MORE GOOD STUFF FOR A CHANGE

I know all of you who live in the Ballinger area, and those who read the Ballinger Online News already know about the renovation and recent Grand Opening of the old Texas Theater in Ballinger. It is a new experience for such a small town - a dinner theater. They have their own website that I encourage you to check out. Texas Theater website. It contains pictures, menu (below), upcoming films, and a really fun video with some current Ballinger residents. I've been to one similar in the Dallas area years ago, but the food was not nearly as extravagant. My sister Jean and I order pizza! We had extremely comfortable seats that swiveled and even reclined somewhat. I thought the price was a little high, but when I see what the Texas Theater offers, and the price, ours was really rather cheap. I'll have to admit, though, that the one we attended only showed movies, and probably only had burgers, hot dogs, and pizza on their menu. Nothing like what the Texas Theater offers. If any of you have been, please share the experience (and photos if you have them) with us!

This is one of the menus on their website. A meal such as this would cost much, much more in a larger city. In 1950 dollars, this $30 for a meal and movie would have cost $3.60 plus the cost of the movie ticket. Considering the cost of the movie in Ballinger at that time was (you old-timers correct me if I'm wrong) about 25 cents, and a McDonald's hamburger could be bought for 15 cents (I know there wasn't a McDonald's in Ballinger!), $3.85 would have been a little expensive for most citizens. Especially the teenagers on dates. No one dared to go Dutch treat back then - the guys always paid. Right?

Live performances, music, standup comics, all seem like Ballinger will become a hub for entertainment. What a great place to take your sweetie for Valentine's Day, anniversary, birthday, or any special occasion.

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This photo is of Dream Lake in the Colorado National Forest, where JIM COWLISHAW and his wife Betty went last year. He sent an email describing another trip they took last fall:

"We went to Red River, New Mexico for a week. This was one of our better trips. We rented a cabin in the mountains.and just took it easy. Had to come down and go several miles into town to use the phones. (And no Walmart.)

We picked and enjoyed wild strawberries and mushrooms off the mountain. I don't know how the people survive, but it would be really tempting to try. Then I remember my banker, and what he would do - maybe come along, you think?"

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DON WHITE ? and  DORIS ?

Now for some fun photos. I check out the Ballinger Online Newspaper from time to time, and sometimes come up with tidbits of information, like the Texas Theater opening, that haven't necessarily been shared with me. (Hint, hint.) I'm not certain, but I believe these auto pictures are from the 4th of July parade. As there were no names with them, I guessed on the one above. It sure looks like DON WHITE driving, and a hint of red hair on the passenger side must be DORIS WHITE. Correct me if I am wrong. Whoever it is, I really like their wheels!

When I saw this photo, I couldn't make out the face of the driver, but I thought I had seen the car before. Sure 'nuff, the next photograph confirmed my suspicions:

Yep, it's BILL KING, the silver-haired fox, with a young cutie at his side that I assume is his granddaughter. Again, correct me if I'm wrong.

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As you've read about before, DENNY HILL has a flat (apartment to us) in Warsaw, Poland that he returns to during breaks from school and in the summer. He was there during the Christmas vacation. I had inquired about how he was faring in NY when the first big Polar Vortex hit the east coast, and he wrote he was in Warsaw and sent me some interesting replies.

"I have been following the extreme cold in the USA. And as I think you know, here in Warsaw it has been correspondingly very mild. It is as if the 'atmosphere' of the earth has slipped, like a cloth covering a globe of the earth, in which the North Pole has slid down towards Minnesota, bringing another part of the cloth up from warmer regions, so that here we are in something like early spring or late fall. Bizarre! Don't know what to think of it, except that it might just be the beginning of another 'little ice age'. Some scientists think that 'global warming' might in fact trigger another little ice age. It is complicated, but it might have to do with the famous loop (the conveyor belt in the Atlantic, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Europe). If that collapses, or reverses course, or even weakens a little, we could see the top half of the USA freeze over in an ice sheet."

Every time I hear from DENNY, no matter what the topic, he gets my brain to stirring. I end up having to look up a lot of things on the Internet. There are some interesting articles on what scientists are saying about the possibility of a "new little ice age". Whatever happened to global warming? The extreme cold we've been having -- even as far south as Austin -- makes me hope they are wrong about an ice age. DENNY got home just in time to experience this second round of ice age type weather! Two days ago he said it was 19 degrees there, and he had about a foot of snow in his yard! Brrrr.

