by Wilhelmina Beane. 1963. 176p

The excerpts provided paint a vivid picture of ranch life and the broader cultural and social dynamics of Texas during the early 20th century. Here is a condensed summary of the key points:

Ranch Life and Daily Routine

The ranch described spans 33,000 acres and involves rigorous daily routines for the cowboys, starting at 5:30 AM. Their tasks include herding cattle, caring for calves, and maintaining the ranch's infrastructure. Despite the hard work, the cowboys form a tight-knit community, enjoying activities like poker and storytelling in their leisure time.

Social and Family Dynamics

The ranch operates as a close-knit family unit, with strict codes of conduct prohibiting drinking and unruly behavior. Children are integrated into ranch life from a young age, learning to ride horses and perform minor duties by age four. This upbringing fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.

Historical and Cultural Context

The text includes historical anecdotes, such as the story of an abandoned house symbolizing the dreams of past ranchers and the transformation of the land through irrigation. The ranch's self-sufficiency is notable, producing its own food and maintaining independence from city markets.

Educational Initiatives

The ranch also serves as a hub for agricultural education, hosting events like the "farmers’ short course" and welcoming 4-H Club members to practice livestock judging. These initiatives underscore the importance of practical agricultural education in the community.

Personal Anecdotes

The narrative is enriched with personal stories, such as the author's adventures on the ranch and interactions with notable figures like Senator Tom Connally. These anecdotes provide a human touch to the historical and cultural insights, illustrating the challenges and rewards of ranch life.

Environmental and Agricultural Practices

The ranch employs advanced agricultural practices, such as irrigation and the use of artificial lakes for fish farming. It also has systems in place for managing livestock health, including daily check-ups for parasites and innovative branding methods to avoid disfiguring the animals.

In summary, the text offers a comprehensive view of the multifaceted life on a Texan ranch, highlighting the blend of hard work, community, and educational initiatives that define this unique way of life. The detailed accounts of daily routines, social dynamics, and historical anecdotes provide a vivid picture of the resilience and ingenuity of those who live and work on these vast lands.