“The Big Chief”

August 5, 2022 - It seems that the cost of going to elementary school in going up in a big way. I note that parents of these young students receive a list of necessary items the student will need from the school just to get started on day one of classes. One harried mother told me that the items cost her almost one hundred dollars from a major discount store for her third grade son.

Clara Murphy's Piano Recital

From left: Neal and Clara Murphy, former student Bethany Dorsey, Charlisa Texagle, Grace McReynolds, Bonnie Consford, Lake McDaniel, Makenna Tanner, and Rylie Todd.

“The Water Dipper” by Neal Murphy

June 17, 2022 - They have just about disappeared from the scene, but at one time every household had one or more of them. In the days before indoor plumbing, homes had water wells located near the back porch of the home. Drinking water was a bucket of clear, cool, well water freshly drawn by a bucket from the well.

Clara Murphy's Piano Student's Recital

June 6, 2022 - Clara Murphy will present her students in a piano recital on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at First Baptist Church, San Augustine at 7pm. These students will participate: Lake McDaniel, Makenna Tanner, Rylie Todd, Grace McReynolds, Bonnie Consford and Charlisa Teagle. Please come and encourage these students in their musical education.

"As Cool As A Cucumber" by Neal Murphy

June 3, 2022 - I am sure that you have heard the little phrase “as cool as a cucumber”. It is usually used to describe a person who is very calm and in control of their emotions. These individuals are further described as composed and self-possessed, as in “despite the mishap, Margaret was as cool as a cucumber.”

"Are Men Still Relevant?" by Neal Murphy

April 18, 2022 - It seems that the twenty-first century has produced a general feeling among the female of the species that men are no longer needed. I read articles and see programs on television produced by young, liberated feminists who espouse the idea that they have no need for a man in their lives. They are educated, own their own businesses, and only need a man for pro-creation. They can then rear their children alone – who needs a man around? Any time a program or commercial needs a dufus, guess who gets that part – the white guy.

“Being Dirt-Poor” By Neal Murphy

March 8, 2022 - I can recall my parents, Alice and Cecil, talking about someone being “dirt-poor”. At the time I did not think much about the saying. Now that I am old I look back at this saying and wonder about its true meaning.

"Rocky Mountain Oysters" by Neal Murphy

February 14, 2022 - I grew up in East Texas during the 1940s and 1950s, and must admit that my culinary experiences were very limited. I ate mostly meat, potatoes, and other vegetables that my dad grew in our small garden.

“South of the Border” by Neal Murphy

January 28, 2022 - “You’re gonna love this restaurant, I guarantee it”, John insisted as we headed for the Mexican border. I was a little apprehensive about crossing over from Brownsville into Mexico and eating lunch. John was insistent that we should do this even though we were on a strictly business trip.

“What’s Happening to the Four-Door Sedan?” by Neal Murphy

January 21, 2022 - Years ago when I was a young lad my hobby was keeping up with the new automobiles that were introduced each fall. The various automobile makers always brought out their new models in October. At that time San Augustine had five car dealers. I would go to the show rooms and ogle the fancy new cars in all their manufactured splendor. I still like to do that, but many of those car dealers have disappeared.

Shelby County Today

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Submitted by Neal Murphy