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NEIL BROUSSARD has moved his family to Wimberley, Texas from Houston. (I will email his new address for you all to place in the back of your handbook.) When I asked if there were a reason for the move, he promptly replied, "To get out of Houston"! Having lived there many years ago, and hearing how much more congested it is today, I can't say I blame him. Shortly after that, I was watching one of the Today news shows on NBC, and they were spotlighting romantic getaways all over the U.S. Lo and behold! Wimberley, Texas was the first one they showed. It was a beautiful inn or bed and breakfast. Of course, I had to go to my favorite source, the Internet, and look up Wimberley. I couldn't believe there were so many inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts in and around Wimberley. The Hill Country is beautiful some of the time, but the photos of these places really made it appealing no matter the mesquite or cedar trees that abound down here.

Blair House Inn, Wimberley, Texas

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One more photo before I go. JUNE CURRY HASH and I frequently communicate. We've talked a bit lately due to the extremely frigid conditions in which she lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. JUNE and her son Chris are loving pet owners. Chris has a cat named Sydney, and JUNE has two little rescue dogs that have become like members of her family. She sent me this adorable photograph of  them:

Now, do those look like pampered, loved pets or what? The one on the right is named Dori, but I have forgotten the other. JUNE will have to clue me in. 

I think DOTTIE BISHOP ROGERS is the only one of us who lives where the cold and ice hasn't hit. To the rest of you

Love, peace, and warm fuzzies,

Marilyn

CONDOLENCES FOR ANOTHER CLASSMATE

James Hays sent the following message:

"Jerlene Piel Steel's husband, Sam Steel, died in Abilene two days after emergency surgery for a pericardiac effusion.  He was recovering satisfactorily when he suddenly took a turn for the worse.  I met Sam years ago when he was a deputy sheriff sometime before he and Jerri married, and had the privilege of treating both of them for a number of years.

  

My heart goes out for Jerri and this family.  (This was a tough one for me)."

James

Sammy Ray Steel

Sammy Ray Steel, age 72, of Blanket went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Graveside Services for Sammy will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Eureka Cemetery with David Roe officiating.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home.

Sammy was born on December 1, 1941 to Oliver and Audry (Nelson) Steel in Brownwood.  He graduated from Early High School.  His first job was working for Citizen’s National Bank.  Over the years Sammy worked various jobs in Brown and Crane County including 3M, Brownwood School District, Brownwood Police Dept., Brown County Sheriff’s Dept, General Telephone Electronics (GTE), and Charles Land.  He was farming and ranching alongside his wife, Jerri when he retired.

Sammy leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Jerri Steel of Blanket; children, Richard Steel and wife Donna of Brookesmith, Cindy Steel of Austin, Connie Steel of Round Rock, Jeff Steel and wife Beverly of Brookesmith, Randy Tischler and wife Dondi of College Station, Mike Tischler and wife Robin of Denton, and Steve Tischler and wife Gina of Midland; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannie Belle Fisher of Early. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Audry Steel; and brother, Bobby Steel.

The family request that memorials be made in his honor to The American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.  Family and friends are invited to leave online condolences at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com. 

Our love, prayers, and condolences to JERRI and her family,

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Also, as some of you already know, Gary Ferguson (BHS Class of '54 - brother of the late Barbara Ferguson, Class of '57) left this earth January 2, 2014. I remember him as a giant teddy bear.. with a good sense of humor, and great on the football field. His obituary can be read on the online Ballinger News site.

Peace and love

Marilyn

CATCHING UP ON CLASSMATES

Regarding the news of SANDRA PATTERSON WINEBERG'S death,

JIMMY COWLISHAW sent the following:

"I recall SANDRA, but time makes me forget some of the pleasant memories of early school days. 

Now, the good stuff....my lead bull keeps producing calves. I think that over the 13 years that I have had him, he has produced some 43 calves. (Not to say that the heifers haven't had much to do about it.) Jobs continue to come in. I suppose that I will continue to work, as my health remains good. I tell the folks that ask when am I going to quit, that Betty won't let me. She gets twice the husband at half the pay, and if my banker finds me not working, he might call my notes."

What I would like to know, Jim, is - are you still playing cowboy with the cattle, or do you have ranch hands to help you with them? Either way, working at all the things you do is keeping you young!  And also keeping your sense of humor.

ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER sent the following:

"I am so sorry to hear about SANDRA's passing. She was one of my special friends in school, in fact, I was in her wedding (the one she got a divorce from immediately). She had wonderful parents.

I was 'very sick' in May and June. My heart was the problem. I was in the hospital for 25 days, rehabilitation for 8 days, and then home health came for 5 weeks, 3 times a week. I had three nurses, so it was like open house around here. But God decided I was needed here for some reason, and I am doing just great now."

