Category: Dallas History

art gallery, Dallas History, Details Count, Harry Hines Blvd, Lewisville, Local History, Pilot Point, Random Objects, Rubbish, Toys, Visual Art League of Lewisville, You want me to photograph that?Leave a comment
Street Life - Harry Hines Blvd

Photography Exhibit at the Pilot Point Coffee House!

bigbertha

Friendships, connections and opportunities abound when you join an art league. Justine Wollaston was a guest speaker at the Visual Art League of Lewisville a few years ago and from that moment I became a fan and a friend!

Fast forward and she is the curator for art exhibits held throughout the year at the Pilot Point Coffee House (PPCH).  From August 4 – September 18th, you can see a wonderful mix of photographs by talented local artists.  Continue reading Photography Exhibit at the Pilot Point Coffee House!

Dallas History, Death of Companies, Details Count, Local History, Tributes2 Comments

Forest Theater in Dallas, Texas Part 1

bigbertha

Very few things get me up early on a Saturday morning, especially on a cold winter day.  But the chance to see the inside of a dilapidated building is on the TOP of the list! 

On Saturday, January 24th, Tore Bellis and I bundled up and headed to the Forest Theater at 1914 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Dallas, Texas.  There is a group, Forest Forward, that is leading the way in revitalizing the building and the community… and they are giving tours! Continue reading Forest Theater in Dallas, Texas Part 1

Curiosities, Dallas History, ephemera, Local History, Paris Texas, Tributes2 Comments
8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 2

8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 2

bigbertha

I recently purchased a little red autograph book from Curiosities in Dallas.  It belonged to an 8th grader named Ramona Holmes who lived in Paris, Texas in 1946. 

I’ve spent some late nights researching the people and places referenced in the book.  I was also able to cajole my friend Tore into a day trip to Paris for further research.

This post focuses on a favorite teacher…. Continue reading 8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 2

Dallas History, Details Count, Harry Hines Blvd, Hotels, Tower Hotel CourtsLeave a comment
The Tower Hotel Courts in 1955, Part 3

The Tower Hotel Courts in 1955, Part 3

bigbertha

Preface:  Hopefully you’ve been following along in this series.  If you’re new, the quick rundown:  I fancy myself the “caretaker” of the Tower Hotel Courts in Dallas, even though it has been demolished for many years. 

I was recently contacted by a stranger, Angelia McDaniel, who has ephemera from “my” motel.  Her parents, John Dennis Rush, Jr. and Letha Floyace Grimes Rush stayed at the Tower Hotel Courts for their honeymoon in 1955.  This initial contact with Angelia was the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack.  While one can find pieces of ephemera for sale at antique stores or online, having the personal stories tied to the pieces makes it even more fascinating.  Angelia has been very gracious in sharing her family’s stories.  We’ve had a blast going down various rabbit holes during our research.  

Part 3 showcases the journey from the wedding ceremony at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls to the Tower Hotel Courts in Dallas.  As Angelia describes it, the “Honeymoon Road Trip”.  Continue reading The Tower Hotel Courts in 1955, Part 3

Dallas History, Harry Hines Blvd, Hotels, Local History, People, Tower Hotel CourtsLeave a comment
The Tower Hotel Courts on Harry Hines in 1955 - A Subseries, Part 1

The Tower Hotel Courts in 1955, Part 1

bigbertha

Who were the people who visited the Tower Hotel Courts during its prime and for what purpose?  I got my answer.

I was recently contacted by a stranger who has ephemera from the Tower Hotel Courts.  These are items that are unique and personal to her family.  I asked for permission to share the information and she agreed.  I am grateful for this privilege and excited to share the stories.  Enjoy! Continue reading The Tower Hotel Courts in 1955, Part 1

Curiosities, Dallas History, Details Count, ephemera, Local History, Paris Texas, People2 Comments
8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 - Paris, Texas

8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 1

bigbertha

I recently went to my favorite antique store in Dallas (Curiosities) to purchase an autograph book from the 1800s.  But by the time I arrived the book was sold.  Since it’s a long drive – I made the trip worthwhile.  I scoured the store and found a consolation purchase that ended up being an even better gem.  This little red autograph book belonged to Ramona Holmes, a student at J. G. Wooten School, in Paris, Texas.  The autograph book is dated 1946.  Continue reading 8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 1