by LaDawn Garland, Bosque County News
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Earlier this month I related
some of the stories told by Reverend Wilhelm Estrem, of his ministry, at St.
Olaf Lutheran Church in Bosque County, in the early 1900's compiled by his
grandaughter, this week I would like to share what he had to say on social
customs of the area and time.
"One
of my outstanding recollections from those eight years in Texas was the church
attendance." Rev. Estrem states, "Sunday was the big day in the
community. When weather permitted, the church was generally well filled, and
those parents took their children with them. Baptisms were usually in church.
Families were quite large and often came to services in a body. More than once I
registered the parents and up to six or seven of their children together for
Communion. It was very encouraging and inspiring for a pastor.
Rev.
Estrem goes on to tell, "I never saw a community where the boys took their
girls to church as they did here. When a boy was confirmed, he usually was given
a buggy to use behind the saddle horse he had ridden to confirmation
instruction. That was before the common use of automobiles."
It
seems that once a young man had a horse and buggy, he was eligible to begin
taking the girls home for Sunday evening "Singings", later superceded
by the Luther League and evening services. Once the young man had selected a
steady partner he would drive across the entire settlement to take his girl to
church. One after the other would drive up to church in their nice looking rigs,
tie their horses to a hitching rail and gallantly escort their young ladies up
to the church door. She would go in, and he would join the large group of boys
assembled on the south side of the church in the wintertime and on the north
side in summertime. There they would pass the time visiting and exchanging news
until the bell rang.
The
Reverend states that "at first I thought that the boys started toting the
girls around rather young, but I soon learned to appreciate the sight of those
young boys and girls coming together to church on a Sunday morning. They did not
chase from one to another until they knew not whom they really wanted. When they
started coming to church together in broad daylight, it often meant a wedding
before long and that meant a new family in the congregation. I called it our
Church Extension Department. Those weddings lasted. Divorces were almost unknown
in that congregation and community in those days.
One of
the first projects undertaken by Reverend Estem, just a month after being
installed by Rev. P.E. Thorson of Clifton, was the organization of a Luther
League. On November 13, 1912 , Rev. and Mrs. Estrem invited the young people of
the congregation to meet at the parsonage for organization. A very large crowd
assembled.
The
Reverend goes on to say, "There was a custom of that day, derived no doubt
from the Sunday evening "Singings" and the fact that there was usually
too little room in the homes, so most of the boys stayed outside on the porch,
smoking cigarettes and teasing each other about girls. The girls came into the
house. That evening, however, we managed to get many of the boys in, too, so the
house was certainly packed. There and then we organized, and that Luther League
has operated successfully ever since. It has been an important factor in the
growth and life of St. Olaf congregation these thirty five years. But it did
take a great deal of patience and perseverance and tact to get the boys out of
that old ingrained habit of staying out on the gallery during the
programs."
I have
so enjoyed reading and sharing these memories of Reverend Estrem and these
earlier years here in the county, I will include more in upcoming columns.
I
learned the sad news this week that Lucian LaNoy Collins had passed away earlier
this month. Mr. Collins had previously contributed some wonderful stories of his
early memories of Kimball and history of the Bateman family to this column. Our
thoughts and prayers are extended to his family, there will be a memorial
service held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the Kimball Bend Cemetery.
Bruce
Wiland recently sent me the information on a book available for purchase at the Bosque County Collections,
entitled TEXAS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS:
WALNUT SPRINGS by Bryan E. Sowell. A brief description of the book states
"Although more than a century has passed since the Houston and Texas
Central Railway Company dedicated the streets of Walnut Springs, vivid memories
of that once-flourishing community still linger in the minds of many local
citizens. Stories of the railroad shops, college, hospital, and trade days
revive the echo of that familiar cry, "All aboard, Central." This book
relates the events in Walnut Springs' history, beginning with the arrival of the
first pioneers in the mid-1850's. Over 120 biographies of these early settlers
provide valuable historical and genealogical information. Numerous photographs
highlight the text. In his three years of research, Sowell could consult no
single source, since virtually all of the community's records were destroyed by
fires around the turn of the century. Consequently, he has united fragments
taken from newspaper clippings, personal interviews, and local histories into
the most comprehensive image of Walnut Springs' heyday." This sounds like a
wonderful book and I can't wait to get a copy, if you would like information on
purchasing one yourself, call the Bosque County Collections at 254-435-6182 or
visit their website at http://bosquecountycollection.org
Week
before last, included in this column, was a great story on the Hudson Brothers,
this and other wonderful stories come from the book In Rememberance of Our Ancestors by Mrs. Ella Osborne. I have
learned from members of her family that this is a book she compiled on early
memories of Walnut Springs and the families there. I understand that the book is
out of print, but was lucky enough to talk with a family member who knows of
one extra copy she is going to try and get to me. I am thrilled and can't
wait to read it. From everything I have heard it sounds like such a wonderful
book.
Queries
I
already found my family, total thanks to your column. They are Henry and Fannie
Smith of Temple. My only query would be if any one knows them and wants to send
tidbits of information on them, things they did, the family, etc. I will add it
to our family tree with gratitude to all. Connie Courtney, courtney@misn.com
Thank you to all who help contribute to make this column possible.
If you would like to contribute a story about Bosque County, it's residents, or a query about your ancestors, send
them to: Bosque County News, P.O. Box 343, Meridian, TX 76665 or email: garland@htcomp.net
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