Happy Sunday, all! This week's adventure is going to be heavy on the "bit more" side. I spent the week at Lake Colorado City state park which, while a nice enough facility, isn't a New Deal park.
What it is though, is close to a lot of New Deal projects. And for those tracking, I am going to include a state park, It's not one that has camping, though. So settle in for the ride.
First stop - Big Spring state park. Let's get this one out of the way. Located in the bustling metropolis of (surprise) Big Spring Texas, BSSP is perched atop a big hill, providing pretty nice views of the surrounding west Texas plains. And the CCC took advantage of this and constructed a winding loop road, often called the "Roman Road" out of limestone quarried in the park. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty lousy on my trip, with rain and fog severely restricting the view, but the road itself, as well as a group shelter, visitor's center and other structures stand testament to the CCC crew's handiwork.
The old Big Spring Post Office hides an interesting secret. Now a district courthouse, a New Deal commissioned wall fresco is just inside the front door.
And where else but a small west Texas town would you find a magnificent temple dedicated to that most cherished of Texas institutions, high school football? Midway between Colorado City and Abilene sits the town of Sweetwater. And they do love their football. They even did back in 1939 when the WPA came to town with $65,000 to build a 16,000 seat stadium Today, the Mustang Bowl is still the temple to Friday night lights, with updated seating, accessible ramps, a press box and concession stand, and artificial turf.
Also in Sweetwater is Newman Park. Built in 1940 by the National Youth Administration, this park still retains many of it's original structures, including bridges, picnic tables, a couple of small buildings and what looks like a water feature. And just down the road is an example of more heavy civil construction done by New Deal agencies, a bridge built over railroad tracks.
Located just outside of Sweetwater, Lake Sweetwater Campground and recreation area is an example that even the robust materials and heavy construction used by the New Deal artists and craftsmen is no match for mother nature. It's obvious that the park is less than well tended, and many of the structures are well on their way to reclamation. It's a shame, because the amphitheater there is quite unique, set as it is on the banks of a small creek with a gently sloping lawn across from it. That would have been ideal for attending summer concerts or plays as a picnic event.
In Colorado City, evidence of the New Deal's influence can be seen in the Middle- and High School buildings, a bridge over the Colorado river and the post office (this one is still in use as it's original function). And in the nearby community of Trent, a Public school was constructed with PWA funds.
Side note (did you miss these, folks?) While in Colorado City, I finally had a chance to visit the Heart of West Texas Museum. This is a really cool collection of the history of the panhandle and west Texas areas housed in a stately old home. Many thanks to Ms. Mary for her time and sharing her vast knowledge of the area and the contents of the museum. If you're ever in Colorado City, check it out. Ask Ms. Mary is they got the roof fixed (side story for another time.)
That's it for now. Next week, it's off to San Angelo, with visits to Ballinger and Sterling City marking the halfway point of my trek. For now,
Later folks.