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4 tri county living Contents 24 NOT SETTLING FOR SECOND Get to know the winning mentality behind the newest Haskell Maidens’ Coach, Mindy Myers. 82 ANITAVAHLENKAMPDOZIER’S OLDGLORY Thiswonderful woman’s name is synonymouswith theGermancommunity of OldGlory due inpart toher popular columncovering all OldGlorynews for the past 40 years. 32 CAUSE FORPAWS Together, local residents of Albany created an organization to address the influx of strays in their community. ROUND BALES ON THE SQUARE Jones County Courthouse pays tribute to lifelong Anson resident, Larry Lytle. 72 52 63 YOURLOVE GOES ONBEYONDTHE STORM The Chapman’s story: facing a parent’s worst nightmare and carrying on by the grace of God. TAKING THE REINS OF TRADITION Haskell County resident, Christi Caldwell Short, remembers her experience as the Masked Rider for Texas Tech University. 44 80 HOMETOWNCOOKIN’ Enjoy these recipes shared fromthe kitchen of Mrs. Linda Cooper of Hamlin. Enjoy a variety of HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS in every issue showcasing the people, places, and events occuring in the Tri County area. Email office@hometown-living. com to submit yours.
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6 tri county living Contents PEARLS OFWISDOM 35 96, 102 96 102 Enjoy the pearls of wisdom gained from speaking to our neighbors across the Tri County area who know a lot because they have seen a lot over the past 100 years. JONREX JONES OF ALBANY WILLIAMBLANDHARRISON JR. OF STAMFORD 86 TRI COUNTYMUSEUMTOUR Use this guide toplanyour trip to Jones, Haskell, and Shackelford Countymuseums. A LIFE FULL OF TREASURE Joyce Turner has always enjoyed searching for treasure, but shares that the real value is in those whomshe surrounds herself with; community & family. 119On the Cover
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Thanks for reading, Heather Lundgren Martin Hello Tri County Publisher’s Note Tri County Living Magazine© is published annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. Our team is thrilled to introduce the 2022 annual issue of Tri County Living. We hope you see many familiar faces of friends (and maybe even your own) in this edition. We invite you to share your happenings with us for consideration. From human interest article ideas & events to weddings, engagements, and births we want to hear from you! On the cover, Mrs. Joyce Turner, is a favorite to many. She has never met a stranger and greets everyone with a Christian warmth and friendliness that leaves you wanting to pay it forward. You’ll be hard pressed to find a resident from the Tri County area who has not attended a dance at the Old Glory Lodge. Just the name itself warms my heart with memories from my childhood and youth. The Lodge personifies Pat Green’s hit, “Takeme out to the dancehall.” When he penned these lyrics I am sure he meant the Old Glory Lodge. As a child, I attended many of the monthly dances with my grandparents, Leroy & Dorothy Lundgren, and this is where I learned to two step & half step from ages 7-12 (giving me all the education I really needed to be ready for Tarleton State dance floors.) Years later it is where high school friends would pile as many as could fit into a truck and make the drive out to dance until the lights were turned off. We would pass by the once boarded up school to see if anyone was brave enough to go near it at night. My grandmother would always remind us that Old Glory residents had somuch patriotism that they changed their original German name to show their support during the war. Let us hold fast to those traditions worthwhile…like taking a turn across the dance floor at Old Glory or the many concerts coming up this year hosted by The Old Timer’s Association. Read more about Old Glory and one of its favorite residents on page 52. As always, we want to say THANK YOU to the many advertisers who have made this publication possible. Please let them know you saw their ad in this issue. And remember you don’t need to go anywhere else to get what you need; from tires and eats to antiques and treats the businesses of Tri County have you covered. So, shop local y’all! Have you ever considered writing or photography? We strive to use local talent. A huge thank you to Kim Bearden of Stamford & Tifani Smith of Anson, as well as our local writer, Susan Turner. Please reach out if you would like to get involved in future editions. Email heather@hometown-living.com WRITERS James McAfee Jewellee Kuenstler Susan Turner Sabrina Forse Avery Pullin PHOTOGRAPHERS KimBearden Photography Tifani Smith, captured photography Casi Davis Unforgettable Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 CLIENT RELATIONS office@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt &Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins DIGITALMARKETING Tia Minzoni, VP of Digital Marketing ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks Matt, Heather, Gatlyn (10), Georgia Lee (7) & Guy David (3) Martin ON THE COVER Joyce Turner of Rule Photo by Lead Photographer KimBearden beardenphoto.com Mydarlingmother&friend, DianeLundgren, hasprayed this over our family {based on Proverbs 3:1-10} through the years & I want to share it with you. Our Prayer for you in 2022 & always… O Lord, I pray that neither I nor my children and grandchildren would forget Your teaching. But let our hearts keep Your commandments, for length of days and years of life, and peace that will be added to us. Do not let kindness and truth leave us, bind them around our neck, write them on the tablet of our hearts. So we will find favor and good repute in Your sight, O God, and bring glory to You before man. May we trust in the Lord with our whole heart and not lean on our own understanding. In all of our ways may we acknowledge Him, so He will make our paths straight. Let us not be wise in our own eyes but fear the Lord and turn away from sin and evil. That this would be healing to our body and refreshing to our bones. May we honor Thee, O Lord, from the wealth that is Yours and from the first of all our produce that You provide us. In Jesus’ Name we Pray. Amen OPERATIONSMANAGER Ashly Caffee Wishing you lots of laughs in 2022, 10 tri county living
