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By Glenn Dromgoole

Abilene was founded on March 15, 1881 — 145 years ago. 

As a tribute to my beloved, adopted hometown, I’ve tried to express some thoughts in the haiku poetic format, consisting of three lines – five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, five in the third. 

I hope some of these short tributes will resonate with you. Happy Birthday, Abilene! 

Streets were named for trees
when Abilene was founded –
a joke or vision?

Jay Moore packs ‘em in: 
Abilene history talks
at the Paramount.

If there is something
to laugh about in our town, 
Jay Moore will find it.

The Grace Museum
celebrates art, history,
children’s exhibits.

At Frontier Texas,
step back in time,
rememberhow we all got here.

C.A.L.F. gives Abilene
a new cultural slogan:
“Celebrate Reading.”

Children’s book sculptures:
family-friendly appeal,
Abilene’s new face.

Paramount movies —
theatre is our pride, joy — 
a city icon.

New library at
Abilene Heritage Square
opening this year.

A library card
free to city residents —
best bargain in town.

Western heritage
alive and well and thriving
at Expo Center.

Dyess Air Force Base
gets a heroic welcome
here in Abilene.

We’re a college town:
Go Wildcats, Cowboys, War Hawks –
thanks for being here.

Hendrick Medical:
a hundred years of service
in sickness and health.

Loretta Fulton
hosts Spirit of Abilene —
a faith-based web site.

City council pay
only a dollar a year –
worth ev’ry penny.

Abilene football:
a very rich heritage –
high school and college.

An early slogan —
Key City of West Texas –
still favored by some.

Twenty-four inche
is our average rainfall –
most years not that much.

But you should be here
the day it really does rain,
and the streets will flood.

Does it always rain
during Fair week ev’ry year?
If so, be thankful.

AI, nuclear,
new Dyess bomber projects –
the future looks bright.

Glenn Dromgoole has lived in Abilene for 40 years. He and his wife Carol have owned Texas Star Trading Company downtown for more than 20 years.