Cenizo Journal Winter 2016 | Page 21

Texas wedding, 1911 in Brewster County, Texas. He wrote delightedly of what he called her “grit,” said she was a chip off the old block, and proposed that if the young people would locate in Alpine he would start them in life with a lot and house built to suit themselves and fur- nished to their own taste and he would foot all bills. His description of Alpine, in climate, location, pretty homes and beautiful scenery captivated Polly, while her young husband was impressed by the account of its live busi- ness men; their progressive up- to-date methods and the con- sequent rapid growth of a town where not only the necessities but also the com- forts and even the luxuries of life were stock in hand. They accepted Foxy Grandpa’s generous offer and bade adieu to their friends in the East. A few weeks subsequent to the above a travel-stained party arrived at Alpine and our friend, Foxy Grandpa, met them and took charge. He led them straightaway to the Garnett Hotel. “We will go there,” he said, “because that is a popular place and strictly first class. I have known Mr. Garnett, the proprietor, for years. He used to own another hotel here which was burnt down in the big fire three years ago, and he then built that fine, large building you see ahead of you.” “Oh, isn’t it pretty,” exclaimed Polly, “and see, Charley, it has great wide galleries all around up stairs and down. There must be a lovely view up there, and it looks so cool and clean and nice, I am sure any one could sleep well there.” “Yes, and eat well too,” chuckled Grandpa, “for Ed knows how hungry this mountain air makes folks and he sees to it that you get plenty of the best there is in the market. He has been in the hotel business here long enough to find out just how to build a hotel that would attract people and make them so comfortable they would want to come again, and he has lived here so long that he knows just what his guests will need and he sees that they get it, too.” When they had been shown to their rooms Grandpa said: “Well, you both must be tired, so I’ll say goodnight and you can rest.” “Why no, Grandpa,” said Polly, “we’re not tired a bit; we came over the S.P. Route, you know, and the cars were very comfortable, and when we got tired sitting in one place we went into the observation car, and that was delightful; you could write or read, or simply sit and watch the scenery. Why the views were wonderful – those great bluffs along the Rio Grande, and high bridges and canyons we crossed were perfect pictures that alone was worth more than the trip cost us. The chairs were so comfortable and the car ran so smoothly there was no jar at all to tire one.” “Yes,” Charley broke in, “I was sur- prised to see so fine a roadbed and continued on page 25 We print CENIZO ~ let us work for you, too. From rack cards and brochures to directories and guides … From maps and post cards to flyers and magazines … Our careful customer service and Web-based seminars will help you create an outstanding publication. Call us for prices and details 210-804-0390 shweiki.com Cenizo First Quarter 2016 21