Chamber CONNECTION

2 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

2 SPRING 2016

CHAMBER PRESIDENT/CEO MONTHLY & QUARTERLY CHAMBER CHAMBER SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
DOUG PETERS LEADERSHIP ABILENE
THE CHAMBER IN 60 Developing leadership skills and
CONTENT COORDINATOR Quarterly meeting for new members and community knowledge
members wanting to reacquaint themselves
ERICA PANGBURN with the chamber HISPANIC BUSINESS COUNCIL
Advancement of Hispanic businesses through
DESIGN HISPANIC BUSINESS LUNCHEONS education, training, advocacy and networking
Monthly networking luncheon
EMILY EASTMAN @member restaurant YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Attracting, retaining, engaging yp’s in Abilene
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
FARM & RANCH CLUB REDCOATS
JUSTIN JAWORSKI, SIDNEY LEVESQUE, Monthly networking breakfast with a Welcoming new & growing businesses with rib-
BRIAN YATES, TRISH DRESSEN guest speaker bon cuttings/ ground breaking ceremonies &
celebrating anniversaries
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: WAKE UP! WEDNESDAY
Monthly networking breakfast event MILITARY AFFAIRS
DOUG HODEL, STEVE BUTMAN, R. PEEBLES sponsorship opportunity Supporting Abilene’s Dyess AFB community with
quarterly luncheons, the Abilene Trophy & the
CHAMBER AFFILIATES: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS world’s largest barbecue
Monthly networking event @member
ABILENE INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION business - sponsorship opportunity ABILENE BUSINESS COUNCIL
Aif.Developabilene.Com Developing business growth through education,
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS recognition of outstanding businesses &
ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Monthly networking event for 21-40 somethings. business people
Abilenevisitors.Com Abileneyp.Org
AGRICULTURE COMMITTTEE
ABILENE CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL More info on chamber programs & events Forum for agricultural industries to share innova-
Abilenecac.Org can be found tions, ideas and information
On our website : abilenechamber.Com
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Advocating at the local and state level on
behalf of member businesses

SPRING 2016 3 AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 3

GOLD STAR INVESTORS

ATES OF The Abilene Chamber thanks its Gold Star Investors who voluntarily
show extraordinary support of chamber programs and activities.
Find a complete list of our members at abilenechamber.com

AEP Texas Center - Coleman ACEoPuTnetxyaSstate EEaxgcelepAtivoinavatilicoBenrsaS, nIendrcvs.,icLeLsC, Inc. LLC Rentech Boiler SyRPstreeoemsdpsBereivtyerBaagnek- Abilene
NiAgTcBHAoaAbnuNinkletLrnOyeWtiBtRleaYnking Abilene Banking CFiersntteBrankETxecxeapstional Brands, Senter, REALTORSReliant Energy
Skinny’s LLC / 7 EleRveenntech Boiler Systems
Abilene Christian University Coleman CountyFirst FinanFcirisatlBBaannkkTexas
MELICNiDtyAoMf ACbCiAleRnTeY Funeral DiFrierscttFoinrsaLnicfeiaIlnBsaunrkance ComSpoaftnSyearch Senter, REALTORS
exaAs lbeialedneersIhnidpecpheandrteenr taSccahdoeoml Dyistrict State Bank Garver Skinny’s LLC/7 Eleven
SoftSearch Investment, LP
Abilene Regional Medical Center Abilene ChristianGeneral ElFeucnterircaRl DeinreewctaobrlseLEifenergy Investment, LP

LIZAABbEiTleHnMe CReVpEoYrter-News University Glazer WhInosleusralnecDeiCstorimbuptaonrsy Star Dodge-ChrySsltearr- Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Hyundai

ayloArbeilleencetriTcecaochoepresrFaetidveer,ainl cC.redit UnioCnity of Abilene H E B Garver Jeep-Hyundai Starks Construction Co.
Arrow Ford Mitsubishi, Inc. Abilene IndepenLHdaeawnrdtreinn-cSeimGHemanlolenorfsaAUl Ebnlieilvecentrreiscity Starks ConstructioSTnuXdCUdoeE.nnlienrkgyCSoemrvmicuensications
MOLALYtmMoOsSEEnRergy School District Hendrick HReenaeltwhaSbysleteEmnergy Taylor Electric Cooperative, Inc.
AbileBnBeVcAivCicomcepnatsesrBank
Suddenlink

Bevills Heating and Air ConditioningA, Ibnicle. ne RegionalImperial CGolnaszterruWcthioonle, Isnacle. CommunicationsTejon Exploration
MILEBSlOueWCErNoss Blue Shield of Texas KTAB / KRDBistCributors TXU Energy ServicTTeeeslxeapseMrfoetramlsa&ncRe eUcSyAcling Co.
Act mThaerkBeotienigng&Caodmvepratnisying Medical Center KTXS

BRIERCROFT FIRE & WATER RESTAObRileAnTeIOReNporterL-NitehwiasToyHotEaBof Abilene Taylor Electric Texas Oncology - Abilene
YANBrPiAggRsRIESqHuipment Abilene TeachersLockheed LMawarrteinnce Hall of Cooperative, Inc.Texas State Technical College West Texas Abilene
rst BfinrialenyciIanlvbeastnmk ents, Inc. Federal Credit UnLMiooanwlleo’sfHAobAmilbeeinleIemneprovement Center Tejon ExplorationUTonwdenrehPilllaIcnevSeustitmesenbtyMMaanrargioetmt-AenbtilLeLnCe Northeast

CClaim Consulting
HOCMhAaSsPeABYaNnEk Arrow Ford MansefeldHt aInrdviens-tSmimenmtoCnosrporation TeleperformanceUUnSiAted Supermarkets, LLC

ConCdolecyaa-CnodlacoRmefpreasnhym, lelpnts USA, Inc. Mitsubishi, Inc. Market StrUeneitversity Texas Metals & Wal-Mart
MeOgNiDCCoIooaCnvnuaAidrlstRvlyeKiEcayIirtDnaidmanbrdcdyCr&MisoismCacropre,ianonPtteyCt,r/LTLoPwne JMoncMMachDoonnHSaeulndrdoCvriuicksktSoHumettaHleltoh, PmS.Cyess.tem David Waldrop Interiors, Inc.
PlaceAStumitoess Energy BaMnckMurry IUmnpiveeriraslity Recycling Co. West Texas Rehabilitation Center
BBVA Compass
Texas Oncology -Whitten, Hacker, Hagin, Anderson, Allen & Self, P.C.
RYADNoRdOgeBJINonSeOsNFoundation Bevills Heating anPdhAilpirott FlCoorinsst/trGurceteionnh,oInucse.
Abilene

TABLE OF CONTENTSConditioning, Inc.

Blue Cross Blue Shield
entech boiler systems, inc. KTAB / KRBC Texas State Technical
KTXS College
TEVE RODRIGUEZ
appy state bank of Texas Lithia Toyota of Abilene West Texas Abilene

The Boeing Company Lockheed Martin TownPlace Suites by

EREMY SHIPP Briercroft fire & Lowe’s Home Marriott – Abilene

WagNstOafTf lElpFROM PRES I D EN T..........W..a..t.e..r.r.e..s.t.o..ra5tionA RT WA LIKm.p..r.o.v..e..m..e..n..t.C..e..n..t.e..r........1N8ortheast SAVE THE DATE............................25

VAN SIMMONS Briggs Equipment Mall of Abilene Underhill Investment

AubnilRMieoEnrEaeNMcThBEieECvReHmN..e.E.n.t.W.o..fS.........................CB..r.iC.le..lay..iI.mn..v.Ce..os.t.nm6suelntitCnsg,AInLcF. BYMTaHnEseNfelUdtMInBveEsRtmSe..n..t......M19anagement LLCBUSTED PUTTER............................26
Corporation United Supermarkets,

MaAt TNmT aSEMtWt IrToHoSfiTnRgATEGY.......................CC..ho..ac..sa.e.-.CB..ao..nla.k..6 DEVELOPJMoaAnrkMBeIctLDSEtoNreneEat.ld.................2LWL0Cal-Mart BUSINESS MERCADO...................29

LAKE SNIDER Refreshments USA, Inc. Custom Homes David Waldrop
rst fGinaRnEcAiaTl bTaOnkEVEN GREATER....C...o.n..d..l.e.y...a.n..d7 ACVB TRMAcVMEaLh.o..n..S..u..ro..v..ik..............I2nt1eriors, Inc. ANNUAL CELEBRATION...............31

AMANTHA TEAGUE Company, LLP Suttle, P.C. West Texas

saHf -I3S1P7AthNaiIrCliftBsqUuSaIdNroEnSS COUNCILC..o..u.r.t..y.a..r.d...b8y MaCrrHiotAt –MPiMoncMs..u.r.r.y..U..n..iv..e..r.s.it.y...........2R2ehabilitation Center

ISHIA WILSON Abilene Northeast Philpott Florist/ Whitten, Hacker, Hagin,
Greenhouse Anderson, Allen &
AbilHenISePreAgNioInCaSl IN ABILENE...........D..a..v.i.s..K..in..a..r.d.9& Co, PC Prosperity Bank Self, P.C.
medical center Dodge Jones

Foundation Reed Beverage -

Eagle Aviation Ser- Abilene

ARN1029403

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 5

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello Abilene – how’s your summer? Save the Date section starting on page 25 for all the happenings. meeting, this time celebrating the achievements of our business
I hope to see you there. community. It will be an unforgettable evening with special awards
Soon, we’ll all be back in the swing of things – kids off to school, presentations, great food, live music and members of our business
vacations behind us, football games – the usual. A lot is happening in and around your Abilene Chamber of community, all in one place. My hope is that we pack the place
Commerce, The Chamber’s Board just finished a very thoughtful and enjoy an evening together that recognizes the best, brightest
But let’s not forget about all the great programs and events strategic planning exercise and we know where we’re headed and most successful entrepreneurs and community and business
taking place in our great community. Be sure to check out the and how we’re going to get there. The Development Corporation leaders in Texas.
of Abilene, an important partner to the Chamber, has also rolled
out the community’s new economic development strategy. That I wish to thank you for your support of the Abilene Chamber
strategy encourages us to think and act differently. Ultimately, it’s of Commerce, and for your role in our community. There’s a great
about job creation, attraction and retention – and being the best excitement among all of us, and I look forward to working with
Abilene we can be. you to create the very best Abilene we can be.

