around the perimeters, watching and learning. Though it happens every year, the bison rut never ceases to be an extraordinary season in Hayden Valley.

This cow is mine.
A bull tends a cow by shielding her from other bulls until she allows mating. A challenging bull bellows to get the cow’s attention. The tending bull roars back. Sometimes a brutal battle occurs

Rusty red babies polkadot the valley in April and May. An adult female bison births a calf every one to two years and nurses it for a year. A baby bull born early in the spring often becomes a larger, more dominant adult.

Shake, wallow, roll.
Look for clouds of dust rising in the air. Bison wallow in dusty pits to dislodge biting flies and other insects from their fur. Big bulls might paw the dirt and horn the wallows in displays of aggression.

(Animals) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Snyder National Bank

September 21, 2015, 9:31 pm

≫ Next: Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railroad Company

≪ Previous: Rut in Hayden

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

In 1890 F. J. Grayum began the Snyder Bank, a private institution, in his drugstore on the south side of the square. Although Snyder had no railroad and goods were shipped on wagons from Colorado City (25 mi. S), W. A. Fuller, a wealthy rancher, saw the need for a national bank to encourage business growth. Fuller and his associates bought out Grayum's bank. The Snyder National Bank opened on March 13, 1905, with Grayum serving on the first board of directors and as cashier. Fuller was president and E. W. Clark served as vice president.
During the 1930s when many banks were closing, M. A. Fuller, who served as president from 1924-39, announced that he was bringing a plane loaded with cash into town. After unloading the sacks of money, Fuller invited the worried customers to withdraw their accounts. This dramatic move seemed to reassure the community and there was never a "run" on the bank.
After operating for a short time from Grayum's Drugstore, the bank occupied several locations on the square before moving to this site in 1957. Through the years the bank has served as a stable financial force in the county.

(Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railroad Company

September 21, 2015, 9:59 pm

≫ Next: O. H. Methvin, Sr.

≪ Previous: Snyder National Bank

Texas, Scurry County, Snyder

Established through efforts of Gen. F. W. James, Abilene banker and developer. Winfield S. James, a son, directed construction. While the James' were founders, H.O. Wooten, originally a Vice President and for decades owner of controlling interest, is credited with making the road a success. Daily services started in 1908 from Roscoe to Snyder and to Fluvanna in 1909.
This 50-mile railroad contributed much to the economy and settling of area; later was a connecting link with the Santa Fe and Texas & Pacific Railroads. For several decades it had a flourishing passenger, mail, express and freight business. It played major role in the Scurry County oil boom of 1920's and 1940's, transporting much essential oil field equipment.
Its steam locomotives required from 10 to 12 tons of coal daily for the round trip, with water stops at Roscoe, Snyder and Fluvanna. Oil replaced coal by 1929, and all engines converted to diesel power by 1956.
Service to Fluvanna was discontinued in 1941, and passenger service to Snyder in 1953.
Today this short-lived railroad (31 miles) has a remarkable growth story as a connection and gateway for transcontinental traffic. It moves more than 20,000 cars yearly.

(Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

O. H. Methvin, Sr.

September 21, 2015, 10:25 pm

≫ Next: The Art of Commercial Fishing

≪ Previous: Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railroad Company

Texas, Gregg County, Longview

About 1848, O. H. Methuen (1815-1882) and his father Richard came to Texas from Georgia. O. H. Methvin bought about 1,200 acres in East Texas, including this site, which was his cornfield. He built a home on nearby Rock Hill for his wife Margaret and their children. In 1870 Methvin deeded 100 acres of his land to the Southern Pacific Railroad. The town that developed on the rail line was named Longview when surveyors were impressed with the long-range view afforded them from Rock Hill. With the formation of Gregg County, Longview became the county seat in 1873.

(Government • Political Subdivisions • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

The Art of Commercial Fishing

September 22, 2015, 12:50 pm

≫ Next: They Had To Go A Fishin'

≪ Previous: O. H. Methvin, Sr.

Wisconsin, Ozaukee County, Port Washington

Spears and Clubs
The Indians used handmade spears and clubs, from shore or in primitive boats, to catch the many species of fish native to the shallow waters of Lake Michigan.

