HOG HEAVEN Tom Lea's War - COMANCHE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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1905_local covers black.qxp 4/15/19 1:34 PM Page 5
COMANCHE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MAY 2019
Tom Lea’s War Layer Cakes Chet Goes Back to School
HOG HEAVEN
Rescues save pigs
from owners in over
their heads
Since 1944
May 2019
FA V O R I T E S
Tom Lea’s depiction of
a gunner scanning for 5 Letters
enemy warplanes.
6 Currents
18 Local Co-op News
Get the latest information plus energy
and safety tips from your cooperative.
29 Texas History
Baylor, the Man
By Martha Deeringer
31 Retro Recipes
Layer Cakes
35 Focus on Texas
Photo Contest: On the Ranch
36 Around Texas
List of Local Events
38 Hit the Road
Higher Education
By Chet Garner
ONLINE
TexasCoopPower.com
Find these stories online if they don’t
F E AT U R E S appear in your edition of the magazine.
Texas USA
8 This Little Piggy When pet potbellies outgrow expecta-
tions, rescuers step in.
Story by Chris Burrows | Photos by Eric W. Pohl
Instant Archives
By Light T. Cummins
Observations
Russian Interference
12 Tom Lea’s War El Paso artist’s battlefield paintings
express the tragedy and pathos of World War II.
By E. Dan Klepper
By E. Dan Klepper
NEXT MONTH
Drive In, Chill Out Drive-in
theaters, long past their heyday,
remain as beacons of nostalgia.
31 38
29
TO M L E A A RT: CO U RT E SY T E XAS A & M P R E SS
35
ON THE COVER Lil Kevin, a rescued potbelly, plods the grounds of his forever home, at Oinkin’ Oasis in Gilmer. Photo by Eric W. Pohl
TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Blaine Warzecha, Chair, Victoria; Alan Lesley, Vice Chair, Comanche; Robert Loth III, Secretary-Treasurer, Fredericksburg; Mark
Boyd, Douglassville; Billy Jones, Corsicana; David McGinnis, Van Alstyne; Brent Wheeler, Dalhart • PRESIDENT/CEO: Mike Williams, Austin • COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER SERVICES
COMMITTEE: Clint Gardner, Coleman; Greg Henley, Tahoka; Bill Hetherington, Bandera; Mark McClain, Roby; Gary Raybon, El Campo; John Ed Shinpaugh, Bonham; Robert Walker, Gilmer; Brandon
Young, McGregor • MAGAZINE STAFF: Martin Bevins, Vice President, Communications & Member Services; Charles J. Lohrmann, Editor; Tom Widlowski, Associate Editor; Karen Nejtek, Production
Manager; Andy Doughty, Creative Manager; Elaine Sproull, Advertising Manager; Grace Arsiaga, Print Production Specialist; Chris Burrows, Senior Communications Specialist; Paula Disbrowe,
Food Editor; Travis Hill, Communications Specialist; Qasim K. Johnson, Administrative Assistant; Jessica Ridge, Communications Specialist; Chris Salazar, Digital Field Editor; Ally Schauer, Intern;
Jane Sharpe, Senior Designer; Shannon Oelrich, Proofreader
TexasCoopPower.com May 2019 Texas Co-op Power 3
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4 Texas Co-op Power May 2019 TexasCoopPower.com
LETTERS
Other Blues Artists
The story [Texas: A Blues State, Long Live
March 2019] would have been
even better had it included Joe
Texas Blues
Tex (Hold What You’ve Got) and I had so much fun reading about Texas
Joe Simon (The Chokin’ Kind),
notable blues and soul artists blues artists [Texas: A Blues State, March
who performed in the Dallas 2019]. Every time I came to a name,
area for years.
R.H. GRUY | GRANBURY
I would type it into YouTube and listen
UNITED COOPERATIVE SERVICES to the artist’s music. It really brought the
Under the Green Flag article to life. Some of those early record-
There was a mix-up on the ings were pretty rough and scratchy.
historical details explaining our
event Under the Green Flag Lightnin’ Hopkins and T-Bone Walker
[A Chapter in La Bahia’s History, are both stations on my Pandora playlist.
Currents, February 2019]. Mexico
was fighting to win its independ- Long live Texas blues.
ence from Spain, not to free
Texas from Spanish rule. LES MEADS | STOCKDALE | GUADALUPE VALLEY EC
Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara
and Augustus William Magee
were fighting to wrest Texas
from Spanish rule with an idea child and learned to dance on brew behind the hall in the 1930s has a tendency to repeat itself,
of making it an independent my daddy’s feet. Spent every and ’40s. and today we find our govern-
country separate and apart from Saturday night there while in ROBERTA HOFBAUER | GUN BARREL CITY ment deporting our war
Spain or Mexico. The army they high school. TRINITY VALLEY EC veterans once again. Have
led was made up of Americans, SHERYL HENDRIX | GROESBECK we forgotten that we are a
Tejanos and Indians along with NAVASOTA VALLEY EC Dave Shafer’s radiant photos of nation of immigrants?
a handful of Spanish deserters. dancers capture grace, exuber- ISRAEL HINOJOSA | HEBBRONVILLE
SCOTT MCMAHON, DIRECTOR Your story brought back so many ance and joy. MEDINA EC
PRESIDIO LA BAHIA memories. I think my brother, CARLOS RUMBAUT | CEDAR PARK
sister and I were raised to the PEDERNALES EC
Raised in a Dance Hall sound of polkas and waltzes in
I was almost brought to tears Hillje Hall. My uncles had a band, Sacrifice of Immigrants GET MORE TCP AT
when I saw Hail the Halls [Febru- and my grandpa sold home- As a 20-year Army veteran and TexasCoopPower.com
ary 2019]. I was raised in our retired major, Hispanic Sign up for our e-newsletter for
local dance hall in Cypress— and the son of a Mexi- monthly updates, prize drawings
Cypress Gun and Rifle Club, aka can immigrant, I was and more!