An important element of our great city is our Hispanic popula- Onward!
tion. The cultural diversity that exists in our community adds a layer
of depth that is exciting. Soon, the Chamber will host its 9th annual Doug
Business Mercado, developed and launched by the Chamber’s
Hispanic Business Council. The Mercado will offer all of us an Douglas Peters, IOM, AP
opportunity to celebrate Hispanic heritage in Abilene. Please join President & CEO
us in recognizing and honoring Abilene’s rich Hispanic heritage. Abilene Chamber of Commerce

And finally, there’s much to celebrate in Abilene, Texas. In
October, the Chamber will host its 108th annual membership

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6 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

By ARN Staff Report The industrial boiler manufacturer is in its 20th year and along with two other associ-
Jack Rentz of Rentech Boiler Systems announced that Mark Colman, vice president for ated companies, employs 402 workers in a 179,000-square-foot indoor manufacturing
space at their 80-acre headquarters on East Highway 80 in Abilene.
operations, will become president of the company.
Rentz, founder of the company, will continue as chairman of the board. No other American boiler manufacturer is privately held, Rentz said.
“We’re very fortunate to have Mark,” Rentz said. “He has led our company through The company custom designs and builds boilers for the petrochemical, refining, power
generation and other heavy industries. The company has customers across the U.S., Canada
several years of growth in both sales and profitability and he will take us to the next level and 30 other countries. Rentech received the Corporate Star Award from the Abilene
as we continue to grow.” Chamber of Commerce in 2011.

Colman has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering as well as an M.B.A.,
both from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He also serves on the board
of directors for the American Boiler Manufacturers Association.

New Strategy to Drive
Chamber’s Efforts

By Doug Peters, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO

Biotech industry leader Ellie Pidot has said, “Strategy is a fancy word for strategic planning process. Over the past year, so many have been involved
coming up with a long term plan and putting it into action.” in looking at different aspects of our community and recommending future
action. It was exciting to look at these various recommendations, assess the
My own belief is that trying to drive an organization without a strategy is feedback we have received from our businesses, and propose a plan for action.
much like trying to drive a car without a steering wheel – you’ll definitely go Abilene’s future is certainly bright and the enthusiasm generated this year has
somewhere, but you may not go where you intended. And it could end up been phenomenal.” Charlie Black, Chamber Board Chair.
being a bit of a scary ride.
“This is a very exciting time in Abilene’s history for each of us to make a dif-
Strategy is important to the Chamber. For years, we’ve taken an annualized ference. The Chamber’s strategy includes focused initiatives with involvement
approach to acting on behalf of our members. Our board – who represents our by Chamber members and friends in the community who want to invest time
members – convened once each year and identified and adopted a one-year and energy for the future generations. Please join us in this effort to build upon
plan to assure focus on our members and what’s important in our community. our strong heritage for our children and grandchildren’s future.” Yvonne Batts,
Chamber Board Chair-Elect.
This year, we’re doing the same, only with a longer-term view.
On July 27, the Chamber’s Board along with others who are involved in I’m excited about the opportunity to bring accountability and measurement to
our committees and the work we do each day, got together and set a course the work we do. There are some who would suggest that measuring Chamber
of measurable action that will drive our focus, attention and resources for the work is nearly impossible because it changes so often. However, experience
next 3-5 years. tells me that if we can do it, we can measure it. And that measurement will help
Many of you have taken the time to respond to one of several survey requests us to determine how well we’re performing against expectation.
that have been conducted by Hight Performance Group, Austin. The response
rate has been spectacular. Look for great things to come from your Abilene Chamber. For more than
The input and feedback provided by our membership has been very strong. 100 years, we’ve worked to position Abilene and the Big Country for great
It has helped the Chamber’s leadership to assess our current state, and to es- things. We’re about to kick that effort up a notch, and we’re extremely grateful
tablish a framework around which we need to apply focus and resources on for your ongoing support.
behalf of the business community.
“I want to thank the Chamber board and staff for engaging in this important

ABILENE AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 7

GREAT TO EVEN GREATER

Nearly eight months ago, after spending a full six months in preparation of leav- leadership to embrace an approach that moves the community beyond economic
ing my former Chamber role in North Carolina, I arrived in Abilene. And frankly, development as it is traditionally practiced.” Further, the Strategy states “…Abilene’s
I couldn’t be happier. long-term future prosperity will not be secured through industry attraction. The area
already enjoys low unemployment. In actuality, the biggest economic development
During that six-month process, I was determined to find a community that would challenge facing the community is not generating new jobs; it is developing, retaining,
allow me to apply my almost-30 years of Chamber, community and economic de- and attracting the talent that can fill existing and future need.” Finally, the TIP Strategy
velopment experience while providing a great quality of life for my family and me. states, “…the plan calls for a quality of place that offers the features, amenities, and
attractions necessary to retaining and attracting the talent needed to meet current
My “search” was intentional. I wanted a place where I can finish my career – and future employer needs.” I couldn’t have written it better myself.
maybe 15 or 20 years from now, God willing. A community my children would be
proud to call home with a high quality of place, excellent educational opportunities, a Not because there are deficiencies here. But because there are opportunities here.
reasonable cost of living, plentiful jobs, rich cultural amenities and awesome people. And in some instances, our competition is a step or two ahead of us. And times are
changing. Luring jobs and capital investment to a community used to be all about
I considered positions in Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, two other communities in incentives and tax burden – decisions were made based on spreadsheets. Today,
Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan and Florida. After “meeting Abilene,” it’s more about where a company CEO would want to live, and where they believe
I knew this was the right place. they will have the greatest success in attracting and retaining workforce.

I’ve worked in four (now five) communities, in four states during my career. In What does all of this mean? It means first and foremost that you can expect your
those roles, I’ve had the good fortune to work on challenges and opportunities that, Chamber to continue to provide the same high-level of member service and value
if successful, would set those communities apart from those with which they compete as you’ve come to expect in the past. But it also means that you’ll begin to see us,
for jobs, capital investment and population. incrementally and purposefully, wading into areas that aren’t so “traditional” for us.

And no matter how spectacular Abilene is to people like me, there are challenges That vision and the implementation of this strategic plan will cause Abilene to
and opportunities here, as well. In this business, we can’t just focus on today. We embrace and promote an entrepreneurial economy fueled by talent and innovation.
have to focus on 15-20 years from now. We ask a lot of “what if” questions. And We will leverage and expand a vibrant higher education and healthcare center. And
we talk to a lot of folks to gain perspective on what’s important – to businesses, to we’ll work to enhance Abilene’s amenities and community assets to create a quality
individuals, families and generations who will follow us. of place, attractive to top-notch employers and talent.

That’s why we should all be excited about the new economic development strategy And so consider this: your Chamber will begin to function as the community’s
for Abilene. Rolled out in February, 2016, that plan, put together by the Develop- “product development” arm, in partnership with many allies. Our Abilene Industrial
ment Corporation of Abilene (DCOA), TIP Strategies (Austin) and countless others Foundation (AIF) will continue its role in “product marketing.” And we’ll encourage
has delivered 10 specific strategies to ensure that Abilene becomes and remains as and support the work of the DCOA to do what it does so well – participating in the
economically competitive as it can be. marketing function, and then producing and executing economic development deals
that create jobs, prosperity, tax base and opportunity for all of Abilene.
The Chamber, to its credit, is already working on several of those strategies.
Maintaining and growing the mission at Dyess AFB, for instance, is a staple of our Big days are ahead for Abilene.
community’s work. We engage emerging leaders in economic development and Doug Peters
civic affairs through the Leadership Abilene and Abilene Young Professionals pro- Abilene Chamber President/ CEO
gram of the Chamber. And at our very core, the Chamber supports the growth and
prosperity of existing businesses.

What struck me about the TIP Strategy seems to have become a recurring theme
among those I’ve come to know and respect throughout our great community, and as
stated in the Strategic Plan itself: “we (must) implement strategies that stretch Abilene’s

8 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

Hispanic
BUSINESS COUNCIL

As a member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, in 2006, I was for- for any chamber member. Our biggest and most exciting event is our an-
tunate to be a part of a group of Hispanic Business and Community Leaders nual Business Mercado. This event began in 2008 and has grown from 40
that were the founding members of the Hispanic Business Committee- now vendor booths to 85, and was attended by over 2500 people in our most
known and the Hispanic Business Council. A decision was made at that time recent year. The volunteer committee that was organized included over 30
to organize as a part of the Abilene Chamber and not as a separate Hispanic members. Our volunteers served in their area of expertise, ranging from
Chamber. We felt that both the Chamber and Hispanic owned and/or op- marketing, to logistics, to sales.
erated business would benefit by combining the resources and knowledge
each group brought to the table. Well, here we are 10 years later and the Finally, the Hispanic Business Council has served a vital role in cultivating
question we should ask ourselves is, “Have we been successful in bringing new leaders and given those leaders opportunities to serve their chamber
together different communities, as well as cultivating new leadership for the and their community. The Hispanic Business Executive Committee has 9
better of the Abilene Community?” As the 2016 Hispanic Business Council members, plus others, who serve in officer and ex-officio roles. The HBEC
Chair, I believe the answer is a resounding YES!! brings vital input on managing HBC activities and promoting the Abilene
Chamber. We also encourage members to reach out to other committees
Over the past 10 years, HBC has become a strong and vibrant part of the in the Chamber by partnering. For the past two years, HBC has partnered
Abilene Chamber, offering members opportunities to network, volunteer, with Leadership Abilene and Abilene Young Professionals in the develop-
and serve in leadership positions. ment of the first and second annual Youth Leader Days. A seminar that has
now given almost 60 recent high school graduates a chance to learn about
For example: our monthly luncheons have become so well attended it career opportunities here in Abilene.
is getting more difficult to find locations that can serve as host. When you
get as many as 60 people attending a luncheon, Chamber members have I could probably write a book about the Hispanic Business Council and
opportunities to meet several people and discuss and learn about others who knows, one day I might, but for now this is just a sampling of who we
services and products. A unique thing that has evolved at our luncheons is are and what we do. If you want to learn more, please contact any Abilene
testimonials from other attendees who have tried each other’s products and/ Chamber staff person or reach out to any HBC member to learn more.
or services. Each attendee gets to introduce themselves and their product
or service. Many times, other attendees have given testimonies bragging Samuel Garcia, HBC Chair
on their fellow chamber member. This was never a planned aspect of our State Farm Insurance/ 401 N. Willis
luncheon, but it is a credit to the camaraderie and fellowship we all enjoy. 325-677-1900

