Post-Reconstruction Texas in the mid-1870s was still relatively primitive, with communities isolated from each other in a largely open-range environment. Cattlemen owned herds of cattle in numerous counties while brand laws remained local. Friction arose when the nonresident stockmen attempted to gather their cattle, and mavericking was common. Law enforcement at the local level could cope with handling local drunks, collecting taxes, and attending the courts when in session, but when an outrageous crime occurred, or depredations in a community were at a level that severely taxed or overwhelmed the local sheriff, there was seldom any other recourse except a vigilante movement. With such a fragile hold on civilization in these communities, it is not difficult to understand how a “blood feud” could occur. During 1874 the Hoo Doo War erupted in the Texas Hill Country of Mason County, and for the remainder of the century violence and fear ruled the region in a rising tide of hatred and revenge. It is widely considered the most bitter feud in Texas history. Traditionally the feud is said to have begun with the intention of protecting the families, property and livelihood of the largely agrarian settlers in Mason and Llano counties. The …

Faculty brass ensemble recital performed at the UNT College of Music Recital Hall

Faculty recital performed at the UNT College of Music Concert Hall.

Symphony Orchestra performance at the UNT College of Music Winspear Performance Hall.

A teaching fellow recital performed at the UNT College of Music Recital Hall

Band concert performed at the UNT College of Music Winspear Performance Hall.

Jazz concert performed at the UNT College of Music Kenton Hall.

Symphonic Band performance at the UNT College of Music Winspear Performance Hall.

Jazz concert performed at the UNT College of Music Kenton Hall.

Wind symphony concert performed at the UNT College of Music Winspear Hall

Jazz concert performed at the UNT College of Music Winspear Hall.

A faculty and guest artist recital performed at the UNT College of Music Winspear Performance Hall.

Recital presented at the UNT College of Music Winspear Hall in partial fulfillment of the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree and the Master of Music in Performance (MM) degree

Faculty recital performed at the UNT College of Music Recital Hall.

Faculty recital performed at the UNT College of Music Concert Hall.

Interview with Renee Shelton, a resident of Eastland County, regarding her experiences as a member of the African American community there. Shelton discusses starting school during the period of integration, discrimination she experienced, interracial dating, local community organizations, work at E. L. Graham Hospital and Russell-Newman, and prejudice experienced by her children in smaller Texas towns.