After receiving this email from ROSALYN, I called her today so we could chat. She is amazing. Her stint in the hospital was full of dramatic turns, and she even had to be "brought back" four different times. After all she went through, she now is making plans to go to the Renaissance Festival in Conroe with her family, and she was actually cleaning out a closet when I called her! She is an inspiration.

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It is somewhat dismaying when we hear of people our age leaving this world. But rather than be depressed or fearful upon hearing news of these happenings, we can always feel blessed that we are still around, and know that there truly is a reason for our still being here. Two of my favorite quotes are from a little book called "Illusions" by Richard Bach:

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly."

And then, when asking "how will I know when my mission on earth is complete?" The answer is "If you are alive, it isn't."

Love, peace, and good health to you all,
Marilyn

CONDOLENCES

From the Midland Reporter-Telegram:

Thomas Rex Bomar, born May 30, 1935, in Santa Anna, Texas. Graduated, Talpa HS. Attended Sul Ross University. Enjoyed calf roping, steer roping, horse racing, hunting and fishing. He moved to Midland in 1967. Managed Yale E. Key Well Service, Midland Yard. Established WR Rental Tools Inc., 1980, President until death. Survived by wife Patsy Berry Bomar of 52 years, sons, Randy & wife Claudia, Kennie, wife Sondra, Shayne wife Terry, Jackie, Daughter-in-law Kathy Delia Rocco, and husband Paul. Grandchildren, Angela Bomar Cagle and husband JJ, son Coltin, Jennifer Bomar Constable, husband Justin, Steven Bomar and wife Erica, Mikel Bomar wife Ricky, Christina Bomar Brown and husband Jimmy, Brenda Bomar and numerous great grandchildren. Visitation Lange Funeral Home, Ballinger TX, Thursday, October 17, 2013, 6:00-7:00 pm. Graveside services Talpa, TX. cemetery, Friday, October 18, 2013

Our prayers and condolences to PATSY BERRY BOMAR and the family of Rex Bomar at the loss of their husband and father. 

Peace and love

Marilyn

A LITTLE HISTORY

JAMES HAYS answered my question about the old building they demolished. NANCY BAKER also told me the name was not Home Furniture, but King Holt. (I think Tuckey's must have had Home Furniture.) BOB BURTON'S stepfather, A.J. Hendricks worked at King Holt when BOB and I married in 1960. Our whole household full of furniture - including appliances - cost only $350, and came from there. Of course, some of it was used, but I remember the brand new Danish modern (remember those?) sofa and end tables! 

The photo below was all I could find of a small portion of the old building (to the left of the insurance agency) before they tore it down. JAMES wrote an interesting little bit of Ballinger history concerning the early years of this location. 

JAMES: "The building in question was the King Holt furniture building.  I had been in it a couple of times in the early forties to the early fifties.  It was rumored to have a printing press of some sort in the upstairs, used mainly for storage in the seventies.  

Up until about 1930, it was the T. S. Lankford company, originally a saddlemaker/leather shop but he sold hardware, harness, and wagons.  Lankford and his two (?) sons moved to Abilene and manufactured work clothing, where his two sons did their whiskey drinking and gambling at the now defunct Abilene Club.  

Sometime after 1908, Lankford had joined a Mr. Hathaway (related to Drury Hathaway the abstractor aka the man with no sideburns after his peculiar haircuts?) at which location I do not know. Hathaway had been associated with James Asa Hays, a saddlemaker who settled in Runnels "City" in the mid-1880s living and working in a lean-to in that location until 1886 when he moved to newly founded Ballinger. He talked his younger brother H. G. Hays, my grandfather, into moving to Runnels County about 1891 or 1892.  

I have seen one money-cartridge belt marked with Lankford's name but have been looking for anything made by J. A. Hays for 25 years unsuccessfully. Any help would be appreciated.  Maybe something will walk into the Ballinger gun show Nov. 2-3. I'll be there."

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I have to share a little family history of my own. My great-great-great grandfather, Benjamin Varga, was a master saddlemaker and harness maker in his native Hungary. He was also a tax collector for the monarchy until the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849, which he fought in. Family legend has it that he made money belts for each of his sons after the Revolution and divided the family "wealth" in gold so that as they escaped Hungary, if they got separated, each would have enough money to survive. He came to the United States first, followed by four of his sons a few years later. They arrived at the port of  Galveston around 1857, joining their father in San Antonio, where the Varga saddlemakers made a name for themselves that lasted over four generations. All four sons served in the Confederate Army. It is rumored that Benjamin Varga was silent about his position as a tax collector in the Hungarian monarchy until the day he died. He was always expecting someone from the old country to come after him. Hmmm. Tax collectors have always been despised, huh?

