We were off to a slow start today, but still managed to get on the road by 9:30am. A few hours later, we arrived in Carthage, TX. This is the town my father grew up in. Well, not exactly. He is from here, but, like me, his father was in the Air Force. He spent a lot of time growing up on whatever base or in whatever town/city his father was assigned to.
First stop was the Country Club. Somehow I found myself in the bar of the country club talking to 4 “good old boys” who were the local experts on the history of the club. One of them was able to name all the owners of the Country Club since 1970. This was facinating to me because I thought my grandfather was one of the owners in the late 70’s. However, I was wrong. It turns out my grandfather owned it in the 1960’s and he was the one who sold it to the first owner the local expert could recall. Not all was lost though. He was able to remember my grandmother and said she was a very good golfer. Why yes sir, she sure was. You should see her son play!
Next stop was a nice local restaurant, the Jalepeno Tree. It turned out to be a great Mexican place and I felt right at home.
From there, the cemetary to check on a few departed friends. With my Aunt’s help via the cell phone, we were able to find the graves of many of my relatives, including the Sheriff who had to lock up his own son in the early 1900’s. It seems his son needed some cash and felt the best way to get it was rob, and kill, the county treasurer. Oops. It turned out fine though. The entire town lynched him while the Sheriff (and father) was busy looking the other way.
We took a trip over to the old jail/library where they keep the records of these things. The picture of that Sheriff is actually a donation from my family. Nice to know we could help.
From there, we went to see a few old houses where my grandparents lived. Nothing big to report with that. The houses are in good shape and we didn’t bother anyone.
Busy day! Now back in the hotel to do some laundry (it’s the simple things, you know), clean up and rest up for tomorrow. Austin, TX! Here we come.