In the mid-1800s, land speculators said that Western Travis County in Texas would be a paradise, a perfect place to grow crops, raise livestock, and build a life. Settlers were seduced by such stories, and many of them-including a large segment of German immigrants-made their way to this "promised" land. What they found was, for the most part, an arid area of cedar trees, poor soil, rocks, and snakes. Still, these hardy people carved out a good life for themselves, making the best of what they had, and their descendents continue to live in the area today. Historian and Travis County resident Elaine Perkins relates the tales of these settlers in "A Hill County Paradise," a moving testament to the pioneer spirit that made this place prosperous. From the earliest settlers through two world wars, Perkins reveals the tragedies and triumphs of those who made the county their home. This historical record brings this Texas county's past to life, recalling residents fighting for the Confederacy in the Civil War, breaking ground for a new homestead, rustling cattle, taking advantage of burgeoning business opportunities, squabbling, and heralding the arrival of electricity. Vivid details, solid research, and an intriguing narrative make "A Hill County Paradise" not only educational, but also entertaining, securing the memory of this county's past for future generations.
A guide to the best restaurants in the Central Texas region. Includes recipes.
THE WRITINGS IN THIS BOOK ARE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE AUTHORS OWN EXPERIENCE, GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF OUR HILL COUNTRY ENVIRONMENT, AS WELL AS SOME DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLORA AND FAUNA FOUND IN THE HILL COUNTRY.
“This is Miss Haywood, Tracy,” Ben said to his wife. Tracy's gaze slid from Alex's face down to Joe's coat, which Alex still clutched closed with both hands. “I guessed,” she said. Something in her tone made Alex wonder again just what, ...
Bill Wright met Celia at her La Junta General Store in Ruidosa, where she told him about her unfinished journal. With this book Bill fulfills his promise to share her courageous and fascinating life with others.
Here is a special salute to Bill Reaves, Texas gallerist and art expert who thought my photographs were special and needed to be in a book. Last, but certainly important, are the great folks at Texas A&M University Press.
Based on her ancestors' immigration to Texas, Janice Shefelman tells of a journey into the wilderness that is filled with hardship, tragedy and adventure . . . young readers will glimpse a fascinating view of what life in early Texas was ...
When twelve-year-old Ruby's mother goes to jail, Ruby finds her Aunt Eleanor, an ornery nun with some dark secrets, who Ruby hopes will help free her mother.
A cautionary tale for a new era of megafires, Paradise is the gripping story of a town wiped off the map and the determination of its people to rise again.
From boyhood in Home, Pennsylvania, to his death in Tucson, Arizona, in 1989, this book offers - in Abbey's own words - the world of an American original. Whether writing fact or fiction, Abbey was always an autobiographer.
... County ............................. Paradise CDP, Sanders County ..................... Park City CDP, Stillwater ... Hill County ............................ Ryegate town, Golden Valley County .............. Saco town, Phillips County ...