Anne Dingus

Features

This is Only a Test

One hundred simple questions—well, not that simple— stand between you and Texas literacy. (September 2005)

What to do if you're bitten by fire ants, lost in the wilderness, sprayed by a skunk, attacked by a shark, stuck in a lightning storm, swept away by a riptide, or caught in any of eleven other worst-case scenarios. (October 2004)

Blazing Brushstrokes

Growing up, I read scores of pulpy paperback westerns with good-guy-bad-guy action—and it was their amazing covers in gaudy, manly hues that roped me in. (January 2004)

Big Shots

In the sixties, when stars like the Beatles, Dinah Shore, and Marlene Dietrich descended on Dallas, Peggie and John Mazziotta captured them on film. (September 2003)

Little Town on the Prairie

Where else in Texas can you see a Picasso, a classic courthouse, and one of the most famous ranches in the country, along with an outdoor theatrical performance that’s equal parts kitsch and civic pride? If you haven’t been to Albany, get your fandangle in gear. (June 2003)

Cover Girls

From Ann on a Harley to Anna Nicole on a Bum Steer binge, we present our fifty favorite Texas Monthly issues with a female face. (February 2003)

It Came A-Pun a Midnight Clear

Before you start wrapping presents, here's a gift from us to you: a Texas-holiday-themed crossword puzzle. Sharpen your pencil and get a clue. (December 2002)

Lights Out

Most of the lighthouses that once kept watch over the Texas Gulf Coast have vanished, victims of time and the modern world. Yet a few romantic relics remain. (November 2002)

Dead Line

Indians slain by settlers and vice versa. Lynchings and shoot-outs. Poisonings and dismemberings. Assassinations and massacres. Our past three hundred years or so have been, uh, colorful. A fond look back at the murder and mayhem. (July 2002)

Even Cowgirls Get Their Due

On June 7 the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame opens in - where else? - Cowtown. So saddle up and mosey on over to this tribute to such illustrious women of the West as Tad Lucas, Dale Evans, and Sandra Day O'Connor. (June 2002)

Yee-ha!

From cornball classics to rousing rib-ticklers, these two hundred Texas jokes are definitely on us. (January 2002)

Tex Education, Part 4

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. (December 2001)

Tex Education, Part 3

What tall Texan dated top actress during Hollywood's heyday? Find out the answer-and other Lone Star lore-by taking the penultimate installment of my literacy test. (October 2001)

Old-Fashioned Texas

Texas is changing before our eyes, but fried pies, drive-in movie theaters, and other vestiges of earlier days are all around. To find these treasures, we risked life, limb, and cholesterol count-and had a blast from the past. (August 2001)

Tex Education, Part 2

In 1883, being caught with what everyday object could have gotten you killed? Find out the answer, along with 24 other equally fascinating tidbits, in the second installment of my Texas-literacy test. (June 2001)

Tex Education

Who exactly was Cabeza de Vaca? Why did Texas revolutionaries shout, “Remember Goliad”? Sharpen your pencils for Part I of my four-part Texas literacy test. (March 2001)

50 Things Every Texan Should Do

Have you gotten lost in the Big Thicket? Attended a South Texas pachanga? Whether you’re a newcomer or a native, following these suggestions will give you a crash course in all things Texas—and one heck of a good time. (March 2001)

The Twelve Months of Christmas

Kitschy calendars that say "Feliz Navidad." (December 2000)

The Searcher

Photographer Kurt Markus spent years tracking down modern working cowboys for his new book, Cowpuncher. He corralled the genuine article at several Texas spreads. (November 2000)

Whodunit? Who Cares?

