By Shirlett Warren/editor-in-chief
It took a group of determined women dedicated to philanthropic efforts and a deathbed promise made by a TCC board trustee to publish a book about the complete history of Arlington.
David Reid/The Collegian
Caddos, Cotton and Cowboys: Essays on Arlington is roughly 13 essays spanning 160 years of Arlington history, said author and trustee O.K. Carter.
“Although I wrote it, it’s actually a community project,” Carter said.
He previously edited a book about the early history of Arlington written by the late journalist Arista Joyner Carter. Her book, Arlington, Texas: Birthplace of the Metroplex, detailed the city’s history up to 1910. While on her deathbed, she asked Carter to promise he would write a full history of the city.
He said at the time he wasn’t crazy about the assignment, but while speaking at an Arlington Woman’s Club function a few yeaars ago, he mentioned his book project. The club offered to publish the book, and Carter wanted all the proceeds from its sale to go toward the club’s philanthropic efforts.
Club chairman Sue Stevens Durbec coordinated the publishing project.
“O.K. is a longtime student of urban affairs, so while it [the book] talks about the past, it always looks forward,” Durbec said. “It reads in a way so that people who are allergic to history will enjoy the book.”
Local artist and fellow club member Irene Glass was commissioned to create original pen-and-ink drawings of Arlington’s historic sites. Glass’ drawings, including a sketch of SE Campus, are displayed in every chapter.
“We saved costs by using Irene’s sketches, and they’re aesthetically more appealing,” Durbec said.
The book is available for purchase through the Arlington Woman’s Club at 817-277-2666 or office@awtcx.org.
