December 2001 Cover

photographed for TEXAS MONTHLY by Rick Patrick

December 2001

Table of Contents

Features

In these big-city neighborhoods, at these offbeat stores, you'll find the perfect presents—from lava lamps to vintage kimonos—for everyone on your list.

Evangelist Lester Roloff drew a line in the dirt to keep the State of Texas from regulating his Rebekah Home for Girls. Years later, then-govenor George W. Bush handed Roloff's disciples a long-sought victory. But this Alamo had no heroes—only victims.

The life of Roky Erikson—one of the most influential Texas rock and rollers of all time—has been one calamity after another. His family and friends have taken care of him with the best of intentions, but you know what they say about the road to hell.

Can you keep up with the state's most famous Joneses? Get to the bottom of this burning question—and 21 others—by taking the final installment of my Texas literacy test.

Working on his memoir one day in 1969, LBJ spoke more frankly into a tape recorder about the Kennedys, Vietnam, and other subjects than he ever had before. The transcript of that tape has never been published—until now. Michael Beschloss explains its historical significance.

Columns

Politics

Ronald Reagan once commanded, "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican." So why has the state GOP declared war on itself over resdistricting?

Sports

When David Robinson opened a school for poor kids in September, he proved once again that he was San Antonio's most valuable player.

Texana

Break out the hog-bladder balloons and get ready to chase livestock! It's time for a look at Texas' Christmas past.

Books

Forty years after its publication, Horseman, Pass By is still one of Larry McMurtry's finest novels—and as groundbreaking as J. D. Salinger's masterpiece.

Great Outdoors

Forget about the Rocky Mountains. For first-class kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching, head to the Lower Guadalupe after Labor Day, when the drunken armada of tubers retreats to shore and nature returns in full strength.

Family

How can I prove that Houston has the best children's museum in the state? Let me enter a few exhibits into evidence.

Behind the Lines

Over there, and over here.

Reporter

Reporter

Vanessa Leggett plots her own true-crime story.

Reporter

Freddy Fender sings a different tune.

First Person

Mimi Swartz finds fear at home.

The Filter

Pat’s Pick

Miscellany

The Last Roundup

Having a ghost of a time at the Menger Hotel.

Web Exclusives

Writer-at-large Suzy Banks tells the story behind this month's cover story, "The Shops Around the Corner."

Senior editor Pamela Colloff talks about "faith-based" terminology, the Rebekah Home for Girls, and corporal punishment.

Notes on notable musicians.

With Love, From Cynthia: A Collection of Recipes and Remembrances

Folks have favored the taste of Dr Pepper for a long time.

Italians made their way to Texas—and made their mark.

Soak in some South Texas history—without hanging your wallet out to dry—in Victoria and Port Lavaca.

Recipes

In this recipe, three ingredients—celery, fennel, and beets—that are usually minor parts of a salad take center stage.

This recipe for old-fashioned fruitcake is chock-full of raisins and other natural dried fruits and contains no evil green and red citron. The pecans are a Texas substitution for the original’s almonds.

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