Imagination Fort Worth
“Welcome Back to the Fort”
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
You are cordially invited to attend
Major Ripley Arnold’s birthday party!
January 17, 1850
Characters from the fort will be traveling forward in time
to come and meet you. Join them as they prepare for Major
Arnold’s surprise party. Coming in from Fort Graham,
Major Arnold and his friend, Delaware Indian scout John
Lewis, are expected back at the fort any time now…
Imagination Fort worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Who are you going to meet?
The Masons: Bob Holmes will tell you about the many of Fort Worth’s founding fathers who were
Masons. Clara Ruddell will introduce you to “Mason”, the beloved Masonic Bell, and its importance.
Early Settlers: Twice Upon a Time Storytellers will portray George “Press” and Jane Farmer, settlers
who were here before the military built the fort. Lonna Baker will talk about the way people dressed at
the time.
The Military: Company F, 2nd Dragoons and their military duties will be covered by Tim Dersham.
Without the military encampment , Fort Worth may never have become the thriving city it is today.
Native Americans: Eddy Sandoval will talk about the role of Native American’s in the area. He might
teach you how to create a bow from a Bois D’arc branch, or another excellent present for the Major’s
birthday.
Community Around the Fort: Rena Lawrence, from Log Cabin Village will show what it took to keep
the fort in shape.
Families & Culture at the Fort: You will learn about the Arnold Family and others at the fort. Dr.
Gouhenant will be here to teach us about music and dance at the fort.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
A study of community: This event will help fortify
the concepts presented in FWISD’s 2nd Grade Social
Studies Pacing Guide:
Living in communities
How communities grow and change
How and why people gather in community
Community service
Maps, regions, resources and climate
How cultures influence communities
Early settlers and their “business plans”
The power of people
The places where we live
Different types of maps
Citizenship in the community
Strength of Spirit
How leaders and events shape communities
Human geography
How geography affects our community.
The bartering system
What money is all about; “banking”
Timeline of historical figures
We are part of this place
America at its best: we all contribute and make a difference
Link to Birdseye
View of Fort
Worth
http://www.birds
eyeviews.org/zoo
m.php?city=Fort%
20Worth&year=1
876&extra_info
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Diverse cultures established
early Fort Worth
Native Americans, African Americans, Mexicans, and
European immigrants including: French, Polish, German,
Spanish and Anglo settlers helped to establish Fort Worth.
However, this area has been inhabited for thousands of
years by people who recognized the rich resources we
have. Having a good source of water (the Trinity River)
and good land (including prized grass lands and rich
soil) made this area important well before the military
or European settlers arrived. When the city was founded,
it was a time of great expansion, as settlers were moving
westward in hopes of a better life.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
A Study of Community:
In June of 1849, Fort Worth was established just east
of the Cross Timbers on a carefully chosen high
bluff overlooking the confluence of the Clear Fork
and the West Fork of the Trinity River.
The Company F of 2nd Dragoons and their
commanding officer, Major Ripley Arnold set up the
new U.S. Army post as part of a defensive line to
protect new settlements. Arnold named it after his
commander, General William Jenkins Worth. What
Arnold didn't know was that Worth had died of
cholera a few days earlier in San Antonio. Local
Indian tribes , settlers and hunting groups were
received at the camp as trading began.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
What made Fort Worth a good fort site?
•Strategically located
•Supplies easily obtained
•Located on higher ground for protection from:
•Floods
•Indian Attacks
•Areas fulfilled treaty obligations with Mexico
•Plentiful Resources:
•Water
•Timber
•Stone
•Arable land for farming
•Animals for hunting
•Fishing spots
•Grass for grazing domesticated animals
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
The Masonic Bell:
The bell was made
in London in 1782. It came to Fort Worth in 1855 as the
property of Lawrence Steele, and was placed in Steele’s
Tavern. In 1871,it was hung in the Masonic Hall. It is now
only rung on special occasions.
Poem to Masonic Bell
(Poem by J.C. Terrell)
Our much loved bell, our Mason Bell,
Could it but speak true tales ‘twould tell
Of youth and home, and those old times,
When oft we heard your soothing chimes.