Tin Hall. My dad remembered totally impressed with
going there as a child with his A Hero in Any Lan- We want to hear from you!
dad in a horse and buggy. It guage [March 2019]. ONLINE: TexasCoopPower.com/share
was a huge two-story structure It will impress on a lot EMAIL: letters@TexasCoopPower.com
where people could meet and of people the appreci- MAIL: Editor, Texas Co-op Power,
eat homemade pie downstairs ation we owe the 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor,
COV E R : M I C H A E L O C H S A R C H I V E | G E T TY I M AG E S . SO L D I E R : DAV I D VO G I N
Austin, TX 78701
while the two-steppin’ went on nation’s immigrants
Please include your town and electric co-op.
D FE
upstairs on their immense for their service and Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
wooden dance floor. sacrifices.
I slept on those chairs as a Unfortunately, history Texas Co-op Power
TEXAS CO-OP POWER VOLUME 75, NUMBER 11 (USPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC). Periodical postage paid at Austin, TX, and at additional offices. TEC is the
statewide association representing 75 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email editor@TexasCoopPower.com. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE is $4.20 per year for
individual members of subscribing cooperatives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. If you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate
of $7.50. Individual copies and back issues are available for $3 each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please enclose label from
this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers. ADVERTISING: Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 30 sister publications in other states, contact
Elaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication. Product sat-
isfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser.
© Copyright 2019 Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohib-
ited without written permission. Willie Wiredhand © Copyright 2019 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
TexasCoopPower.com May 2019 Texas Co-op Power 5
CURRENTS
PHILANTHROPY
ALL HANDS
ON DECK
Time and saltwater are scoring
direct hits on the USS Texas,
something the battleship mostly
evaded during both world wars.
The Texas, commissioned in 1914,
HAPPENINGS is sinking where it sits docked in
the Houston Ship Channel.
Magnolia Days WEB EXTRAS
a Find more
“Due to constant exposure to
saltwater, the battleship Texas is
suffering from damages and
in Columbus happenings
online.
more than 300,000 gallons of
water leaks each day,” says Tony
Gregory, chairman of the Battle-
ship Texas Foundation. The foun-
The 100-year-old live oak and magnolia trees on the courthouse square dation’s Come and Save It
campaign continues to gather
in COLUMBUS supply the shade, and the chamber of commerce furnishes the petition signatures and collect
fun MAY 17–18 for the town festival of MAGNOLIA DAYS . donations in the hope of saving
the ship. The petition will try to
A family fun zone and beer and wine gardens as well as vendors, food and persuade state lawmakers to act
live music provide activities for all ages. on behalf of the ship.
Magnolia, settled in the 1820s, is along the Colorado River, about 25 miles The goal of a permanent dry
west of downtown Houston. dock solution could cost more
than $50 million. The effort to
buoy the battleship welcomes
INFO a (979) 732-8385, magnoliadays.org supporters at comeandsaveit.com.
g LOOKING BACK AT
ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY THIS MONTH
1940s 1950s 1960s
1944 The Pace Act extends the 1951 Willie Wiredhand, com- 1964 Sony develops the first
mission of the federal Rural Elec- posed of a lamp’s socket head, VCR for home use.
trification Administration indefi- wire arms, two-pronged plug
FROM THE SPREAD OF nitely beyond its original 1946 legs and a lineworker’s insulated 1965 The Great Northeast Blackout
ELECTRICITY thanks to expiration date. gloves, is adopted as the official plunges all of New York, portions
co-ops to the dawn of electric cooperative mascot. of seven neighboring states and
the fracking industry, parts of eastern Canada into dark-
harnessing and consum- 1951 The first commercial color ness for up to 12 hours.
ing electricity and TV broadcast takes place.
1969 Beginnings of the internet.
energy have hit many
1954 Bell Labs demonstrates
milestones since 1944, 1946 More than 50 percent of 1969 The first automated teller
the first practical silicon solar
the year Texas Co-op U.S. farms are electrified. machine in the U.S., devised by
cell, powering a radio transmit-
Power debuted. Dallas engineer Donald Wetzel,
ter and toy Ferris wheel with
1948 WBAP in Fort Worth be- is installed on Long Island.
energy from the sun.
comes the first TV station in Texas.
M AG N O L I A : A K H M E TOVA M | STO C K . A D O B E .CO M . E L EC T R I C P O L E S : M A R C | STO C K . A D O B E .CO M . T RAC TO R : R E D L I N E V EC TO R | STO C K . A D O B E .CO M
6 Texas Co-op Power May 2019 TexasCoopPower.com
P OW E R O F O U R P E O P L E
A Butterfly’s Touch
LIFESTYLES
KATY HAMNER was more nervous leaving the hospital with her 10-year-old daugh-
ter, Avery Graves, than when she took her home as a newborn. A simple visit to their Here Comes
family doctor, which revealed Graves had Type 1 diabetes, had turned into days in
the intensive care unit.
the Sun
“We had nobody when she was first diagnosed—nobody to turn to,” Hamner said.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—
Things didn’t get much better when they got home. Graves had a hard time cop-
a good time to think about the dangers
ing with a new lifestyle that included checking her blood sugar levels multiple times
of exposure to the sun and ways to
a day—a painful process.
lower your skin cancer risk.
So Hamner and Graves, now 12, members of Medina
Electric Cooperative, started the Painless Butterfly Project, About 90 percent of nonmelanoma
which funds painless lancing devices for children with skin cancers and 85 percent of
Type 1 diabetes. They’ve funded and distributed 25 of melanoma cases are associated with
the devices in the Hondo area, west of San Antonio, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from
forming a community along the way. the sun. Melanoma is the most danger-
“It’s been really good for her,” Hamner ous form of skin cancer.
said. “When she starts getting ... kind
of upset about things, we’ll have a kid More than 5.4 million cases of non-
or doctor that calls us, and I’ll be like, melanoma skin cancer were treated in
‘Time to go.’ And it kind of brings her more than 3.3 million people in the U.S.
back: ‘OK, I’m not the only one.’ ” in 2012, the most recent year statistics
were available, according to the Skin
INFO a thepainlessbutterflyproject.org Cancer Foundation.
