Favorite Cultural Icon

Take a look at this sign and this building. Nothing special, right? Wrong! When I see a place like this, it brings back memories of any number of places like it that I went to as a kid with my mom or day, with friends, or other loved ones. It reminds me of the simple blue collar folks that were always chatting with you and other customers that kind in for a burger and a shake or a root beer. Places like this welcome people of all walks of life But, they represent simple American life, a common meal of the average person.

This place in east Dallas has been around for a long time. I just found out about it in recent months and finally made a point to try it out. I was not disappointed. Even though I have only been there once, I feel like I’ve been there hundreds of times.

Dairy-Ette in east Dallas ( a drive-in)

A Favorite Lesson

Six years ago our family took a trip to Florida. It’s a long story. But, I wasn’t particularly interested in going to Florida. I had been there multiple times before. But, we’d gotten a good deal at a resort and in the end, it was quite a restful and enjoyable trip. One of my requirements on this trip was to take a detour on the way back and visit Andersonville Prison and Prisoner of War Museum in Georgia.

If you’re not aware of Andersonville, it was the most notorious of POW camps in the south. It was a POW camp for fourteen months of the four year long Civil War. During that time, approximately 13,000 prisoners died there. Our visit came during the span of time that was the 150th anniversary of its existence. So, the photo of the included sign shows, for example, that 150 years to the day we were there 105 men died that day.

The primary cause of death was disease and malnutrition/starvation. The photo of the stream is to show you their source of drinking water which was already polluted before the water entered the stockade.

My primary reason for stopping here besides my interest in 19th century American history and Civil War history was that I had a relative who was captured in battle and taken here. He was one of the fortunate ones who survived it and lived until 1928.

A place like this does not evoke “happy thoughts.” In fact, it’s quite humbling to get a glimpse of the horrors of war and to realize what some people endured and sacrificed for the benefits of others. At such a cost, I’d hope that our desires would be for many others to also experience those benefits and liberties as well; that we would not have an “every person for themselves” attitude.

Hillsboro Texas - Another county seat, courthouse, and town square

There are numerous counties in the state of Texas in which the counties in the late 1800s seemed to have had a competition for who could build the most awesome courthouse. Many of them are on a square with shops and restaurants surrounding the area. Of course, a century plus of time can take its toll on buildings. Fortunately, the state of Texas has grants they award every year for the restoration of these courthouses. This often brings a restoration to the town square and the economy. The courthouse in this photo is about a 45 minute drive south of my house. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven through the town on I-35, but have never stopped in downtown. Well, all this quarantine and shelter-in-place stuff can get a little old and I needed to go somewhere and so I took a few hours to go visit the Hill County courthouse in Hillsboro and a paleontology museum called Texas Through Time. The museum is not large. But, they have some fascinating acquisitions and models. It’s very kid accessible and it’s free admission. The town also has a museum called Roadside America which is near the town square. It looks interesting. But, I’m saving that one for a little road trip with Cindy when she can go.