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14 tri county living 1) Take a museum tour of the Tri County area. Checkout our feature in this issue on page 86. 2) Visit the Fort Griffin State Historic Site in Albany, once known as “Las Vegas on the Prairie”. 3) See a movie at the Grand Theatre in Stamford. 4) Go see Heehaw in Sagerton and enjoy a lot of laughs. This event has been held for over 50 years and the 2022 shows will be held March 31, April 1 & April 2. 5) Travel to a neighboring city for a fun shopping experience. Eachof the towns have some great places to shop andfindunique gifts. Don’t forget to check out the local thrift stores and while you are there, enjoy a meal. 6) Head to Haskell for Wild Horse Prairie Days, a premier ranch rodeo held each year in June. 7) Spend an evening out under the stars and enjoy a performance of the Fort Griffin Fandangle held in June in Albany. 8) Attend the world-famous Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford June 29-July 2, 2022. While you are at it, make sure to attend the Stamford Art Foundation Preview Party benefitting the West Texas Rehab Center on June 28. 9) Have a coffee and read a book or meet a friend at one of our area coffee shops. 10) See a show at the Aztec Theatre in Albany. 11) Enjoy a smoothie and welcoming atmosphere at The Place Nutrition in Anson and You Turn Nutrition in Stamford. 12) Spend an afternoon at Double Diamond Gun Range in Anson. This is a top-of-the-line indoor gun range! 13) Visit your local library or stop by the Little Free Libraries in Hamlin, Haskell, or Rochester (more coming soon). 14) Attend a listening room and enjoy outstanding live musical entertainment at the historic Jones & Cox Building in Haskell. 15) Do some treasure hunting at one of the many wonderful antique shops in the area. A few favorites of mine are Texas Star Antiques in Haskell and Anson Antiques and Gifts. Enjoy a piece of Linda’s pie while you are at Anson Antiques. 16) Enjoy sausage, sauerkraut and dancing at the Old Glory Sausage Supper held in October. 17) Take a drive to Anson to see the Hay Bail Trail this fall. 18) Head to Rochester in October for a visit to Short Pumpkin Farm. 19) Take a drive to see and photograph some of the beautifulmural art in the area. I love themurals at theDrug Store andVista Bank in Haskell. There are some neat murals in downtown Rule as well. 20) Take your family and dance the night away at the Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball in Anson held in December. 21) Enjoy some of the local Christmas events and parades hosted by the area Chamber of Commerces. 22) Visit one of the beautiful historic churches in the area. My personal favorite is Bethel Lutheran Church in Avoca. J OHNNA’ S PAGE Sutton, Quincy, Johnna Page Johnna Page Tri County Account Manager appy 2022 and welcome to our third issue of Tri County Livingmagazine! Each year I like to put together a list of things I want to accomplish and fun things I want to do during the year. I have beenworking onmy personal list and I thought it would also be fun to put together a list of things to do this year in the Tri County area. 22 things to do in the Tri County area in 2022 … The past three years have been fun for me as I have discovered so many neat things about this area and created some very dear friendships along the way. I hope this list and our 2022 issue of Tri County Living inspire you to lookwith fresh eyes at this wonderful place we call home. There is somuch to see and do right here in our neck of the woods, but tome, the people are the best part! Take a drive and see what your neighboring towns have to offer. Don’t forget to check out the Index of Advertisers onpage 118 andmake sure to support these businesses and let them know you appreciate them helping to make Tri County Living possible!
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18 tri county living ACTIVITIES 4-H Shackelford County Photos provided by Kelsey Bell, Shackelford County Extension Agent
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22 tri county living The Bearcats made their first debut at State led by Head Coach Mitch Ables. The city lights of Hawley were out as the entire community drove to support their team against Shiner this past December. While they did not leave with the state title, we look forward to seeing them succeed in future seasons. 2A DIVISION I STATE GAME Hawley Bearcats Hawley hometown happenings Ava Davis on the big screen during the National Anthem Photo credit: Sasha Griffith
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INDYMYERS certainly hasmany fondmemories of her trips to Austin for the UIL state track meets over the past 34 years. First in high school at Munday, where she became the most decorated athlete in UIL history, winning 11 gold, two silver, and two bronze medals as theMogulettes claimed three state titles in 1988 through 1990 after finishing second in her freshman season. “I entered 16 events and won 15 medals,” she once told Al Pickett for his book The Greatest Texas Sports Stories You’ve Never Heard. In addition, Myers won two golds and a silver in cross country as Munday won two state titles and made an appearance in the 1A state basketball tournament her senior season where she was named all-state and all-state tournament. Second GET TO KNOW THE WINNING MENTALITY BEHIND THE NEWEST HASKELL MAIDENS’ COACH, MINDY MYERS WRITTEN BY JAMES MCAFEE / PHOTOS BY KIM BEARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY M Not Set t l ing For 25 hometown living at its best
Later as a coach and parent at Knox City High School and Benjamin High School where her daughters, Myca, Temi and Macy–collected medals, too. “That’s the highlight of my coaching career,” Myers said. Now, she’s hoping to collect more great memories in her new position as the track coach at Haskell High School and believes theMaidens can continue to do well at Austin, like they did last season. The teamfinished second thanks to success in the relays, silvers in the 800 and 1,600 races and a bronze in the 400, under former coach Missy Burson. “When I asked the kidswhy they didn’t win state, theywere quick to point out we didn’t have enough individuals at state,” Myers said. So her reconstructing strategy will be to get more individuals tomake the trip and feels she has the talent to still make a run at medals again in the relays. When accepting the new job, Myers made it clear that Burson had built a great programand a solid foundation for success, but she didn’t come to Haskell to settle for second. “The kids are hungry and that makes my job a tad bit easier,” she said. “It may not make their jobs easier.” In cross country, theMaidens advanced to the statemeet and finished eighthwith only one senior among the top five runners last fall. Myers believes she has a couple of girls who have the potential tomedal in the 400 and possibly the 800 in the spring. “The kids are hungry and that makes my job a tad bit easier,” she said. “It may not make their jobs easier.”” 26 tri county living