And so ‘till be, when we are gone,
That tuneful peal will still ring on;
And other craftsmen to brothers tell
And speak your praise, sweet Mason Bell.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
The Masons and education:
“Our Masonic forefathers supported the idea of free universal education for the
citizenry. Masons were among the pioneers who moved into and developed new
areas. One of their first endeavors in a new community was to build a Masonic
Lodge. Generally, this was a two-story structure with the ground floor to serve as a
schoolroom, the upstairs as the lodge.
Freemasonry is firmly committed to building a better community and a better
world. For these reasons, we feel the nurturing of the leaders of tomorrow's society
is vitally necessary! Freemasons must support the public school system. We are
depending on our young people for the future, but for the present, we must let them
know that they can depend on us!” (Frederick Eby, ‘The Development of Education
in Texas’; quoted in James Carter’s Education and Masonry in Texas to 1846.)
Take an online tour of the historic Fort Worth Masonic Center:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_QDG9_8104
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
What the Masons did for Fort Worth:
Names of local Masons you might recognize…
Dr. Carroll Peak
Capt. E.M. (Eph) Daggett
Capt. JC Terrell
Masonic impact:
Capt. Kleber Van Zandt
John Peter Smith
John Peter Smith
Take a look at the
history of the Mighty
Mites a group of orphans
educated at Fort
Worth’s Masonic Home
Orphanage who caught
the eye of the sporting
world:
http://www.12mightyorphans.com/mightyorphans-story.htm
Eph Daggett
http://www.12mightyorphans.com/mightyorphans-book.htm
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
The First Family of Fort Worth
Jane and George “Press” Farmer:
George Preston Farmer (1817-1892) and Jane
Woody Farmer (1827-1895) lived here before there
was a settlement . The couple had been living in
a tent on the Trinity River because Indians had
burned down their log cabin. When Major Ripley
Arnold and the Company F- 2nd Dragoons arrived
in 1849 to establish the fort that become Fort
Worth, the Farmers were right where Arnold wanted to establish the fort, so
George decided to become the fort’s sutler =a civilian merchant who sells
provisions to an army.
George, Jane and daughter Susan were listed in the 1850 census of the fort.
After the Army vacated the fort in 1853, George and Jane homesteaded in
the area, settling in southeast Fort Worth. George and Jane are buried in
Forest Hill Cemetery. Susan Ann Farmer lived into the 1940s, witnessing the
first ninety years of Fort Worth history. She saw Fort Worth’s population
grow from three (her parents and herself) to 177,000.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Twice Upon a
Time Storytellers:
Portraying “Press and Jane
Farmer”, they will present
the story of the earliest
“settlers” and the first
fort “sutlers”, including an
account of their experience
as area settlers, the burning
of their log home by Indians,
and the relief they experienced
when Major Arnold and the
Dragoons first appeared and
raised the US 29 star Flag as
promise of a community and
protection coming to the area.
They will also talk about the
chores young boys and girls
had during the era, and the
games they played.
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Business at the
Fort:
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Generally, a sutler’s store was inside
the limits of an army post. They first
needed to receive a license from the
commander prior to building the
store. Usually the only local supplier
of non-military goods often
developed monopolies on simple
commodities like tobacco, coffee, or
sugar and that gave them power.
The sutlers would have needed to
bring in special provisions for an
occasion such as a birthday party.
What special goods do you think they
would bring?
Bartering Vs.
Buying:
Bartering is a system of trade
where goods and services are
exchanged for other goods or
services without using money.
This was useful on the frontier
where US Currency was hard to
come by even at the forts.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Clothing of the Era:
American clothing during this period was still
very much regional. Immigrants held onto
much of their traditional style of dress. Clothing
also denoted social status. Only in America
could the poor have the chance to achieve a
better life, so for these people, clothing was an
outward expression of the American dream.
In the untamed American wilderness, things
were a bit different. While European settlers
took with them a combination of their
traditional garb and their new American styles,
these types of garments were not practical for
the untamed terrain and their new living
conditions. Clothing had to be adapted to the
demands of the region. Many incorporated
deerskin, fur, and other types of wilderness
materials. Women planted flax which they spun
into thread and wove into their own fabrics.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Types of hats worn in this era.
Prairie Bonnet
Coonskin Cap
Military Cap
Use a painters cap to create one of these hats & wear it to the event!