Anne Dingus has a few bones to pick with the modern mystery novel, which she says has been decomposing in recent years. Stepping up to defend the genre: none other than Texas' queen of murder and mayhem, Mary Willis Walker. (November 2000)

Cameron Park Zoo, Waco

(October 2000)

Texas Zoo, Victoria

(October 2000)

San Antonio Zoo

(October 2000)

Houston Zoo

(October 2000)

El Paso Zoo

(October 2000)

Austin Zoo

(October 2000)

Scholarship • Jacques Barzun

Man of the centuries. (September 2000)

Theater • Roger Horchow

A Tony guy. (September 2000)

Great Escapes

From a boutique hotel in hip South Austin to a bed-and-breakfast across the Mexican border, from fly fishing on the Llano River to bathing in the Chinati Hot Springs, 33 getaways the guidebooks don’t tell you about, courtesy of our intrepid staff of weekend warriors. (June 2000)

Can Doodle

From the fabulous, furry Gilbert Shelton to the hypercaffeinated Shannon Wheeler, these celebrated Texas cartoonists will surely draw you in. (April 2000)

Mission Collectible

Cuff links? A commemorative plate? For Alamo hobbyists like me, rule number one is, Never surrender or retreat from the chance to snag a few iconic tchotchkes. (March 2000)

Annie, Get Your Gals!

Various specimens of that celebrated species, the Texas woman, captured on film by photographer Annie Leibovitz, who used to be one herself. (January 2000)

Books • Louis Sachar

Children’s writes. (September 1999)

Photography • Kate Breakey

Artist of the portrait. (September 1999)

Speed, Queen

Austin painter Julie Speed is the latest ascendant to the ranks of art royalty. Talk about a brush with greatness. (August 1999)

What Is the Panhandle?

(July 1999)

The Plainsman

No one captures the majesty and mystique of wide-open spaces like photographer Peter Brown. (July 1999)

Shops

Elegant antebellum furniture in Jefferson, Latin American folk art in Smithville: Where the buys are in two dozen communities. (March 1999)

Townsfolk

La Grange’s Mr. Barbecue, the police chief of Athens: Fifteen local characters with, er, character.

(March 1999)

There’s Something About Weeping Mary

An East Texas community’s simple charms, captured on film. (December 1998)

The Book Repository

(November 1998)

Leon’s Lens

In the Central Texas town of Seguin, Leon Kubala has been documenting life and death for more than fifty years, one picture at a time. (October 1998)

FASHION • Tom Ford

Man makes the clothes. (September 1998)

War Games

In the suddenly trendy world of World War II wannabes, these Texans are big guns. (July 1998)

Dove Shoot

Ten years after the filming of the miniseries Lonesome Dove, screenwriter Bill Wittliff shares his photographic memories of life on the set. (June 1998)

Searching for Santa

This time of year, Yule find him hanging around East Texas: On lawns and roofs, he’s a Claus célèbre. (December 1997)

El Circo

As in Hanoi and Moscow, the circus in Mexico is no three-ring extravaganza. It’s one of the grittiest shows on earth. (November 1997)

Performing Arts • Jo Long

Culturally centered. (September 1997)

Literature • Angela Shelf Medearis

Doing the write thing. (September 1997)

The Way We Wore

From buckskin to polyester, a look at 166 years of Texas fashion that doesn’t skirt the issues. (June 1997)

Range Rover

After fifty years of traveling the Southwest, ranch photographer Frank Reeves left behind a vast body of work and unforgettable portraits of the cowboy’s way of life. (April 1997)

Brentfield Elementary

With a private-school atmosphere, involved parents, and a veteran principal and faculty, this Richardson school makes the most of its many blessings. (November 1996)

¡Bravo!

A new exhibit in San Marcos pays homage to Manuel Alvarez Bravo, the grandfather of Mexican photography, and the generations of fotógrafos who followed his lead. (October 1996)

Her Three Sons

For the Wilsons of Dallas, taking pictures was a family affair. Today the mother is a successful photographer and her boys are hot Hollywood commodities. Here’s a look at Laura Wilson’s personal album. (May 1996)

Buckle Up

The rodeo belt buckle is prized by cowboys and collectors alike. By the look of these handcrafted samples, it’s easy to see why. (April 1996)

Where the Wild Things Are

One of the country’s top photographers traveled around his home state to capture these stunning portraits of exotic animals on display. (March 1996)

The Last Picture Shows

A loving look back at nine grand old movie houses from the golden age of small-town Texas. (December 1995)

More Colorful Texas Sayings…

Come hell or high water, you’ll want to read our compilation of down-home aphorisms. (December 1994)

Meanwhile, Back at the Cadillac Ranch

It’s not just another roadside attraction—here’s to a lasting monument of Texas kitsch. (July 1994)