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She’ll also get her PhDdoctorate’s degree thatmonth–another academic goal achieved! Growingup inRhineland, she was the youngest of 14 children, something that eventually impacted her success andmade hermore competitive. Many of her older siblings were good athletes, too. Sisters, Julie and Caroline, claimed goldmedals at the state trackmeet. She remembers how her dad put up a basketball court and poured a slab of concrete in their backyard, “I remember playing basketball,” she recalled… “The big kids let me play, but if I cried, I had to go home.” She also shared another interesting tidbit about how she started running in school. “If the bus route went outside of Rhineland first, from kindergarten on, my siblings and I would get off the bus and run twomiles home becausewe could beat the bus back toRhineland.”Myers added that these experiences and playing in other sports with the boys helped her become more competitive when she started competing in school. She also shared another interesting tidbit about how she started running in school. “If the bus route went outside of Rhineland first, from kindergarten on, my siblings and I would get off the bus and run two miles home because we could beat the bus back to Rhineland.” 28 tri county living
29 hometown living at its best Following graduation from Munday High in 1990, Myers was offered scholarships to all the Southwest ConferenceschoolsandascholarshipatAbileneChristian University tocompete in trackandbasketball. She instead decided to concentrate on basketball at Midwestern University. “There were some days I regretted that decision,” she said, “However, I did really love playing college basketball.” Myers kept in contact with Coach Wes Kittley, who was at ACU and now at Texas Tech. “He always would tell me I was the one athlete he wished he would have coached,”Myers said. As a point guard at theWichita Falls school, Myers earned first team NAIA All-District 8 and All-Southwest regional honors in leading theLady Indians to consecutive trips to thenational tournament in 1992-93 and 1993-94. She remains the school’s all-time leaderwith 520 assists and 314 steals and stands 10th in scoring with 1,194 points. After getting her bachelor’s degree in three years, shegothermaster’sdegree in1994. Shewas inducted into theMidwesternHall of Honor in 2011. Myers returned to the state track meet in 1994 as a volunteer and has served in the same capacity every year since. She served as an assistant coach at Holliday from 1994-96 and at Aledo in 1996-97 before being named head track and cross-country coach at Odessa Permian. She married and became a stay-at-home mother for the next eight years. Returning to work, she became the director of student success at Midland College helping with the academics side from 2005-2014. After serving as a substitute teacher at Munday Elementary while she worked on her doctorate’s degree, Meyers returned to coaching at Knox City (2015-2017) and Benjamin (20172019), getting the chance to tutor her own daughters and son, Tod. “That’s something that not all coaches get todo,” she added. Myers thenmoved to Vernon as theHeadGirls Basketball Coach for her youngest daughter’s final two years in school before accepting the new post in Haskell, just 30minutes fromhome in Rhineland. When the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame in Abilene introduced its first honorees in 2002, Myers was joined by Pro Football Hall of Famers Sammy Baugh and DonMaynard, legendary football coachGordonWoodand Masters champion Charles Coody. However, she is not done winning yet and is anticipating more records to be set andmedals won in her upcoming years in Haskell, so go out this season and cheer for theMaidens! †
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32 tri county living IN THE TOWN OF ALBANY local residents were tired of stray animals roaming the streets. Together, the community created an organization toaddress this influxof strayswhile providing a valuable resource to families &pets across the county. Strayed to Spayed In 2009, Josie Robertson saw too many stray animals running through the streets of Albany. Her grievances found her visiting with a local veterinarian who advised her of the staggering amount of local dogs and cats that had to be euthanized every Thursday due to the alarming number of non-adopted strays or ill cared for pets in the area. It was then she decided she wasn’t just frustrated; she was determined to do something about it. Her passion soon became Cause for Paws, a 501c3 organization run strictly by local volunteers. While the groupbegan looking for donations, theamount of animals and families in need came quickly to their doors. With the help of veterinary partners, the group was able to immediately begin spaying and neutering family pets to avoid unwanted litters. They also were able to offer these same services to stray animals that were brought in by caring communitymembers. Community Impact Thanks to fundraisers and community donations, the group has grown enormously and raised over $100,000 to spay and neuter more than 1,500 animals since that day in 2009 when Josie first set out on her mission. Cause for Paws offers their services throughout ShackelfordCounty andcontinues theirworkwith thehelpofDr. GaryFambro of Breckenridge (who visits Albany once a week), Lazy 3 Vet Clinic of Eastland, and Dr. Berry and Saltcreek Vet Clinic of Olney (formerly Albany Pet Hospital owned by Dr. Dedwylder). Today’sorganizationisagroupoffivehighlydedicated volunteers who spend up to 10 hours a week handling accounts, keepingupwithcertificates, working thephone line and keeping Cause for Paws in the