When it comes to volunteering, we have developed several opportunities

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AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 9

Hispanics in Abilene:

They Persevered Together
By Mike P. Hernandez

Introduction Our research is about the Hispanics that came and resided in Abilene in the late 1880s
At the beginning of the 20th century, Abilene, Texas was preparing to celebrate its 20th and the early decades of the 20th century. We have dwelled on the Hispanic surnames
anniversary as a growing and prosperous community. The “Future Great City of West because in the early days, collectively, they endured and persevered together. They would
Texas” had grown from a railroad expansion city in March 1881 to a bustling business settle the city in significant number in the 1920s in the area east of Magnolia Street (North
center in the plains of West Central Texas. The initial group of cattlemen and the Texas Treadaway) in north Abilene. In doing so, they would create the city’s first predominately
and Pacific Railroad had named the city after Abilene, Kansas in their vision for the town Spanish-speaking neighborhood, El Barrio de los Sancudos.
to be the central shipping point in the region.
The area had once been a barrier to settlers, occupied only by centuries of roaming There have been limited articles and publications that have told the story of the early
buffaloes and the Indians who hunted them for their lively hood. In the 1500s the area had Hispanic settlement in Abilene. Publications such as, The History of Sacred Heart Church
been visited by the Spanish conquistadores in their search for the cities of gold. As the by Father Mark Woodruff in 1991, the comprehensive 12-page special report by the
Anglos began to move westward in the 1850s, federal forts were built to protect them from Abilene Reporter News, Hispanics in Abilene, November 9, 1987 and a special research
the marauding Indians. The plains were described by Hardin Simmons University Professor report Mexican-Americans, The Invisible Minorities in the Abilene Area, by Terry and Mary
Rupert N. Richardson as “The Comanche Barrier”. The barrier would prove challenging to Jacques Northup, 2006, are references most notably used to tell their story.
the federal soldiers, buffalo hunters and eventually to the railroad moving westward. As
the rails continued across Texas their markers would indicate where a settlement would Part 1, Early area Hispanic presence, 1500-1900
be developed. Milepost 407 would be named Abilene, Texas in 1881. The expectations of Hispanics before the 1900s were sparse in numbers in the Abilene area. Their presence
Abilene would be greater than any other milepost past Ft. Worth. Abilene would indeed in the area could be traced to the early Spanish explorers in Texas. In 1541 Spanish ex-
be the “The Key City of West Texas”. plorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, with an army of 300 soldiers and over a thousand
Many historians and book authors have written and told the story of Abilene and the Mexican footmen (1), was believed to have camped at present day Coronado’s Camp,
people who came and played a significant part of developing and building the metro- FM 89 and Highway 277 South, while searching for the “Quivira” Indian village and the
politan city that it has become today. The historians have dwelled on their stories with an cities of gold (2). In August 1759 Spanish military leader Col. Diego Ortiz Parrilla lead a
occasional mention of the minorities of the city, the African Americans and the Hispanic force of 360 Spanish soldiers and 176 Apache Indians in search of Comanche and allied
migrants and immigrants. Indian tribes who had raided and destroyed the Santa Cruz de San Saba Mission (Men-
The Hispanics were scarce in numbers in Abilene in the late 1880s and early 1900s. ard, Texas) the year before. Col. Parrilla traveled north, across the Concho and Colorado
Historians really had no reason to write on their presence. The few that were identified River near present day Ballinger, Texas, crossing Runnels County and the southern part
were not in high profile positions or active in the community. They only brought attention
to themselves when the community found itself unprepared to serve a significant number Serving the Big Country Since 1962!
of Spanish-speaking families. They came to the area during the yearly cotton harvest in
the early 1900s. The Hispanic migrants were mostly Roman Catholics and they sought out Bunkley Electric Industrial • Commercial • Residential ARN1005673
the city’s sole parish to practice their religious beliefs. This is where the Abilene community Company • Licensed, bonded, and insured!
first experienced the pressure of their presence. • New commercial construction
In 1907 Sacred Heart Catholic Church was overwhelmed in what they described in a • Design build
letter to their Dallas Diocese leaders “the Spanish-speaking population was especially high • Residential and commercial
in Abilene during the cotton growing months when migrant workers came to Abilene from service work
points further south to work in the fields”. The parish needed missionaries that spoke their • Electrical service upgrades
language. The church leaders estimated about fifteen families in the city and an unknown • Ask your home warranty
number living in camps in the fields. The 1908 Abilene city directory only revealed about company about us!
three residential homes with Hispanic surnames. They were located on Willow Street; 206
Martin Munoz; 208 Soldedad Gonzales; and at 210 Willow, Juan Nanez. (325) 677-4460 • 1173 Woodlawn Dr., Abilene, TX • BunkleyElectric.com

10 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

of Taylor County, through the area of present day Clyde, Texas in Callahan County. They grandson, longtime Abilene resident Fred Santibanez (1923-2011), Luis was captured by the
traveled to the area of Fort Griffin in Shackleford County. Col. Parrilla proceeded to the French army and made to serve as a soldier. One night, while the French were distracted,
Red River near present day Spanish Fort, Texas, where his forces battled the Indians and Luis and another Mexican escaped. Luis was one of the first Texas and Pacific Railroad
French settlers (3). In 1788 Jose Mares and his party, guided by Comanche chief Soxias, workers hired to complete sections of track in the Abilene area. The family lived in a T&P
traveled through present day Buffalo Gap on their way from San Antonio, Texas to Santa housing section in Baird. There were 20 sections in Baird because a railroad repair facility
Fe, New Mexico (4). was located there. Fred’s father was born in Baird and he worked for the T&P Railway
for 35 years. The Santibanez family settled in the Abilene area and are considered early
Fort Phantom Hill, north of Abilene, established in 1851, was part of a line of federal Hispanic pioneers (8). In 1886 one of the few Hispanics executives in Abilene, A.C. Garcia
forts to protect the settlers, supply wagon trains and surveying parties. One episode oc- became vice president of the local ice company owned by EW Grosscup. (9).
curred when savage Comanche Indians scalped and left for dead a Mexican teamster.
The Indians captured a woman and two of her brother-in-laws during the attack. The Finally, the 1883 election to move the Taylor County seat from Buffalo Gap to Abilene
teamster survived the incident and managed to notify the garrison. The captives were did not go without controversy based on the election results. Abilene won the election by
later recovered (5). a wide margin. As it turned out, more votes were counted than there were registered vot-
ers. Buffalo Gap was outraged, accusing Abilene of bringing in railroad men, Callahan
After the Civil War, cattle drives originating at Corpus Christi and Laredo in 1867, County cowboys and even a trainload of Mexicans to stuff the ballot boxes (10).
traveled to shipping points in Kansas. The Western Trail passed through Buffalo Gap and
Abilene in the 1870s that drove thousands of cattle with adventurous vaqueros (cowboys) Hispanics Settle in Abilene: Part II, 1900 to 1940
to the markets in Dodge City, Kansas (6). The city’s population grew slightly from 3,194 in 1890 to 3,411 in 1900. Abilene would
experience its largest population growth from the 1900 census count to 9,204 in 1910 (1).
In 2006 the Education Service Center, Region 14, contracted Terry and Mary Jacque With the city’s triple digit growth, Hispanics began to settle in Abilene in larger numbers
Northup to research early Hispanic presence in the Abilene area. Their research recovered and eventually settle in an area east of the downtown business district. Beginning with
the following data: The 1880 census in Callahan County listed John A. Flores, his wife Mary, Mexico’s revolution in 1910, the revolt created a large number of refugees that came to
a daughter and two sons. Flores was a Confederate veteran and listed his occupation the United States, crossing the Rio Grande River and abandoning the old country. They
as a cattle raiser. Flores was born in Tennessee. The 1880 census in Taylor County listed were searching for stable communities to settle, find work and raise their families.
J.A. Flores, his occupation was recorded as a school teacher. The Northup research also Hispanic that came to the Abilene area worked in a variety of jobs, on the rail road,
reported that Domonicia Lopez had registered her cattle brand in1886. Historic Abilene: they cleared land for agriculture and built area lakes. They were most visible working in
An Illustrated History estimated Abilene’s population in 1884 at 2,500. While the majority the Abilene streets. Ramon Alvarez helped pave South First Street and helped dig what
were white, a few minorities, about ‘150 negroes and few Mexicans’ were also estimated. eventually became Lake Kirby. They worked long hours in the blazing summer heat. Cilio
Joy Wylie’s history notes noted a list of four Hispanic original land owners in Taylor County, Prado came to Abilene to visit family and decided to stay. He said that work was plentiful
Ramon Ortiz, Jose Gabo, M. Oliveras and M.A. Castellan. The Northup Report reported and he was able to find a job working on a street construction crew. He earned about 25
Hispanic first in Taylor County: first marriage license, A.D. Flores and Florence Wilson, cents a day for 10 hours’ work.
February 17, 1886; first Hispanic birth in Taylor County, Navor Carmona, July 12, 1890;
and the first burial in Abilene, Lee Salas, June7, 1889 (7). Prado’s sister Barbara Herrera remembers her family loading a covered wagon to
drive to nearby ranches and farms to do seasonal work. She said that several Hispanic
Hispanics that arrived to the Abilene area in the early 1880s, for the most part, came families worked clearing the countryside of cactus and mesquite trees to make land suitable
to work on the railroad. Luis Santibanez (1842-1927) was born in Mexico. As told by his for farming. Later many of the families returned to pick cotton and harvest the land (2).
Boarding House at North 6th and North Treadaway, owned and operated by Enedina Mrs. Herrera’s husband, Christoval Herrera, in the 1930s, opened the Farolito Mexican
Martinez (1907-1996). Hispanic laborers stayed for 35 cents a night in the two-story Restaurant at 209 Cottonwood Street. The restaurant is the oldest Hispanic business still
motel. (Photo courtesy Arroyo Catclaw Digital Collection). in existence.

