Photograph of a truck pulling a flatbed, both decorated with American flags, ruffles and features portraits of American President's George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and also Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. The parade float is traveling past the Cass County Courthouse in Linden, Texas.

Experience an old world culinary delight at Ancient Ovens in Saint Jo, Texas, renowned for its wood-fired pizzas prepared in a brick oven. Owned by Denis and Susan Moody, this charming restaurant offers a four-course Italian family-style dinner that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Originally intending to build and sell wood-fired ovens, the couple's path shifted, leading them to create this treasured establishment where patrons savor delectable pizza creations while mingling and sharing the joys of good food and company.

Discover a culinary sanctuary in Saint Jo, Texas, where Ancient Ovens serves wood-fired pizzas prepared in a brick oven. Owned by Denis and Susan Moody, this charming restaurant offers an old-world Italian family-style dinner experience that captivates taste buds and fosters camaraderie. Originally destined to build ovens, the couple's journey led to the creation of this treasured establishment, where guests relish the eclectic menu and gather around the oven, savoring delicious pizzas and creating cherished memories.

Step into a gastronomic wonderland at Ancient Ovens, a hidden gem nestled in Saint Jo, Texas, renowned for its wood-fired pizzas prepared in a traditional brick oven. Owned by Denis and Susan Moody, this delightful eatery offers a captivating four-course Italian family-style dinner, inviting guests to indulge in the old-world flavors and forge cherished connections. From their initial aspiration of oven building to the birth of this beloved restaurant, the Moody's tale comes to life as diners gather around the oven, immersing themselves in the enchanting world of wood-fired pizza and heartwarming camaraderie.

Photograph of an animals crossing sign in Ben Wheeler, Texas. The small town was named after the first man to carry mail into the county and thrived during the late 1800s when families would arrive with horse-drawn wagons to sell or trade goods.

In this captivating photograph, bootmaker Carl Chappell holds a heavy, exquisitely embroidered cowboy boot in his hand, passionately explaining the intricacies to the other man in the frame. Witness the art of bootmaking come to life as Chappell's expertise and dedication shine through, creating a masterpiece that epitomizes the essence of Western craftsmanship.

Photograph of an artifact on display, inside of a glass case, at a museum in the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Discover the mesmerizing world of artistic excellence at Carl Chappell's store, where stunning cowboy boots adorned with colorful embroidery and captivating cowboy motifs await. These masterpieces showcase Chappell's unrivaled skill, transforming footwear into a canvas of Western artistry that pays homage to the timeless allure of cowboys and the Wild West.

Photograph of a band performing on a red stage in Ben Wheeler, Texas. Audience members are seen dancing in the foreground. The small town was named after the first man to carry mail into the county and thrived during the late 1800s when families would arrive with horse-drawn wagons to sell or trade goods.

Article drafts and resources related to an article on Longview's Great Texas Balloon Race that was written for the July 2012 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Photograph of a band performing on a red stage in Ben Wheeler, Texas. The small town was named after the first man to carry mail into the county and thrived during the late 1800s when families would arrive with horse-drawn wagons to sell or trade goods.

Background research for an article about historic Ben Wheeler in East Texas that was published in the July 2011 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Photograph of a handmade bird statue in Ben Wheeler, Texas. The small town was named after the first man to carry mail into the county and thrived during the late 1800s when families would arrive with horse-drawn wagons to sell or trade goods.

Step into the world of master bootmaker Carl Chappell, where the art and science of crafting impeccable boots come together in harmonious perfection. His meticulous process accounts for potential errors, ensuring flawless and award-winning creations. Reflecting on Chappell's approach, the author draws parallels to their own experiences as a horseman, emphasizing the importance of foresight and precision for achieving excellence in their respective crafts.

Photograph of information center employees giving a tour around the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a group of people posing around a car decorated like a pig at a festival in Ben Wheeler, Texas. The small town was named after the first man to carry mail into the county and thrived during the late 1800s when families would arrive with horse-drawn wagons to sell or trade goods.

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of Ancient Ovens in this captivating photograph, where the restaurant is packed with happy diners relishing their meals with delight. Laughter and camaraderie fill the air as everyone savors the delectable food, creating a memorable experience of togetherness and culinary bliss. The bustling ambiance and beaming faces showcase the essence of Ancient Ovens, where good food and great company come together to create unforgettable moments.

Capture the nostalgia of the Stonewall Museum through a captivating photograph, showcasing a charming corner adorned with painted curtains on the walls. The delightful ambiance is complemented by the presence of wooden furniture, transporting visitors back in time to relish the authentic saloon setting. As the museum preserves the history of Saint Jo, this corner serves as a visual portal, inviting all to immerse themselves in the cherished past of the town.

In this poignant photograph, the grave of Ida May Kemper at Head of Elm Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to a young life cut short. Born in 1876 to Dr. Granville Garnett Kemper and Mary Frances (Caruthers) Kemper, little Ida's legacy intertwines with the lives of her Wyatt relatives in St. Jo. Sadly, she passed away before reaching the age of two and was laid to rest alongside her great-aunt, cousin, and great-uncle. The tender memorial also marks the resting place of Ida's grieving mother, Fannie Kemper, who followed her daughter in death just two years later. As the sun sets over the cemetery, their memories endure, cherished by the community and forever etched in the heart of St. Jo's history.

Photograph of a group of children listening to someone explain how ancient arrows were built in the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children exiting a replica of a structure on display inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children interacting with a display inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a group of children listening to someone explain how ancient arrows were built in the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of information center employees giving a tour around the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The photo is taken from behind the group as they walk around the area. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.