To make a prairie bonnet wear your hat back on your head so that the bill is turned upwards
and decorate it with flowers, gingham or plaid.
To make a coonskin cap turn the hat backwards and decorate it like an animal skin with a tail
at the back.
To make a military cap wear the cap as it would normally be worn and decorate it with the
color blue, military insignias and buttons.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
The US Military: Company
F- 2nd Dragoons
Major Arnold took a small party of soldiers
to scout a good location for the fort. In late
May of 1849 ,they found a site with all the
necessary elements . So, they planted Old Glory
on the future site of Fort Worth. On June 6th,
Arnold was back with his entire command, the
42 men of Company F-2nd Dragoons along with
a horse drawn saw mill. The men set to work
building a fort and, by the end of August, they
were ready to move in.
With a very distinctive uniform, the Dragoons
rode horses and fought on foot until the mid
1850s, when they developed the cavalry tactics
of fighting on horseback used during the Civil
War. Horses and mules were as highly prized
as cars are today. They used a shortened rifle,
called a “musketoon,” and the heavy saber.
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Parade Marching Grounds
Typical schedule for the day:
5:00 AM= Reveille (trumpet) Roll call
6:30 AM = Call for breakfast
(bread, coffee, bacon or beef)
7:00 AM = Fatigue Call
7:30 AM = Routine duties (hauling water,
gathering wood, tending to the garden,
kitchen duty, building repair, latrine duty)
8:30 AM = Select officers for guard duty-
escorting prisoners, watching for Indian
raids, keeping troops in line.
11:30 AM = Lunch Call
1:00 PM= Return to duties and drills for 2 hours
3:00 PM = Water break
3:30 PM= Sunset, fatigue duties
5:30 PM= Dinner (beef, bread, coffee)
Sunset=
Evening dress parade
9:00 PM = Taps
Learn more about life at the fort:
http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/kids/forts/meet.html
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Native Americans on
the plains and along
the Trinity River
There were a variety of Plains Indians in the
area including the Comanches, Caddos,
Anadarkos, Wacos, Tawakonis, Tonkawas, and
Wichitas.
Their knowledge of the local plants and
animals was vital to the survival of all
settlers looking to live in this region. They had
a strong knowledge of which grasses were best
for grazing and what berries were best to eat.
They also had knowledge of native animals
such as bison that played a part in practically
every aspect of the lives of Native Americans.
Fort Worth was the largest trading center for
bison at this time. Early explorers and
pioneers found bison trails to be level and safe
passageways, preferring them because they
were well packed down and did not lead to
swamps or quicksand. In fact, many of our
modern roads and interstate highways were
once bison trails.
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Do you always believe the press?
Read the article about the Dragoons (left) and
Ripley Arnold’s reply (below). What do you think?
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
What lived here during
the Fort’s time:
Frontier families found game plentiful and
wild fruits and berries in good supply. Deer,
bison, antelope, turkeys, squirrels, ducks,
geese, quail, catfish, hogs and prairie
chickens furnished a varied diet, along with
wild plums, persimmons, grapes and pecans.
In spring, the land was a riot of grasses and
wildflowers such as: daisies, buttercups,
bluebonnets and sweet William.
Mockingbirds, bluejays and scissortails were
among the myriad birds found in the region.
Fort Worth Science and History Museum will
provide a variety of specimens from this area.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Hardships during this era:
Most farmers found wheat a better choice for
cultivation than corn because of the climate, although
getting either crop ground into flour or meal was a
challenge. Often farmers traveled hundreds of miles to
the nearest mills.
Of all the pests and hazards of frontier life, including
bears, panthers, wolves, coyotes, foxes, drought and
flood -one of the worst was grasshoppers. Capt. Pope at
Fort Belknap in April 1854 reported an army of
grasshoppers filled their tents. In October of that same
year, grasshoppers were as thick as a snowstorm in the
Fort Chadbourne area. One report said, a horde swept
through the area for three days straight. …
In the early days of Fort Worth many residents suffered
bouts of dysentery and malaria. ..
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Chores to get
the fort ready.