Prado said that there weren’t very many Hispanic families when he first came to Abilene.
In 1911 the area where the Hispanics would call their first barrio was non-existent with
family life. Cottonwood Street ran from North 2nd to North 8th and Bois D ’Arc Street ran
from North 2nd to North 7th. In 1915 Robert Young was the sole resident at 323 North
3rd and Bois D ‘Arc Street (3).

The area east of Magnolia Street (North Treadaway) began construction activity in
1906. Abilene was founded by the Texas and Pacific Railroad in March 1881 with the rail
line running east from Ft. Worth and west to El Paso. The city needed a rail that ran north
to expand commerce and connect with the Wichita Valley Railway. The Wichita Valley
had been built from Wichita Falls to Stamford, Texas. Abilenians looking to expand the
railway northward petitioned the city for permission to construct and maintain the northern
rail. The railroad was named Abilene and Northern Railway. The construction began in
1906 with a spur of track built along Almond Street across Bois D ‘Arc and Cottonwood
streets at North 4th. The track continued westward across Magnolia, Ash, Mesquite to
Plum street. The main track at Almond continued south, under the T&P Railway to South
2nd and Locust where the train depot was located. (4).

The area which would become Abilene’s first Hispanic barrio first saw its first Hispanic
families in 1919. Francisco Marquez resided at 206 Bois D ‘Arc, Yeidro Herrera at 210

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 11

Luis Santibanez (1842-1927) escaped the French At the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in Photo of Miguel Hernandez (1888-1940)
Army in Mexico in the 1860s and came to West 1910 a large number of refugees came to the walking in the downtown business district
Texas to work on the Texas and Pacific Railway United States in search for a new and better in Abilene, Texas, in late 1930s. Miguel was
in the 1880s. He was hired to help complete the way of life. Such a family was the Herrera fam- from Chihuahua City, Mexico. He married
section of rail in the Abilene area. The San- ily. In the 1930s Christobal and Barbara Herrera Guillerma Lujan (1896-1960, born in Ft.
tibanez family settled in Abilene and are consid- opened and operated the Farolito Café at 209 Stockton, Texas) and they came to Coke
ered to be the areas Hispanic pioneers. Cottonwood St. Today, the restaurant still County in 1915, then to the Abilene area
operates at the same location. in 1917 where they raised six children.
He worked in the agriculture fields in the
Abilene area. Two of his sons served in
Europe during World War II.

Photo album of Hispanic students in the 1940s. Martinez Family photo and history. (Reflections: An Album of West Texas History,
1840-1990). Copyright 1990.

12 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

and at the southeast corner of North 2nd lived Abundio Ramirez and Mrs. Dreta Perez. No Northern rails through North 4th kept the barrio residents aware of freight cars being
residents resided on Cottonwood St. There were also Hispanic families in the 600 block of moved to downtown Abilene.
Mesquite; Antonio Gonzales at 624 and Jose Gomez at 642 Mesquite. In the 700 block
of Mesquite five additional Hispanic families resided there; at 725 Benjamin Aleman; As minorities the Hispanics were not allowed in restaurants, lunch diners, barber shops
729 Francisco Villarreal; 733 Jose Molina-Hernandez; and at 764 Mesquite Pedro Reyes or any other facilities where they were not welcomed. They did shop in the business districts
(5). Although there were several Hispanics living in close proximity on Mesquite Street, for their necessities at retail and grocery stores. Jesus Flores, in an Abilene Reporter News
there were non-Hispanics living in-between and was not entirely inhabited by Spanish article in November 9, 1987, was quoted, “as for discrimination…most Hispanics kept such
speaking residents. humiliation to themselves. They were grateful for the work they could find, despite some
of the hardships, ‘You just accepted it and went on.’.” (8). Such barriers were not unique
By 1921 the area east of Magnolia St. began to experience an increase in Hispanic to Abilene, it was common practice throughout the southwest and beyond.
residents along with small business entrepreneurs and churches. Cottonwood Street was
now occupied from the 200 block to the 700 block. The address at 200 Cottonwood was The majority of the barrio residents were of the Catholic faith. Sacred Heart Church
vacant, Joe Arellano lived at 203; 204 and 205 were vacant; Manuel Yrigollen and Bisente had dedicated its first church in 1893. It was located at North 5th and Beech and was
Flores at 207; 208 Jose Chavez; 209 Mrs. Reta Perez; 210 Ysidore Rivera; and Costalo part of a missionary parish in the Dallas Diocese that covered a large area in West
Dominquez at 212 Cottonwood. 301 Felomeno Herrera; 305 was vacant; 307 Pedro Lopez Central Texas. According to Pastor Mark Woodruff’s book A History of Sacred Heart
and Juan Flores; 311 Leobara Moreno; 315 Felipe Flores; and Frustino Zuguillen lived at Parish of Abilene, Texas, 1991, in 1907 a visiting priest started coming the first Sunday of
319 Cottonwood. 533 Cottonwood was vacant; 537 Bettie Johnson; 610 George Camp- every month to preach in Spanish for the migrants and permanent residents of Abilene.
bell; 610 Nicolas Costello ; Jose Galindo lived at 710 Cottonwood; and 712 Mat Stokes. In Northup’s research in 2006, the Abilene Daily Reporter, May 4, 1907, indicated that
Father Ernest Leguyader from Dallas conducted services in Spanish when the number of
Also in 1921 on Bois D’ Arc Street; 205 Frebiso Monico; 206 Mrs. Joseta Ramirez; 207 Spanish-speaking people were higher. The influx of migrant workers that came to Abilene
Luba Garos; and Rafael Dominquez and Catalinao Dias at 210. Magnolia Street had from the south was due to the yearly cotton growing season (9).
residents living from the 200 block to 1200 block,, their surnames were non-Hispanic.
There was a Church of the Heavenly Rest at 245 North 2nd St. Francis de Assisi Catholic Soon Leguyader was spending more time visiting Mexican Catholic families in Dallas and
Church was located at 611 Walnut St. At 304 North 2nd the Garcia family contained Fort Worth and could not conduct visits in any Mexican missions outside the nine county
Biselio Garcia, Cruce Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Ramundo Garcia and Roberto Flores. area. By mid-1909 the Reverend Carmelo Gaglianrdo, O.M.I, was serving as missionary
to Abilene’s Mexican people. He wrote to the Dallas Diocese and noted that Abilene was
Rafael Martinez owned a barber shop and Ramon Hernandez operated a restaurant a growing city with a growing Spanish-speaking population.
at 310 North 3rd. Another Hispanic restaurant was also located at 400 North 3rd owned
by Jesus Herrera (6). By 1924 the Abilene City Directory indicated Victor Flores owned In early 1918 Sacred Heart’s task was to find a location to serve the Mexican Catholic
a grocery store at 241 Magnolia and the Mexican Baptist Mission with Pastor Rev. Dona- families. The Catholic Church Extension Society of Chicago donated money to build a
ciano Byarano, was located at 204 Cottonwood. The Americanization School (listed as building to be called St. Francis of Assisi Mission. The mission church was located at 611
the Mexican School) was located at 611 Walnut St (7). Walnut St. and was opened July 19, 1918 (10).

With the concentration of Hispanics on Cottonwood and Bois D’ Arc streets from North Reverend Rudolph Aloysius Gerken, pastor at Sacred Heart, soon received assistance
2nd to North 7th, the first Hispanic barrio became known as “El Barrio de los Sancudos”, in caring for the mission. The Sisters of Our Lady of Guadalupe arrived in Abilene to take
so named because of the pesky mosquitoes that breed in nearby Cedar Creek to the charge of the mission and start a small school for the Mexican children. The six sisters
east of Bois D’ Arc. Abilenians rarely ventured into the predominately Spanish speaking were exiled from Mexico, escaping the severe persecution against the Catholic Church.
neighborhood. The boxcars and flatcars that screeched their wheels on the Abilene and Soon after their arrival, one of the sisters, Sister Mary Guadalupe, tragically died from a
severe influenza that gripped Abilene.

The Americanization School was located at 541 North 8th. In September 1936 the Photo of second Mexican school (left) and St. Francis Catholic Church (right) at
Mexican students were sent to the old negro five room wooden framed school. In North 8th and Cottonwood St. The church was the former Sacred Heart Church
1938 the attendance was 216 students and five teachers. and was moved from North 5th and Beech to the Cottonwood street location
in 1929. The four room school was built in December of 1929 by request of the
Abilene school board to accommodate more Mexican students.