The Seine
The seine net was anchored at one end, to the shore or possibly an open boat. The other end was played out in a large semi-circle, trapping fish within its bounds. The two ends of the net were then brought together creating an ever smaller area until the fish could be removed from the nets. This was one of the earlier methods of fishing on Lake Michigan.

The Gillnet
A gillnet is simple in design. A mesh net is attached between two heavy cords, lead weights on the bottom cord and floats on the top. The cords (maitre) are joined together at each end by a bridle. The bridle is hooked to a weighted net buoy which marks the location of the net. The gillnet can be set on the bottom of the lake or at any depth. Each net is three to four hundred feet long and is packed three or four to a box. Several boxes of nets, tied together, is called a gang. This method of fishing is used year round, even under the ice in winter. The size of the mesh determines the size and type of fish that can be caught. Small ones pass through and those too large can't gill themselves. It is necessary for fishermen to have twice the number of nets they fish as the nets are often torn and have to be repaired. Before the advent of monofilament nets, the nets had to be boiled and dried to prevent rotting.

The Hook Line
Hooks were used extensively when fishing lake trout. First small bait nets were set and then lifted. The trout hooks, baited, were attached to a long cord which was played out of the back of a fish tug going 3 mph. This process was quite dangerous as the fishermen could easily be hooked as the line went out. The men always had a knife nearby to cut the lead connecting a hook to the trout (trol) line. When the lake trout population declined this method of fishing was discontinued.

The Pound Net
The pound (pond) net works on the principle that fish will go to deeper water to avoid an obstacle. A lead is made of a large mesh netting, large enough for the fish to pass through, and is tapered to the slope of the lake bottom. The lead may be 1800 feet long. Floats keep the net top on the surface and lead weights hold the bottom down. It is secured with anchors or stakes varying in length depending on the depth of the water. The fish move along the lead and enter a small opening between the wings (hearts). From here they must find their way back out or enter into the pot of the nets. The pot is about 40 feet square. Once in the pot there is little chance of escape. A pound net boat is moved over the pot. The inside corners of the net are raised and two or three fishermen begin gathering the net, hopefully filled with fish, to the boat. Scoop nets are used to bring the fish on board.

The Fyke Net
The fyke (hoop) net consists of two hooped pots connected by a lead. Anchors are used instead of stakes, and buoys mark the nets' positions. A fish entering the net travels through a series of tunnels until it reaches the pot. To retrieve the net, the anchor line is lifted and the pot is reached. With a mighty heave, the pot is rolled over the side of the open boat. The knot at the end of the pot is untied and the fish are released on the deck. It is not unusual for thirty pots to be lifted in a day.

The Trap Net
The trap net is similar to the pound net. A number of differences make it more flexible to use. The nets are anchored not staked. The pot and heart are covered, allowing the gear to be set below the surface. To lift the net a boat with a broad flat back, low smooth railings and cabin forward is used. The main anchor (king) line is attached to a winch and the pot is literally moved across the back of the boat, concentrating the fish. The pot is opened and the fish are scooped out. The process of setting the trap net is quite complex and takes about a day.

The Trawl
The trawl is a large double bag of netting that tapers to a point. The outside bag is added for extra strength. The large end of the opening is weighted on the bottom and has floats on the top to keep the net open. The net is released off the back of the boat and is dragged slowly along the bottom. Power winches haul the catch on board with an assist from a hydraulically operated platform which is lowered into the water to help the net slide on board more easily. The small end of the bag is untied and the fish are dumped on the deck.

(Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

They Had To Go A Fishin'

September 22, 2015, 12:55 pm

≫ Next: Robert Loftin Newman

≪ Previous: The Art of Commercial Fishing

Wisconsin, Ozaukee County, Port Washington

The lure of the lake is magnetic and hypnotizing to a true commercial fisherman. It draws him into its embrace from the time he is born to the day he is laid to rest. The lake mesmerizes him with its beauty, strength and sometimes terror. It provides an attraction that satisfies and nurtures his very soul.

