History

HISTORY

"That Lively

Gaited Sworray"

The Old West - at least the old West that has been so romanticized in hundreds of books, songs, and movies over the years - no longer exists.

However, if you look closely enough at the fabric that makes up this great land, you'll see small glimpses of those days in many different places all over the country;

in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains, along the High Plains of the mid-west, and right here in our own back yard in Anson , Texas. The good folks of that small community have done their best to turn back the clock to a simpler time and re-kindle the memories of those long ago days.

In the summer of 1934, a group of Anson women purposed to establish an event that would historically characterize their home town. The folk dancing of Larry Chittenden's poem "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball" impressed them as appealing, and an outdoor festival was arranged. But, in September of that year came the news of Chittenden's death in New York. Whereupon, the original plans were abandoned for a memorial dance

as pictured in his 1885 poem of the dance at the Star Hotel.

Thus, the dream of Leonora Barrett and Hybernia Grace became a reality in the re-enactment of the Ball.The first Festival was held in the Old Gymnasium, which was the largest building in town at the time. Elaborate decorations of mountain cedar, autumn oak foliage, and mistletoe set the back drop for the group of women who attired themselves in the styles of the 1890's to sponcer the ball.

As the season draws nigh, the Hall is gaily decorated, and colorful blankets and coverlets on the long walls enhance the general effect. The Anson Folk Dance is so attractive that the spacious Pioneer Hall was especially constructed for this historic event, being completed in 1940.

When the orchestra sounds "The Eyes of Texas", the Grand March is led by a new bride and groom, as in days of old, and the Cowboys' Christmas Ball swings into full action.

Barrett Family Plot

Anson, Texas

Miss Leonora Barrett

1879 - 1955

Miss Barrett's Headstone

Anson, Texas

Texas Cowboys' Christmas Ball

Organization Formed