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October 27, 2020
Growing Up In Bandera
By Glenn Clark
The Bandera Prophet
Wait a minute!!! Are you sure you would like to go back to the way things were in 50's Bandera? I've gotten kinda used to the comforts of air conditioning in every building I go into these days. McGroarty's store back in the day didn't have that comfort but it was a blessing with that big penny candy display. We need to look at the big picture.
The classrooms at St. Joseph's Catholic School were years away from seeing that modern day convenience too. Bandera High School was the same but when I got there in the 60's the library was the exception. It had a window unit that provided a refuge from our South Texas 11 month long hot season. Perhaps that is why I was so adamant about going there during my study hall periods. I sometimes wonder if that luxury was provided for the preservation of the books rather than the students. Yes, I did notice they had books in there!
I sure wouldn't mind having less traffic on our Main Street. I know it's good for business but there are times when I have to sit and wait way too long for a break allowing me to merge into the traffic flow. I could make better use of that time by staying home and taking a nap. And I do that as often as possible.
My Granddaddy Kindla's understanding of traffic light laws was limited and a bit jaded due to having been raised in the horse and buggy era of Bandera. He knew green meant go but didn't quite understand that he needed to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. Green meant go so he just went. Sometimes I'm tempted to be more like him and damn the consequences.
If you are native to Bandera you understand the historical significance of buildings in the area even if they don't have a plaque designation attached to them. They may not qualify by some standards but they surely are a part of Bandera's history. I often refer to houses by the name of the family that resided there while I was Growing Up in Bandera. Other people may now own the properties but the Henry Lloyd Kalka, Tom Adamietz, Daddy Andy Pyka, Harmon Smith, Buck Teich, and Nanny and Honey Blackwell houses, along with many more, shall remain known as such by me and other like minded folks.
#253 2020
The classrooms at St. Joseph's Catholic School were years away from seeing that modern day convenience too. Bandera High School was the same but when I got there in the 60's the library was the exception. It had a window unit that provided a refuge from our South Texas 11 month long hot season. Perhaps that is why I was so adamant about going there during my study hall periods. I sometimes wonder if that luxury was provided for the preservation of the books rather than the students. Yes, I did notice they had books in there!
I sure wouldn't mind having less traffic on our Main Street. I know it's good for business but there are times when I have to sit and wait way too long for a break allowing me to merge into the traffic flow. I could make better use of that time by staying home and taking a nap. And I do that as often as possible.
My Granddaddy Kindla's understanding of traffic light laws was limited and a bit jaded due to having been raised in the horse and buggy era of Bandera. He knew green meant go but didn't quite understand that he needed to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. Green meant go so he just went. Sometimes I'm tempted to be more like him and damn the consequences.
If you are native to Bandera you understand the historical significance of buildings in the area even if they don't have a plaque designation attached to them. They may not qualify by some standards but they surely are a part of Bandera's history. I often refer to houses by the name of the family that resided there while I was Growing Up in Bandera. Other people may now own the properties but the Henry Lloyd Kalka, Tom Adamietz, Daddy Andy Pyka, Harmon Smith, Buck Teich, and Nanny and Honey Blackwell houses, along with many more, shall remain known as such by me and other like minded folks.
#253 2020