|
|
TURKEY,
TEXAS
“Western
Swing Capitol of the World”
Hall County, Texas
Panhandle
100 miles SE of Amarillo
100 miles NE of Lubbock
250 miles NW of Dallas
Population:
570 (2000)
|
|
|
"$110,000
High School Bldg., Turkey, Texas"
Photo courtesy texasoldphotos.com |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally called Turkey Roost for Turkey Creek and the roosting
turkeys there, settlers began arriving in the 1890's. The name was
shortened when the post office (the dug-out of Alfred P. Hall, postmaster)
was granted in 1893. The town plat was recorded in 1907 and in 1927,
the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad arrived. The Turkey Volunteer Fire
Department was organized in February of 1928 after two disastrous
fires destroyed most of downtown Turkey. Major crops are cotton, watermelons,
peanuts, and sweet potatoes.
Turkey is best known as the home of Bob
Wills, the King of Western Swing. Wills was a barber in Turkey
during the 1920's. In his biography “Hubbin’ It”, Wills said that
the lotions and soft-work of barbering kept his fingers pliable for
playing the fiddle. It was a trade that many musicians shared, since
the day work of barbering never interfered with dances and holiday
celebrations. Wills form the Texas Playboys band and their music introduced
a new offshoot of county-western music known as “Western Swing.”
The former Turkey school buildings were purchased by The Bob Wills
Foundation and city offices, the library, a senior citizens room,
and the Bob Wills Museum are located in the former grade school building.
The Foundation has built a Bob Wills monument and Bob Wills Park. |
| Order
from Amazon.com - Bob Wills Audio CD |
Take
Me Back to Tulsa [BOX SET]
Bob Wills &
Texas Playboys |
|
Anthology
1935-1973
Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys |
|
The
King of Western Swing
Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys |
|
The
Essential
Bob Wills &
His Texas Playboys |
|
Of Architectural Interest
The Gem Theater
downtown
|
|
|
