Attractions
A Pioneer Christmas — The Tale of Christmas in Wichita Falls from villagers in 1880
By Jessica Crabtree 16
When listening to classic Christmas songs, a picture can be painted of a more meager holiday, surrounded by family, friends much like family, simple gifts, but none-the-less radiant faces.
J.H. Barwise was an Ohio-born farmer, business man and staunch unionist. In 1877 Barwise moved his family of seven kids and wife Lucia Hansel Barwise to Cedar Springs, Texas, near Dallas. In December of 1879, according to the Texas State Historical Association website, after prospecting much of the state, the Barwise family made the move northwest by an ox-drawn wagon, settling in Wichita Falls. Only a village at the time, Barwise was the first permanent citizen.
Upon arriving in Wichita Falls, Barwise stated that God had directed him to the spot. The vision he saw was as he said, “I see a large city, prosperous and with many people. Near me, I see many tall buildings that mark the business section of this city. Surrounding this is a beautiful residence section of lovely homes and paved streets. Here and there are big granaries. Huge factories give employment to thousands of people. A network of railroads accommodates a big export of grain and cotton in the vicinity of the city. People from all parts of the country come and go. There is a brilliant future for this section of the country.”
Barwise would go on to orchestrate a farm and freight service, helping sink the community’s first well. He even initiated the manufacturing of bricks made from native clay in order to supply local construction. As Barwise prospered, he acquired several sizeable landholdings, helping extend the Wichita Falls and Denver City Railway Company through the community. Barwise was elected Wichita County Judge in 1885, serving three different times. His name among Wichita Falls residents was revered and respected.
To read more pick up a copy of the December 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
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.
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.
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.
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