Les and Marcia's Bohemian Life: Rose Petals to Horse Manure

Rose Petals to Horse Manure – Marshall and Tyler TX

We had planned a few days in Tyler Texas for no other reason then it is along the way. Small towns always have surprises. Five Star RV park was a nice place to be. We had a nice spot with very nice wooded trails for Brady; full of fun varmints to chase.

Tyler is a picture perfect small town. Our first stop was to the Chamber of Commerce to get a travel map and plan.

Don’t miss the (tour cost - donations only) Goodman-LeGrand House. Starting as a small one story house on 9 acres in 1859, it grew to become a Texas Colonial in 1880. Two of the memories that made this a fun stop were all of the original homeowner items are still here. The Owner donated the house and contents to the city as a museum– to protect it from money grubbing nieces and nephews. The second was the excitement level of the cute young docent whom truly loved this house and family. She was delighted to show us her favorite items and share their history.

*Fine China was throughout this home. How ever the most impressive was the hand painted china made by the lady of the house

*Note the tiny added dots to the rim.

Did I mention there are 96 pieces to the collection

*The Goodman - LaGrand Garden

Surprise Surprise – Tyler is Rose Capital. The Rose Garden is 14 acres of bloomed, blooming or to bloom buds. The day we were there preparations for the high school prom in the conference center had started and wedding chairs had been set up in the court yard. Photographers were everywhere. With this activity it was still a beautiful quiet meandering site. In full operation since 1952 the garden has roses of every description and patent. Yes, some even still smell like roses. This is a free visit. $5.00 if you would like to see the gowns of past Rose Queens (I was satisfied with the view from the hall)

We had missed the annual Azalea festival (21 March – 6 April). We are told we MUST come back next year to see it. We just might!

It was easy to take time to visit the local Veterans Monument. The last stop of the day was Camp Ford. This was a Civil War Prisoner of War camp. The site has been very well recovered by Smith County Historical Society. It was expected that the prisoners had to build their own houses. This worked well for the first ones in and very poor when the trees were cleared. Prisoners were expected to set up their own society, growing food and providing medical care. They even published a news letter.

*The two remaining POW residences

We were happy to say “Yes” to a lunch invitation from Florida friends Dave and Carol. They have a lovely lake property in Maybank TX. This drive was our first opportunity to see the Texas Piney Woods country side. Green rolling hills dotted with cattle, horses and wild flowers. Dave and Carol cued us to the ins and outs for driving in Dallas. Thanks to them, we were later able to see sights and trim time off of traffic backs ups with confidence. Their puppers Bella, and Brady had a nice chance to play, share chew bones and nap having a great doggy day. It was surely a great people day too!

Karma Farms in Marshall was such a super experience for me. The owner, Vic, has dedicated most of her life to preserving the Spanish mustang. I was enchanted and amazed at the knowledge this woman has. She introduced us to her stallions while we helped her feed. All are registered as Spanish Mustangs. They carry the blood typing and equine markers dating back to the horses brought by ship from Spain. These horses are so friendly and huggable. This farm has been in Vics family for over 100 years. She does have some help but manages the property and animals mostly by herself. This would be a perfect place for me to happily throw hay and brush manes for the rest of my life. As she and I were getting ready to ride, Vic got a call about a hurt horse. She looked at me and said “So you can ride?” I said “yes”. And off we went at a gallop, across the field, through a river, up the bank until we found the injured horse. The horse was fine. She had just received a kick causing a limp. But I had just had a cowboy dream event come to life. The property is beautiful. We wandered in and out of her herds, (most are for sale at very resonable prices) she talked about the individual mares and yearlings. Because I was interested, she explained different plants and flowers and landmarks. Vic conducts camps and rides and general education about her horses throughout the community. In talking with her, she shared that she has written two books and is writing another. Also she has ridden on many endurance rides here and in Australia. I loved this day and was so happy Vic took extra time out for us. I am a horse owner so it's easy for me to be bored with trail horses. But during this entire visit I couldn't help but feel that this was a special experience.