Animal Writes

Eight indigenous authors, nine native critters: A bookish look at the wildest, woolliest creatures in Texas history. (March 1994)

A Texas-Style Christmas: Feast Meets West

If traditional holiday meals leave you hungry for something new, you’ll devour the dishes that Dallas chef Dean Fearing has prepared. (December 1992)

Dead Again

Get your masks on; put on your dancing shoes. It’s time for Mexico’s Day of the Dead, one of the liveliest celebrations around. (November 1992)

Waxing Nostalgic

Fashion designers are betting the ranch on new Western shirts with styles inspired by Hollywood, not history. (September 1992)

Hot Shot

Haven’t heard of Geof Kern, Texas’ most famous photographer? You must live here. (July 1992)

Wish We Were There

Vintage Texas postcards depict larger-than-life views in hyper hues. (April 1992)

Ernest Tubb Goes Electric

The great polka boycott, Willie’s Sunday school status, the cold trugh abour Vanilla Ice, and other notable moments in Texas Music. (February 1992)

Texas Primer: The Windmill

But for this ever-so-practical invention, Texas history as we know it would be gone with the wind. (January 1990)

Texas Primer: King Ranch Casserole

What kind of dish would a Texas clubwoman invent? One that’s not too greasy, not too spicy, and, well, sort of tasteful. (January 1989)

Texas Primer: The Dust Storm

Look out, Texas! If drought comes, can tons of blowing dirt be far behind? (August 1988)

Texas Primer: The Hi Sign

The laid-back Texas way of saying howdy on the road. (June 1985)

Texas Primer: Barbed Wire

It spelled the end of the open range and the beginning of modern Texas. (March 1984)

Texas Primer: The Water Tower

Sure it means water. It also means pride. (May 1983)

Texas Primer: The Horny Toad

It’s everybody’s favorite reptile, and it’s disappearing from Texas. (June 1982)

Texas Primer: The Tumbleweed

It’s only a humble weed, but just try to imagine West Texas without it. (March 1982)

Columns | Miscellany

Let Me Call You Sweet-Tart

I’m in love with you, cherry lime. (August 2005)

Critters And Fritters

You’d love my collection of vintage Texas cookbooks. Just don’t ask me to cook from them. (June 2005)

Making Up Is Hard to Do

How the cosmetically challenged among us manage to save face. (April 2005)

Message In a Bottle

Blondness—natural or otherwise— is even more Texan than Big Hair. (February 2005)

Mentionables

From bullet bras to panties emblazoned with the Lone Star flag, a brief history of women’s underwear in Texas. (November 2004)

The Rat Unpacks

I've been collecting vintage Texana since I was ten years old, and believe me, I've got loads. But it's time to sell. (August 2004)

Going For the Jiggler

Explaining the enduring appeal of Jell-O can be as challenging as, well, nailing it to a tree. (June 2004)

Siege Mentality

With March 6 fast approaching, let's doff our coonskin caps to the Serious Alamo Guys, a band of mostly Anglo, mostly bearded, mostly fifty-plus historians who are Bowie-knife sharp on the subject of the mythic battle. (March 2004)

Cottage Industry

For decades, family-run motels looked after weary travelers all across Texas. And who looked after the families who ran them? The Temple-based Tourist Court Journal. (October 2003)

All's Fair

For 117 years, the State Fair of Texas has been part parade, part carnival, part livestock show, part museum—and all fun. (September 2003)

The Pet Set

LBJ's dogs and Dale Evans' horse are among the most famous four-legged friends in Texas history. But can you name the only pig in the Texas Animal Hall of Fame? (June 2003)

Wild Things

My siblings and I had plenty of pets growing up, but they were never quite as exciting as those we caught ourselves, such as tarantulas. And garden snakes. And of course, horny toads. (May 2003)

Brands That I Love

When I was a kid, my grandmother was partial to Imperial sugar and other products made in Texas. You know what? I'm still sweet on them. (March 2003)

Fave Combo

Let's hear it for beans and cornbread, the tastiest of plate-mates, a classic Southern supper�and a meal any fool can cook. (November 2002)