public eye. The Paws CAUSE FOR group is able to offer their services to the entire county at tremendouslydiscountedrates.All spay/neuteroperations canbedone throughCause for Pawswitha low$20 co-pay. With cat operations starting at $50 and dog operations up to$150, this co-paymakes a spayorneuter operationmore affordable for families and thus has immensely reduced the number of strays in the area. A spokesperson* for the organization calls Cause for Paws a labor of love. Though time consuming, the volunteers genuinely love what they do and want the community toknowof their support and services inorder to make both the pets and people of Shackelford County thrive. If youor someone youknowcouldbenefit fromthe spay/neuter services of Cause for Paws, you can call the dedicated line at (325) 762-0436. Being a volunteer driven non-profit, Cause for Paws always needs help with funding. You can send a taxdeductible donation to Cause for Paws directly or help by putting extra change in the canisters located around Albany at various stores and restaurants. The group also calls on the community to do your part and “fix your critter.” TogetherAlbany canmake this area thebest place to live for bothman and his best friend. *Current boardmember names do remainanonymous to avoid dropped animals. Cause for Paws is proud to support the spaying/neutering of local dogs and cats but cannot accept animals for adoption. † Written By AVERY PULLIN
Fast Facts Almost 3 million cats and dogs are estimated to be killed in U.S. shelters each year. A fertile dog can produce an average of two litters in one year. The average number of puppies in a canine litter is six to ten. Up to 508 puppies can be born from one unspayed female dog and her offspring in seven years. The US ratio of dogs to humans is about one to four. A fertile cat can produce an average of three litters in one year. The average number of kittens in a feline litter is four to six. Up to 4,948 kittens can be born from one unspayed female cat and her offspring in seven years. The average life span of spayed and neutered cats and dogs is demonstrably longer than the lifespan of those note. 33 hometown living at its best
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36 tri county living 36 TRI COUNTY LIVING MAGAZINE BUNDLES OF Joy HOMETOWN Join us in welcoming our newest Tri County residents! If you are expecting in the year ahead, have your photographer share your sweet bundle with us for future issues. 1 3 2 4
photos provided by TRI COUNTY FAMILIES 37 hometown living at its best 1. Ruth Alice Born 03.30.21 PARENTS: JAMES & LAUREN DECKER GP: GARY & CONNIE DECKER, TOM & LISA ECHOLS 2. Boston Swayde Born 04.05.21 PARENTS: BRANDON AND TAYLOR SEAY 3. Acie McCrae Born 11.22.21 MOTHER: CEQUIN MCILWAIN GP: EDDY & SABRINA MCILWAIN 4. Amaya Rae Born 01.12.22 MOTHER: ALYSSA FLORES 5. Lakin Grace Born 01.11.22 PARENTS: DANIEL & BROOKE TURNER GP: BRIAN & MISTI DAVIS; ROBERT ACE & BRENDA TURNER 6. Theodore Vision Born 06.6.21 PARENTS: J.D. & SIERRA EMERSON 7. Kennedy Drew Born 04.22.21 PARENTS: ROMAN LOZANO & EMMY NORMAN 8. George Ray Born 11.2.2021 PARENTS: CORD & MYRANDA GARCIA 9. Jaci Lynn Born 06.14.21 PARENTS: LANCE & SYDNI NORMAN 10. Denton Landry Born 04.19.21 PARENTS: DONOVAN & CHRISSY DOAN 5 7 8 10 6 9
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40 tri county living Anson hometown happenings
PHOTOS BY UNFORGETTABLE PHOTOGRAPHY 41 hometown living at its best PARADE OF LIGHTS Miss Merry Christmas Pageant
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45 hometown living at its best nson native, Larry Lytle, graduated in 1992 from Anson High and since that time has been committed to being a productive member of his community. Lytle is a successful farmer and family man. His wife, Bobbi works for Anson I.S.D. and together they have three children, Sydni, Saicy, & Logan. Son-in-law, Lance and his wife, Sydni live in Weatherford with their sweet new baby, Jaci. Saicy is a teacher at Anson I.S.D. and Logan is in fourth grade. Lytle dedicates much of his time in service to the Anson community. Through the years he has served on various civic boards: Chamber of Commerce, Anson Hospital Board, Mt. Hope Cemetery, Anson Boys Baseball Association, Appraisal District, and Tiger Booster Club. Round Bales on the Photos provided by the Anson Chamber of Commerce HaveyoueverdrivenaroundtheJonesCountyCourthouseandwondered wherethecreativehaybalesthatchangetheirfaceswiththeseasonscame from?Well, Tri CountyLiving is thrilled to surprise LarryLytle, a lifelong resident of Anson, with this small tribute of thanks for the initiatives and volunteer hours spent on this particular community project. OPPOSITE PAGE: Bobbie &Larry Lytle
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47 hometown living at its best Friends say, “Hedoesn’t seemtobe able to sayno toanyone needing help!” The Hay Bales are a festive, much loved, Anson tradition that was envisioned and brought to life by Lytle and a close friend, Justin Murphy, in 2016. At the onset, Murphy&Lytlegenerouslydonated thepaint andhaybales to the community for several years. Lytle has continued donating round bales which are painted by the Anson Middle School Art Department, Anson High School, and local businesses. Theyareupdatedbasedontheseasonand the creativity these residents express brings visitors to the Anson community every year. Many citizens take part in the fun. We all enjoy watching them come to life and look forward to their unveiling. The Hay Bales initiative is just one example how citizens can use the resources they have to give back to their hometown. We all have talents to share, so let’s followLytle’s example andcommit togivingwhatwehave- whether it is anasset, talent, or time- tomake the placewe love and live better. The Anson Community is thankful to Lytle for committing his time, energy, and resources to this project & others and for his love and service to his hometown. † Lance Norman, Sydni Norman, Jaci Norman, Larry Lytle, Logan Lytle, Bobbi Lytle, &Saicy Lytle