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 13

The Mexican School located at 611 Walnut St. became By 1929 St. Francis de Assisi mission moved to the new suggested that a four school rooms be built for the re-
part of Abilene’s public school system for Mexican students. property on North 8th and Magnolia. The church building quirements of a modern school for the greater number of
The Abilene Independent school board rented the church at the new location was the original St. Francis de Assisi Mexican students. By December 1929, the school building
as a school building for $35 per month for the school year mission church and school that Fr. Gerken had built in 1918. was complete. The Reverend Henry Knufer, pastor at Sacred
between 1920 through 1925, and arrangement may have The Sacred Heart church was moved from North 5th and Heart, was pleased that the Mexican children had their own
continued in the 1930s as records were not available after Beech to North 8th and Cottonwood in August 1931 and school in the shadows of their own church. The arrangement
the mid 1920s. The school board also rented the Negro the old St. Francis church and school became a social hall. for the Mexican school, on the church grounds, with the
Baptist church for black students. public schools lasted from the 1920s to the fall of 1936. (11)
In July 1929 School Superintendent Mr. R.D. Green
In September 1936 the Mexican students were sent to
the old school formerly used by the Negros students. The
“new” five-room wooden framed Mexican school located
at 541 North 8th became known as the Americanization
School to students that attended from the barrio. Elena
Hernandez remembers that “All the Mexican kids were
going to that school, that was our school.” (12) The school
only taught six grades with the most ambitious students
continuing their studies in other city schools. By 1938 the
school attendance was 216 students with five teachers (13).
The school on North 8th would serve the Hispanic students
until 1948 when a new brick school, Sam Houston Elemen-
tary School, was erected at 317 North 6th.

Other religious denominations were also present in
the neighborhood. The Church of the Heavenly Rest was
located at 245 North 2nd and the First Christian Church
was located at 301 North 3rd Street. The Mexican Baptist
Mission was located at 204 Cottonwood. The location at
202 Cottonwood later became La Iglesia de Christo (14).
Fred Santibanez, who was born at the Texas and Pacific
housing section, just east of present day Texas Frontier, in
his interview with Northrup’s research (15) stated that he
was baptized in 1937 at Primera Mexicana Baptist Church
which was a mission of First Baptist.

It is not known on how early the Hispanic fiestas were
celebrated at Abilene’s first barrio. The Hispanics that settle
in the city had immigrated from Mexico and the Texas bor-
der areas and had brought with them the rich culture and
heritage from the old country. The main celebrations were
Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) and Mexican Independence
Day, “El Diez y Sies de Septiembre” (16th of September).
Older residents of the first barrio interviewed in the Abilene
Reported News special section, November 9, 1987, recalled
that the early fiestas were held in the back of El Farolito
Restaurant, 209 Cottonwood. The residents would celebrate
a two-day or three-day celebration recalling the Mexican
holidays with music, speeches, dancing, and a reina contest.
The dance floor would be prepared by clearing an area
and pounding the ground while sprinkling water to keep
the dust down (16). From a 1929 Sanborn map the “dance
floor” was located in the alley between Cottonwood and
Bois D ‘Arc streets in the 200 block. In an interview by Debra
Guerra in August 6, 1997, Lupe Gutierrez talked about
being one of the organizers of the fiestas. She stated that
the fiestas (Diez y Seis de Septiembre) would begin on the
15th of September and last until 6:00 am the next morning.
Gutierrez and Adela Barrera would instruct elementary girls
during the marchas (processions) and the crowning of the
festival queens. Many Mexican people from the surround-

14 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016 Festival participants in other activities also included: Julio Hernandez, Roberto Flores,
ings areas would come to the festivals (17). Eulalia H. de Gonzalez, Jose I. Martinez, Francisco Perales, Antonio Rodriquez, Consuelo
Holguin, Reyitos Perales, Carmen Hernandez, T.A. Biatsoe, Carmen Padilla, Crescencia
In 1930 the Cinco de Mayo three-day celebration was filled with a variety of activities. Chias, Victoria de Zaragosa, Sara Gaitan, and Soledad Holguin.
The festival committee consisted of president, Julio Hernandez, who owned a grocery
store at 441 Magnolia; Antonio Holguin, secretary; and committee members Emilio Flores, The 1930 Cinco de Mayo festival began on May 3rd with a 8:00 pm dance. May
Enrique V. Diaz, Juan Holguin, Guillermo Rubio and Arcardio Villaloboos. The festival 4th the activities included a youth run of the bulls at 2:30 pm and at 4:00 pm a jamaica
committee also served as the barrio’s leaders in the early years in the Hispanic community (bazaar). May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) stated with opening ceremonies, with the playing of
(1920-1930). the Mexican and American anthems, followed by a 21-gun salute. The rest of the day
was full of activities with local participants reciting the historical event of May 1862. The
The following were the 1930 Cinco de Mayo activity participants: (activities titles are events ended with the start of a dance at 8:00 pm (18).
in Spanish):
The 1939-40 Abilene City Directory included the following names residing in “El Barrio
Comisiones de los Sancudos” (19)
Recepcion, Lazo Verde: Pedro Ramom, Pedro Cano, Juan Holguin Jr., Consuelo Holguin,
Crescencia Chia, Soledad Holguin. Bois D’Arc Street
Orden Lazo Blanco: Roendo Gonzales, Ambrosio Gonzales, Manuel Holguin, Luis 201 Manuel Hoguin, 203 Alberto Rodriquez, 205 Ramon Alvarez, 209 Luis Salazar,
Camarena. 210 Mrs. Concha Jaime, 214 Francisco Gonzales, 295 Arcadio Villalobos, Feliz Villalo-
Ornato: Roberto Flores, Luis Salazar, Antonio Rodrigues, Cristina C. de Salazar, Mar- bos, 300 Chano Alvarez, 301 Juan Anchia, 306 Juliano Ramon, 307 Enrique Diaz, 312
celina T. Jaimes. Carlos Gonzales, 315 Jose Portillo, 318 Vacant, 321 Ricardo Perez, 323 Julian Ramon,
Maestro de Ceremonias: Jose H. Martinez
Abanderados: Juan Holguin, Pedro Hernandez
Basstoneros: Juan Holguin, Arcadio Villalobos, Apolinar Cervantes.

1935 Boys Scout Troop 12, from the Americanization School, at City Hall, North 3rd and
Cypress

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 15
Abilene Reporter News photo of early Barrio de los Sancudos residence recall-
ing the early days of the first Abilene Hispanic barrio. (Abilene Reporter News,
Hispanics In Abilene, November 9, 1987)

Ms. Nicholasa Padilla (Hernandez) festival queen and her court during the Diez y
Seis de Septiembre, Mexican Independence Day celebration, in the 1930s.
St. Francis Catholic Church Pastor Rev. Rudolph Gerken built the
first church for Mexican families in 1918. The Abilene Indepen-
dent School board rented the church for Mexican school children
which became the first Mexican school. The church and school
were located at 611 Walnut St.

16 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016 326 Castilo Morales, 333 Chas Gonzales, 341 Apolino
The Farlolito Café at 209 Cottonwood opened in the 1930s and still operated at the same location today. Cervantes, 345 Joe Garcia, 353 Narsario Rodriquez, 375
Vacant, northeast Benito Castillo.
Sam Houston Elementary School, 317 North 6th, built in 1948. (Photo courtesy Arroyo
Cottonwood Street
Catclaw Digital Collection). 209 Pablo Juarez,210 Iglesia Bautista Mexicana Mexi-
can Baptist Church,213 Jose Chavez, 226 Chano Rivera,
235 Jesus Minos, 337 (243) Pedro Cano, 241 Mrs. Juana
Ramon, 242 Mrs. Guadalupe Tilua, 317 Ramon Valencia,
318 Creacenacio Marciel, 319 Domingo Villarreal, 321
John Garcia, 325 Leobardo Moreno, 326 Romera Can-
dilado, 333 Francisco Moreno, 341 Fauntino Yrigollen,
402 Mrs. Domitila Hernandez, 406 artist Peter Auradalz,
410 Avelina Juarez, 417 (426) Juan Alvarez, 418 Calistro
Chapa, 423 Juan Alvarez, 426 Angel Luzano, 433 Mrs.
Gabriela Santivanz, 436 Vacant, 440 (444) John Cor-
tinaz, Francisco Cortinaz, 521 Vacant, 523 Pablo Gon-
zales, 525 Vacant, 526 Aurelio Herrera, 532 Rosando
Gonzales, 533 Mrs. Rosa Gonzales, 534 Anatascio Soto,
535 (536) Guadalupe Terrano, 538 Vacant, 541 Jesus
Gonzales, 542 Jesus Gonzales, 544 Mrs. Guadalupe Se-
lina, 600 Mrs. Guadalupe Torres, 606 (618) Jose Garcia,
610 Matin Campbell rear Mattie Thompson, 626 Church of
God in Christ, 642 Vacant. 718 Pedro Gutierrez, 720 Simon
Garcia, 788 Callie Dixon, Msaonic Cemetery, Cedar Hill
Cemetery, City Cemetery, 818 Jas C Hood, 820 Gertrude
Williams, 824 Vacant, 826 Rev. Jose Fernandez, 834 Mrs.
Cruz Yrigollen, 838 Cirilo Prado, 840 Mrs. Rita Perez, 842
Natividad Gonzales rear vacant, 850 San Francisco Dio-
cese es IOOF Cemetery, 910 Emma Coleman, no Hispanics
beyond North 10th.
Magnolia Street
203 Lydia Bell, 342 Rafael Marcues, 401 Mrs. Francisca
Monclevez, 404 Henry Thompson, 417a Mrs. Lorensa Gon-
zales, 417b Joe Ortiz, 421 Antonio Moreno, 425 Vacant,
441 Jose Albera, 501 David Trinidad, 507 Jose Vallarreal,
513 Vacant, 517 Rfael Markus, 525 Ramon Gomez, 526
Cleveland Williams, 526 Lavada Hill, 533 Vacant, 534
Mattie Davis, 541 Francisco Martinez, grocery, 542 Pearl
Bates, 601 New Light Baptist Church, 608 Vacant, 618
Frank Alexander, 630 Amanda Kennard, 810 Mt. Miriah
First Baptist Church, 616 Daward Burton, 617 Abe Bush, 818
Isaac Walker, 834 Bruno Carrillo, 840 Mere glida Stokes,
842 Mrs. Guadalupe Longoria, 844 Adam Ortiz, 856 Mrs.
Petra Mendez, 858 Cruz Munoz, rear Vacant, 860 Cecil
W. Barrera, 872 Ramon Dominquez.
North 3rd Street
302 Jueta Rosales, 309 Cora Young
North 5th Street
317 Mrs. Florenza Benitez, 426 Pularo Guana, 430 Mrs.
Carmen Garcia, 450 Calarino Romero, 502 John Solo, 510
Aleario Rosales, 518 Eli Glover.
Conclusion: Proud, Humble and Grateful
The Hispanics residing in Abilene by the 1940s were
mostly from Mexico and the Texas Mexico border areas.

