I don't know if these two cowboys are grinning at the city slicker in his bush garb or his newfangled Model T. In any case, this brilliant Erwin Smith photo encapsulates the changes that were about to overwhelm their way of life. I left the family ranch at 18 and Texas at 27, only returning for visits since. Do I miss the life I grew up with? Yes, at times, but my Granny was right. I needed to leave to reach my full potential and find a life that embraced me as I am. As for the men in all these pictures, cowboys have always had a way of landing on their feet. I hope they all did just that.
There are wonderful, and thank you for sharing your interesting background in West Texas. The pictures are priceless! How fortunate you were to have a granny like that. Kindest regards, Vik
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words and for participating in my blog.
DeleteNice.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very good blog. It had interesting pictures of older times, and I really liked the comments about your personal life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting!
DeleteWell done, and well written. Thank you for sharing your personal connection, and your background. The pictures are great.
ReplyDeleteSB Dan
Glad you enjoyed the series, Dan. This one was very special for me.
DeleteExcellent series today, Jerry. Even for this (originally) Jersey City NJ boy!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, 2W!
DeleteI really need to add this book to my collection. Cowboys in the movies is one thing and I think you don't realize that this was a way of life for these men. They were the real deal. Thanks Jerry for sharing I hope you will tell us more.
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome, Pat. I will be posting more of Mr. Smith's work, including some that shows my grandfather's first cousin. I will add personal experiences as appropriate.
DeleteThis is a fantastic post, thank you! The cowboys around the fire at night is a real tour de force given the film technology of the time. I bet they had to hold real still for a couple of seconds while Erwin opened the shutter.-Dee Exx
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! In some of the other night shots there is blurring from motion, and oddly enough, it actually adds something to one or two of them. I'll post them later, and you can see for yourself.
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