More people are diagnosed with skin
POWER OF OUR PEOPLE cancer each year in the U.S. than all
recognizes co-op members other cancers combined.
who improve their community’s
quality of life. Nominate some- The best way to defend against the
one at TexasCoopPower.com. sun’s harmful UV rays is to shield your
skin with clothing, sunscreen and shade.
LOOKING BACK AT
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NEXT MONTH a
1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
1976 The Apple I computer 1980 The first U.S. wind farm 2008 Hydraulic fracturing
is introduced. opens—in New Hampshire. begins in the Eagle Ford Shale
in South Texas.
1977 The U.S. Department 1984 A power plant using tidal
of Energy is formed. waves opens in Canada, the first
of its kind in North America.
1979 The Three Mile Island
nuclear accident occurs. 1986 IBM unveils the PC
1996 The first modern electric
Convertible, the first laptop
car, General Motors’ EV1, rolls
computer.
off the production line.
1988 South Texas Project 2017 Eighteen percent of Texas’
1999 Deregulation of the electric
Electric Generating Station near energy is generated from wind
industry takes effect in parts of
Matagorda becomes Texas’ and solar power, with wind mak-
the state.
first nuclear power plant. ing up the majority of the state’s
total renewable power generation.
H A M N E R & G RAV E S : CO U RT E SY KATY H A M N E R . S U N : RA M O N A KAU L I TZ K I | STO C K . A D O B E .CO M . T H R E E M I L E I S LA N D : A . L . S PA N G L E R | S H U T T E R STO C K .CO M . E L EC T R I C V E H I C L E : M A R N I KU S | D R E A M ST I M E .CO M . SO LA R & W I N D P OW E R : SO O N T H O R N WO N G SA I TA | S H U T T E R STO C K .CO M
TexasCoopPower.com May 2019 Texas Co-op Power 7
THIS
LITTLE
PIGGY
BY CHRIS BURROWS | PHOTOS BY ERIC W. POHL
When pet potbellies outgrow expectations, rescuers step in
T
he stories always seem to them, I literally was hooked to the pigs.”
start the same: with a pre- They brought home Abigail first. Then
cious photo and a short con- many other pigs followed when friends and
versation. Melanie Bolling’s friends of friends realized the Wempes had
pet pig story began exactly space and were “the pig people,” she said. “So
that way. then it turned into, ‘Hey, I know somebody
“I saw a cute little piglet who has a pig and doesn’t want it anymore, do
on Facebook, and I’m like, you want it?’ ”
‘Oh my gosh, I need one,’ ” Soon the Wempes had their first male pig.
she said of when she and her husband, Stephen, That’s when they slipped.
added weeks-old Pearl, a miniature potbellied “We thought it would be interesting—fun,
pig, to their family in 2015. “It just kind of cool—to bring in an unneutered male and let
snowballed from there.” him get my smallest pig pregnant because, of
Soon Bolling found an online community of course, we were so ignorant,” Wempe said.
Metroplex-area pet pig parents, many of whom “Because, you know, if you mate it with a small
were looking for new homes for their animals. pig, you’ll have small pigs, right? Of course,
Since the Bollings live on 10 acres in Wills Point, that’s not how it works.”
east of Dallas, she felt compelled to help. She Instead, unbeknownst to the Wempes, Mag-
took in three pigs in 2016 and another 30 in nus bred with four of their pigs, which led to
2017. Then 90 in 2018. 22 piglets in 30 days. He was neutered the next
That’s when Bolling realized most of the weekend, and the couple founded Oinkin’
stories end the same way. Miniature pigs only Oasis, a sanctuary served by Upshur Rural EC
start out that way, often outgrowing their own- that houses more than 90 pigs, which will live
ers’ lifestyles and expectations—sent instead out their days there.
to the wilds of the internet or worse. Miniature The Wempes weren’t the first to experiment
pigs, so named because they’re smaller than with breeding, but they’re among the few to
farm pigs, which can weigh up to 500–800 decline the easy money it can bring in. “It really
pounds, comprise more than a dozen breeds opened our eyes to—we are the problem,”
and can reach 200 pounds or more. Wempe said. “That’s when we decided we were going to rescue.”
Experts estimate 90 percent of mini pig owners end up finding Since the 1980s, when Canadian farmer Keith Connell brought
new homes for their pigs in their first two years. In response, 19 straight-tailed potbellied pigs to the U.S. from Europe, untold
dozens of rescues have cropped up across the state. thousands of breeders have taken a less noble path than the
The Bollings started one of them. My Pig Filled Life, powered by Wempes, breeding miniature pigs at runaway rates. Celebrities
Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative, is home to more than 130 pigs fueled a pet pig craze in the 2000s, when Tori Spelling, Denise
across three barns. It’s a big commitment that’s only getting bigger. Richards and Paris Hilton had reality TV shows that included
“I could take in a hundred [pigs] today and not make a dent leashed potbellies. The animals can fetch thousands of dollars
in the amount of calls,” Bolling said. each—prices that can be inflated with false descriptors, such as
“teacup” and “micro.”
THE PROBLEM “I try to remind people that it is very uncommon for a healthy
itsy Wempe will be the first to tell you that she and her pig to weigh less than 80 pounds as an adult,” wrote Dr. Evelyn
M husband, Jason, made a mistake.
The two animal lovers were looking to share their
10-acre plot in Gilmer when they came across miniature
pigs for sale in 2014.
