Attractions
The many attempts to rob Ponder State Bank
By Shannon Gillette
All across north Texas, small town banks have historically been targets of robbers, burglars and thieves. But, the Ponder State Bank building was hit at least four times between 1920 and 1949 with varying degrees of success.
The heart of Ponder, Texas, lies at the intersection of FM 156 and FM 2449 in Denton County. Originally called Gerald, the town was established in 1886. Twenty blocks, ten on each side of the Gulf, Colorado, Santa Fe Railroad tracks, made up the layout of the town in the beginning. The tracks ran north and south. The west side of town consisted of businesses, residences, churches and the school. The east side housed the cotton gin and railroad depot.
Construction of the Ponder State Bank began in 1908 and was certified by the state and opened to the public by 1910. Longtime residents, H. T. Wakefield, C. N. Skaggs, Joe Seaborn, George Owens and George Harshaw were the original stockholders of the bank. The bank conducted its usual business without any issues for the first decade, but soon became a target for those trying to make a big score on the wrong side of the law.
In July of 1920, person or persons unknown first entered the railroad depot and absconded with thirty five dollars in change from ticket sales. To read more pick up a copy of the May 2016 NTFR issue.
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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