Past News

Steven Fromholz (1945-2014). The Bosque County Collection and the Bosque County Historical Commission are deeply saddened at the loss of Steven Fromholz on January 19, 2014. Steven was a Texas singer/songwriter and was voted a Poet Laureate of Texas in 2007. Steven spent much of his childhood visiting his maternal grandmother, Hirstine Greer Hughes, in Kopperl, Bosque County, Texas. he composed and recorded Texas Trilogy a set of three songs (Daybreak, Trainride, and Bosque County Romance), set in the town of Kopperl It is considered by many to be one of the best portrayals of rural life in Texas during the 1950s. Steven always returned to his roots to recharge from his hectic touring schedules. After his stroke in 2003, Steven moved to Bosque County for rehabilitation. The stroke slowed him down, but never broke his spirit. Steven spent the last few years living on a ranch in West Texas, peacefully doing what he loved best, ranching. Our condolences go to his daughters Felicity and Darcy, his companion Susan Buckholz, and his sister Angela Blair.

Photo credit: Jodie Crawford 2012 John A. Lomax Texas Music Gathering in Meridian, Texas Pictured from left to right: Butch Hancock, Aaron Einhouse, Steven Fromholz, Brian Easley

Dedication and unveiling of the Texas Historic Cemetery Marker at the Womack White Cemetery was held on June 15, 2013 (read announcement - PDF).

23rd Annual Historic Preservation Luncheon! The Bosque County Historical Commission held its Annual Historic Preservation Luncheon on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the City Civic Center in Clifton, Texas. The program was "Bosque County: Rendevous for Outlaws" presented by Sharon Whitney.

Bosque County History Month and Texas Independence Week! On Tuesday, March 1 in the District Courtroom, Jeff Kerr spoke on his book The Republic of Austin, regarding the decision of where to permanently locate the capital. Mr Kerr graduated from Rice and received his medical degree from Texas A&M. He has a great passion for history, and has written three books, Austin, Texas-Then and Now, Seat of Empire and his latest The Republic of Austin. The program was sponsored by Bosque County Judge Cole Word and The Bosque County Collection. A reception and book signing was held afterward at the Collection. Also in conjuntion with Bosque County History Month and Texas Independence Week, a display on "Texas Rangers in Bosque County" could be found on the first floor of the courthouse.

Elizabeth Torrence Recognized by the Texas Historical Commission with the Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award! Elizabeth Torrence (1918-2011) was recognized April 16, 2009 by the Texas Historicial Commission at the 2009 Annual Conference in Austin, receiving the Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award granted by the THC at their annual conference. This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant, long-term contribution to historic preservation in Texas. The award is named in honor of pioneering Texas preservationist Ruth Lester of Jefferson County, Texas. Elizabeth Torrence was the long-time chairperson of the Bosque County Historical Commission and currently serves as Historian Emeritus. View the video of Elizabeth below, filmed at The Bosque County Collection by the Texas Historical Commission and shown at the awards ceremony.

Photographs Online! In cooperation with the University of North Texas, the Bosque County Historical Commission is placing numerous images from the Bosque County Collection archives online for viewing. These include  images from old glass plates negatives created in the 1900 to 1910 time period , images from negatives created by photographer William Blewitt in the 1950s, oversize photographs, and documents related to Jacob DeCordova.  Click here to see what has been placed online so far. 

Bosque County Heritage Program. The Bosque County Historical Commission has implemented the Bosque County Heritage Program to identify and honor the memory of the founders, pioneers, and early settlers of Bosque County, showing their lasting mark on the land and honoring their descendants. Click here for more information and how to apply for a certificate.

Lumpkin Building Opening. A ribbon cutting ceremony and official opening was held Wednesday, June 13, 2001 for the restored Lumpkin Building, new home of the Bosque County Collection.

Oswald Cemetery Dedication. Dedication of the Texas Historic Marker for the Oswald Cemetery was held on Sunday, March 18, 2001, at the Oswald Cemetery. The cemetery, located on five acres out of the L. M. Armstrong Survey, was deeded for use as a grave yard on November 22, 1877, by Flora Anderson Kemp, daughter of Allen S. Anderson the original owner of the land. This land has been in the family since about 1859. It was once known as Clifton Graveyard and later as the Archibald Cemetery. A number of persons, including Captain Anderson, had been buried there prior to 1877. Oldest marked graves are three children of W. B. and E. H. Moore, in the early 1860s. M. J. Oswald purchased the land in 1885 and the burial ground became known as the Oswald Cemetery. It is now owned by Sam Oswald, the great-grand nephew of Captain Anderson. Burial in this cemetery has always been free to people of all races. Among the pioneers buried here are early settlers of old town Clifton and several Civil War Veterans.

Bosque County Historical Commission Preservation Awards Luncheon. The Bosque County Historical Commission held its Preservation Luncheon on March 3, 2001. Two historic siteswere featured this year: 1)Lookout Mountain, near Martins Gap just over the line in Hamilton County where the Village of Fairy stands. This was the principal high point along the north and west borders of Bosque County settlements where the settlers kept scouting parties to protect against the Indians. 2)Kimball-on-the-Brazos where the cattle driven along the Chisholm Trail crossed the river is the other site that was honored.

Now Taping Oral Histories of World War II Veterans. Earl Huse is now taping oral histories of veterans of World War II, and persons who have served as county officials. These will be added to the extensive collection of oral histories now on file in the Collection. Anyone who would like to be taped or persons who can suggest veterans and officials who should be taped, please contact the Bosque County Collection. Veterans of World War II who have recently been taped include Furan Grimm, Irvin Grimland, Clinton Bergman, and O.R. (Happy) Jenson.