Country Lifestyles
Restoring more than just cabins…restoring history
By staff writer Jessica Bartel
Bill Marquis, of Stoney, TX, has the unique occupation of restoring cabins all over the state of Texas. An historian at heart, Marquis comes in contact with 16′ X 16′ cabins and restores them to their original state.
Marquis has always enjoyed wood work and working with his hands. Through the restoration, Marquis works closely with cities so that the site qualifies for an historical marker. Marquis’s main goal when doing a job is to get children involved. Most communities have an historical council that Marquis works with to involve local kids and get them interested in their local history.
Many of the stories Marquis encounters can not be found in a history book. If not for Marquis, the tales would be lost like the deteriorating wood of the cabins. Marquis was raised in the small community of Greenwood, in Wise County, and has spent the last 55 years of his life in Stoney alongside wife June.
His passion for his work is evident all around his property. One piece, in-particular, is a cabin with a rock chimney and bois d’arc fence surrounding it. This cabin has a noteworthy tale. The cabin was built by Jonathan Bird in 1836 along Denton Creek near Stoney.
Bird was an Alabama man who traveled around that countryside building cabins. Prior to that, in 1835, during the Texas Revolution, Sam Houston commissioned Bird to do some work. Bird was to build a fort and call it Bird’s Fort; this in present day would be in the Euless-Arlington area. Houston told Bird the government would compensate him for his work. To read more pick up the April 2014 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
By Bryce
He kicked the goose down blanket to the cold and wood planked floor.
You could see his breath as he was headed for the bathroom door.
He tiptoed down the hall. His feet were bare, in need of socks. And wished that he’d at least tried on his Christmas present Crocks.
His gout caused him to stumble, bumped a cracked and aging mirror. The cowboy’s true reflection forced an old man to appear.
The cowboy hesitated. Both hands were aged and shook. But he stretched and straightened out the mirror. This time he dared a look.
His face was worn and wrinkled, gray hair knotted on his head. Eyebrows kinked and twisted showed a hint of younger red.
The wrinkles in his face proved years of riding in the sun, and maybe too much bourbon from his younger days of fun.
The cowboy quizzed the old man, “Are you sure you’re really me?” The old goat in the mirror replied, “You don’t like what you see?”
“You’ve walked past me a thousand times and never shot a glance. Your gaze into the mirror today is more than happenstance.”
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Dal Houston
I have always liked dogs. Well, to say I have always really loved dogs would be more truthful – especially mutts or dogs from the pound. Until recent years, the only dogs I really did not like were pit bulls. It seemed like every other day there would be a news story about a pit bull mauling some child or elderly person, and in some cases, killing them. After hearing these stories, I often wondered why someone would want such a dangerous dog. I even remember hearing about some wanting to ban pit bulls from their communities, and at one time, I thought that may not be a bad idea.
I do not think I had ever had an encounter with a pit bull, nor did I know anyone who did, that caused this negative opinion, rather it was what I heard about the breed from others that turned me against them. Then, about eight years ago, while looking for cattle along the river, a pit bull pup, likely having been dumped, came out of the brush. Had it been a dog of any other breed, I would have had no qualms about approaching it, but I saw that thick, wide head, and all I could think was that I had better be careful because it was probably a dangerous dog. The pup was scared and standoffish, but after a while, we finally approached each other. This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship, and, as I have recently learned, a dramatic eye-opening life lesson.
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Annette Bridges
My country boy and I are in our fifth decade together, and that sounds like forever when I write it. I am thankful for our many years together, but these days I wish I could shake the feeling of time as fleeting. I am doing my best, however, to accept the progression of time as part of the miracle of life and focus on living each and every moment to its fullest potential.
Our past decade has been one of many changes, but maybe all decades are like that. Some
changes we want, some we do not. Some we create ourselves, some when we have no choice other than to accept them as part of life. I admit I have not been super happy with myself in recent years. I am carrying the extra pounds I promised myself I would not gain back. I still struggle with sadness and regret so deep that at times takes my breath away.
To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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Ella Jo Miller
May 12, 2019 at 11:34 pm
Bill, I have 7 old wooden structures and a corn crib ,all from when the German and Check people came to Tex. in the 1830 ,on my property in Old Dime Box Tx. I don’t know how to save them. I would like to preserve them some way.l would love to talk to you, please. I am a saver of the old things in life. My name is Ella Jo ,I live in College Station..