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Mary was a Biter – A firsthand account of the United Sates 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train Celebration

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By Jessica Crabtree

In 1976 there was a nationwide endeavor to celebrate the United States with a bicentennial wagon train as a tribute to historical events leading up to the creation of the United States of America as an independent republic. Around the country, wagons and teams hitched up and headed out across the United States, meeting other wagons from various legs of the journey whether it be the southern trail or Oregon trail, all destined for Valley Forge, Pa. The wagons representing the southern part of the United States met in Houston, Texas, in January of 1976. Each state was represented with an official state wagon. The custom wagons were crafted in Pennsylvania, almost a replica of those from the great wagon trains of history, complete with wooden wagon wheels.

The teamstress or wagon mistress who represented the Lone Star state was Hazel Bowen of Antelope, Texas. A well-known, strong, southern, Texas woman, Bowen was a widow whose husband was a WWI veteran, tough as nails and chewed tobacco. While each state was represented, independent wagons were also welcomed. J.B. Hampton was originally from Megargel, Texas, but met and married a Chico gal, afterword relocating to Wise County. Hampton’s childhood friend, and owner of Megargel Drilling Company, was Red Livingston. Livingston traveled to Tennessee and bought an old John Deere farm wagon, customized it with rubber tires and hydraulic brakes (for Hampton to take on the wagon train.) Thereafter, he purchased a fancy customized harness set and two Belgian-bred Tennessee Mules (Belgian mare/ Tennessee mammoth Jack) known for their size, named Emma and Mary.

On Jan. 4, 1976, Hampton began his journey from Houston to Pennsylvania. As the wagon train progressed across each state border, their state wagon set out. Along the way independent wagons, buggies and riders horseback registered and joined the wagon train. In 1976 Bill Steward was 17 years old. With relatives in Wise County, but living in Oklahoma, a young Steward went with family to see the wagon train pass through Oklahoma City in mid February.

To read more pick up a copy of the August 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.

Hazel Brown was from Antelope, Texas and was the teamstress for the official state of Texas wagon during the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. (Courtesy photo)

Bill Steward with his wife, Kelly Richey Steward. (Courtesy photo)

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On the Road with Dave Alexander

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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.

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On the Road with Dave Alexander

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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.

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On the Road with Dave Alexander

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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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