50 tri county living Take a look at a few of the many who enjoyed this fall’s concert and save the dates for future concerts benefiting the Old Timer’s Association! For VIP Table Reservations & Sponsorship Opportunities Call: Darla: 325-280-0269 / Sabrina: 325-660-9516 / Ann: 575-749-2372 Apr 1, 2022 Featuring Jody Nix Doors open 7:00/Dance Starts 8:00-11:30 Tickets $20 advance $25 at door / Concession and setups will be available Old Timer’s Association 2022 Rodeo Night Out Summer Concert Series Featuring Bobby Flores Tickets $20 advance $25 at door Friday, July 1st Doors open at 7:30/Dance starts - 8:30-12:00 Saturday, July 2nd Doors open at 8:00/Dance starts -9:00-12:30 JAKE HOOKER IN CONCERT AT THE STAGECOACH Stamford hometown happenings Old Timer’s Association presents
51 hometown living at its best Your financial goals, aspirations and investment needs are just that – yours. And your financial plan should reflect that. So rather than ask you to settle for an off-the-shelf investment program, we’re here to provide you with personalized financial planning based on your goals, your time frame and your particular tolerance for risk. PERSONALIZED PLANNING 104 South Swenson Stamford, TX 79553 TF 855.773.2800 O 325.773.2800 F 325.773.2862 raymondjames.com/ deckercapitalpartners AN EXPERIENCED TEAM, DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Decker Capital Partners is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
This wonderful woman’s name is synonymous with the German community of Old Glory due in part to her popular column covering all Old Glory news for the past 40 years and also for being a productive member of that community for her lifetime. ONEOFTHEMOSTCAPTIVATING and colorful chapters of Texas History is the story of German pioneers. In the very earliest years of the twent ieth century, German families from southeast Texas put down roots near the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River where it runs along the HaskellStonewall County line. Theirs is aWest Texas story painted in broad strokes of red, white and blue at a place now called Old Glory, Texas…but that was not always it’s name. It was originally called New Brandenburg in honor of Brandenburg, Germany, a region from whichmany original settlers hailed. Wi t h f ami l y t ies to t he i r German homeland, these GermanTexas pioneers were caught in an unbelievably difficult situation when World War I broke out in 1914. As if sending brothers, sons and friends in the uniform of the United States to fight a war with Germany was not enough indication of their loyalty, the patriotic American citizens of Brandenburg, Texas petitioned the US Post Office to change the name of their town to the unquestionably patriotic title of Old Glory, Texas. It is long established history that the namewas suggested by pioneer ranch woman, Mrs. M.P. (Emma) Carr, who had a son serving in themilitary. Itwas officially changed toOldGlory onAugust 9, 1918. To this day, as you drive through Old Glory, broad stripes and bright stars of the United Stateswave 24/7 across the West Texas sky. The town of Old Glory had not been on the map all that long when one of itsmost beloved citizens arrived in July 1926. As the Double Mountain Wr i t t en by Susan Turner Photos by K i m Bearden 52 tri county living O L D Glory Anita Vahlenkamp Dozier’s
area is unmistakably interwoven into the story of Texas, Anita Vahlenkamp Dozier’s life is interwoven into the story of Old Glory. Born on the family farm, Anita has become synonymous with her hometown. Her maternal grandparents were August and Augusta Teichelman who came to Texas from Germany. Family tradition states that her paternal grandfather, JohnVahlenkamp, stowed away as a teenager to make his way to America. He and Anita’s grandmother, Anna, met at La Grange and eventuallymade theirway toWest Texas. Anita’s parentswere charter members of Faith Lutheran Church. Today, Anita makes her home only a short distance fromwhere shewasborn.Warmand welcoming, her home is a reflection of what is most dear to her—family and community. Anita is a treasure of areahistory and the peoplewithwhomshe has shared the past 95
years. She has served the community inmany capacities and has been an Eastern Star member for over 75 years. I was recently privileged to accompany Anita on a drive down the streets and byways of Old Glory. The drive mighthavebeenbrief, but our journeycoveredalmost 100 years. “The train track ran right through here,” she says, gesturing across an intersection just south of Highway 380. “The depot sat right there, and the train stopped twice a day.” Her memory pinpoints homes of friends now gone, and every business that once flourished in her hometown. “OldGlorywas a boomtownwhen I was young,” says Anita. “Therewere two gins, adry goods store, gas station, post office, and two grocery stores. My brother, Herbert, and I milked cows before sunrise every morning, and I separated themilk.Mother took the creamto town incans to sell at the depot. We kept over 300White Leghorns and Mother tradedcrates of eggs at A.L. Flowers’ GroceryStore for groceries, usuallyflour andsugar, sincewe raisedmost of our own food. I remember Flowers’ had a long counter with jars of candy they scooped out and sold by the sack. Mother sometimes bought us a sack of that candy.” “OldGlory had a good school with lots of kids. Five or six buses ran every day. I went all of my years to school at Anita dressed for Prom The original Old Glory school “Old Glory was a boomtown when I was young,” says Anita. “There were two gins, a dry goods store, gas station, post office, and two grocery stores.” Anita 54 tri county living Anita
Anita Coaching Anita and first husband Oren “Sprout” Baldree All the Old Glory students in 1936-37 the year after the burnt down school was rebuilt. She is the 3rd girl in the second from top rowwith the cute collar. 