The Cattleman's Pages of History
We have now started the 104th year of publication of The Cattleman magazine. Each month, we take a few minutes to look back in history to find the interests of cattle raisers at the time. We have reprinted the text of these items as they appeared in the issue. Any additional comments from the editor appear in brackets.
➤ Cashier Ed Crow, of the Commercial National [Bank] of Raleigh, N.C., had a unique idea to encourage potential borrowers to come into the bank: He purchased a cow and calf and installed them near the cashier’s cage in the lobby! His reasoning? People who owned a cow would “not have to depend on the markets for their milk and butter and cheese.” Apparently, the plan worked, as 3,590 people attended an advertised reception and the bank took orders for forty family cows on its loan plan.
➤ If you ever wondered how Crazy Water, the product from Mineral Wells, got its name, here is one plausible answer. A.C. Williams, who wrote a series of articles for The Cattleman titled “Little Journeys to Good Ranches,” recounts a story told to him by an elderly gentleman whom he met while on a road trip to the Panhandle area:
“Years and years ago, when Mineral Wells was a small town, and little was known of the curative powers of the waters, a man, with his family, was traveling through that country in a covered wagon, when his wife suddenly became insane and it was necessary for them to camp at the foot of the hills near one of the wells. She drank freely of the waters for several days and was cured. The well was promptly called Crazy Well, and the water, Crazy water. Thus originated the name of crazy… The fame of the water spread rapidly, and soon people similarly afflicted and with other ailments traveled hither to quench their thirst and bathe in the wondrous waters.”
➤ “Nine saddles, including several silver mounted saddles and trophy saddles, were recovered recently in Fort Bend County, Texas, with the arrest of two adults and three teenagers. The saddles were stolen from Sloan Williams and Butch Bond of Hungerford, Texas, and valued at $2,800.00.” Investigating officers included TSCRA Field Inspector [Special Ranger] Russell Martin Jr.
➤ Weldon Newton, Extension entomologist with Texas A&M, reminded cattlemen that now is the time to start treating for cattle grubs, noting that [some of the treatment options] “also help to control horn flies, lice and ticks when used properly. Not only do grubs damage the meat and hide, but they compete with the animal for vital nutrients. Adult flies can cause cattle fleeing from the bothersome pest to lose energy and weight.”
➤ In a little human-interest note, John Brandon mentioned a recent visit with Jim Hartley at Locmere, who had had a “spell with his heart.” Hartley told him that they were getting calves on the ground from Ankonian Modernaire, and it seems like there had been one in his bedroom for him to look at. One can only imagine what Mrs. Hartley thought of that!
The “Pages of History” is excerpted monthly from The Cattleman magazine. Join today to start your subscription.