To survive, a commercial fisherman learns quickly to respect the lake. He knows it can fill his nets with its bounty or send him back to port with nothing to show for his day's work. He also knows the lake can just as easiliy steal his nets, sink his boat and take his life. Regardless, he loves fishing and the lake through good times and bad.

Typically the fisherman's day started before dawn and ended after dark. Conditions were usually too hot or too cold but always wet and dirty. His uniform included heavy clothes and waterproof outerwear called oilers. The rocking, pounding and lurching of the boat created balance, a strong stomach, strength and stamina to endure. Even with the advent of machinery to assist in the lifting of the nets, the lake was no place for the weak of heart. Muscle strains, bruises or gashes from a slip of the knife were usually dismissed with a laugh and the knowledge that this was just part of the job.

Long days and short nights were taken for granted by the fishermen and the families that awaited their safe return. On a good day nets could be lifted and the fish dressed out on the way back to port. If the lake was capping and the boats had to pound their way in, the day stretched long hours beyond the time the mooring lines were secured and the sky had passed into darkness. The catch had to be off-loaded, wet nets replaced with gangs of dry ones and the boat cleaned up and made ready for another day on the lake.

Once dockside, these hardy fishermen often partook of a pail of beer retrieved from a nearby saloon by one of the many boys that frequented the docks awaiting their time to venture out of the harbor and take their place next to a seasoned veteran of the lakes. Or, as was the culure of the time, the crew might hang up their oilers and stop at their tavern of choice. There among their compatriots stories would flow freely, tales of the lake would be born and the men fortified their courage to face Lake Michigan not knowing what the morrow would bring.

Be she grim lover or seductive siren, a true commercial fisherman cannot turn his back on the love of his life, the lake.

Picture Captions (left to right): Turn of the century trout; Lifting pound nets; Cleaning (Dressing) Chubs; Iced down and unloading

(Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Robert Loftin Newman

September 22, 2015, 2:16 pm

≫ Next: Clarence Cameron White

≪ Previous: They Had To Go A Fishin'

Tennessee, Montgomery County, Clarksville

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Newman moved with his family to Clarksville when he was eleven. He studied art in New York, England, and France. Nationally recognized for his work, over 190 of his paintings have been located. Newman served as a lieutenant in the Confederate Army from 1861-1864. Although he traveled extensively, his permanent home was a house which stood here. Newman died in New York and was returned to Clarksville for burial.

(Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Clarence Cameron White

September 22, 2015, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Kennedy and Glenn's Bank

≪ Previous: Robert Loftin Newman

Tennessee, Montgomery County, Clarksville

Dr. Clarence Cameron White, born in Clarksville, Tennessee, rose to international prominence as a violinist, composer, educator and conductor. He studied composition with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and violin with Michael Zacherewitsch. White taught at Washington Conservatory of Music, West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) and Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). A noted violinist and composer, White, an African American, won a Harmon Foundation Award, Rosenwald Fellowships, and the David Bispham Memorial Medal for his opera "Ouanga." He died in New York in 1960.

(African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Kennedy and Glenn's Bank

September 22, 2015, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Trinity Episcopal Church

≪ Previous: Clarence Cameron White

Tennessee, Montgomery County, Clarksville

This private bank was founded in a brick building on the west side of the Public Square in April 1854, and shortly thereafter incorporated as the Northern Bank of Tennessee. During the War Between the States its funds and securities were smuggled to England for safekeeping; they were returned at the war's end.

(Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Trinity Episcopal Church

September 22, 2015, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Le Mont-Saint-Michel

≪ Previous: Kennedy and Glenn's Bank

Tennessee, Montgomery County, Clarksville

Trinity Parish Church, founded in 1832, is one of the five oldest Episcopal parishes in Tennessee. This Romanesque building was completed in 1877, at a cost of $40,000. Cave Johnson (1793-1866), U.S. Postmaster General; Gustavus A. Henry (1804-1880), Eagle Orator of Tennessee; and Horace H. Lurton (1844-1914), U.S. Supreme Court Justice, worshipped here. Trinity Episcopal Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 6, 1982. Damaged during the Clarksville tornado in 1999, the church has been restored to its former elegance.

(Churches, Etc. • Disasters) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

↧

Latest Images