Category: Local History

Dale Carnegie, Details Count, ephemera, Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Local History, Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely, MotivationLeave a comment

Why I Dropped Everything to Sign a Brick

bigbertha

An unexpected invitation from the Frisco Chamber of Commerce sent me racing to sign a brick at their future home—after first getting hopelessly lost because I was too excited to read the entire email. The experience reminded me of one of Dale Carnegie’s timeless principles: Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from being invited to become part of someone else’s story. Continue reading Why I Dropped Everything to Sign a Brick

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

Autograph Books, Como Texas, Details Count, ephemera, Greenpond Texas, Local History, Sulphur Springs2 Comments
8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 3

8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 3

bigbertha

I purchased my first autograph book in 2021 and have been researching the original owner, Ramona Holmes.  The little red book is from Paris, Texas in the 1940s.  Ramona was meticulous in documenting details, making it relatively easy to research the individuals who signed her book.  I know her best friend and her favorite teacher, for instance.  It has been awhile since I’ve blogged about Ramona (I have acquired 5 other autograph books… and have many hobbies that compete for my time).  But I thought this year would be a good time to resume the Ramona blog series.  Continue reading 8th Grade Autograph Book from 1946 – Paris, Texas: Part 3

Autograph Books, Circle of Life, Details Count, ephemera, Local History4 Comments

Emma Johnson’s Autograph Book from December 25, 1885

bigbertha

This book is 136 years old! (Dec 25, 2021 – Dec 25, 1885). I acquired this treasure one week before Christmas. I learned it is 136 years old and was given to Emma Johnson as a Christmas gift from a school teacher! I have been researching for a week, discovering fascinating pieces of history about the people and places tied to this book. Read on for more information. Continue reading Emma Johnson’s Autograph Book from December 25, 1885

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