By DANNY MINTON From September 1857 to June of 1858, Samuel “Mark Twain” Clemens served as a “cub pilot” on the sidewheel steamboat, “Pennsylvania.” Due to a stormy relationship with the pilot, William Brown, his service abruptly ended. However, before this happened, he secured a job for his younger brother, Henry, as a “mud clerk.” A “mud clerk” did odd
Read moreBy NANCY PATRICK Have you ever had to eat your words? I certainly have. I learned pretty early in parenting that I should avoid saying, “My kid would never do that.” Mastery of that lesson takes time and discipline, but it helps parents avoid future embarrassment. I don’t think I said I would “never” regarding very many other issues, but
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By LORETTA FULTON McKinney to Abilene to Blackwell to Boston is quite journey, but it’s one that has paid off beautifully for Kenna Bartholomew. The McMurry University senior brought her talents from McKinney to Abilene to study religion at McMurry. She currently also serves as pastor of Blackwell United Methodist Church, which is located south of Sweetwater, about 50 miles
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By LORETTA FULTON The Grace Museum decked out in elegance, a marquee style CONGRATS sign topped with black and silver balloons, a professional photographer snapping party pics–it all added up to gala occasion. “Mary Cooksey Day in Abilene, Texas” was certainly that. A proclamation from the mayor’s office–read by the mayor himself–made it official. Jan 27, 2022, was designated as
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By JIM NICHOLS I first met my future mother-in-law when I was in high school. She thought I was funny and clever, and I thought the same about her. As I hung around the house for years pursuing her daughter, we developed two questions/statements we would make to each other. Each elicited a predictable response. My statement to her was
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CURTIS HOUSE CULTURAL CENTERThe center houses photos, newspaper and magazine articles, and other documents and memorabilia depicting the contributions of Black residents to Abilene’s history. Contact Andrew Penns to schedule a group tour during Black History Month630 Washington St.Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Admission is by donation325-518-4604 By LORETTA FULTON Andrew Penns is used to hearing the words, “I didn’t know that,” but
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Wendy Kilmer, wendy.kilmer@acu.eduDirector of Communications and Media Relations Guest speakers, a prayer walk, a lecture series and several student activities are slated for February as part of Black History Month at Abilene Christian University. Feb. 1 – An outdoor prayer event organized by the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the
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By JIM NICHOLS Odors or aromas are apparently closely connected to our brain memory centers. Popcorn may connect us quickly to some sports event. Freshly baked cookies may transport us back to another time and place in our family. One whiff of mimeograph ink and I am sitting at a wooden desk in a school classroom again. Mimeograph ink? What
Read moreBy MARIANNE WOOD A painting that I encountered at The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth when I was teaching AP Art History gave me a new perspective on the power of art. And with it came a renewed sense of God’s care for me as an artist and art appreciator. I’d seen this work in books and online, but
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Spirit Of Abilene 