First of all on a sad note, Editor Ann Powers, Sports Editor Kellci Ford, this writer and the entire CherryRoad Media work family send condolences to Palo Pinto Press columnist Sue Overton and the entire family of her son Jim Ed Talbert.
Jim Ed was a delightful soul who will live in this writer’s heart and the hearts of many of the Press readers far beyond the date of his demise.
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Many thanks to Debbie Garrison, our home county Miss Rodeo America, for renewing her subscription to the Press.
Debbie is among those celebrities who helped place Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County on the national stage. This hometown cowgirl is also a team roper of great renown.
Here’s hoping to see you along the trail, Debbie. As you likely are aware, many of the Press readers still count you as their own even though you’re now a Parker County Peach.
Not too long ago, while at the Post Office, “Sis” Newsome and this Ole Heifer were discussing your success. For Press readers who are newer to the area. “Sis” is also a well-loved local cowgirl whose work and adventures in the rodeo world are notable and to be commended.
Just to let Debbie’s fans and friends know, she’s still going strong. And she still sings the praises of her hometown and county at every opportunity, even though her rodeo and business career has advanced light years beyond roping the occasional goat.
Thinking of goat roping prompts this Ole Heifer to mention she was recently reminded of the days of mohair production along the Brazos River. In turn, folks who were in the ranching business before the turn of the century will likely remember some hot and sticky days when those smelly although clever animals were gathered for shearing.
On a side note, here’s a moot, moot and thank you for stirring the memories to several subscribers. Among them are Carolyn and Allan Smith who are to be commended for their support of print media and their preservation of historic farm and ranch properties. Also to D’Ann Tomerlin for the same and for being one of the “kids” who had to jump up and down in huge sacks to pack mohair for market.
Bawling and bellering is surely in order when the hard work of producing mohair comes to mind. Whether gathering the goats on horseback in the thick brush along the Brazos and her tributary creeks, drenching, shearing, packing hair or worst of all doctoring for screw worms comes to mind, there are some pungent memories.
The question would seem to be: In spite of an increase in coyotes, if mohair were once again subsidized, would it result in renewed production? If any of you ranch folk visit with Emry or Deborah Clark Birdwell, this Ole Heifer would love to know their opinions on the topic.
Here’s to all of us who came to understand early in our lives: Ranching is not all that romantic. It is simply a working way of life. This was especially true of the days when tons of mohair were produced in Palo Pinto County.
And here’s a big MOOOOO to all the Press readers who might have called themselves free child labor except for being allowed to ride some truly fine horses. Oh, yes… …the views from the top of Antelope and other Palo Pinto mountains and hills. Not to mention chicken fried steak. Nice perks.
On a parting note: Having identified with bovines has led this Ole Heifer to wonder about the new term “veganish.” Does that mean one only eats meat on the week ends? Holy cow. Shoot me now.
And thanks to each of you, no matter your diet choices, for continuing to support the Press.
This nostalgic bit of rambling must include loyal subscriber Jo Smith, Allan’s mom, who knows the agricultural industry from both a participant and a banker’s point of view.
Farming, ranching, gardening and related endeavors sustain the economy of our community through thick and thin.
See Page A-3 for locations where you can buy single copies of the current Press. For archived issues, please come by the office at 501 E. Hubbard St. in Mineral Wells between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays are your best bet, since the staff is usually out in the county on Fridays.