55 hometown living at its best Class of 1974, has vividmemories of the Pirates’ roundball reign in the 1970s. In those days there were seven teams to a district, which included Rochester, Rule, Benjamin, Goree, Paint Creek, Weinert and Old Glory. Teams played eachother twice inDistrict play.Winning teams advanced to Bi-district, Regional and State. “WewonDistrict all four of my years,” says Jimmy. “My sophomore year we played Hawley for Bi-district. Nobody gave us much of a chance. The papers gave Hawley all the pre-game coverage, but Old Glory beat them. We went on to Regional and beat Huckabee in front of an overflow crowd. We played Snook for the State title in Austin and got beat by one point.” After high school graduation, Anita completed Draughan’s Business School in Abilene, then returned home. She married Oren “Sprout” Baldree in 1946. They raised four children: Mike, Rita, Susan andMarcie. Anita’s best-loved occupation outside her homewere the 18 years she spent in the Old Glory School system. In a multi-task role that defied a formal job description, one of her duties was teaching elementary physical education, introducingpint-sizedPirates toOldGlory basketball tradition. “I wasMrs. Baldree, then, and a jack of all trades. If the kids wanted something they came to me. I pulled teeth, sewed on buttons, tied shoes, you name it. One of my most important jobs was giving a hug to a child who needed it. You could hug children in those days. I loved all of those kids.” Old Glory and graduated in 1944. I would have finished a year earlier, but we pulled bolls every fall, not only during the two weeks school turned out, but until the crop was harvested. We took care of our farm and then pulled for our neighbors. One year we did not get through until very late in the school year.” It is well-known inWest Texas sports circles that the Old Glory High School Pirates fielded some formidable basketball teams through the years. In 1941, taking the court in her red, white and blue uniform, Anita was a forward and acknowledges being a pretty good free-throw shooter. The boys’ teamwon District that year. Holding a place of prominence in the Old Glory Community Center are rows of basketball trophies from every decade since then, denoting basketball championships at District, BiDistrict, Regional and State. Jimmy Teichelman, OGHS
56 tri county living under Anita’s stewardship, the Old Glory school cafeteria serves as the Community Center. TODAY, . Anita’s tenure at Old Glory ISD ended when the school consolidatedwith Aspermont in 1985. Today, under Anita’s stewardship, the Old Glory school cafeteria serves as the Community Center. Its photo covered walls are a priceless archive of school and community. Among its newspaper articles and class composites is a picture of a very sharp looking 1943 Old Glory High School Band wearing beautiful crisp uniforms. Anita’s 1941 basketball team, smiling confidently on the steps of the high school, is among those photographs. Basketball was not the only competition inwhich the Old Glory Pirates were formidable opponents. They demonstrated stewardship of all opportunities that life afforded them. Studentswere strong in County 4-H competition, and three of Anita’s children were Gold Star recipients. The Pirates regularly excelled at tennis and inUILOne-act Play competition, as theoverflowing trophy cases testify.Mrs. Cecil Klumpwas a renownedplaydirector, teachingmultiplegenerationsat OldGlory, includingAnitaandall fourofher children. Mrs. Klump also advised Susan in the delivery of her winning speech entry in the Stamford (Big Country) Electric Government in Action Youth Tour. Patriotic traditions run deep in this family, and Anita’s granddaughter, Sara Kittley, was also a winner of that contest. Not only a storehouse of school memories, the Old Glory Community Center has become a destination. The cafeteria, with its large stage, is a very popular venue for fourth Saturday nightmusicals. Anita and others provide old-fashioned hospitality that draws musicians and a regular crowd to Old Glory, Texas. “The musicians love to comehere,” saysAnita. “Theydon’t receive anypay, except ameal, but they fill the stage.” After almost 40 years of marriage, Anita’s husband, Orenpassed away in 1983. A friend later introducedAnita to J.F. Dozier, and theymarried in 1987. J.F. joinedAnita as loyal supporter of theOldGlory community, passing away in 2007. Local writer and historian, Bernice White, wrote a weekly newspaper column of Old Glory news and when she got ready to give that up in 1982, she passed the pen, and the torch so to speak, to Anita. “I agreed to do it just for a little bit,” says Anita, “It turned into 40 years.” Her popular column has appeared in West Texas papers including the Double Mountain Chronicle, Western Observer, Aspermont Observer, Stamford American and the Haskell Star. She has quite a following. “You can’t imagine the people that tell me that they do not know many of the people I write about, but they enjoy reading my column.”
57 hometown living at its best Anita’s 4 children One of the recurring subjects of Anita’s many columns is the Old Glory Lodge. You’ll be hard pressed to find a resident from the Tri County area who has not attended a dance at the Old Glory Lodge. One of the recurring subjects of Anita’smany columns is the Old Glory Lodge. You’ll be hard pressed to find a resident from the Tri County area who has not attended a dance at the Old Glory Lodge. According to Carl Reber, who wrote a history of the Old Glory Lodge #228, the Lodgewas formally organized around 1910-1915 as theOrder of the Sons of Hermann fraternal organization. Like its counterpart in the Irby Community, among other benefits, the organization is a means to celebratemilestones and friendships among peoplewhose ties gobackgenerations. In itsbeginning, formal Lodgemeetingswere held monthly, followed by a card game and a smoking session. The womensat apart and visitedwhile the childrenplayed outside. Upon
On some nights completion of business, a generous spread of cakes, pies, sandwiches and coffee was served. Contrary to modern day custom, the childrenwere seated at the second table, hoping a portion of their favorite dish would still be left when it was their turn. Anita remembers those days well. “There were probably 100-150 in attendance. A lot of German people could play instruments, so music was provided by local musicians. Dances lasted until all hours. My mother and daddy tookus along, andMother put a quilt on thefloor in a corner. We slept on the quilt while our parents danced. They enjoyed that so much. My dad taught me to dance whenI got older.”Toencouragecivic responsibility, theOld GloryLodgeheldaPoll TaxDance. The ticket toadmission was a receipt showing payment of an attendee’s Poll Tax, which indicated voter participation. Christmas dances werea special event, alongwithNewYear’s andValentine’s Daydances. Anitawas theValentine’sDaySweetheart one year. Teenagers and young people attended these dances, and it is said that countless romances began within the walls of the Old Glory