I had a Texas History class in elementary school. The Alamo was undoubtedly the shining star of the curriculum, with local history tucked away as a mere footnote. I assumed that nothing “history-worthy” happened around here because we didn’t learn about it in school. Fast forward 30-something years. My journey with local history started unexpectedly in April 2020, when I stumbled into Hell’s Half Acre.
I recently read the book, Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde by Jeff Guinn. For fans of true crime and depression-era criminals, Mr. Guinn’s book doesn’t disappoint. It might be one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend it.
Here are two poems I wrote last year around Halloween — The Women in a White Dress and Haunted House. I assure you, the only scary thing about these is how bad they are! Haha!
I braved the Texas heat yesterday afternoon — it felt more like summer than fall — to track down some historical markers. I was driving in a residential neighborhood to get to the next one and passed a house with a teenager sitting on the front porch. He watched me, and I know he continued to do so as I parked a few houses down. I got out of my car, read the historical marker, and took a few photos — definitely feeling his eyes on me at this point.
I recently read Dr. Zack Bobo’s memoir, Ramblings of a Country Doctor, published in 1977. The memoir touched on his youth, medical school, a lengthy career as a doctor, time in Arlington, and traveling. He included observations about living life, the medical profession, and a determination to “keep a-stepping” — advice from a fellow doctor he often passed onto others. Bobo lived a life full of adventure and discovery before passing away in 1987 at age 90. He’s buried at Parkdale Cemetery in Arlington.
Jason S. Sullivan 