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 17

They had arrived only after the railroad had auctioned its original town lots in 1881. They of their fellow Americans. They were also proud of their Mexican heritage. They too would
came sparingly in the latter part of the nineteenth century and did not settle in any one shed their blood for the cause of freedom.
specific area of town. With the turn of the century they came in larger numbers beginning
in the 1910s. By 1920 they had begun to settle in an area (east of Magnolia Street) that Index
the city had not yet fully developed as a residential or business district. In the mid-1910s Part 1, Early area Hispanic presence, 1500-1900
the Abilene and Northern Railway had made its way along North 4th Street through the 1. American Folklore, Coronado and the Indian Guide by Editors of Life, 1961
vacant streets of Bois D ‘Arc and Cottonwood. The Hispanic families that settled in the 2. Texas Historical Marker, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, FM 89 and Highway 277
eastern corner of North 2nd to North 7th, came in more significant numbers during the South.
city’s early expansion and economic growth. 3. The San Saba Mission, Spanish Pivot in Texas by Robert S. Weddle, 1964.
4. Along Texas Old Forts Trail, Rupert N. Richardson, 1972,
They were seen as a sub-group by the community. Some local businesses barred and 5. Along Texas Old Forts Trail, Rupert N. Richardson, 1972,
denied them their services because of the social attitudes that existed in the southwestern 6. A History of Rural Taylor County, Juanita Daniel Zachery, 1980, revised 1995,
United States. The Hispanics, proud and humble as they were, pushed all that aside and 7. Mexican-Americans, The Invisible Minorities in the Abilene Area (research report), Terry
persevered together. They were grateful for the work that was offered to them. They endured and Mary Jacques Northup, 2006.
long and hard 10-hour work days while receiving low wages in return. 8. Interview of Fred Santibanez, conducted by Terry and Mary Jacques Northup, June
15, 2006.
The names that appear on these streets and businesses in this report were neither promi- 9. A People, A Place: The Story of Abilene, Volume 1, The Future Great City 1881-1940,
nent community leaders nor did they hold high public offices. The names are important by Robert W. Sledge, 2008
because they are identified as the early Hispanic settlers and leaders in their segregated 10. A People, A Place: The Story of Abilene, Volume 1, The Future Great City 1881-1940,
neighborhood. The Hispanic leaders had very little influence outside the barrio. They were
considered foreign-born minority-citizens in the community. They had graciously accepted by Robert W. Sledge, 2008,
the hand-me-downs facilities such as churches and schools. Through the early years they Part II, 1900 to 1940
remained “proud, humble and grateful.”

In the 1940s the United States would become involved in a global war affecting every 1. Wikipedia web site, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abilene,_Texas
community, including the immigrant’s families that had settled in the U.S. since the 1900s. 2. Abilene Reporter News, Hispanics In Abilene, Nov. 9, 1987
For the first time the “new” U.S. born Hispanic citizens would be obligated to defend their 3. Abilene City Directory, 1915
homeland. The immigrant’s sons would respond with a sense of eagerness to join the ranks 4. Abilene City Ordinance, 1907
5. Abilene City Directory, 1919
6. Abilene City Directory, 1921
7. Abilene City Directory, 1924
8. Abilene Reporter News, Hispanics In Abilene, Nov. 9, 1987
9. Mexican-Americans, The Invisible Minorities in the Abilene Area (research report), Terry

and Mary Jacques Northup, 2006.
10. The History of Sacred Heart, Mark Woodruff, 1991
11. The History of Sacred Heart, Mark Woodruff, 1991
12. Elena Hernandez interview, Debra Guerra, Abilene, Texas, August 6,, 1991
13. Abilene High School Annual, 1936
14. Sanborn Map, 1929
15. Fred Santibanez interview, Terry and May Jacques, 2006.
16. Abilene Reporter News, Hispanic In Abilene, Nov. 9, 1987
17. Debra Guerra Interview, Abilene, Texas, June 4, 1997
18. 1930 Cinco de Mayo event poster

Mike P. Hernandez
Arroyo Catclaw Digital
www.arroyocatclaw.com

Sketch of first Mexican Catholic church (on right and Roman Catholic sisters house
on left). The church was built by Rev. R.A. Gerken in 1918.

18 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 19

CALF BY THE The 5th annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival was June 9-11 in down-
NUMBERS town Abilene. The festival started Thursday with dramatic readings and
activities for Group Day and then continued into the evening with the Sto-
rybook Parade, art exhibition opening, sculpture unveiling, artist talk and
Glow Dance Party. Activities continued all day Friday and Saturday. –Sidney
Levesque, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

• 14% - Increase in registration
• 4,319 – Number of people who registered
• 916 – Glow items sold at Glow Dance Party
• 160 – Number of dramatic readings that took place
• 97 – Number of cities in Texas represented at the festival
• 23 – Costumed characters who danced at the Glow Dance Party
• 11 – Number of buttons you could earn for your festival lanyard
• 9 – Number of states represented at the festival

AN 8-FOOT-TALL GREEN DINOSAUR CLUTCHING A TEDDY BEAR AND BLANKIE By A-Town Hi-Tech Cleaning and Restoration
WAS UNVEILED ON THE SOUTHEAST LAWN OF THE ABILENE CIVIC CENTER
DURING THE 5TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S ART & LITERACY FESTIVAL. THE DISASTERS HAPPEN
BRONZE “GOOD NIGHT DINOSAUR” BY SCULPTOR STEVE NEVES WAS BASED 325-692-1892ARN1029459
ON THE BOOK “HOW DO DINOSAUR SAY GOOD NIGHT?” BY JANE YOLEN AND CALL
ILLUSTRATED BY MARK TEAGUE, WHOSE WORK WAS CELEBRATED DURING
THE FESTIVAL. HIS ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS ARE ON EXHIBIT THIS SUM-
MER AT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED LITERA-
TURE. DOWNTOWN ABILENE IS HOME TO THE LARGEST PUBLIC STORYBOOK
SCULPTURE COLLECTION IN THE UNITED STATES. (PHOTO BY DOUG HODEL)

20 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

WHAT IS DevelopAbilene?
By Justin Jaworski, Abilene Industrial Foundation

In this publication, over the past three years, we have featured a series of businesses back to Abilene’s history in the late 1980s.
that manufacture products, operate their headquarters or provide a unique service, Anyone who lived in Abilene during this time will tell you about the effects of record
here in Abilene. We call this series, “Made in Abilene.” The purpose is to build aware-
ness of those businesses that have placed their operation in our fair city and the value low oil prices on the local economy. In 1986, the average price per barrel plummeted
they bring to the community. to about $14 and didn’t significantly rise above that price until 1989.

Over the past few years, the economy has received a lot of attention in the national It was at that time we realized that all of us were “in the oil business.” Not a single
media as a result of the Great Recession in 2008. Throughout that time, our nation business in Abilene was left unaffected by the record low price. As a result, the citizens
saw double-digit unemployment and a dramatic fall in annual Gross Domestic Product of Abilene came together as a community to ask how we could take a direct role in
(value of all goods and services produced in the U.S.). Texas, however, quickly rose to shaping our economic future, no longer wanting to have it decided for us.
the top as the nation’s healthiest state.
The answer? DevelopAbilene. Around this same time, the Texas legislature was
Why? From 2008 to 2015, the Texas economy created an estimated 1.4 million jobs making provisions to allow communities to create their own economic development
while the rest of the states combined lost more than 275,000 jobs. In a time when the programs. As a result of that legislation, Abilene was the first city in Texas to establish
rest of the nation was suffering, Texas continued to move forward. one of these programs, which we now call “DevelopAbilene.”

So where was Abilene in all this turmoil? At the height of this crisis in 2010 when DevelopAbilene was structured to cover a broad base of economic development
the nation’s unemployment rate hit upwards of 10%, Abilene’s unemployment was only including industrial recruitment, business retention/expansion, small business develop-
7%, 3% lower than the national rate. One may ask, “Why?” The answer can be traced ment, downtown programs and military affairs. These programs were supported by
a joint effort of the Development Corporation of Abilene, Abilene Chamber of Com-
SMALL Providing Confidential merce, Abilene Industrial Foundation, Texas Tech Small Business Development Center
Business Assistance and the City of Abilene. It would be impossible to summarize the impact this program
BUSINESS for Over 25 Years with has had for our community in its 25-year history in a single article, but recent events
No Charge to the Client. shed light on the value this program has had for our city.
DCEEVENLOTPMEENRT Open to all - no affiliations
or qualifications required In 2014 we began to see a significant drop in the price of oil from a high of $150
CONSULTING per barrel in January, to $50 per barrel in December of that same year; a $100 per
for service. barrel reduction in price. What initially appeared to be a short-term drop, turned into a
Experienced business professionals provide confidential long-term reduction. Throughout 2015, the price never rose above $60 per barrel and
business assistance to the prospective entepreneur or CONSULTING bottomed out at $28 per barrel in January 2016. Though this sustained price drop had
established business owner. TRAINING a powerful impact on Abilene’s economy, the effects were not nearly as devastating
RESEARCH as the price drop in the late 80s.
TRAINING 325.670.0300
Since 2010, Abilene’s unemployment rate has steadily fallen each year and was
Free to low cost seminars providing relevant business www.ttusbdc.org/abilene last reported at 3.6% in May of this year, a level not seen since before the Great Re-
information for future and established business owners. cession. While the rest of the U.S. is still struggling to recover, Abilene has fared much
A Member of the NWT SBDC Region Network better. Why?
RESEARCH
When the DevelopAbilene program was established, one of the primary goals was
In depth and up-to-date information to assist individuals to diversify the economy. Being dependent on one or two major industries, such as
in making informed and knowledgeable decisions for oil and gas, meant putting the overall economy at risk if that industry ever suffered a
their businesses. great loss, as it did in the late 80s.