Lodge. In days gone by, the lodge could be stifling hot in summertime, but there was no air conditioning at home either, so that did not deter attendance. “There was a time when people could only drink beer outside during intermission,” says Anita, “but that did not last too long.” Mr.Rebergoesontorecordthatbeforea lodgehallwas built, dances were held in the homes of lodge members. “Adults danced and socializedwhile sleepy childrenwere stacked in beds like cordwood.” Mr. Reber writes that BerniceLunncompiledahistory for the 80thanniversary in 1988. She had hoped to research some of the early day meetings through recorded minutes, but she found they were written in German. On some nights its’ wooden floors jar with booted dancers and the parking lot is overflowing. The make of automobiles may have changed through the years, but music drifting through the Texas night, the spirit of fellowship and the warmth of community are the same. Broad strokes of red, white and blue fly in Old Glory, Texas everyday. Not only in the United States flag her residents keep raised to the sky, but in the living legacy of stalwart pioneers who sacrificed in more ways than one to keep it flying. Like a tree planted by the waters, the enduring pioneer legacy of faith, patriotism and community draws nourishment and bears fruit, still. † its’ wooden floors jar with booted dancers and the parking lot is overflowing. The make of automobiles may have changed through the years, but music drifting through the Texas night, the spirit of fellowship and the warmth of community are the same. 58 tri county living
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Hometown Wedded Bliss PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PHOTOGRAPHY Join us in well wishes to these beautiful couples who have recently become engaged or who have said “I do” this past year in Jones, Haskell, & Shackelford counties. To submit your wedding or engagement picture for consideration in future issues please email office@hometown-living.com 60 tri county living 1. Mitchell Drinnon & Trisha Baladez | 10.23.21 2. StetsonMeek &Emma Davis | Engaged 2021 3. Kellie Hawes & Sean Moreau | 4.17.21 4. Chase Fortune & SavannahMeek | Engaged 2021 1 3 2 4
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love goes on beyond the storm your THE CHAPMAN’S STORY: FACING A PARENT’SWORST NIGHTMARE AND CARRYING ON BY THE GRACE OF GOD. Meet the Chapmans. Robert and Holly met while enrolled at Texas Bible Institute near Houston, and they married in 2008. The couple moved to Stamford in 2016. Holly now teaches 5th Grade English Language Arts at Oliver Elementary in Stamford. Robert owns TAC Contracting and is the Youth Pastor at Trinity Churchwhere Holly serves as aWorship Leader. After four years of it being just the twoof them, Holly delivered a beautiful baby girl. Olivia Grace Chapman was born March 8, 2012. When she entered the world, this deceptively tiny bundle was an enormous gift. Joy is the only word to describe what filled their hearts at the appearing of this new life. The Chapmans could not have known at the time the things Godwould teach them through Olivia’s brief life. “A failed newborn hearing test and some alarming comments from a well-meaning nurse rocked our newparent world,” Holly shared, “But whenOliviawent home from the hospital two days later, she had passed a second hearing test and had a clean bill of health. Robert and I didn’t know it yet, but these medical “scares” were minor compared towhatwewould face.”Oliviaweighedonlyfive pounds at birth, and they attributed her continued petite size to Holly’s genes. They settled into the exhausting routine familiar to all new parents. They enjoyed every minute, even though Olivia’s sense of humor led her to choosenighttime as the preferredplatformto express her great talent for honest to goodness belly laughs. About the time Olivia reached her first birthday, other symptoms began to trouble her family. “Missed developmental milestones and other symptoms caused concern for Olivia’s doctor. Robert hadmade plans to lead a mission trip taking students to London and Namibia. A week before he was scheduled to leave, Olivia became sickandwas transportedbyambulance toCookChildren’s Hospital and they began to run tests. We decided Robert Wr i tten by SUSAN TURNER Photos provided by THE CHAPMAN FAMILY
should go on with his trip, so I was alone with Olivia when the call came fromdoctors at Cook.” Olivia’s condition was diagnosed as Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting one out of 50,000 to 75,000 live births in the United States. The prognosiswas that shewould likelynot live toadulthoodand would be lucky to survive early childhood. Holly describes theprogression, “Oliviawasnot inanypain, initially, but she slowly lost her vision and hearing. Neurological problems progressed as her first year went on. Over time, she made less and less eye contact.” Holly goes on to say that, in spite of her decline, Olivia still knew that Mom and Dad and Gammie, Holly’s mother, were there. Over themonths and years, Holly’s familyhas spentmore days at Cook’s than she can count. During one of her stays at Cook Children’s, one of the medications she was given caused an allergic reaction and shedevelopedStevenJohnson’sSyndrome. It tooksixweeks forOlivia to get over it. TheChapmans are eternally grateful to the special townof Stamford that came together for them. love goes on beyond the storm your AJ and Olivia “I shou d ha e started this blog the year Olivia was diagnosed. God laid it on my heart, but I did not pursue it. Since I have been writing about our journey, other parents with special needs children read my blog. I have also written several songs that I hope help tell who God is to me and can be for others. God has used Olivia to be a testimony to who he is. If her story can continue to point others to Jesus, I want to use it.” www.freetosurrender.com 64 tri county living
