“Howdy, folks. I’m Gus McDusty!” Boy, howdy, is he ever! Gus is the cowboy poet creation of Abilenian Trevor Allen and certainly doesn’t disappoint as he leads downtown walking tours that are half serious, half light-hearted and wholly enjoyable. Tours take place the second Saturday of every month in March-December. After a long winter hunkered down in the … [Read more...]
One Pet at a Time: Fostering Keeps Abilene Animal Shelter Thriving
Michael Bricker has an admirable goal for the Abilene Animal Shelter, and it’s one that everyone can help him meet. On July 1, 2020, Bricker took over as interim animal services director for the city of Abilene. He is employed by Best Friends Animal Society, a national rescue organization with an animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Bricker was named interim director of the … [Read more...]
Camp Barkeley Restored
Hills that once bustled and boomed with thousands of United States soldiers practicing for warfare, now ring gently with the sound of worship services and restored wildlife. Where troops once drilled with rifles and tanks, families now gather for weddings, marriage retreats, and community events. Where men once gathered from all over the country to prepare for battle, now … [Read more...]
Curating Memories: How Andrew Penns Preserves Abilene’s Black History
The comment Andrew Penns hears most often as he escorts tour groups through Curtis House Cultural Center shouldn’t come as a surprise. “I didn’t know that,” people say as Penns offers tidbits of information on artifacts, people, places, and events significant in the history of the contributions of Black Abilenians to the city’s development. Those words have been repeated … [Read more...]
Holiday Histories: Traditions for Abilene Families
Turkey or ham for Thanksgiving? What to cook for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? What hot new toy are the kids begging for this year? There can sometimes be a little drama when attempting to plan the “perfect” holiday. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the year 2020, it’s that plans can be uncertain. While the holidays are a time of great joy, the American … [Read more...]