749 Gateway St. Ste. 301, Abilene, TX 79602 Since its inception, the DevelopAbilene program has worked toward that very goal.
As a result, Abilene’s economy has grown to include businesses that operate in avia-
tion/aerospace, metal fabrication, food processing, fiberglass boat manufacturing,
telecommunications, wind energy, education, plastics, professional services, software
and IT, healthcare and advanced materials manufacturing.

This diversification allowed Abilene to weather the two years of low oil prices in
2014 and 2015. As a result, the city’s unemployment rate never rose above 4%. The
reason? Abilene’s economy was not dependent on any single industry, but has a broad
portfolio of industries supporting the economy.

In fact, Abilene’s economy has grown more than most may realize. In 2000, Abilene’s
economy was valued at $3.6 billion and has since grown to an estimated $7 billion
in 2015; an increase of approximately 94%. At the heart of this growth has been the
DevelopAbilene program.

If you have questions or comments about DevelopAbilene, please contact Justin
Jaworski at 325-704-5322.

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 21

A C V B ByTrishDressen,ACVB
TR AVEL
Travel in Abilene means big business. How? Tour- When a visitor stays in an Abilene hotel, they pay
ism is a top industry in Abilene generating over a 15% tax on the room. This tax exists to enhance the Sports is the largest group market and is influenced heavily by
$469.1 million into our economy. Yeah. You read tourism and hotel industry. Because of the fact we the infrastructure and local support. Abilene’s central location,
that right. Let’s break down how this works, shall we? are 100% funded by the hotel tax, we concentrate adequate facilities and motel inventory complements this market
on booking hotel rooms and keeping hotels as full as and makes it a good fit to host state-wide events like the Texas High
The ACVB is an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber we can. We accomplish this through our programs: School Powerlifting Association State Championship This event
of Commerce and is the city’s Destination Marketing Sales, Services, Advertising and Marketing. alone pumps in over $650,000 into the Abilene economy during the
Organization. We’ve been around since 1970, but duration of the event. Photo Cred: Allison Christine Photography
hosting conventions here a lot longer than that. How Last year alone, Abilene hosted over 300 groups Over 3.65 million people visit Abilene each year. 69.5% of visitors is
long you ask? Oh, well, just ask the Cowpunchers and conventions. Travel and tourism in Abilene em- LEISURE: exploring our revitalized downtown, experiencing Fron-
who attended their annual convention here in 1882. ploys 3,980 jobs and creates tax revenue of $11.4 tier Texas! and meeting characters of every kind in the “Official
million in local dollars. Storybook Capital of Texas.”
1882. That long. Photo Cred: Allison Christine Photography
The basic mission of the Bureau is to promote The ACVB is a revenue generator for the City
Abilene as an attractive convention and visitor des- of Abilene and we are proud of the work we do to
tination. Every town and city in Texas is looking at make a positive impact on the community. We create
tourism to diversify its economy and generate tax award winning programs through advertising, sales,
dollars to support services. Building a strong tourism services and fulfillment to make a huge impact on
product takes hard work and a full understanding Abilene. The city’s investment of hotel-motel tax in
of what the industry is. ACVB marketing programs returns $22.79 in direct
The difference between traditional industry and economic impact for every dollar invested in the
the travel industry is traditional industry moves prod- ACVB.
ucts to markets, but the travel industry moves markets
to our product: travelers to Abilene. Think of ABIMAR As the city’s DMO, we look forward to continuous
- they produce delicious cookies and crackers and growth, not only in groups and visitors we can serve
ship them to their markets for people to purchase. now, but growing our product place to expand to
With travel, we create products to get people here new markets.
to make a big economic impact. We work hard to
promote Abilene as an attractive meeting site for We are continuously working to secure more busi-
state associations, annual conventions, regional/dis- ness for Abilene through travel and tourism. In any
trict meetings, board meetings, continuing education given year, the ACVB generates over 8,000 inter-
seminars, sports and more. actions with group planners to encourage them to
In Texas, tourism directly employs over 630,000 meet here. Our efforts work to endear them to find
million people and indirectly supports an additional a sense of place here.
473,800 jobs. It is a $70.6 billion industry in the
state. In fact, without the impact of tourism, every So invite your friends, family, associations, teams
Taylor County household would pay an additional to visit, stay and play in Abilene. Together we can
$700 in taxes to sustain existing services. How? make Abilene a better place through travel and
tourism.

22 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

CHAMPions HOSPITALITY

Give your business a tremendous competitive edge by sending your
employees through the free “CHAMPions Destination Certification”
training through the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The CHAMPions Destination Training program works to empower
businesses and employees with enhanced customer services skills, in
addition to providing a deep insight into Abilene’s attractions, restau-
rants, shops, events and more. Over 3.65 million people, on average,
visit Abilene annually. By taking part in this program, businesses are
adding to the traveler experience and giving visitors an even bigger
dose of Abilene’s true southern hospitality.

It’s easy to participate in the program. Every quarter the ACVB
hosts a “Live CHAMPions Training” where businesses can sign up for
an in-person hospitality training and then visit several of Abilene’s top
attractions like The Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas! and The Grace Mu-

seum. This allows residents to experience some of Abilene’s most visited
sites so they can in turn better explain to visitors. Because we know time
away is not always possible, the ACVB has provided another possibility.

Employees are able to take the seven module program online, at their
own pace over time at http://www.abilenechampions.com/
Each module consists of six different best practices in customer service
as outlined by the Texas Friendly Hospitality Program. Those who com-
plete the training will be “Texas Friendly” certified.

In addition, businesses that have more than 85% of their workforce
certified will be given a special designation on www.abilenevisitors.com
so visitors will be aware of their dedication to customer service. Cur-
rently, PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center and Frontier Texas! have
had over 90% of their workforce complete the training.

“We are always looking for ways to better the experience for our
guests,” Wey Scoggin, Promotions Manager of PrimeTime said. “The
CHAMPions Destination program offers not only a more positive experi-
ence for our patrons, but an opportunity for growth for our employees.
It’s a win-win to have so many CHAMPions on staff.”

For more information on the program, please contact Meredith
Mathews, Visitor Services Director: [email protected], 325-
676-2556.

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24 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

THE 2016 BUSTED
PUTTER CLASSIC

HONORING FRED LEE HUGHES

BENEFITING THE WORLD’S LARGEST BBQ TO
SUPPORT LOCAL MILITARY HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES

SEPT 26
12P-5:30P

AT THE ABILENE COUNTRY CLUB

Check in 11:00 am | Shotgun start at noon

AWARDS BANQUET IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

$800 per team. Each player receives: $100 gift card
to the Titlest Pro-shop experience, Box Lunch, Range

Balls, Goody Bag and Awards Dinner

WIN UP TO $10,000 IN BUSTED PUTTER CONTEST!

[email protected] | 325.677.7241 | BCEH

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 25

SAVE THE DATE

September 26, 2016, Busted Putter Golf Classic- honoring Fred Lee Hughes

On September 26, 2016 the Abilene Chamber and its Military Affairs Com- Leader of the year in 1988, Air Force Exceptional Service Award in 1989.
mittee (MAC)will launch a new twist to an old gem - the 2016 Busted Putter He served as Abilene city councilman from 1966-69, Mayor from 1975-78,
Golf Classic, recognizing former Abilene Mayor and Honorary Tournament president of the Rotary Club in 1962, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce
Chairman, Mr. Fred Lee Hughes. in 1971 and the United Way board in 1987. Vice chairman of Military Affairs
Committee from 1975-81, chairman from 1981-89. Fred Lee was also named
This year’s format will be the first to feature an Honorary Chairman, pro- Abilenian of the Millennium in 1999.
viding all of us an opportunity to have a great day at Abilene Country Club
(ACC) while recognizing the achievement and contribution of one of our own. You’ll not want to miss a new, revised format for this refreshed, premiere golf
event. Fun, food, drink and prizes, not to mention the on-course shenanigans,
Proceeds will support the World’s Largest BBQ and other programs of the giveaways and fellowship.
Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, a cause always special to Mayor Hughes.
The Awards Dinner honoring Fred Lee will begin at 6PM with individual
A 1945 graduate from Abilene High school and a 1948 graduate of Texas tickets available at the Chamber. All on the beautiful links of the Abilene Country
A&M University, Fred Lee Hughes is the retired president and owner of Fred Club. Mark your calendar now to be a part of this great event, and take a day
Hughes Buick. Hughes was instrumental in bringing the B-1 bomber to Dyess in to join us in recognizing Fred Lee. Register today by calling Kim Bosher at the
1985. A few of his honors include, Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Man in 1960, Abilene Chamber of Commerce 325-677-7241.
Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s outstanding Citizen in 1972, Military Airlift
Command’s Distinguished Citizen of the year in 1982, Abilene Bar Association’s
Liberty Bell Award in 1986, Strategic Command’s Outstanding Community

PUBLIC SERVANT BROUGHT B-1 TO ABILENE

HUGHES CHOSEN TOP CIVIC LEADER

From the archives of The Abilene Reporter-News

Those in the know regard Fred Lee Hughes as the man most singularly re- “Oh my horrors!” he exclaimed, his jaw dropping low. “My gracious! Out of
sponsible for landing the B-1B bomber and solidifying Dyess Air Force Base’s all those people? Really?”
standing with military and political leaders.
Hughes’ public service dates back to the 1950s when he returned to Abilene
He insists he was a co-pilot, at best. after a three-year stint in the Army.
Such is the nature of the graying redhead. A genuine, aw-shucks kind of
guy, Hughes always shifts to others the kudos and credit when called upon to He admitted his volunteerism initially was a way of raising the image of the
accept some prize or award. family dealership his father founded. One of the best ways to build a business,
And there’s been a heap of them. he explained, is to build the community it serves.
Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Man; Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding
Citizen; Distinguished service awards from the Military Airlift and Strategic Air So Hughes served community causes through his membership in civic or-
commands; and the Board of Realtors’ Distinguished Abilenian are among his ganizations such as the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce
honors. and the United Way board. Inevitably, he was tabbed to serve as president
And now the Abilenian of the Millennium committee has selected the retired for each group.
car dealer as the community’s top civic leader.
Hughes served on the millennium group and selected other nominees on At the urging of the now-defunct Citizens for Better Government, a group of
his ballot, naturally. News of the honor flummoxed him, sparking a typically community leaders who recruited others to run for office, he ran for and won a
animated Fred Lee reaction. seat on the Abilene City Council in 1966. He served only one three-year term,
helping to sell voters on bonds that built the civic center and airport.