Living Legends

The truth about the Lady of White Rock Lake, the Neiman Marcus cookie recipe, and other seemingly tall Texas tales. (October 2002)

Cold Comfort

Texans turn to Dairy Queen for more than just Hungr-Busters, Steak Finger Country Baskets, and Blizzards. They also come for a taste of days gone by. (May 2002)

Our Towns

What's the story behind "Bug Tussle"? "Old Dime Box"? "Frognot"? It turns out there's more to a name than I ever expected. (April 2002)

Grand Old Flags

A groundbreaking exhibit and an accompanying book make this a banner year to stand up and salute the history of Texas' flags. (March 2002)

Merry Tex-mas

Break out the hog-bladder balloons and get ready to chase livestock! It's time for a look at Texas' Christmas past. (December 2001)

Local Hero

Bob Phillips' passion for small-town oddities makes Texas Country Reporter as irresistible as a bookshop that doubles as a beauty parlor. (October 2001)

Charles “Tex” Watson

(September 2001)

Fess Parker

Falling for Davy Crockett (um, Fess Parker). (September 2001)

Phyllis George

Phyllis George and Texas’ other former Miss America’s didn’t let the tiara go to their head. (September 2001)

The Heat Generation

What was Texas like before air conditioning? Thinking about it gives me the chills. (July 2001)

Independence Day

How Juneteenth, a nationwide celebration of the end of slavery, got its start in Texas. (June 2001)

Tapped Out

After more than a century of operation, it's last call at San Antonio's Pearl brewery. (May 2001)

E’er Heads

I think, therefore iamb: My personal tour of the history of bad Texas poetry, from best to versed, prose to cons. (July 2000)

Dead Beat

For an outing that’ll make you go stark graving mad, visit Texas’ peaceful old cemeteries—and experience the esprit de corpse. (October 1999)

Windfall

Call it A Simpler Plan: Austinite Jim Magnuson’s new novel is about the consequences of finding a lot of money—and it’s a good read. (March 1999)

The Belle Curve

Sexist, shmexist: For pure viewing enjoyment, my feminist friends and I know that nothing can match the Miss America Pageant. (September 1998)

The New Mex Files

Did a flying saucer really crash-land in a field outside Roswell fifty years ago this month? The truth is out there; find out for yourself. (July 1997)

Irregular Joe

His stories are grotesque, disturbing, and award-winning: Meet Nacogdoches’ Joe R. Lansdale, the most twisted writer in Texas. (March 1997)

To Die For

Obituaries are a grave matter, of course. But they can also be funny, insightful, and poetic, which is why I’m so obsessed with them. (January 1997)

Mesilla Real Soon

The time is ripe, and so are the chiles: This tiny, homey town in New Mexico is the ideal spot for a fall weekend getaway. (September 1996)

Mesilla Real Soon

The time is ripe, and so are the chiles: This tiny, homey town in New Mexico is the ideal spot for a fall weekend getaway. (September 1996)

Chili Relations

Food fight: The most ridiculous, overblown squabble this side of the legislature. (November 1992)

The New London School Explosion

How many people died in the New London school explosion of 1937? (March 2001)

Flight: My Life in Mission Control

(March 2001)

The Candidate

Who's the rising star of Midland politics? Oh, brother! (February 2001)

King Vidor

What Galveston native filmed the black and white scenes in The Wizard of Oz? (February 2001)

Ordinary Horror

(February 2001)

Adventures in The Bone Trade

(January 2001)

Robbers

(December 2000)

Sam Rayburn

Whose picture did Sam Rayburn always hang in his office? (December 2000)

Old Yeller

What was the real name of the dog that portrayed Old Yeller? (November 2000)

The Bottoms

(October 2000)

Frank Buck

How many monkeys did Frank Buck capture? (October 2000)

The Devils Tiger

(September 2000)

Charley Pride

Which professional sport did Charley Pride play? (September 2000)

The Eye of Horus

(August 2000)

Herman and George R. Brown

How much money has the Brown Foundation given away since 1951? (August 2000)

Roads

(July 2000)

Ginger Rogers

In what movie was Ginger Rogers first paired with Fred Astaire? (July 2000)

