Personal Narratives
A Trip To The Country
By Peter F. Patton
One weekend in 1975 when Evie and I traveled to San Antonio to visit with Adolph and Hortense, I was asked by Adolph if I would go to the country (Somerset) with him to give him a hand with something. As usual, I said; "Sure" and off we went in his old Ford truck. During our 15 minute drive I asked Adolph what was the purpose of our trip? He replied; "I have some old gates from the Alamo that I need you to help me move." I recall that my first thought was one of doubt, but then I remembered how often what seemingly outrageous things Adolph had said in the past turned out to be true, and we rode in silence the rest of the way. Read more.
Easter at the Herrera Ranch
By Evie Herrera Patton
When I was a young girl, I thought no one could ever have as good an Easter Sunday than me! My daddy, Adolph C. Herrera, made it that way. On Saturday morning, he would get up early and go visit our family friend Robert in Somerset and they would go together to one of the local goat farmers to select a young goat that would be served as "cabrito" on Sunday. Once the goat was selected, it had to be chased down, hog-tied and transported in daddy's truck to our ranch, i.e., the Blas Herrera Ranch. Daddy had already prepared a pit in the ground and had a good base of coals from oak and mesquite wood. Once the guest of honor (the goat) arrived, he was dispatched with as quickly and humanly as possible and then skinned, butchered and wrapped in burlap to be placed and buried on the bed of coals overnight. Read more.