“During our six week stay at Cook’s, our community was very good to us,” Holly recalls. “They organized fundraisers, made ‘Love for Livi’ t-shirts and rallied around us.” Once Olivia came home, life continued to happen and the family pursued the ministries to which they felt called. “We allowed life to go on. We had always taken her everywhere with us, including to Canada on amission tripwhen she was still a baby. If she got sick, we got her care, andwe kept going.” On March 26, 2018, God again opened that door to heaven and blessed the Chapman family with baby brother, A.J. Though affected with the same disorder as Olivia, A.J. has poured out his own measure of unconditional love onto this family. “It has been good for me to have him,” says Holly. “He reminds me of Olivia.” They followed every medical pathway to give A.J. the care he needed, but having walked this path before, they chose a less aggressive stance with some medical avenues than they tookwithOlivia, suchas the eyeglasses and hearing aids that provedmore stressful to her than they really helped. In2019,Godfoundanotheravenuebywhichtopour out the amazing light of heavenonto this family. Robert and Holly were approved to be foster parents, and one day the call came. After much prayer, they knew they “During our six week stay at Cook’s, the Stamford community was very good to us,” Holly recalls. “They organized fundraisers, made ‘Love for Livi’ t-shirts and rallied around us.” 65 hometown living at its best
wanted 17-year-old Hilaria to join their family. Hilaria was in a challenging situation, needing care for herself, all the while taking on the responsibility of caring forher critically illmother. Hilaria waswelcomed to her newhome, and she was there forA.J.’sfirst birthday. Amonth after Hilaria’s arrival, Robert and Holly were asked to foster half-sisters Jazzy, age 8, and Roxie, age 5—arrangements that turnedoutnot tobe temporary. Even in the time of Covid-19, God finds a way. “We legally adopted three kids viaZoom,” smiles Holly. Olivia had been doing well, so Holly planned a trip to Arkansas in June 2021 to drive Jazzy andRoxie to visit Holly’s grandparents. Robert stayed home with A.J. and Olivia. It was during Holly’s absence that Olivia passed away. “I did not get the first phone calls,” says Holly. “I had no cell service, and it took them awhile to locate my grandparents’ landline number. Once I could speak to her, my mother toldme to pray, but I knew inmy heart that Olivia had died. I had to give her to God right then. It was so hard to tell Roxie and Jazzy, but facing a long trip back home, I had to. They were devastated. We left Arkansas that morning, immediately after learning that Olivia had passed. It was the longest dayofmy life toget backhome. SandyTempleton, theOliverElementary School secretary andCindyFord, our school nurse came to getme.” Once again, “I know Jesus never left Olivia. I would climb a mountain to see her again or hear her laughter, but I would not bring her back to the hard things she was going through.” love goes on beyond the storm your Cindy Ford and Olivia 66 tri county living
the entire Stamford community was there for Robert andHolly’s family. “Peoplebrought food and met every imaginable need,” says Holly. “We will never forget how the community of Stamford showed up.” Olivia passed away on June 21, 2021. The Chapmans had five months as a whole family. “Her death was hard on all of the kids,” says Holly. “Olivia had the sweetest spirit. God poured his love out through her. That was just God. HeusedOlivia to softenall of their hearts.” Holly has tried to see God’s purpose, knowing that without that, there really is no sense inanyof life’s struggles. BecauseofOlivia, Robert, Holly and their entire family know where help comes from. “Hilaria had grown up hearing a little about Jesus, butHewasnever real toher. GodusedOlivia toopen Hilaria’s heart. Her life is night and day, now. She is the first inher biological family tograduate fromhighschool.” “I had always believed God would heal Olivia, and I really thought he would heal her on this earth. When something like that happens, you either trust God or you don’t. We still had so many questions, but we just chose to worship God, anyway. I know Jesus never left Olivia. I would climb a mountain to see her again or hear her laughter, but Iwouldnot bringher back to thehard things she was going through.” “There is somuchaboutGod that I knownowbecause ofOlivia. Becauseofwhat shewent through I knowwhat it is to depend onGod, because she depended onus. I would not bewho I am if not for her. In some of the hardest days ofmy life, Godwasmost real tome. He carriedme and still does.” Their faith inGodhas allowed the Chapman family to go on. Holly finished herMaster’s degree fromTarleton thispastAugust. Startingachurchcamphasbeenadream of the Chapmans, even before Olivia was born. Though they seekamorepermanent location, their churchhelped themcarry out a summer camp inCisco held in July after Olivia passed away. Willow trees hold a special place in Holly’s heart, so they chose the name CampWillow. Hilaria’s Graduation 67 hometown living at its best
68 tri county living A note from the writer: It was my privilege to meet A.J. recently at Oliver Elementary where he is a student. Hiswatchful caregiver at Oliver is Candy Flint. Candywas Olivia’s nurse fromtheageof four, andshe isnowfamily. DuringCovid-19 interruptions at school, Candy went to the Chapman home to take care of Olivia. During my visit, as Holly lifted A.J. from his bed, it was obvious to any observer that communication silently passed between them—a reminder that the physical things of thisworld are temporary. It is the things unseen that are eternal. The expressiononA.J.’s facewas pureunconditional love forhismother.Whensheput himdown, he let it beknown that hewasnot happyat being separated fromher, which in turn, reaffirms her realization of the purpose and blessing that God has provided through A.J. “All of our questionshavenot gone away,” saysHolly, “butGod iswhoHehas always been to me. I haven’t let go. I will never put God in a box. I need for all of this to matter, and I see that it can. It is just hard formydaughter not tobehere. I have to remindmyself that God sees things differently thanwe do.” One of the songs Holly wrote for her blog is “Oasis”. “This life I will surrender... Jesus, you will remain still the same in every season. You have set eternity inmy heart and you have made everything so beautiful in its time...Like the sky, your love goes on beyond the storm.” † “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 love goes on beyond the storm your CampWillow's Inaugural Group 2021
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