Dennis and Randy Quaid

What is the one movie that Dennis and Randy Quaid appeared in together? (June 2000)

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Who was Stevie Ray Vaughan's musical role model? (May 2000)

A Twist at the End: A Novel of O. Henry

(April 2000)

Santa Anna

What chewable confection did Santa Anna help invent? (March 2000)

The Runner

books by Christopher Reich and Jay Brandon (March 2000)

The House of Gentle Men

(February 2000)

Alvin Ailey

Which Oscar-winner did Alvin Ailey act alongside in the play Call Me by My Rightful Name? (February 2000)

Art of the Boot

(January 2000)

December 1899

How much did baby shoes cost in Texas in December 1899? (December 1999)

Mickey Leland

(November 1999)

The UT Tower

The University of Texas Tower figured in which movies? (October 1999)

Eric Dickerson

Why was Eric Dickerson nicknamed Mr. Benny? (September 1999)

Sharon Tate

On which two sitcoms did Sharon Tate have a guest-starring role? (August 1999)

Shelley Duvall

What part did Shelley Duvall beat out Gilda Radner for? (July 1999)

Américo Paredes

Which Américo Paredes book was made into a movie starring Edward James Olmos? (June 1999)

Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker

Which American president was befriended by Quanah Parker? (May 1999)

Pecos Bill

How did Pecos Bill invent hot sauce? (April 1999)

Bob Wills

Which future Texas governor hired Bob Wills to play on his Fort Worth radio show? (March 1999)

Leon Jaworski

At what age was Leon Jaworski the youngest lawyer in the history of Texas? (February 1999)

Scott Joplin

How many years after his death did Scott Joplin win a Pulitzer prize? (January 1999)

Mirabeau B. Lamar

Why was Mirabeau B. Lamar known as the Father of Texas Education? (December 1998)

Abraham Zapruder

How much did Life pay Abraham Zapruder for the rights to his assassination film? (November 1998)

Sandra Day O’Connor

Why did Sandra Day O’Connor once say, “I come to you tonight wearing my bra”? (October 1998)

Lee Trevino

Which soft drink’s quart-size bottle did Lee trevino use as a golf club? (September 1998)

Mary Martin

How many times did Mary Martin shampoo onstage while appearing in South Pacific? (August 1998)

Rogers Hornsby

(July 1998)

Pa Ferguson

Why was the former governor Pa Ferguson nicknamed Farmer Jim? (June 1998)

Witt and Wisdom

(June 1998)

The Newton Boys

(May 1998)

Mance Lipscomb

What was so special about Mance Lipscomb’s dentures? (April 1998)

Joan Crawford

(March 1998)

Texas Monthly

Texas Primer Who’s been on our cover the most times? Ross is boss. (February 1998)

How much are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders paid per game?

(January 1998)

Howard Hughes

Why was Howard Hughes’s plane nicknamed the Spruce Goose? (December 1997)

Audie Murphy

How did Audie Murphy win the Congressional Medal of Honor? (November 1997)

“Tex”

Which Tex sang “High Noon” and which was a member of the Manson family? (October 1997)

Jimmie Rodgers

What respiratory ailment afflicted Jimmie Rodgers, prompting fans to shout “Spit ’er up and sing some more”? (September 1997)

Judge Roy Bean

(August 1997)

Georgia O’Keeffe

In which Texas towns did Georgia O’Keeffe teach art, and for which photographer did she pose nude? (July 1997)

Babe Didrikson

Which sports did Babe Didrikson dominate, and in what Hepburn-Tracy film did she appear? (June 1997)

Debbie Reynolds

Who gave Debbie Reynolds her name, and what did she have to learn to do before starring in Singin’ in the Rain? (May 1997)

Roy Orbison

What did Roy Orbison drink compulsively, and who called him the world’s greatest singer? (April 1997)

Susanna Dickinson

How did Susanna Dickinson survive the Battle of the Alamo, and who played her in John Wayne’s movie? (March 1997)

Bill Pickett

What was Bill Pickett’s nickname, and how did he wrestle steers to the ground? (February 1997)

Bonnie and Clyde

To whom were Bonnie and Clyde really married, and whose saxophone was found in their car? (January 1997)

