Volume 21, No. 1 June 2005
The 38th Annual Meeting of the Deaf Smith County Historical Society met on Tuesday, May 10 at the Hereford Country Club. Claudia McBrayer, president, presided and welcomed those present.
Suzanne Smith, vice president, chairman of the nominating committee, reported the following had agreed to serve another three year term: Cheryl Betzen, Diana Gerk, Betty Kriegshauser, Sandra Saul, Jaime Brorman, Troyce Hanna and Nancy Paetzold. The officers elected to serve for the ensuing year (2005-2006) are: President, Claudia McBrayer; Vice-President, Suzanne Smith; Secretary, Tonya Kleuskens; and Treasurer, Theresa Artho. Under the continued good leadership of these ladies, we look forward to another good year for the Museum and E. B. Black House.
A big “Thank You” is in order to the 128 guests who attended the April Luncheons. Your attendance and support made this another successful fundraiser. Amy Gililland, Tonya Kleuskens and helpers gave an excellent program featuring the vintage wedding gowns from the Museum collection. Stories about wedding customs and traditions were most interesting. Judy Detten, Kitty Gault and their helpers in the kitchen planned and provided another delicious meal. “Thank You” to all these ladies on the Historical Society Board who give of their time to make these luncheons very special.
The Garden Committee continues to do an excellent job in maintaining the overall appearance of the yard and garden at the E. B. Black House. It is always a beauty spot in the community from spring to fall. The ladies and gentlemen who volunteer to work every week are to be commended. They will be found each Tuesday morning beginning at 8:30, taking care of weeding, trimming, replacing plants or whatever needs to be done. If you are interested in gardening you are welcome to join them.
We have a new traveling display as of June 15: “This Contest Is For Real Hands: Rodeo Photographs of the 1930s”. The official opening was Wednesday, June 15, from 2:00 – 4:00 o’clock. Refreshments of homemade cookies and lemonade were served as hostesses greeted visitors. Of special interest are the displays of local rodeo participants who have gained National recognition. We have memorabilia from Bussy Kaul who was a National Steer Wrestler champion along with awards and prize saddle won by his son, Kirby Kaul. Monty Lewis, winner of 2004 World Champion Tie-Down Roper and 2004 National Rodeo Finals has on display his medal and other awards. Monty is on the Rodeo Circuit today and does not have much time at home these days. We have been hearing and reading about his achievements since his high school days. He also has on display a beautiful saddle won during his high school activities.
Anyone who has memorabilia related to rodeo or cowboy ranch working, and would like to share with the community their activities is urged to contact Paula at the Museum, 363-7070. This display will continue through the summer and we hope it will be of special interest during the Spicer Gripp Rodeo held in August. We will have many visitors during this time and it would be nice to let people know we have had special champions from this community through the years.
We truly have a cowboy heritage in this area and we need to remember some of those who came in the early 1900s to settle this area. When the county was a part of the XIT spread, the cowboys would have days when they did bronc riding, roping etc, that was everyday work but also entertained those on the sideline. Early day pictures of ranch life are always interesting. Maybe you have some in a drawer that you would like to share at this time.
Our last traveling exhibit was enhanced by the community sharing personal things about the wars of the 20th Century. We want to thank ALL OF YOU who brought keepsakes and other memorabilia relating to the wars which have touched all of our families in this community. Thank you for taking the time to come see the displays and to share your stories and experiences.
Maintenance at the E. B. Black house has been a major project this year. The outside of the house and the gazebo has been repaired and repainted by Larry Pesina and his crew, who did a very nice job. The house and grounds are truly a “showplace” for this community. Bill Dirks is in the process of repairing the columns on the front poarch at this time. The Society has a special fund set up to be used as needed for these major maintenance projects. Special donations, some memorials and honorariums are put into this fund. We are fortunate to have interested friends who make occasional special donations, and the support of the county residents.
Recently we had to replace the sheer curtains and shades in the parlor and piano room of the Black house. Dorothy Ott of Dorothy’s Decorating made and installed the replacements. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Black made a generous donation to this special project which has been very much appreciated. Their interest and continued support have helped make it possible for us to keep the E. B. Black House and gardens in condition for community use as it was intended when given to the county.
Several Members of the Prichard family toured the Black House recently and related stories of visiting Jim & Pruda (Prichard) Black when they lived in the house. Jim was the oldest son of the E. B. Blacks. We appreciate their interest and donation.
We have had some 2,220 visitors at the museum this past year. Thirty-two states and eight foreign countries were represented. Foreign countries include Canada, China, India, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and South Africa.
Guided tours through the museum were given to 472 students and 139 adults. Schools and groups included the Nazarene Christian Academy, Northwest School, First Baptist Kindergarten, Bluebonnet School, Tierra Blanca School, Stanton Pre-K, Vega School, Bovina ISD, Hereford Day Care, CASA del Llano, Ware Memorial Care Center of Amarillo, Home Artist Club form Tulia and the 1954 Class Reunion of H.H.S.
A delegation from the Texas Historical Commission toured the Museum and the E. B. Black House for evaluation purposes. We were pleased the group took their time to visit and make suggestions for possible improvements in some areas in the future.
We continue to have Chapel weddings and some club meetings at the Museum. This helps to enlarge our outreach to the community. Weddings at the
E. B. Black House continues to be popular also. Showers, parties and meetings are being held there.
We are beginning a new year this month which means our dues are due for the ensuing year. Individual membership is $15.00. We are offering memberships to businesses for $25.00. Please note the enclosed extra sheet for memorials and donations.
We look forward to seeing you at the museum this summer. Spend an afternoon browsing and reminiscing and seeing the new Rodeo display.
Submitted by Troyce S. Hanna
Memorials:In memory of Lani Long-Bill & Pat Confer In memory of Jeff Carlile-Lynne Carlile In memory of Henry Solomon, Buddy McBrayer, Emily Diller, Dale Lacewall, Mardee Wood, Juanita Koetting, J. P. Jones, Frank Zinser, B. F. Cain, Lance Latham-Mr. & Mrs. Grant Hanna
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