“I saw the piglets, and I’m like
MacKay, a veterinary resident at Texas A&M University, in an
email. “Although we have all seen pictures of cute, tiny pigs on
the internet, the average pet pig is usually over 100 pounds.”
Over many generations, dogs have been bred to take on a
range of looks and sizes. Unscrupulous miniature pig breeders
Opposite: Melanie Bolling
watches Rusty, one of the
‘Oh my gosh.’ They were so have claimed similar progress over mere decades.
rescued potbellied pigs at My stinkin’ adorable,” Wempe said. “They sell this micro teacup lie,” Bolling said.
Pig Filled Life in Wills Point. “As soon as my eyes laid upon Some unscrupulous breeders are worse, said Dan Illescas,
TexasCoopPower.com May 2019 Texas Co-op Power 9
Mitsy Wempe interacts with P.J., one who co-founded Central
of the rescued pigs at Oinkin’ Oasis Texas Pig Rescue, a mem-
in Gilmer, which she operates with ber of Bluebonnet EC, in
her husband, Jason.
Bastrop in 2016. Some
breed pigs that aren’t fully
grown—to give the illusion of tiny mothers—and even advise
owners to underfeed pigs to keep them small, he said. Buyers
who succumb to these tactics have few options.
“If I told you to only feed it a tablespoon of food a day, and
WEB EXTRAS
you did that and it died—it’s on you,” Illescas said. “You either
a Read this story
feed the pig and it gets bigger than you wanted, or you don’t feed another’s emotional states. Some experts
on our website to
the pig and it dies.” claim pigs can outwit dogs, but don’t con-
find ways to help
fuse their behavior.
the pig rescues
IN SEARCH OF SOLUTIONS As animals that live their life as prey,
featured here.
t was Pearl’s cute features that got Bolling’s attention, but it not predators, “pigs have different drives
I was her personality that forged a strong bond between them.
“When people reach out, I tell them my greatest need is always
belly rubbers,” Bolling said. “These animals are super social,
and physical contact and connection is what they crave most.”
According to findings published in the International Journal
than dogs do,” Illescas said. “I have to
tell people five times that pigs aren’t
dogs. ... I explain it: ‘I know you know that pigs aren’t dogs, but
what you don’t know is that your brain is telling you to look for
dog behavior.’ ”
of Comparative Psychology, pigs live in complex social communities. Owners frustrated by their pigs often turn to the internet,
They are adept at solving mazes and other tests, have excellent where misinformation abounds.
long-term memories, feel a range of emotions and respond to one “When you have this big pig, but you have this information
10 Texas Co-op Power May 2019 TexasCoopPower.comExperts estimate
90 percent
of mini pig owners end
up finding new homes
for their pigs in their
first two years.
Left: Rescued pigs love the atten-
tion and affection they get from
Jason Wempe at Oinkin’ Oasis.
Below: Pigs move through the
grounds at Oinkin’ Oasis.
much longer. They’re sensitive to the
weather because they can’t sweat
and have hair, not fur. They require
special attention. That’s why Boll-
ing, who specializes in rehoming
pigs, requires a rigorous process for
prospective adopters.
“We have a great facility here, so
if [a pig is] leaving here—and they
may have been rehomed one, two,
10 times before—I need to know that
it’s a permanent place where they’re
going,” she said. “I try to tell people,
‘Think about the life you would have
with a 3-year-old, and if you can’t
accommodate that life for 20 years,
then don’t take a pig.’ ”
WORTH THE WORK
pig can change a person. Wempe stopped eating meat when
A pigs came into her life. A chance sighting of Wayland, one
of her rescued farm pigs, through a kitchen window struck
something in her.
“I literally was standing there frying up some bacon, and I
just saw him and it killed me,” she said. “We used to hunt. I got a
rifle for Christmas one year. We were on a deer lease. We were
those people.”
Illescas stopped eating meat, too, and has forged a relationship
with the vegan community in Austin, which helps with fundrais-
ing. CTPR spent more than $85,000 on operations in 2017, Illescas
said, before its population more than doubled. CTPR, which
adopts out pigs in good health, focuses on pigs in greatest need—
those with health issues that may have suffered from abuse or
neglect. Veterinary students at Texas A&M benefit from caring
you found on the internet that says pigs don’t get big, you get for CTPR’s pigs, which aren’t always a focus of vet curricula.
kind of confused because you’re not really sure what you’re “All veterinary students receive education on swine health,
dealing with,” Illescas said. “The truth is really mystified.” diseases and management practices, though this is a smaller part
CTPR, which houses more than 250 pigs, fights misinfor- of the curriculum compared to dogs, cats, horses and cows,” wrote
mation with likes, shares and adorable photos. The rescue’s MacKay, who helps care for CTPR pigs. “The focus has tradition-
Facebook and Instagram accounts count more than 35,000 ally been on production-type swine medicine.”
followers, who are exposed to the realities of pet pigs. Still, it’s Mini pigs are a big commitment, a message Bolling, Illescas
an uphill fight, Illescas said. and Wempe hope to spread among veterinarians and the public.
“The people who have the information—us, other rescues, They’re not quitting on their pigs.
people who have pigs and learned the hard way—we have enough “I’m a big believer in the Lord, and I felt like this was the place he
to do,” he said. was calling me to be, and it’s opened so many doors,” Bolling said.
Pet pig owners who do manage to find harmony at home know Their stories won’t end like the rest.
it’s a lifestyle. Pigs can’t be boarded like dogs, and they can live Chris Burrows is a TEC senior communications specialist.
TexasCoopPower.com May 2019 Texas Co-op Power 11TOM
LEA’S
Battlefield paintings by
WAR
El Paso artist express
the tragedy and pathos
of World War II
T
om Lea—noted muralist, author and
war correspondent—grew up in El Paso,
spending his childhood in the shadow
of the Mexican Revolution during the
second decade of the 20th century. Lea,
son of a prominent lawyer who served
two years as El Paso mayor, enjoyed the safety
of an affluent household despite the dangers
posed by the revolution’s proximity. Decades
later, he would witness
BY E. DAN KLEPPER a battlefront once again
and provide Americans
with a realistic and compassionate view of
World War II as a war correspondent and illus-
trator for Life magazine.
