Austin Hall Library

God Bless the Daughters of the Republic of Texas

(Dawn at the Alamo, 1905, by Henry McArdle) On a recent visit to the Texas Hill Country and the beautiful city of San Antonio, I was able to tour the Alamo (View this photo and View this photo), site of the most famous battle of the Texas Revolution. For those unfamiliar with the Alamo and its history, it is the place where David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Travis, along with over 200 other patriots, gave their lives at dawn on March 6, 1836 in defense of Texas independence.

Alan C. Huffines' well-researched and monumental Blood of Noble Men: The Alamo Siege and Battle is the ultimate reference work on the battle itself. For a great education on the historical background and history of the battle, read Huffines' book along with Alamo Sourcebook 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. The latter provides about as much information as can be known in sourcebook form. Finally, the biographical work Three Roads to the Alamo: The Lives and Fortunes of David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barrett Travis does a great job of highlighting and illuminating the lives and personalities of three Texas legends. The book is candid and spares no punches in separating myths from reality. 

The Alamo mission (church) building is now a Texas shrine within downtown San Antonio, the upkeep of which is undertaken and sustained by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT). The DRT is an association of Texas women dedicated to perpetuating the memory of Texas pioneer families and soldiers of the Republic of Texas. Membership is open to women at least sixteen years of age who are personally acceptable to the association and who can prove lineal descent from men and women who rendered loyal service to Texas prior to its annexation by the United States in 1846.

A Short List of Insightful Blogs About Faith

The blogosphere is filled these days with astute commentary on theology and religion. While numerous blogs could be highlighted for the quality of the writing and commentary, among my favorites in specific categories are:

American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic (For commentary and analysis on current events of interest to Catholics and others--written by Thomas Peters, a lay Catholic graduate theology student in Washington, D.C.)

Principium Unitatis ("A blog dedicated to the reunion of all Christians"--written by Bryan Cross, a very fine thinker and philosophy PhD student)

Glory to God for All Things (An award winning blog with in-depth content written by an Orthodox priest)

InternetMonk.com ("Dispatches from the post evangelical wilderness"--written by Michael Spencer, a rigorous and thoughtful Protestant (Baptist) minister who has published some insightful commentary on the future of evangelicalism)

Clarifying the Current Administration's Appeal to "Common Ground"

For those who may have been encouraged by President Obama's recent appeal (during his Notre Dame University commencement speech) to achieving "common ground" with pro-life advocates, read carefully Dr. Robert P. George's analysis and response. 

Texas Hill Country

Some areas of the country seem to promote reading, reflection and contemplation--the Rocky Mountains and the Sonoran Desert, for example. Add to that list the Texas Hill Country. Rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, live oak and cedar everywhere, and wildflowers in abundance (the photo at left is a Texas bluebonnet spring meadow) make the hill country a beautiful setting. Quaint towns, great music venues, terrific food, numerous coffee shops and used bookstores all add to the region.

I was in the hill country for several days over last weekend and it was a delightful time. My favorite stops included the legendary Luckenbach, Texas, birthplace of Texas Outlaw music (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Jeff Walker, and friends), for its 160th anniversary. Another favorite was Gruene ("Green") Hall, located in the quaint but discovered Gruene, Texas. The photo at right was shot in Gruene Hall on Sunday afternoon.

Admittedly, neither Luckenbach nor Gruene are ideal for reading, reflection, or contemplation, but they are great music venues in a wonderful region of the country that does have sites that promote more sedate pursuits. The hill country is, by the way, in the heart of the burgeoning Texas wine country. It has a truly Texas "feel" and a history to match. I recommend the Texas Hill Country for a great travel destination, beginning in the state capitol of Austin and slowly moving through the hill country to end in historic San Antonio (View this photo)--the birthplace of the Republic of Texas (View this photo).

A Few Changes

It has been several months since I posted anything on the Austin Hall site. I have simply been too focused on other matters--so much so that my elective reading has significantly suffered. Hopefully, I will be able to regather momentum by altering the site design and expanding the topics discussed. Those who visit the site with some regularity will notice that the blog has expanded to address "Reflections on faith, culture, books and ideas found in books." Additionally, there are new lists and links for review in the column on the left. As before, posts will touch on matters related to books and the ideas found therein, but will also specifically reference matters of faith and culture. And, perhaps anything that comes to mind of interest. If you are a regular visitor, or just happen upon the site, feel free to suggest links, topics, books, or ideas to discuss or reflect upon.