Hew logs for a new flagpole
Bring in extra water on a yoke
Bake & Cook for the party
Groom & Shoe the Horses
Launder & Clean & Decorate
Log Cabin Village is getting the fort ready for the Major’s
surprise party, and everything needs to be just right today
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
How did children spend
their days?
Parents depended on their children to help out. Children’s
days would begin at first light. They would go to the well and
get water, bring in wood, lay a fire, and boil water. The
children would then milk the cows and collect eggs. Without
electricity or running water, everyday chores took longer.
Doing the laundry might take an entire day.
Children learned to cook, bake, make soap and candles, sew
and spin. Young children did household chores together and
then around the age of 9 or 10 both boys and girls started to
work in the field .For girls, working alongside boys was a big
change. In more settled parts of the country, girls were
expected to do only household chores.
In 1850 it is noted that the children at the fort had a pet deer.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Games and stories with
string
String figures and string stories have
been around for almost as long as
people have been on earth. For example
,the Navajo used string figures as a way
to memorize the patterns involved in
weaving and sand painting.
When children create string figures, they
are exercising their powers of
concentration and coordination and
creating paths of muscle memory. All
you need is sturdy twine or nylon cord
for this excellent game.
Here is a link to making string stories:
http://www.kidspot.com.au/kids-activities-and-games/String-games+33/Cats-cradle-stringgame+11989.htm
Brought to you by Twice
Upon a Time Storytellers
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
How can inventions change your life?
Take a look at the following inventions that changed the lives of those in this era.
Photography =The Daguerreotype was one of the first forms of photography. Louis-Jacques Daguerre
invented the daguerreotype process in France in August of 1839. American photographers quickly
capitalized on this new invention, that was capable of capturing a "truthful likeness." By 1850 it had
made its way to Fort Worth.
Safety pin =American mechanic Walter Hunt invented the safety pin. Needing to settle a $15 debt with a
friend, Hunt decided to invent something new in order to pay off his friend. After being issued a U.S.
patent on April 10, 1849, Hunt sold the patent to W.R. Grace & Co. for $400. Hunt then paid what he owed
to a friend and kept the rest for himself. In the years to follow, W.R. Grace & Co. would make millions of
dollars in profits from his invention.
Greeting cards= The custom of sending greeting cards can be traced back to ancient times. By the early
1400s, handmade paper greeting cards were being exchanged in Europe. By the 1850s, the greeting card
had been transformed from an expensive to an affordable means of communication, due largely to
advances in printing and mechanization, as well as the 1840 introduction of the postage stamp. Another
great invention involving a greeting card can be seen on the next page, can you guess what it is?
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Birthday cake
The tradition of celebrating a birthday with
cake and lit candles originated in Germany in
1746 when Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf’s
celebrated his birthday in Germany. Prior to
1850 in United States, the observance of
birthdays was not a tradition as it is
today. Honoring Ripley Arnold’s 33rd birthday
with a cake would have been a new way to
celebrate. Below is a traditional recipe from a
1849 volume of The Modern Housewife, a
classic Victorian cookbook that Mrs. Ripley
may have used. (Major Arnold was born in
1817. How old was he in 1850?)
POUND CAKE—Put one pound of butter into
an earthen pan with a pound of powdered
sugar, and a little grated nutmeg, beat them
well together with the hand until forming a
smooth lightish cream, then add by degrees
eight eggs, beating it for ten minutes after,
then add a pound and a quarter of sifted flour,
stir it in lightly, and put the mixture into
hoops to bake.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Culture at the Fort:
Ripley Arnold’s wife Kate, was a woman of
sophistication, who frequently traveled with her
children between Washington D.C. and her husband's
outposts like Fort Worth. She and her children
brought culture to the early days at the fort. Women
tried to bring culture and beauty to the frontier by
decorating the fort and supplying popular books .
Another of the area’s cultured inhabitants was Dr.
Adolphus F. Gouhenant, a Frenchman who
immigrated to Texas in 1848 . He came to Fort Worth,
where he became friends with Major Ripley Arnold
and Kate Arnold. A renaissance man, Gouhenant's
knowledge of art, music, languages, daguerreotypes
and wine making made him a popular figure in the
pioneer communities. In the early 1850's, Gouhenant
opened a studio in Dallas called "The Art Saloon
Gallery." There, he displayed his paintings and
entertained friends and neighbors.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Music at the Fort:
There were various types of music at the fort. Some
residents preferred classical music, while others had a
fondness for folk music. Folk music was the popular
form of music of the day and often followed immigrants
from their native countries (such as Scottish reels) while
classical music was considered the more cultured of the
two. Both used similar instruments such as piano, violin
(fiddle) and mandolin. (Harmonica and guitar, as well).
