Does anybody else read Elmer Kelton

[NativeSon]

Elmer Kelton is my favorite Western writer. At present I'm reading again for about the 3rd time "The Time it Never Rained" a story about the Drought in Texas back in the '50's(7 years) and how the gov't got it's hooks in the farmers and ranchers. It shows how the gov't and beauracrats can really screw things up, but once they've got you at the troughth they own you. Just finished the part in the book where they are having a "Wolf-Drive" and BBQ, the purpose of which is to rid the ranch of a couple of coyotes that are partaking of the Sheep Buffet. It is absolutely histerical Texas humor at it's best.


Elmer has written a lot of westerns and "The Good Old Boys" was made into a movie with Tommy Lee Jones a few years back. He is without a doubt my favorite Texas Author.

Charlie

 

[texasjohn]

Yep, he's great.

Mom and Dad were great fans and collected all his books. They knew him personally, having lived in Ft. Worth and being deep into Texas history and folklore, etc. He came to Georgetown for a book signing quite a few years ago (while mom and dad were still up and around, before they passed). We gathered up all the books and took them down to the book store where he autographed each one...some 30 or so. I've read a lot of them, but can't swear I've read every one.

Then, we all went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant with him and his wife. Dad picked up the tab. He was very personable and an easy person to be around. I agree, he truly captures the culture and dialogue of the Texas I know and love.

I was THERE "the time it never rained." I spent every summer at my uncle's ranch in the Uvalde area during those drought years. I was 5 to 12 years old...very memorable. House drinking water came from a rock above ground cistern with one tap that was accessed from the back porch. I had the "chore" of struggling to peer over the rim and report on the water height. It got harder and harder as the water level dropped. All gutters led there. No electricity, outhouse, beans and cornbread daily.

Sadly, the recent several extreme drought years here in Texas have reminded me often of that time. Am not sure current drought is over. Yes, we get a little moisture from time to time but springs/seeps on my place which ran almost year round 15 years ago have not been wet for several years now.

 

[NativeSon]

As a kid back then I remember the lakes being so low that the water tasted funny. We bought our drinking water from Skillerns Drug stores in 1/2 gallon milk boxes. Thought at the time this bottled water thing will never catch on, it's just for times like this.

Charlie