This is a money belt and holster made by Ben Varga Saddlery.  Probably a lot like they all wore coming to America.

And you all thought I was just French! More than a little Hungarian gypsy in my soul. Lots of good stories on that side of the family.

Peace -- and good memories to you all,

Marilyn

BUILDING COMES DOWN IN BALLINGER

NANCY THOMPSON BAKER informed me of this "big news item" last week in Ballinger. I searched the internet until I came up with this video.

Last Tuesday a demolition crew took down this condemned building on 8th Street across from the Post Office. The building on the right housed the Willingham Insurance Agency, and a portion of the wall came down upon it. Luckily, they had evacuated the employees ahead of time. I keep trying to recall the building they are removing. I think the old Home Furniture store was there, but I don't remember it being two stories, and I think it was farther down. Anyone living in Ballinger know if something new is going in there in its place? I know when I lived there in 2009, the building was in such disrepair I couldn't believe it would last -- and someone was living in it at the time! Hope she moved out.

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PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE just missed some more excitement at their summer place in Pendaries, NM. A neighbor sent this picture to her the day after she got home, and she forwarded it to me. Notice this was a daytime sighting! Peg, in the Native American tradition, I would say you have some strong "bear medicine"!

"We came home on Saturday - this was taken by a neighbor; that is where we take our Maggie to "poop" every day. Glad we came home when we did!"  Peg

GENE ROUTH lives in what looks like a rural area of Colorado. Do you have any wildlife stories to share with us? I hope the recent rains and floods were not close to you. 

Until next time..

Peace and wishes for your safekeeping,

Marilyn

A 2010 LOSS AND A WARNING FOR EACH OF US

James Leland Ohlhausen, 72, of Abilene, passed away Friday, December 3rd, 2010 at a local care center. A service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Monday, December 6th, 2010 at Minter Lane Church of Christ with a burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday from 3-5 pm at Piersall Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.

Leland was born August 12, 1938 in Abilene to Lester and Dorothy Ohlhausen. Their family moved to Ballinger when Leland was just two years old. He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1957. After graduation Leland returned to Abilene to attend Abilene Christian College, where he majored in mass communications and worked as a disc jockey at the KACC radio station. After leaving college, he worked in radio for a few years before moving to the then-new field of television. Leland was a pioneer of Abilene television. In the course of his career, he worked as an engineer for all three local television stations and was the chief engineer for KTAB and KTXS. He met Gale Green in 1962 while she was a student at ACC and they were married October 27, 1963. They moved to Abilene shortly thereafter and raised their four children there.

Leland was a member of Minter Lane Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for over 40 years. He was an active amateur radio operator for many years. He also enjoyed camping, boating, and model railroading.

Surviving Leland are his wife, Gale Green Ohlhausen of Abilene; two sons, Tony Ohlhausen of Albuquerque (and wife Robin) and Gaylan Ohlhausen of Abilene; two daughters, LaNelle Ohlhausen of Fort Worth and Kristina Cooke of Abilene; one sister, Norma Hadley of Cleburne (and husband Shultz). In addition, he is survived by his beloved grandchildren Aaron, Alissa, Micah, Isabelle, and Isaac, as well as several extended family members and many close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a son, John Lowell Ohlhausen.

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ABILENE, Texas -- We lost a member of the KTXS family Friday morning. Leland Ohlhausen died of colon cancer.

For years, Leland Ohlhausen was our go-to guy. The man who knew all the ins and outs of the electronics that make Abilene television appear in your home. He began his career in 1962.

"I took my little script and went down to San Angelo, to Channel 8 and I was gonna be an announcer because that's what I'd done in college...was the DJ type and they said, "we'll call you" so, they never called, so I figured engineering might be the place I need to be."

As a pioneer of Abilene television, Leland spent time at all three local stations. He guided us through the era of black and white...right up to the digital age. His work, of course, was behind the scenes. He wasn't a face you saw on-air every day, but without Leland's guidance, those faces and voices wouldn't have shown up at all.

In fact, even while off the clock, he always seemed to be on the job. "I was sitting there enjoying the movie and they went from a dark scene to a snow scene and I jumped up to pull the gain down, and I took just a little while to realize that, no, I'm in a movie house, not at the TV station."

In 2006, Leland took his private battle with colon cancer public. He told viewers his story of putting off medical screening that could have saved his life. The rest of his life, Leland urged others to get that colonoscopy that can detect cancer early. "If there's one person that goes and gets checked because of what I went through, then maybe it's worthwhile."

Leland Ohlhausen was 72.

