I visited the Texas Panhandle towns of Borger, Skellytown, Pampa & White Deer. Afterwards, Nic & I had a late lunch at a unique Amarillo restaurant. Travel Vlog 261
Regarding White Deer's unusually high income stats, a lot of residents in these rural western Texas and Oklahoma towns enjoy a fairly steady stream of income from mineral rights (often inherited from parents, grandparents, and so on).
So they did nothing and get benefits because of their ancestors who took land from natives? The government should seize their assets and distribute to the community. - WW
They didn’t take it from the natives. The US Government took from the natives and gave it to them. And this govt is the same one you expect justice from now!?!?
@@WanderingWolf365такое перераспределение доходов возможно только при социализме и коммунизме. Когда есть частная собственность на землю, ресурсы, предприятия - ограбление закреплено законом
When the Texas Rangers went in to restore order to Borger, Captain Frank Hamer led the rangers. You may recognize Hamer's name, as he was the one who led the ambush of Bonnie and Clyde some years later.
@@jeffclaterbaugh3962 I agree about trains. I love them. I live in a small texas town north of Austin. There’s a rail road track about two blocks away. I love it.
I lived and grew up in fritch, small town few miles west of borger. All you had were those 2 towns, if you had ti get something exclusive somewhere, you most likley had to for about an hour drive to Amarillo. I really enjoyed the big sky country there and how empty it was.
My grandparents lived in Borger for decades. They would tell stories of the population boom and walking elbow to elbow downtown, even in the wee hours. I was always incredulous hearing those stories considering I often felt I was looking at a ghost town. Fun fact: in these sun-dried dying towns, take a closer look. You’ll notice the church is always the best kept property. It looks pristine while everything around it is a wreck.
In Texas, or anywhere for that matter, when religion takes a top spot in people's priorities, it can lead to a situation where individuals become economically disadvantaged due to the misplacement of their focus, resulting in the misallocation of time, money, and energy. The only ones who tend to prosper financially because of religion are those who offer religious services, rather than the individuals who practice their faith.
The poorest plays in rural chickens walking in the streets Mexico always had he most elaborate gold gilded churches- seems to be a universal observation.
@@2ndavenuesw481 usually a house or four pops up after water is found then the church and store comes in, maybe eventually they get a piece of infrastructure like a paved road system or train then a art deco/ mid century modern city utilities building (fire/police/hospital)
A wonderful video, as always. These quiet towns have a very unique atmosphere, and I always find them so fascinating to drive through, and their history is always interesting, too. Congratulations on your new Grand Cherokee, very exciting !! The restaurant looked very relaxing, and the food looked delicious. Thanks so much, Joe and Nic, always enjoyable.😊💚
I have been following you for about three weeks. I found your videos interesting and educational in regards to other states their living conditions ,as well the home prices ect, thank you for all the information is useful .
In the town of Borger, the way main street is broken up with trees and brick reminds me of Hendersonville, NC. They didn't want us dragging main street so they changed it from 4 lane to a zig-zag two lane with planters full of trees, bushes and flowers... It didn't slow us down from cruising up & down, good memories for sure.... Thanks Joe for sharing another interesting video of the Texas panhandle. Glad you got a new vehicle...
I drove through these towns 5 years ago and had the most insane appreciation for how beautiful the old brick buildings were and they were abandoned! Just like everyone else I did not have the funds to move into the town and get it sparked up again.
@@panlam3366 weird comment, no need to diss city life. People like to live near each other, that's all. But I agree with you I hope these towns get to really experience liveliness again
Joe and Nic formerly known as Lord and Lady Spoda have as a tour of the good old USA . As such we have discovered architecture , churches , county court houses , theaters , state captals , gas stations , Dollar General Stores, cats and dogs and cozy neighborhood bars and a little history .
Congratulations on the new Grand Cherokee! I got one as a rental a few months back. I believe it was the Limited or the Overland. Either way, it was an extremely nice suv. I’m guessing based on the miles you guys drive you probably have to get into something new about every two years. Glad that there wasn’t any down time between videos, but don’t burn yourselves out…..
I had family live in all those towns! Haven't heard of those towns in a LONG time. My mom met my father in Skellytown. She grew up in Pampa and White Deer. Never been to any of those towns so it is nice to see them. Thank you!
I went to SFA. Sometimes shopped in Lufkin. Right before I moved back home after college, I worked at Beard’s in Lufkin during its going out of business sale. I also was a volunteer DJ at KSWP.
Love sitting next to you on these wonderful back roads and listening to all the interesting information you pass along. And the restaurant stops and food reviews are a nice tough. Thank You.
I enjoyed your tour of the panhandle towns! So glad to see a video today! You are a great storyteller! I love the orange house in Pampa. The court house is gorgeous too. White Deer has a very interesting dynamic. Thank you for researching the town for us. A lot of people in this country are house poor as they say. I would think it would be nice they can afford to put their money into other things. Your food looked great!
Isn’t it a shame that our towns are in such disrepair? Thank you for showing the truth of what this country has come to. It’s still very relaxing to hear your voice and watch your videos.
A main reason that the smaller towns are losing people is the fact that in earlier times they needed lots of workers to harvest the crops or deal with the livestock . Now days with these huge tractors and herding cattle with helicopters , all these workers are not needed , so the kids leave the town and move to the city to find jobs . Trust me , America is not dying .
@@gordonlandreth9550 - That's true. Also in other areas, the factory that people worked at or the mine shut down, thus people move away. No jobs to be had. Many of the areas are where old people are there to die. Usually the local hospital is booming because those old people need healthcare.
@@gordonlandreth9550 But there’s no excuse for the trash in some of these towns. And our government could put money towards these American towns before sending to other countries!