Lea’s chronicle of the tragedies and victories
of the war created perhaps his most compelling
artworks. The images he produced on the bat-
tlefront captured the heartfelt emotions of con-
flict in real time and under duress.
“Tom Lea started the artist-correspondent
program for Life magazine as an ‘embed,’
recording real battles, not just paintings from
news reports,” explains Adair Margo, founder
of the Tom Lea Institute in El Paso, in an email.
“It remained the most vivid part of his life and
turned him from painting to writing. After
WWII, Tom knew he needed words, not only
paint, to express mankind’s living and dying.”
As Life described to readers in 1941, Lea was
one of several artists whom the magazine com-
missioned to create “America’s first gallery of
defense art.” The assignment was deemed a
CO U RT E SY T E XAS A & M U N I V E R S I TY P R E SS
success, and soon Life had turned Lea into a
special kind of war correspondent, traveling
to the North Atlantic and South Pacific. He
Top: Tom Lea as he heads to war. Above: Fighting Hornet depicts the
made sketches of what he saw. In one instance,
height of the Battle of Santa Cruz. Opposite: That 2,000 Yard Stare has after the ship on which he had been embedded
become an iconic image of the effects of war on the human psyche. was sunk, along with the photographic files on
12 Texas Co-op Power May 2019 TexasCoopPower.comGoing In shows a board, Lea’s drawings became the only one experiences on the faces of his subjects.”
Marine during the record of the engagement. Lea’s creative training began at 18, with two years of formal
landing on Peleliu “In the fall of 1941,” Lea wrote, “I went instruction at the Art Institute of Chicago followed by a five-year
in 1944.
to sea aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer on duty apprenticeship with Chicago muralist John Norton and a period
in the submarine-haunted North Atlantic, in Italy studying Renaissance frescoes. He returned to El Paso
as an Accredited War Artist-Correspondent of Life Magazine. ... I in his late 20s, an accomplished professional with a number of
became, for deeply felt reasons, an eye-witness reporter, in major works to his name.
drawings and paintings, of men and their machines waging a war “A singular aspect of Lea, sometimes overlooked, is the sheer
worldwide.” versatility of his creative talents,” says Victoria Ramirez, director
Lea’s work from this period, 82 pieces in all, portrays the war of the El Paso Museum of Art. “Along with his prodigious output
at its worst and Lea’s illustrative skills at their best. Unsparing as a visual artist, he wrote novels, some of which are considered
in its depiction of the true human cost of battle, it expresses an classics of Southwest literature. And in the realm of art, he was
understanding of tragedy and pathos that required an unflinching a master draftsman, illustrator and
eye, never turning away until an image was completed. artist-reporter during World War II
WEB EXTRAS
In 2008, Texas A&M University Press published a collection in addition to his substantial work in
a Read this story
of Lea’s remarkable sketches and powerful paintings and his easel painting and murals.”
on our website to
firsthand written accounts of his assignments for Life. Margo Lea’s considerable achievements
see more paintings
wrote the foreword for the book. made the founding of his namesake
and learn about
A collection of his work is archived at the U.S. Army Center of institute a necessity as much as an
the Tom Lea Trail.
Military History at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and it tours periodically, opportunity. The Tom Lea Institute,
including an exhibition at Fredericksburg’s National Museum founded in 2009, is dedicated to docu-
of the Pacific War. menting, exhibiting and sharing his
“Although I had seen pictures of Tom Lea’s World War II work works through a digital library, exhibitions and publications.
several times, I was stunned when I viewed the originals at the The institute partners with academic foundations statewide that
National Museum of the Pacific War exhibition,” says retired archive Lea’s work, including the El Paso Museum of Art, the
Marine Corps Gen. Michael William Hagee, president and CEO University of Texas at El Paso and the Harry Ransom Center at
of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, which supports the museum. the University of Texas at Austin. The institute was also a key
“Tom had a unique ability to bring the horror of war and the sac- component to realizing its director’s personal vision.
rifice and dedication of those who served and fought to his art. “In founding the Tom Lea Institute,” Margo explains, “I’ve
He obviously understood the fear, bravery, compassion and cama- found joy in sharing a person and a place that I love.” Texans
raderie of individuals on the battlefield. Having served in several who love history and art will no doubt appreciate her efforts.
conflicts, I have seen no artist that captures better the emotions Photographer, author and artist E. Dan Klepper lives in Marathon.
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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It?
Dear
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home is about 10 years old, sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this
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Darryl
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TexasCoopPower.com May 2019 Texas Co-op Power 17CECA News
Summer Electric Bills
MESSAGE FROM
GENERAL MANAGER ALAN LESLEY
MOST PEOPLE THINK OF FAMILY VACATIONS OR SCHOOL BEING most cost-effective measure you can take. If you install a pro-
out when they think of summer. That’s not necessarily true of grammable thermostat, it can do this for you.
your co-op’s employees. We tend to think of summer as high- Have a qualified professional check out your air condi-
bill complaint season. tioner (and the heating system, too, while they’re at it). Pre-
When I say I feel your pain, I’m not just paying lip service. ventive maintenance can save you money as well as preclude
My own electric bills rise along with the heat index—just like temperature discomfort.
yours and those of the folks I work with here at Comanche Shade your outdoor air conditioning unit to up its energy
Electric Cooperative. Once those kilowatts have marched efficiency.
through the electric meter that records them, it’s difficult to do Change air conditioner filters monthly. Clogged filters
anything about them, other than pay the bill. force the AC unit to work harder and increase operating costs.