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Will you be that "one person" Leland saves?

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

REMEMBERING TERRY

TERRY COTHRAN's daughter Amy (the pretty blond above) dropped me a note along with the above tribute to her dad. In the note she said the following:

"..Terry died of complications due to Multiple Myeloma. He came down with this bone marrow cancer in Fall of 2010. He had been receiving treatment for many years and was doing really well. The Cancer flared up this past spring and even though he had had a tumor removed by radiation in May, the Cancer attacked his bones, which that type of Cancer does. He was very brave and never thought he would lose the battle. He was making design plans for his house, and doing small projects up until the last month of his life. He had to go into hospice for pain management and the fact that the chemo wasn't working anymore in August. The last week of his life is when he really took a turn for the worse. We were there with him when he left this world. My mother, brother and myself were the only ones in the room. He died at home where he wanted to be. He left very peacefully and still as handsome as ever. My father never got old, just sick. He still thought young, dressed young and acted young until the end. He was very proud of where he came from and spoke with much love when talking about his Ballinger friends. He was proud to be one of you. I hope he will be remembered for how brave and young at heart he was."

Yes, Amy, he will be remembered for all of the above. 

Any of you who would like to contact Amy or her brother Kelly, I have her permission to give her email address.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn

WE SAY GOODBYE TO ANOTHER

September 20, 2013

Jerry Ann Pruser Eaton

Mineral Wells Index

Jerry Ann Eaton, 74, passed away in Weatherford Sept. 17, 2013, with her family at her side. Ann was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend to many.

She was born in Ballinger on Sept. 28, 1938, to Oscar and Velera (Fox) Pruser.

Ann retired as a secretary in the Oil & Gas industry, but also worked for many local businesses after her retirement, Baum Carlock Bumgardner being one of them. She was a very strong supporter in all of her organizations she was involved in such as The Catholic Daughters, American Legion and Desk & Derrick.

She is survived by her sons Norman Eaton, Dwain and wife Joy Eaton; sister Kay and her husband Fred Smith; granddaughter Scarlett Eaton and grandson Andy Farr; nephews Brad, Michelle and Thomas Smith of Dallas, and Gauntt, Keren and Halley Smith of Seattle, Wash.; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by husband Riley Dwain Eaton in 1982.

Rosary will be at 6:30 Friday, Sept. 20, at Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral home in Mineral Wells. The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Sept. 21 at 10 a.m.

Condolences may be left at www.bcbfuneralhome.com.

Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home

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Until we meet again...

Love and peace,

Marilyn

DOES A BEAR SLEEP IN THE WOODS?

I received an email from PEGGY BRANHAM KRUMLINDE over the weekend with the following:

"Our visitor last night at 11:30. We had another one night before last at 9:30."

When I spoke of seniors living an exciting life, this is not exactly what I had in mind, Peg! She went on to tell me the following:

"We are in our RV on our lot in Pendaries (Pan-da-ray), 22 miles north and east of Las Vegas, NM - 80 miles from Santa Fe. We are at 8,000 feet, and have a lot of pine and oak here. The bears are hungry this year due to the drought, although we have had our annual monsoon season - it was a little late in August this year. We have to have all our bird feeders brought inside by around 5:00 every afternoon so the bears won't get them.

We will be winterizing on the 16th and return home to Albuquerque for the winter. It is already down in the 40s in the mornings here, and we have to use heat for an hour or so every day. It is warm during the afternoons, but drops back down by about 5:00 every afternoon and continues to get colder as the night wears on. It is truly beautiful here - we love to fish and are 20 minutes from Morphy Lake State Park north of us at 10,000 feet. Lot of rainbow trout - yummm."


What I'd like to know is do the bears ever go fishing, too? Seems I've seen a lot of videos of them doing just that -- and in the daytime!

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JERRY EOFF dropped me a note as well. "Of interest to some. The old Troop 42 scout hut/Catholic hall - the barracks building across from the water tower, was destroyed by fire this morning (Sunday, 9/8)."

I remember the building. Sorry I don't have a picture. I was there for a family reunion for someone a few years back and it was showing its age then. If I remember correctly, it was a frame building. With people using the kitchen facilities, I'm surprised it lasted this long. 

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I still don't have any details of TERRY COTHRAN'S passing. I hope the family will have an obituary placed in the local paper - or the online Ballinger News. If/when they do, I will post it here.

I would like to do some kind of memorial for TER. If any of you would like to share a story or two - either from high school or recent years, I will be happy to publish that as well. In the meantime, to TER, a big fan of John Wayne movies, "Happy Trails to You".

Take care out there, and 

Peace,

Marilyn