The Sawyer Family will be performing both classical and
folk music of the era. Which do you prefer?
Links to Classical Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbxup7NBQoE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD7TtE81gGA
Links to Folk Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGQLc4j9Hyk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fvpKs1WrnI
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Ripley Arnold is a composer?
When Ripley Arnold attended West Point Military Academy,
he co-wrote a song still sung at the academy today,“ Benny Havens, Oh!”
Have a listen….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybITKklvmL0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDFfLA7tNzk
Military music was
important not only for
entertainment, but also
for giving marching orders
and offering troop moral.
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
We would like to thank our sponsors
and performers, whose support made
this program possible.
Historic Fort Worth Masonic Center = Bob Holmes
Texas Trail of Fame &Friends of the Cowtown Coliseum =Clara Ruddell and Doug Harmon
Eddy Sandoval
R.O.T.C.
Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fort Worth Dragoons =Fort Worth Calvary Christian Academy =Tim Dersham
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Log Cabin Village = Rena Lawrence
The Lone Star Legacy = Lonna Baker & Friends
The Imports Store =Matt Kirkham
Texas Commission for the Arts
Michael White, Sawyer Family,
Kent Williams,
Twice Upon A Time Storytellers
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
We want to thank these funders
who made this program possible:
The Armstrong Foundation
Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County
Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Gary Patterson Foundation
The Sid W. Richardson Foundation
The Rosenthal Foundation
The William E. Scott Foundation
The Texas Commission on the Arts
Wells Fargo
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
Want to know more about the
early days of Fort Worth?
Check out these resources.
tp://www.amazon.com/Fortthat-Became-CityReconstruction/dp/0875651
461/ref=cm_wl_huc_item ht
http://www.amazo
n.com/Fort-WorthA-FrontierTriumph/dp/08756
52026/ref=pd_sim
_b_4
http://www.amazon.com/
Fort-Worth-ClayPerkins/dp/1930566107/r
ef=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=
UTF8&qid=1377745636
&sr=11&keywords=the+worth+
in+fort+worth+clay+perki
ns
http://www.amazon.com/
Soldiers-Sutlers-AndSettlersGarrison/dp/1585440647
/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books
&ie=UTF8&qid=1377745
746&sr=1-1spell&keywords=soldiers
+settlers+and+suttlers+r
obert+wooster
http://www.amazon.co
m/Twelve-MightyOrphans-InspiringFootball/dp/03123848
74/ref=sr_1_1?s=book
s&ie=UTF8&qid=1377
745979&sr=11&keywords=jim+dent
+12+mighty+orphans
Imagination Celebration
Of Fort Worth
Welcome Back to the Fort:
A Study of Fort Worth’s Community
$25,000+
$10,000-$24,999
Sid W. Richa rdson Founda tion
Arts Council of Fort Worth & Ta rra nt County
Rosentha l Founda tion
Community Founda tion of North Texa s
Willia m E. Scott Founda tion
Ellison & Edwa rd La sa ter Trust
Texa s Commission for the Arts
Texa s Educa tion Agency
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
$500 - $9,999
Armstrong Founda tion
Arts Council of Northea st Ta rra nt County
Ba tes Conta iner
BBVA Compa ss Founda tion
Jill Bla ck
Colonia l Country Club Cha rity
Communities Founda tion of Texa s
Fort Worth Convention a nd Visitors Burea u
Frost Ba nk
Ma ry Potishma n La rd Trust
Ja ck La rson
Mollie & Ga rla nd La sa ter Trust
Rozell Spra yer Ma nufa cturing
Rya n Founda tion
Sertoma Club of Downtown Fort Worth
Joe P. Stra in
Ta rget Founda tion
Texa s Associa tion of Pa rents & Educa tors of the Dea f
Virginia Street Smith Trust
Wells Fa rgo Founda tion