But before you throw your hands up in exasperation, here’s Portable and ceiling fans can make you feel cooler; when
a little secret: You can do something about those higher sum- you feel cooler, you can set the thermostat higher. But when
mertime electric bills. The secret is you have to do something you leave the room, turn off the fan.
now—before you use the electricity. Installing and using a whole-house fan can help reduce
air conditioning costs. These fans draw outside air in through
open windows and should be used only when the outside air
temperature is lower than the desired inside temperature.
Seal doors and windows with caulk and weatherstrip-
ping. And, if your windows are single-pane, consider replac-
ing them. Double- and triple-pane windows are substantially
more energy efficient.
Shading and evaporative cooling from trees reduce the
air temperature around your home. Plant trees, shrubs and
vines with leaves that fall off in the winter on the east, south
JUFFY | ISTOC K.COM
Fans can make you feel cooler; and west sides of your home. They’ll provide shade in the
when you feel cooler, you can
summer but allow sunshine in the winter. Position trees to
set the thermostat higher.
shade windows now; when they mature, they’ll also shade the
walls and roof.
Here’s how to cut back on your electricity usage: It’s well worth your investment to wrap any uninsulated
You can save as much as 10 percent a year on your cool- ducts with at least 2 inches of fiberglass insulation. Sealing
ing (and heating) bills by simply turning your thermostat back the duct system to prevent leaks is even more important if the
10 to 15 percent for eight hours a day. In the summer, raise the ducts are located in an uncooled area, such as the attic. Most
thermostat when you go to work or whenever you’re away from leaks will be found where the air duct attaches to the air condi-
home (from 76 degrees to 85, for example). That’s the single tioning unit and where ducts are joined together.
18 Texas Co-op Power CECA May 2019 www.ceca.coop
ComancheEC1905_.indd 18 4/12/19 2:05 PMCASHBACK P.O. Box 729, Comanche, TX 76442
Operating in Brown, Callahan,
$$$
Comanche, Eastland, Mills, Shackelford
and Stephens counties
HEADQUARTERS
201 W. Wrights Ave.
Comanche, TX 76442
EARLY OFFICE
CECA and Brazos EPC
1801 CR 338
Early, TX 76801
EASTLAND OFFICE
Return $928,000 to 1311 W. Main St.
Eastland, TX 76448
Members
OFFICE HOURS
Comanche Office: Monday–Friday,
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Early Office: Monday, Wednesday
and Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., closed
1–2 p.m.
If you were a member of Comanche Electric Eastland Office: Tuesday and
Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cooperative between 1961 and 1984, you may
have received a capital credits return recently. General Manager
Alan Lesley
Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, CECA’s Board of Directors
Randy Denning, District 1
generation and transmission supplier, allocated Pete McDougal, District 2
Ruby Solomon, District 3
Monty Carlisle, District 4
$928,103.45 in capital credits to CECA, which the Troy Stewart, District 5
Loren Stroebel, District 6
co-op returned to the co-op’s membership. This Phil Taylor, District 7
allocation paid 100 percent of capital credits due Report an Outage
CECA crews are available 24/7 in
the event of a power quality issue
to members from 1961 to 1983 as well as a portion by calling 1-800-915-2533.
of 1984’s capital credits.
If you received a check you are not sure Contact Us
about, or if you feel you should have received CALL US
a check and did not, contact one of our service 1-800-915-2533 toll-free
FIND US ON THE WEB
representatives at 1-800-915-2533 or at www.ceca.coop
memberservices@ceca.coop.
facebook.com/CECA.coop
May 2019 CECA Texas Co-op Power 19
ComancheEC1905_.indd 19 4/12/19 2:05 PMCECA News
Meet Your New
Team Member
Klay Strickland is an apprentice
lineman for Comanche Electric
Cooperative. He was raised
in Cisco and graduated from
Cisco High School. Following
graduation, Strickland attended
Tarleton State University, where
he earned a degree in busi-
ness management. His hobbies
include spending time with his
wife, Kelsey, and working on
antique cars with his father.
H YU NAH KAN G | I STOC K.COM
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY
CECA will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of the holiday.
C RI ST IAN LAZZARI | I STOC K.COM
HAPPYHAPPY
CINCOCINCO DE MAYO
DE MAYO
Sunday, May 5 Sunday May 5
20 Texas Co-op Power CECA May 2019 www.ceca.coop
ComancheEC1905_.indd 20 4/12/19 2:05 PM1-800-915-2533 | WWW.CECA.COOP
Downed and Dangerous
If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized and
dangerous. Avoid going near it or anything in contact with the line.
T I BURONST UD I OS | I STOCK.COM
35
35 ft.
ft. May Is Electrical
Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away—so
35 ft. Safety Month
keep your distance. EVERY MAY, NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
Safety Month reminds us to sweep our
homes of hazards that could lead to acci-
dents and fires. This year, resolve to:
Install ground-fault circuit inter-
rupters. These devices can protect your
family from electrocution. In fact, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission
estimates that GFCIs could prevent half
of all home electrocutions. Install them in
any room that could get wet, including
Never drive over a downed line or through water that is touching bathrooms, garages, kitchens and laundry
the line. rooms, and on outdoor receptacles and
any outlet that’s within 6 feet of a faucet.
Prevent fires with arc-fault protec-
tion. When electrical wiring or devices get
!!!!
!!!! damaged or overheated, an arc fault can
H YU NAH KAN G | I STOC K.COM
occur. An arc fault is a discharge of elec-
!!!! tricity that turns into heat and can break
down a wire’s insulation. That can cause
a fire. In fact, the National Fire Protection
Association estimates that 47,000 home
If you see a downed line, notify local authorities immediately. fires every year involve some sort of elec-
trical malfunction, and half of those fires
could be prevented by arc-fault circuit
interrupters.
