The Muse is Loose

West Texas reeks with early Texas history. It is not hard to imagine Apaches peering over the jagged rocks,or riding full speed toward you with their bows and arrows sending an invitation to leave their country. We didn't so the soldiers came to make the pioneer pilgrimage a bit safer; at Fort Davis is still a replica of the early army post that was there. It is worth seeing. Here in Marfa where we are on this Wednesday morning is more history. It is not a real old town,but an interesting place. The original Courthouse is still here. It is a beautiful building built in 1887 along with the jail. In an early photo there are no other buildings! They believed the town would come. With the Southern Pacific in 1885 people came to join pioneer ranchers already here. Across the Rio Grande nearby were other problems. Bandits constantly crossed the border to steal and rob. Ranchers and others were armed wherever they went. In this setting a cultural town with opera house, churches and a school grew up. Ann's grandfather, Rev. John J Maurer came to Marfa in about 1908 as best we know, to pastor a Baptist church with no building of it's own. He also preached once a month in Shafter, a silver mining town some forty miles away. How did he get there? We don't know. It had to be a danger-filled journey. More later on all this. The weather has been wonderful. Last night we drove out to see the mysterious Marfa lights. They have been seen since in 1800's out in a desert area. We stayed until 11:00. The lights did not show! We are in the old Paisano Hotel. Cast and crew of the epic movie, Giant, stayed here. Such notables as James Dean, Rock Hudson, and Elizabeth Taylor. Heading for Alpine and toward the coast.