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog

In Texas the ultimate arbiter of good taste has always been Neiman Marcus, the Dallas-based department store that marks its ninetieth birthday next year. (December 1996)

Running With the Big Dogs

(December 1996)

John Nance Garner

What did Uvalde’s John Nance garner think the vice presidency was really worth? (November 1996)

Grand Parent

(November 1996)

Dale Evans

(October 1996)

Darrell Royal

What is Darrell Royal’s code name, and what does his middle initial stand for? (September 1996)

Gilt Trip

(September 1996)

Sure Shot

(May 1996)

The Buckle Stops Here

(April 1996)

Time for a Change

(October 1995)

Reporter

Texas Myth #92

How many Texans died at the Alamo? (March 2007)

Texas Myth# 31

Did The Texas Chainsaw Massacre really happen? (January 2007)

Texas Myth # 113

Does the ten-gallon hat hold ten gallons? (November 2006)

Texas Myth# 471

Who put the Bowie in the bowie knife? (September 2006)

Texas Myth #29

Was J. R.shot in Dallas? (July 2006)

Texas Myth #319

Do horny toads really squirt blood? (May 2006)

Texas Myth #264

Oil’s well that begins well. (January 2006)

Texas Myth #665

Great Houston’s ghost! (October 2005)

Texas Myth #14

Is DWB (driving while barefoot) illegal? (August 2005)

Texas Myth #198

Is Juneteenth ours? (June 2005)

Texas Myth #321

Bluebonnet burglars, beware? (April 2005)

Texas Myth #714

No, you can’t shoot your adulterous wife. (February 2005)

Texas Myth #454

Gene Autry’s reindeer games. (December 2004)

Encyclopedia Texanica

The seven dips on a Texas trip. (October 2004)

Encyclopedia Texanica

How high may our flag fly? (July 2004)

Encyclopedia Texanica

The myth of the saguaro cactus (May 2004)

Blame That Tune

Why Anne Dingus hates "Texas, Our Texas." (April 2004)

Letting Go

Anne Dingus drives herself to tears. (October 2003)

Road Test

Anne Dingus puts her teenage son in the driver's seat. (April 2002)

I Swear

Anne Dingus' language lesson. (April 2001)

World of Pies

(June 2000)

Hot Cole

A rough-neck novelist hits pay dirt. (April 1999)

A Wild Life

A terrific and prolific photographer remembered. (December 1998)

Write On!

UT’s writing program achieves Texas-size success. (June 1998)

Embattled

Reshooting history in Garfield (January 1998)

Briterature

A McKinney writer’s Brit lit. (November 1997)

Car Talk

Stanley Marsh 3’s mobile autos. (October 1997)

King Fishy

A history mystery involving ranching’s King family. (September 1997)

Alamo Tome

(August 1997)

Body of Evidence

Who was Jesse James—really? And where is he buried? (August 1997)

Puzzling

A cryptic puzzle you’ll utter no cross words about. (July 1997)

BoomTown

Texas City lives on, fifty years after the infamous explosion. (April 1997)

The Music Man

(September 1996)

West Seller

An El Paso novelist makes history. (August 1996)

L. T. Felty

(May 1996)

After Thoughts

The big-screen bungling of Rosellen Brown’s Before and After. (April 1996)

Wild About Harry

(April 1996)

Colum McCann

(March 1996)

Johnny Angel

(February 1996)

Star Gazing

Snow business comes to Houston. (February 1996)

Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson

(February 1996)

Domino Effect

(January 1996)

Web extras

A Cook’s Tour

From tamales and chile con carne to boiled fish and macaroni with mushroom sauce, the first-ever compendium of Mexican American cooking, Mexican Cooking: The Flavor of the 20th Century—That Real Mexican Tang, takes readers on an unusual culinary ride. (June 2005)

The Republican Convention -- Day 3 (Thu Sep 4 at 10:58 AM)
Did We Mention She's a Maverick? (Thu Sep 4 at 3:09 PM)
For Once, Someone Asks Bob Schieffer Questions (Wed Aug 27 at 9:07 PM)

Newsletters

Sign up for Texas Monthly newsletters on recipes, events, issue preview, travel, and more.