Childproof your home. Your 2- to 4-
year-old child can remove plastic outlet
caps within 10 seconds, according to
research by Temple University. Foil your
little one’s attempts by installing tamper-
Never try to move a downed power line, even if you think the line is resistant receptacles, which are designed
de-energized or if you think you’re using nonconductive protection— with toddlers in mind. Every room of your
this cannot prevent injury or death. house needs childproof outlets so your
child can’t insert anything into them,
ESFI
which would otherwise cause a shock.
www.ceca.coop May 2019 CECA Texas Co-op Power 21
ComancheEC1905_.indd 21 4/12/19 2:06 PMCECA News
Beneficial Electrification
for the Home
DO YOU ENJOY WAKING UP TO THE RUMBLE OF YOUR NEIGHBOR’S LAWN MOWER ON A
Saturday morning?
Well, the days of mowers and other devices making a rumbling noise and spew-
ing exhaust into the air may be coming to an end. A concept known as environ-
mentally beneficial electrification is gaining traction among a growing number of
groups in the U.S. as a means of reducing greenhouse gases and helping the envi-
CAT H E RI NE LANE | I STOCK.COM
ronment. Beneficial electrification also helps consumers by providing products
that are cleaner, quieter and easier to maintain.
As utilities shift to renewable technologies and make existing generation
technologies cleaner, electricity uses less fossil fuel per kilowatt-hour of energy
produced. Electrical appliances become greener and more efficient due to techno-
logical improvements and more stringent government standards.
So, what could change
around the home and how It’s Annual AC
will it affect you? Four
changes you’re likely to see
pertain to water heaters,
Maintenance Time
stovetops, lawn mowers BEFORE THE WEATHER GETS TOO WARM,
and vehicles. call a qualified service technician to
First, hybrid heat pump inspect and tune up your air conditioning
water heaters are far more system.
efficient than standard During this annual visit, the tech will
electric water heaters and be able to tell you if your system will
still offer the benefits of make it through the summer or if it needs
an electric-only system, repairs. If the unit is old, the tech might
such as quiet operation and recommend that you replace it.
greater durability. In addition, there are two things you
New induction stoves can do on your own to make sure your
heat faster than gas ranges system stays in good working order:
and are more efficient than 1. Clean or replace the air conditioner
electric resistance stoves. filter. If you have a reusable filter, wash
The third major change it and dry it every month during the
will be to small motors summer. If you have a disposable filter,
CJP | ISTOCK .COM
around your home, like the replace it. A dirty filter can get clogged
one in your lawn mower with dust and dirt and restrict airflow.
or leaf blower. Corded and That will make your system work harder
cordless models are already available, and as batteries continue to improve and to cool your house, wasting energy and
costs fall, consumers can expect to see cordless models dominate. driving up your electric bill. Plus, a dirty
Finally, the car in your driveway may change out its gas tank for a battery. filter can push dust back into your home,
Electric vehicles are widely praised for being safer and easier to maintain (no oil which makes the air less healthy—espe-
changes!) and for superior road performance with faster acceleration and more cially if someone in your family has aller-
torque. Currently more expensive than their gas-fueled counterparts, electric gies or asthma.
vehicles will fall in price as more companies enter the market and battery technol- 2. Keep the area around the outside
ogy improves. AC unit clean. Remove dirt, grass and
Don’t expect to see these changes completely integrated in the next year or two, any debris that has collected around it so
but over the next five to 10 years, you’ll likely no longer be awakened by your neigh- those things don’t restrict its airflow. Trim
bor’s noisy lawn mower at 7 a.m. on Saturdays. shrubs away so they don’t touch it.
22 Texas Co-op Power CECA May 2019 www.ceca.coop
ComancheEC1905_.indd 22 4/12/19 2:07 PM1-800-915-2533 | WWW.CECA.COOP
Why Electricity Is Dangerous
HAVE YOU EVER WALKED ACROSS CARPET AND RECEIVED A to find the easiest path to the ground—so don’t get in its way.
shock when you touched a doorknob or another person? Maintain safe distances from electric lines at all times. Avoid
What you felt was a buildup of static electricity. using ladders, poles or other tools in situations where they may
But a real electric shock is a lot more painful and can be come into contact with overhead lines. Contact your electric
deadly. Here’s what can happen: cooperative if you need to work near power lines.
a Muscles tighten up, making it almost impossible to pull
away from the circuit. Accidents Happen Quickly
a Lungs constrict, making it hard to breathe. You might think that if you get shocked, you can pull away
a Heartbeat is interrupted and blood vessels narrow. quickly and not get hurt. Electricity travels at nearly the speed
a Burns and internal organ damage occur. of light, 186,000 miles per second, so the effects of electric-
a Death may follow. ity can be felt immediately. A person has almost no chance of
It sounds scary—and it is—but if you remember some sim- avoiding the shock.
ple safety rules, you can use electricity without getting hurt. If the electricity is strong enough, muscles tighten so much
that a person can’t let go.
Humans Are Good Conductors Anyone who touches someone who is being shocked can
The human body is a good conductor of electricity. That means become part of the circuit, too. That’s why you should never
electricity flows easily through our bodies. Why? Because elec- grab anyone who’s been shocked. If an electrical accident hap-
tricity moves quickly through water—and the human body is pens, turn off or unplug the circuit if it’s safe to do so, call 911
70 percent water. and tell the operator that someone has been involved in an elec-
Another fact to remember is that electricity always tries trical accident, and keep others away until trained help arrives.
ELECTRICITY SAFETY RULES
1. Look up and look out for power lines before you raise a
ladder, climb onto a roof or climb a tree. Stay at least 35
feet away from overhead power lines.
2. Don’t ever play or work on or near a green transformer box
or climb the fence around an electrical substation.
3. Keep electrical equipment away from water. Most electrical
accidents around the house happen when people use elec-
tricity near water.
4. Don’t plug a bunch of devices into one outlet or extension
cord. It could damage the electrical system in your house or
even cause a fire.
