From Proud Heritage, Volume III by DCPA. This 352 page hardcover book is now available online. Mae And Ferdinand B. Riek, 1955:Ferdinand Benjamin Riek was named for his father and grandfather – two early Dallas pioneers. His father, Ferdinand, came to Dallas with his family in 1875 and became an outstanding musician like his father, Constance. Constance…
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Labor Day began to be celebrated in 1882. Accordingly, 1912 would have been the 30th anniversary of the day. In late August 1912, the Texas and Pacific Railway announced its fares for Labor Day trips to and from Dallas to enjoy a day of baseball, music at Fair Park. Imagine these prices: round trip to…
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From Prisons to Pulpits by Dustin Durrett Ralph Fults was born in Anna, Texas on January 23, 1911 to Audie B. Fults and Sophie Ruth Fults.Fults got into trouble early in life. At just 14 years old, he was arrested in Aspermont after being caught with stolen items. A week later, he escaped from jail…
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This quote is attributed to William E. Gladstone. Regardless of its actual origin, the sentiment remains. “Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead, and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to high ideals.”…
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By Frances James (1922 – 2019) (Edited) The Old Letot Cemetery is on land donated by Clement Letot and can be seen near the intersection of Manana and 10700 block of Shady Trail in Northwest Dallas. The community of Letot, once a separate town in Dallas County began in earnest 1878 when eighteen miles of…
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The War of 1812 involved a number of future Texas residents. The area now known as Texas was controlled by Spain at the time. The events leading up to and including the conflict also predated both the rise of Mexico’s control of the area and the Texas Revolution. Many individuals who served in the war…
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If you have ever wondered what DCPA has been talking about in our quarterly meetings, here is a list of our speakers going back to the 1980s. Date Speaker Topic Jun. 4, 2026 Dr. Richard B. McCaslin Pompeo Coppini – His Statues in Fair Park Hall of State Mar. 21, 2026 Ron Finch Bennett Family…
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By M C Toyer Benjamin Crownover was born on November 14, 1794 at Grindal Shoals, Union County, South Carolina, to John Crawford and Mary Elizabeth (Chesney) Crownover. By 1808 the family had removed to Kentucky, then a second move prior to 1812 to St Clair County, Illinois. Benjamin enlisted in Captain Jacob Short’s Illinois Ranger…
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We are so very fortunate to have such a fine and friendly group of members. We are also blessed with knowledgeable presenters who work to give us such informative presentations. If you haven’t yet attended one of our outings, you should make it a point to join us when you can. Below are the events…
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The banner headline was followed by this brief obituary: John W. Slaughter, 91, the builder of some of Dallas’ principal buildings and the father of M. A. Slaughter, 132 S. Beckham, died Friday in a Dallas hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Oak Lawn Methodist Church in Dallas –…
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