Pearl Bluegrass

There are hidden treasures everywhere!  This weekend, we found one!

That treasure is Pearl, Texas, and their monthly bluegrass reunions.

(image source here)

Located about 2 hours from the DFW metroplex and 90 minutes from Austin, Pearl is a small community in the hill country that has created something special.  

The old school ceased operation in 1958, and for a number of years, the building sat empty and crumbling.  Then, at some point in the last 30 years or so, the suggestion was made to hold an old fashioned music jam.  The result was phenomenal and the community turned out in force!  The free programs are held on the first Saturday of the month, and the donations contributed have resulted in the restoration of the building along with the addition of various amenities.  A number of full-hookup RV sites surround the community center.  And music is almost non-stop in the classrooms from Friday through Saturday night.

I have been hearing about this for years, and I am sorry that it took me so long to visit!  If you are into old-time music either as a fan or a picker, you should not miss Pearl Bluegrass.  You can find the link to more information here.

Moonlight and Magnolias 2018!

In truth, I thought I published this months ago... oh well!

Every Spring the local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, J.L. Halbert #359, hosts what I believe to be one of the best Southern balls in the south!  This was the 15th year for Moonlight and Magnolias, so I thought I would post some pictures from this year's event!

Preparing for the dancing!

The signature of our dance!   They have been flying every year at M & M!

Brother Brandon and I representing Clan Fraser.  While not technically Civil War wear, we wanted to focus on our new-found discovery of a new heritage angle.

A view from the dance floor.

Taking a break from the dance.

Our family.

Sweet Song String Band

Looking Good!

Looks like a good picture for the Christmas card!

Bevils' Rangers 2018

It has been awhile since I posted.  School work, the job, and other such activities have kept me more than occupied.

In reviewing some of my photos from the fall I realized that I had not called attention to Bevils' Rangers!

Historically in Deep East Texas, near Jasper, there was a fort built to protect a fledgling logging industry.  It was owned by a man named Bevils.  Today, Bevils' Rangers is a muzzleloading club of really neat people.

We were invited to their annual rendezvous in October!  We had a great time and are anxious to go back!

Below are some pictures.

Stephanie, in her first time out, won the Sharpshooter competition!  Now she gets to make next year's target.

Close to Halloween, so a bit late, but time to carve a pumpkin!

Quite the young archer.

First time to really shoot a bow.  I know now how wrong I was!

Flue Shoot...  Fire the flue arrow, and the arrow that lands the closest wins.

Sadie and Ramey tending the fire.

3rd Annual Tyler Scottish Festival and Highland Games

This weekend, amidst the storms that sometimes happen in this part of Texas, we attended an outdoor festival.

This time, it was in Tyler.

Among the roses and pine trees, on the campus of South Springs Baptist Church, was the 3rd Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games.

A part of what makes homeschooling Sadie possible are the odd jobs and vendor opportunities that we seek out, and the Celtic gatherings are always a favorite.

Stephanie sells Lilla Rose hair accessories, and she loves them, and it always pleasant to see other women react as she does.  

A major draw at these events are the games, which for the most part predates modern track and field events.  From the Braemar stone throw (shot put with a boulder) to the sheaf toss (below), heavy athletes come from all over to compete.

And we cannae forget the caber toss!

Another major element of most of the Scottish, Irish, and Celtic festivals is music. This one was not a large event, but there were a few class acts.

Bagpipe band "Kilty as Charged" and Hugh Morrison.

Ricky Pitman, "The Bard of the South."  He is the author of "Confederate Alphabet," which Stephanie illustrated.

 A proper Highland Coo calf and a falconer discussed the history of falconry.

 The Scottish Clan Village.  Sadly, my own Frasers were not represented at this one.  Maybe I can change that within the next year.  Also, a sheep-herding demonstration was a highlight.

The event this year was a good one, but small.  Overcast and cool until the afternoon, the humidity rose ahead of the storm that brought tornados near home.  We were given the nod to break down early, but the skies opened up with heavy rain as we loaded the truck.  

We both felt like drowned rats, but many came by her booth and went home with pretties, and well pleased.  Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we will be back next year to get in touch with our inner Scot!

Living History Days at the Confederate Reunion Grounds.

History is all around us, and often where you least expect it.

In a small corner of Limestone County, Texas, is the Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site, a unit of the Texas Historical Commission.  Each spring for many years now the site and its friends group have hosted a living history weekend and school day to educate about days gone by.  

This year, due to spring weather and event conflicts, the Friends of the Confederate Reunion Grounds, who works to raise awareness and funds for the site, chose to try a fall event.   If all goes as hopes, it will replace the spring Living History Days.

The Confederate Reunion Grounds lies at the confluence of the Navasota River and Jacks Creek.  Starting in the late 19th Century the veterans of the Confederate Army that had moved to Texas gathered here each summer to reminisce about their wartime experiences with their comrades in arms and their families as well.  Beneath the Bur Oak trees they would camp, while special trains came from all over Texas with the veterans.

The social heart of the Conferate Reunion Grounds!  The Dance Pavillion, built in 1893.

School Day could not happen without volunteers!

Dance Lessons!

Representatives from other THC sites always support us.  In this case, Caddo Mounds.

Old Valverde.  Captured in 1864 at the Battle of Manfield, it was used for years to open and close the reunions.

Flying proudly!

Excited visitors to the site!

Sutlers demonstrating their wares and educating at the same time!

Ms. Burkeen and site educator, Ms. Richardson.

Without reenactor volunteers, these things would never work!  Great work, Ms. Stephanie!

Display of various flags.

Brazos Rose chapter of the Order of the Confederate Rose has supported us for years. 

Blacksmithing!

Learning about the US Camel Corps project of the 1850s.

Camels are always a hit with the crowds.

Learning about the livestock.

 

Moo.

Living Historians camp in the Navasota Valley.

Rifle Demonstrations.

Texas troopers

She makes you proud, doesn't she?

A view of sutler row from the parade ground

Mr. Furlow discussing flags while he sews on one of his reproductions.

Blacksmithing is always a hit.

Stay away! It is hot!

Our own Captain Ron setting up his home for the next two days

A view of the 12th Texas Artillery's camp.

Young ones are the key to our future.  Teach them right!

Tired?

The 12th Texas Infantry in formation for the Saturday morning flag-raising.

 

Drummer Boy Ice Cream is always a hit.  

Mr. O'Toole from the Pearce Civil War Museum inviting visitors to their annual Veterans Day Living History in Corsicana.  For those interested, it is on November 10 this year.

Old Valverde has such an interesting history!

More pictures are sure to follow as volunteers and workers sort and sift through their cameras and phones over the next few days.  The CRG is a special place and an historical jewel in central Texas.  Most people drive by between Mexia and Groesback or from Mexia to Waco and never even stop.  

Next time you are in the area, please do.  Show some love to the veterans and their families who held the grounds in a special regard, just as many of us still do.