5. Make sure all electrical cords are tucked out of the way to
avoid a tripping hazard and to keep pets or small children
away from them.
6. Don’t yank an electrical cord from the wall. Instead, pull
from the plug. Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance,
the plug or the outlet.
7. Don’t fly drones or kites near power lines or substations.
A kite and its string may conduct electricity—sending it right
through you to the ground.
8. Install tamper-resistant receptacles. Not only will it help
keep kids safe, but covering outlets will also help save energy
by stopping cold drafts.
9. Make sure all electric appliances and tools are in good repair.
TACKTACK | ISTOCK.CO M
10. Don’t use extension cords for long-term electrical needs.
They are intended for temporary use only.
www.ceca.coop May 2019 CECA Texas Co-op Power 23
ComancheEC1905_.indd 23 4/12/19 2:07 PMCECA News
Speed Abounds at Riddle of the day: What do cars and
baseballs have in common?
Woody’s Museum Answer: Both can go from 0-100 in a
matter of seconds!
BY SHIRLEY KIDD DUKES
Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan’s legendary 1974 heater registered the fastest pitch speed ever, at a
blazing 108.5 miles per hour (corrected for radar gun placement). Ford’s 1956 Thunderbird reportedly
was able to reach 147 mph. Both can reach triple-digit speeds in a matter of seconds. What else do base-
balls and old cars have in common? Patti and Danny Lee “Woody” Wood of Rising Star.
AVID BASEBALL FANS WHO LIVED IN DALLAS, WOODY AND orabilia runs the gamut, from the era of Ty Cobb and Babe
Patti met in the 1980s. They spent many of their dates at Ruth through present day.
Arlington Stadium watching the Rangers. These dates led Unfortunately, Woody passed away in 2016, leaving Patti
to the couple collecting baseball memorabilia, mostly that to finish the project on her own but with a very strong sup-
of the Rangers but many other teams as well. The couple port system. Her niece, Mindy Johnson, has worked for her
also loved 1950s- and ’60s-style vehicles, so on their 25th in various capacities for the past 10 years and has been deeply
wedding anniversary, Woody surprised Patti with her dream involved in the project since day one. “I couldn’t do it without
car: a 1956 Ford Thunderbird. Thus began their classic car her,” Patti said. “She’s my right hand and my left hand and
collection. both legs!”
“God brought forth the idea for us to share these treasures “I feel truly blessed to just be a part of everything they do,”
with others in the form of a museum,” Patti said. “So please Johnson said. “And this museum is going to be a lot of fun for
come and enjoy our unique museum and its collections.” everybody!”
What started out as a simple idea turned into a The Woods were blessed early on when they took on Joel
22,000-square-foot, two-story showroom that could rival the McCready and Scott Yeoman as their car gurus. Originally
biggest and best collections of baseball and car memorabilia. owners of a car repair shop that Woody utilized on a regular
Woody’s Museum, in Cross Plains, features classic cars basis, the shop is now a quaint replica of an old filling station
from the early 20th century through the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, that also contains the museum’s gift shop. As Woody’s collec-
with some newer models dating to 2014. Their baseball mem- tion grew, so did his need for McCready and Yeoman. Eventu-
24 Texas Co-op Power CECA May 2019 www.ceca.coop
ComancheEC1905_.indd 24 4/12/19 2:07 PM1-800-915-2533 | WWW.CECA.COOP
This fully restored 1962 Ford, lovingly
referred to as the Silver Bullet, was a
dream for Woody, who designed and
oversaw every aspect of its restoration.
ally, he offered them the opportunity to work exclusively for Patti has nothing but wonderful things to say about her
him, and the duo accepted. “So we did it and never regretted beloved Woody. Not only was he an avid collector, he played
it,” Patti said. “They are extremely talented.” the drums—even getting to play with Brooks and Dunn—and
McCready and Yeoman have skills that extend far beyond rode cutting horses. First and foremost though, he was a cow-
reviving old cars. They have been an integral part of the con- boy. “He just loved life,” Patti said. He loved to have fun and
struction of the museum’s interior, crafting rails for little cars, enjoyed driving his cars.
vanities in the restrooms, bar stools in the diner and benches Patti’s love for Woody and the life they built together gave
in the museum area, to name a few of their contributions. her the momentum she needed not only to complete their
Perhaps their most impressive feat, though, is the manne- project but to create something so extraordinary that it will
quins, which originally stood just straight and stiff with little be talked about for years to come.
movement. Yeoman took them apart and rearranged them in The museum does not charge admission. The only charge
a style to suit each individual display. “He was a true plastic is for items purchased at the gift shop, and those dollars are
surgeon,” Johnson said. Once completed, McCready chromed donated to the charity of your choice, making the museum
them to complete their unique look. 100 percent nonprofit.
Woody’s pride and joy was the old pickup he and Patti lov- The museum is located at 500 SW Fifth St., Highway 36 W.,
ingly named the Silver Bullet. When Patti first saw the truck, in Cross Plains and is open to the public on Thursdays, Fri-
it was beneath a tree in the yard of McCready’s shop. It had days and Saturdays. Admission at other times is by appoint-
no floor or dashboard and was rusted out. Patti thought the ment only. You can reach the museum at (254) 725-4042,
truck belonged in the junkyard, but Woody asked her to trust info@woodysmuseum.com or by visiting its website, woodys
his vision. McCready and Yeoman rebuilt the truck to match museum.com. Better yet, stop by and see them. You won’t be
Woody’s vision, and it turned out to be a remarkable find. disappointed!
The Woody’s Museum gift shop includes a vast selection of Christian books, free to guests
of the museum. The books are courtesy of the 1687 Foundation’s book ministry. It provides
a variety of Christian books and devotional resources at no cost to recipients.
www.ceca.coop May 2019 CECA Texas Co-op Power 25
ComancheEC1905_.indd 25 4/12/19 2:07 PMYou can also read
