Attractions

Comanche captives: Dot & Bianca Babb

Published

10 years ago

September 17, 2014

NTFR

By contributing writer Shannon Gillette
In 1865, Wise County was a part of the harsh Texas frontier. Marauding Indians were still a threat to the sparse rural population. Indians were known to raid the homes of settlers, taking food items, bedding, livestock and anything else that they could use. They also often took women and children as captives. The fate of captives included being killed, sold, traded or assimilated into a tribe.
The Babb family farm was located about two miles east of present day Chico. The family consisted of the parents, J. S. Babb and Isabel Babb and four children. Also living with the family was a young widow, Mrs. Luster. Mr. Babb and the oldest son, Court, were not at home on that fateful September afternoon. Mrs. Babb noticed a group of men on horseback about a half a mile out. She called to her fourteen year old son, Theodore “Dot”, asking if they were cowboys. He responded that they were Indians and they were headed straight for their cabin. Mrs. Babb grabbed Dot, his ten year old sister Bianca and the one year old baby, Margie and ran into the house. As she gathered her children close, Mrs. Luster hid in the loft.
As the first Comanche warrior entered the home, Mrs. Babb tried to defuse the situation by shaking his hand and offering him a chair. He tossed the chair aside and began ransacking the cabin, tearing the bed sheets off the beds and gathering items from the cupboards. Other warriors joined in the raid.
As they tried to grab Dot and Bianca from their mother’s arms, she fought to save her children. She was stabbed in the neck and left for dead as the Comanche drug the two children, kicking and screaming from their home. Upon witnessing the horrific violence, Mrs. Luster screamed, giving away her hiding place. To read more pick up the September 2014 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.

Attractions

Oak Meadow Ranch

Published

2 months ago

October 30, 2024

NTFR

On The Road With Dave Alexander

Rarely will you find an event center that includes a music venue, a steakhouse and a wildlife refuge all rolled into one.

Oak Meadow Ranch has been welcoming guests for over two decades with one thing in mind, your complete happy experience.

The Chef Dinner and Exotic Animal Experience includes a four-course meal followed by a hands-on experience with exotic animals.

You can catch up with Dave at the Birthplace of Western Swing Festival in Fort Worth, Texas on November 7, or at the Irving Symphony Orchestra in Irving, Texas on November 9. To read more about his experience at Oak Meadow Ranch, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print.

To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

Attractions

Ag Elsewhere: Montana

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2024

NTFR

By: Lindsey Monk

On Aug. 22, 2024 at 11:40 p.m., the Remington fire jumped the line in Wyoming to burn towards Montana at a high rate of speed. The fire burned 194,459 acres and over 41 miles from one end to the other in a span of two days. Livestock producers will be feeling the effects for years to come.

Pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

Attractions

State Fair of Texas & GO TEXAN Program

Published

3 months ago

September 15, 2024

NTFR

State Fair of Texas

By: Hannah Claxton | Editor

The GO TEXAN program is a Texas Department of Agriculture initiative dedicated to showcasing and supporting Texas based busi- nesses. During the State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas each year, the program puts together the GO TEXAN pavilion. Within the pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, visitors have the opportunity to sample and shop Texas-based products, learn more about agriculture and participate in family-friendly activities.

In 2023, more than $1 million in revenue was generated across nearly 67,000 products sold. Businesses with products produced or processed in Texas are invited to apply to join the program, and can visit http:// www.gotexan.org/JOIN to apply.

When visiting the State Fair of Texas, make sure to visit the GO TEXAN pavilion to support businesses driving agricultural commerce and explore Texas agricultural commodities outside of North Texas.

The State Fair of Texas is held each year in the fall, and is considered to be the first of the “majors” shows for many students involved in showing livestock. Cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and even llamas all have a class to enter at the fair.

For those not showing livestock, over a hundred creative arts classes are available to enter. Canned goods, photography, quilts, paintings, and butter sculptures are all displayed throughout the fair’s duration. Another contest judges a variety of antique collections and keeps them on display throughout the duration of the fair.

It’s not the State Fair of Texas without world-renowned food. The Big Tex Choice Awards contest has solidified the State Fair of Texas as the top Fair for great food creations. Each year, State Fair concessionaires fry up tasty and unique foods for a chance to become a finalist in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition.

The 2024 Finalists in the Savory category are: Dominican Fritura Dog (by Justin Martinez), The Drowning Taquitos (by Tony & Terry Bednar), Hippie Chips (by Rose and Tom Deschenes), Hot Chick-In- Pancake Poppers (by Palmer and Amanda Fortune), Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs (by Nick and Vera Burt).

In the Sweet category, the 2024 Finalists are: Nevins Nutty Bar- Laska (by Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes), Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon On A Stick (by Isaac Rousso), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignettfle (by Justin Martinez), Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (by Heather Perkins), and Tropical Two-Step Punch (by Binh Tran).

Livestock & contests schedule of events is available in the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.