
FARMERS BRANCH ~ As a means of illustrating the living history that is the Farmers Branch Historical Park, on the occasion of the outdoor museum's 25th Anniversary, Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall is planning to forsake modern conveniences and live out the celebration week in the park's 19th century log cabin.
Mr. Birdsall said the idea came from planning sessions for the anniversary activities as a way of attracting attention to the park and its activities.
"We want to give visitors the opportunity to see firsthand what day-to-day experiences were like in the late 19th century," he explained. "Also, as a historian, I'm hoping to gain insight from the experience to share with visitors in the future as to what, exactly, it was like to live in cabins like this."
There will be a fine line between the 19th and 21st centuries, Mr. Birdsall explained, stating that modern restroom facilities would be employed and food would actually be refrigerated. Beyond that, he said, food would be prepared authentically and he's looking forward to lots of biscuits, bacon and beans. Days will be largely centered around cooking and cleaning up and preparing for evenings activities, Mr. Birdsall said, adding that keeping fires going was a major component of day-to-day activity.
Concerns? Texas weather in March can always be unpredictable although Birdsall said he'd rather it be cool than hot. Also, in the great outdoors live other creatures. He hopes to avoid meeting them. Beyond that, he plans to foresake the Internet for reading of period books in the evening and keeping a written journal. In addition, he will keep a 19th century video blog of his experiences posted to YouTube each day.
The public is invited to come by the Historical Park at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, anytime during park hours between March 26 and April 1 to visit the urban pioneer and check on his progress.
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Video Extra
19th Century VideoBlog Preview
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April 9
Plan ahead for multiple events that Spring Saturday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Residents can get a head start on spring cleaning and also preview a new nature preserve in multiple events taking place on Saturday, April 9.
First, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, the annual CityWide CleanUp Day will take place at Don Showman Park, at the corner of Valwood Parkway and Heartside Place. Farmers Branch residents, with proof of residency, will be able to recycle electronic components and shred documents during that annual event.
Additionally, there will be free rose plants for the first 20 people to sign up for the City Manager's Rose Contest, the chance to donate to Metrocrest Social Services, representatives of the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Departments and more.
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Then, as a lasting tribute to the architect of the Farmers Branch parks system, longtime City employee and former City Manager, the City will officially dedicate the John F. Burke Nature Preserve on the City's west side. A lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs will be held at 12 noon with dedication ceremonies beginning at 1 p.m. at the site, 1217 Valley View Lane, on the north side of Valley View, east of the Trinity River.
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Bock selected for state medical study
Farmers Branch EMS Chief to help improve pediatric patient care
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Farmers Branch Fire Department Emergency Medical Service Division
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Farmers Branch Fire Department EMS Chief Stephen Bock |
Chief Stephen Bock has been tapped to join a statewide research group, tasked with improving pediatric pre-hospital care.
Dr. Ray Fowler, Farmers Branch Fire Department Associate Medical Director, asked Chief Bock to join the group that includes pediatric emergency medicine physicians, EMS medical directors and paramedics from the Dallas, Houston and Austin areas.
The group's goal is to improve the treatment of pediatric patients in the "pre-hospital arena" to better patient outcomes. Following the study, research participants may conduct regional training. Chief Bock's participation in the research group will guarantee Farmers Branch as a primary stakeholder in helping to determine better and more effective ways of treating patients while they are in the care of EMS personnel, before hospital arrival. | |
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In the Banner |
Inheriting the Wind |
The last working windmill in Farmers Branch was donated by Mrs. Judy Byrd for relocation from the Byrd property about two miles down the road to its current home at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. It is a Dempster No. 12 Annu Oiled and was originally manufactured in Beatrice, Nebraska. The Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company first opened up its doors in 1885, and continues to manufacture windmills today. The No. 12 was first introduced in 1922 and is still in production. It's most popular feature was that it is a self oiling, back geared, steel pumping windmill which only required the owner to lubricate the gears once a year, rather than a more frequent oiling that other windmills required.
Photo by Perry Callahan |
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Celebration
Events
March 26
Civil War Drill & Camping Under the Stars
March 27
Geocaching & Vintage Base Ball
March 28
Frontier Skills Demonstrations
March 29
Campfire Storytelling
March 30
Music Around the Campfire
March 31
Ladies Night: Beginning Crochet & Knitting & Exhibit of Local Handmade Goods and Tea and Cakes
April 1
Boys Night: Card Games, Coffee & Cobbler
Call for More Information |
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Look for
Video Extras
throughout
Branch Bulletin |
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Early Voting for May 14 City Election |
Mon thru Sat, May 2-7
8 am to 5 pm
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Sun, May 8
1 to 6 pm
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Mon & Tue, May 9-10
7 am to 7 pm
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Early voting at
Farmers Branch City Hall 13000 Wm Dodson Pkwy
www.dalcoelections.org |
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Weekly Report
NO LANE CLOSURES THIS WEEK
LBJ Express will hold an
Open House
@ Sheraton Dallas North Hotel, April 21 from 1-8 pm
For More Project Information
www.lbjexpress.com |
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