Pioneer Days at Panther Junction

What an honor to be asked to present my book at the Pioneer Reunion Celebration at San Vicente School near Panther Junction Ranger Station in the Big Bend on February 4, 2012.

Diane presenting Letters from the Big Bend to a friendly Pioneer Days crowd

This time a dear friend and my daughter flew with me from Houston to Midland where we rented a car to drive to Big Bend. We stayed at the Holland Hotel in Alpine on this trip and had wonderful accommodations.

Diane and Holly

Mike Boren and his staff did a wonderful job of lining up the speakers for the event. Over a hundred people were in the audience, most of them have come to the reunion every year since the celebration first began. Carter Craig entertained us with his wonderful songs and Maise Lee, of Marathon, a talented artist in wood sculpting spoke to the group about how she and her husband came to settle in Big Bend. Dan Scholly told about growing up in the park when his dad, George Sholly, was Chief Ranger.

Mike Boren introducing Diane

My presentation was warmly received. I told how Pete Crawford, game warden, Ray Miller, justice of the peace, Steve Bennett, constable, and Texas Rangers, Bob Poole and one armed Arch Miller helped my mother. A gentleman who had been sitting directly behind me raised his hand and introduced himself as Pete Crawford’s youngest son, Lee Crawford!

Diane and Lee Crawford, youngest son of Pete Crawford,
a historic law officer of Big Bend

I also met Melletta Bell, Archivist at the Big Bend Studies at Sul Ross University for the first time. We had many phone and email conversations and I am so grateful for all her help.

Big Bend Archivist, Melletta Bell and Diane

Nannette Patton could not be at the reunion, but her sister, Kay Pizzini, who helps Nannette run the store at the Hallie Stillwell RV Park and Museum, welcomed me with a warm smile as we talked about Hallie and her connection with my mother. Hallie had let Mom live with them when she moved back to West Texas to attend school at Sul Ross. In the early 30s Mom roomed with Dadie, Hallie’s daughter and the Nannette and Kay’s mother.

Kay Pizzini, Hallie Stillwell's granddaughter, and Diane

I also met Tom Alex, an archaeologist with the Big Bend Natural History Association. We will be in touch as he explores on Tornillo Creek to hopefully find the remains of the Mena home.