In 1975, his CBG membership led to a reluctant run for mayor.
“I had to agree with what I had asked other people to do,” he said with a

26 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

shrug. to thank him.” FRED LEE HUGHES
He won in a landslide and briefly considered a Frank Puckett, Hughes’ successor as chairman of Born: Oct. 26, 1927 in Merkel
Education: 1945 Abilene High School gradu-
run for Congress in 1977. But his mother vetoed the the Military Affairs Committee, agreed. ate, business degree from Texas A&M Univer-
notion, insisting her son wasn’t up to Washington’s “Without overstating the obvious, the B-1’s pres- sity in 1948.
political rigors. He later conceded her point was true. Family: Married his high school sweetheart,
ence in Abilene provides stability and viability that Wanda, in 1949. Two sons, Ken, a doctor in
Though a popular mayor, he declined to seek a took us through several rounds of base realignments California, and Mike, owner of Fred Hughes
second term, saying the office’s demands clashed and closures,” said Puckett, president-publisher of the Autoplex.
with a working man’s responsibilities. Still, he broke Abilene Reporter-News. Occupation: Retired president and owner
into tears when he left office. of Fred Hughes Buick, which was founded
“That’s what has solidified and made this base. by his father, Fred. C. Hughes. Served on
Hughes’ two stints on the City Council, however, There’s never one individual responsible for some- several bank boards.
pale – in time and in impact – to the depth of his thing like (winning the B-1). But if there were, it would Honors: Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Man
service with the chamber’s Military Affairs Commit- be Fred Lee Hughes. in 1960, Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s
tee, a group that works to solidify and boost Dyess’ Outstanding Citizen in 1972, Military Air-
role in national defense. “He probably is the person most responsible for lift Command’s Distinguished Citizen of the
what Dyess is today.” Year in 1982, Abilene Bar Association’s Lib-
Having learned from mentors Dub Wright and erty Bell Award in 1985, Strategic Air Com-
Oliver Howard, who played key roles in bringing Hughes is also recognized as Dyess’ greatest mand’s Outstanding Community Leader of
an air base to Abilene, Hughes served as the com- ambassador, credited with engineering a base- the Year in 1986, Abilene Board of Realtors’
mittee’s vice chair from 1975-81. community relationship that the Air Force heralds Distinguished Abilenian in 1988, Air Force
as the standard-bearer for all others. Exceptional Service Award in 1989.
He chaired the group from 1981-89 and remains
a key member. “Abilenians of all walks of life put their arms round Abilene city councilman 1966-89.
the people at Dyess,” Hughes said. “It’s a great sense Mayor 1975-78.
Early in his committee service, the Air Force be- of satisfaction to be involved in that. Served as president of the Rotary Club in
gan weighing the idea of replacing the B-52 with 1962, the Chamber of Commerce in 1971
a stealthier, more advanced long-range bomber. “I just grew up being proud to be an Abilenian,” and the United Way board in 1987. Vice
Abilene leaders seized on the opportunity, pressing he added. “I guess you might say it’s in my genes. chairman of the Military Affairs Committee
Congress and the Pentagon to assign the proposed Abilene to me is the No. 1 city. Wherever I go, I from 1975-81, chairman from 1981-89.
B-1B bomber to Dyess. always promote it. That’s part of my persona.”

“I saw the B-1 as ensuring the growth and impor- A man with a ready smile and a raucous laugh,
tance of Dyess to the Air Force,” Hughes said. “If the Hughes said a friendly attitude reaps rewards. Ow-
B-1 was to be the backbone of the bomber force, I ing partly to their relationship with Hughes and other
wanted us to be involved.” civic leaders, former Dyess commanders promoted
to the Pentagon frequently back efforts to fortify and
Years of lobbying paid financial dividends when, expand the base’s missions.
in 1985, the first B-1 bomber touched down on the
Dyess flight line. Ten years ago, the military honored Hughes with
the Air Force Exceptional Service Award, given to
Today, 40 bombers are assigned to Dyess, the civilians who have performed “unequaled service”
nation’s premier B-1 base. for the U.S. Air Force. A citation read, “His vision-
ary imprint will unquestionably be felt for the years
Further, Dyess is the city’s largest employer with to come.”
5,479 employees with a total annual payroll of $169
million. The bases’ presence also accounts for ap- He chuckled then that he never got so much as a
proximately 3,510 military retirees and 5,725 mili- Good Conduct Medal in three years of active duty
tary dependents. with the Army.

The combined populations have led to the creation “I wouldn’t be so presumptuous to say how much
of thousands more jobs in the local private sector. I’ve done,” he said this week. “My influence as one
person is not great. But I’ve encouraged and had
The Abilene Industrial Foundation estimates Dyess’ some success in getting others to work with me to
economic impact at about $240 million annually. make Abilene a better place. That’s my major ac-
complishment.”
In nominating Hughes for Abilenian of the Mil-
lennium, Randon Ely wrote that each time a Dyess
payroll begins seeping into the local economy “we
ought to all rush to the phone and call Mr. Hughes

photo by Doug Hodel AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 27

WHERE THRILLING RIDES

OF EVERY KIND AWAIT YOU.
Invite your friends and family
to visit Abilene this fall for the
West Texas Fair and Rodeo
Sept. 8th-17th, the 16th Annual
West Texas Book Festival Sept.
19th-24th or the 22nd Annual
Big Country Balloon Fest Sept.
23rd-24th. Abilene truly is where
memories are made!

The thrill starts at abilenevisitors.com.

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS.

Photo by Gary Rhodes HOME OF THE LEGENDARY
Action Zone Champions Classic  August 25-27, 2016

Hamlin High School vs. Anson High School
Cooper High School vs. Keller High School
Abilene Christian Unversity vs. Weatherford Christian University

28 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

08 Texas Tech Family Hispanic
Mariachi Los FUN! Heritage
OCTober Matadores Display
Food!
Abilene Civic Center Ballet
Folklórico! Children’s Games
9 am - 3 pm & Activities
FREE
ADMISSION Contact Kim Bosher for more information at 325.677.7241

Opening Ceremony 8:30 am

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 29

October 8, 2016, Business Mercado

Hosted by the Abilene Hispanic Busi- and other family fun activities throughout
ness Council, Business Mercado (Market) is the day. Business Mercado leverages brand-
an annual showcase of business products ing and marketing opportunities, while
and services with the intent of building the benefiting from business-to-business and
bridge with the Hispanic consumer. Open to business-to-consumer networking with
all businesses interested in connecting with more than 100 exhibitors and close to 2,000
the Hispanic market, this high energy, family attendees.
friendly event spotlights the Hispanic culture
in Abilene with mariachis, ballet folklorico Call Kim Bosher at the Chamber for more
information, 325-677-7241.

30 CONNEC TIONS | AUGUS T 7, 2016

October 13, 2016, Annual Chamber Celebration

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

This year, our community, on various levels, has been engaged in looking at We will have a black and white theme, in part, to celebrate our history, as
our future and defining our role in how we will shape it. And it is exciting, and demonstrated by these photographs. And to also celebrate our future – because
there is momentum, and if you haven’t felt it, we want to share it with you – at there is not any gray about it – it’s all good. And we want to honor those who
our 108th annual Chamber banquet. have helped shape that future, including our Abilene Outstanding Citizen of
the Year. Please send your nominations for the 2016 recipient to the Chamber
Over the past several years we have discussed changing the format of our at P.O. Box 2881, Abilene, Texas 79604.
annual banquet which has been the same since 1908. When we heard that
one of our senior attendees expressed hope that they would pass on before the Please return the enclosed flyer by August 8 so we can recognize you in the
next one (probably while I was speaking), we decided, okay, maybe it’s time. invitation and the banquet program. Any questions? Call Kim Bosher at the
Maybe it’s time just to bring our community together - to mingle, to honor, to Chamber. This will be an event that you won’t want to miss, because it is all
dine, to dance – to celebrate our past, to celebrate our future, and to share in about . . . us.
the momentum that exists for that future. So that’s what we are going to do.
And we want you to be a part of it. LET’S CELEBRATE!

Our Event Committee is working hard to make this a special evening and Charlie Black
we want your help. We hope that you will be a Gold Table Sponsor this year. Chairman, Abilene Chamber Board of Directors
Other sponsorships are available as well. Please contact Kim Bosher at 325- Wagstaff Law Firm
677-4241 if you would like to be a sponsor for this event.

AUGUS T 7, 2016 | CONNEC TIONS 31

Presented by

ARN1145297