This study was basically concerned with the effect of occupation on the folklore of the people of Graford, Texas. The people interviewed in that area of North Central Texas were divided into three major occupational groups: ranchers, farmers, and farmer-laborers. At least two members from each of the occupational groups were interviewed; and these interviews revealed that their folklore included folktales, superstitions-remedies, songs, and customs, The customs included household, recreation, school, and church customs. Each informant's folklore was recorded directly as it was related. Then the information was placed in the appropriate categories of folklore. Finally, an analysis of the folklore from the standpoint of the informants occupation was completed. The findings indicated that the various occupations did influence each informant's folklore.

Photograph of a brown stone building in Palo Pinto, Texas (at 5th and Oak). A road is visible in the foreground, and there is a red truck to the left.

Photograph of a historic marker in Palo Pinto, Texas. It reads: "Jonathan Hamilton Baker (July 13, 1832 - October 18, 1918). Virginia native Jonathan Hamilton "Ham" Baker came to Texas in 1858 with his brother G. W. Baker and his uncle Eli Young. Stricken by malaria while a teacher in Fort Worth, he later moved to Palo Pinto County where his uncle Frank Baker was homesteading. Here he opened a school in Palo Pinto, and soon after helped establish the town's first Methodist Church. In 1859 Baker was chosen to lead a company of local men organized to defend the area against Indian attacks. He first served under Capt. J. R. Baylor and later participated with Capt. Lawrence Sullivan Ross in the recovery of Cynthia Ann Parker, the white woman seized by Comanches in 1836. During the Civil War he served as leader of the home guard. Baker was also an open range cattleman, and in 1869 he began driving his herds to Kansas railheads. Active in local government, he served as Deputy Sheriff, Justice of the Peace, Deputy Postmaster and Clerk of the County and District. In 1890 he moved to Granbury, where he became a successful nurseryman. For …

Palo Pinto County Courthouse, built 1940 has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

Palo Pinto Fire Department sign

Street scene in Palo Pinto, near the courthouse square.

Street scene in Palo Pinto near the courthouse square.

Dedicated to the honor and memory of the Pioneers and Settlers of Palo Pinto County, unveiled 1957. 1857 -1957 Centennial.

Pioneer Memorial, Palo Pinto County, back side with map

Real Estate Office in Palo Pinto on the corner of Oak and S. 5th Ave., on the courthouse square.

Dedicated to the men and women of Palo Pinto County who have served in all our wars with honor and sacrifice.