Once, many years ago, there was a little community of friends and family along the Brazos River. Across the river from Littlefield Bend in what was known as Gilbert’s Valley, they worked their farms, traded at the towns nearby, and warded of Indian attacks. People fell in love and were married, children were born and they even had their own school.

Slowly, one by one, people left. Today, not much is left of the Old Red Bluff community. Many do not even know it existed or know it by name.

But thanks to our ancestor, we do. I would like to share some it’s stories with you. It is told by a man who was born there, Embry Hatfield. His story of the family coming to Texas and early Parker - Palo Pinto County history is interesting.

I hope you enjoy it!

Have you ever heard of Old Rip, the horned frog?

The story goes:

In 1897 when the courthouse in Eastland Texas was built, Rip accidentally got caught in the construction. Thirty years later the courthouse was torn down and Old Rip was found sealed alive in the cornerstone!

Old timers were fond to recount tall tales that a horned toad could live 100 years without food or water. But this was totally unexpected.

Old Rip was reported in the news of the day and his fame spread through papers and news reels. Rip even went on a tour of the country and visited President Calvin Coolidge at the White House.

He lived the life of fame and luxury for a year until he finally froze to death during a very cold winter. Old Rip’s body has been preserved in a glass exhibit at the new Eastland Courthouse.

Did you get enough rain? Here in Houston we did! For several days it just poured down. And I realized that I need to extend my walkway further out to the car. Funny how you never think of these things until your feet get wet. lol

So, stuck in the house, I got to surfing other Texas websites a found 2 interesting ones that I would like to share.

The first is about something I had never heard of before - Geocatching. Basically what you do is hunt for a hidden location and when you find it, there is a prize waiting for you. You take the little prize and replace it with another treat for the next person. (nothing too much, the real prize is in finding the place) It looks like fun and I think I’ll tell the hubby about it.

Did you know there are bigfoots in Texas? I sure didn’t! And by looking at the map of reported sightings, they have even been spotted along the Brazos River. egads! I’ll have to really be on the lookout next time we are in Mineral Wells, lol

Have fun!!!