I used to shuttle other drivers around the National/Enterprise lot at KCI. Had my pick of any vehicle. I always went with a Grand Cherokee. Most comfortable to drive, fit several people, tightest turning radius, etc. Good choice! 👍
Wow, what a stark contrast between the north and the south. Me? I prefer the south and sure do miss Louisiana. Excellent video and I loved the music in the restaurant. I was a young man when these first came out. 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻 as always, thank you Joe and Nicole ❤️
Hey Joe & Nic. You made my Tuesday. So happy to be back on the road with you guys. Thank you for all the stats you dig up..mighty interesting. I've always heard things are big in Texas..by the looks of those tacos..my goodness. One taco would feed me for 3 days. YUM!
As I just complimented the other USA geographical documentarian I sometimes watch, I'll do the same here. Ive been watching your videos the past year. As long as you've not stolen a part of my life, or been part of stealing, 'any part of my lie or others', these compliments shall stand. You present the most interesting historical picture of USA towns and states I've seen. The color commentary is entertaining as well. You keep things positive for your show. That's admirable. I can't do that considering I've been under attack for so many years, by so many interests, even my own family at times. But it's good you do in your show.. I'm surprised you haven't taken a break, but maybe you want to be sure your audience remains. As long as you've not stolen, or been part of stealing, any part of my life, or anyone else's, I hope you continue
Lots of mexican restaurants around here plus others in our area.This whole area between San Antonio and Austin keeps growing.Even towns like Marion had new houses.There are places like waelder, Westhoff, Cuero, Goliad, Dewville Garfield, Cheapside Cotton Patch etc.
Goliad Tx, a town with great meaning for many Mexicans, since the General Ignacio Zaragoza was born there. hero of the battle of Puebla on that May 5th...
The history of Borger was fascinating. Who would have imagined unsavory folk in a boomtown? 😆 Your videos are undisputedly the best of the genre on You Tube. Thanks as always.
OZ/ Thanks U 2 !! Very good to see you again- great that YT throw your vids up in front of my face ! (who said algorithms are bad?) LOL ! Yeah, White Deer- interesting figures. I particularly love the residential sections- especially in those old 'fading' towns. Cheers CY
Another great video. As an over the road truck driver, it's nice to leave the interstate and see these small towns on the back highways. I have actually picked up a load of carbon black from the plant on the left at 6:00. Grew up in Oklahoma but one of my close friends lived in Pampa for a few years so I've visted quite a bit.
As always, I found your video informative! My wife attended school in Pampa. Regarding Borger, what a history that place has! In 1927 Governor Daniel J. Moody sent in a detachment of Texas Rangers to restore order. Some successes occurred. However, the criminal element was deeply entrenched. Sporadic violence would still flare-up. District Attorney John A. Holmes was assassinated September 18, 1929 by parties unknown. The governor had had enough. Martial law was declared. A contingent of militia was dispatched from Fort Worth on a special train. Upon arrival, the "clean-up" commenced. Violence even claimed the life of A. P. (Ace) Borger, the town's namesake.
These towns are made of automobiles not walking. People work during the day and if they go shopping they drive to the store. You can see all the cars parked out front of the stores in Pampa and White Deer. Nobody walks around town. I grew up in this area. Nothing has really changed.
Here I'll give you a ❤️ for that comment your right because there all lasy or sick ok sick u get b pass but most are not it's a lot of effort to keep a house nice
This is so ironic. I grew up in Borger Texas from 1960 to 1971. The population then was 18,000ish. One of the most ICONIC buildings and businesses in Borger is in your first video scene at 00.23. On the left side just past the gas station is a 2 story building. This building was the famous Barneys Pharmacy. In its hayday this was THE hot spot in Borger Texas. It was owned by my father Bill Sprague with a couple of partners. It was the main drugstore in town and had a huge soda shop and cafe inside. Hand dipped milkshakes and grilled hamburgers were the best in town. It also had a huge gift shop with a large perfume section and every tobacco brand on the planet. The magazine rack was world class. No trip to town went without Barneys Pharmacy. It was always busy and stayed open to 11:00 at night so it was a great hang out spot for kids and teenagers. Growing up there I delivered newspapers on my bike for the Amarillo Globe Newspaper. Every morning at 4:00 AM 150 newspapers would get dropped off right at that front door in your video. I road my bike 5 miles to town and sat on that very curb at the front door every morning rain, snow or shine at 5:00AM and rolled papers, put them in my bike baskets and rode the street of Borger delivering papers. I would finish just in time to be at school at 8:15. I think if I was lucky I made about $15.00 a month !!! Growing up here...this town was blast!
WOOOOOOWW! You traded the Bronco in! I didn't even notice at first until you mentioned it! That Bronco did you proud, IMHO and I hope she goes to a good home. Somebody made a remark in one of your previous videos, maybe trying to be funny, that you wouldn't let Nicole drive the Bronco. Well, I'm glad you cleared that up! Good luck with the Grand Cherokee!!
Family ranch in Gage, Oklahoma, travel thru Texas. Town after town like this .very peaceful . Watch out for Higgins ,TX PD! Especially with out of state plates
Going back 50 years ago the Urban Legend about the Texas cops was that a motorist with California plates would get cited for speeding if he wasn't exceeding the speed limit.
So you were nervous about the Bronco's reliability since it had over 100,000 miles on the clock? That would have been a valid worry back in the '50s. My 2001 Ford F150 has over 286,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Just change the oil every 3000 miles and you are good to go.
You're right, of course. Years ago I had a Ford 150 that went over 200,000 miles. That said, I get a little nervous when I'm out in the middle of nowhere (we are heading into very rural Nevada right now), so I'll most likely never go that long in a vehicle again.
Buildings sit in varying levels of disrepair, but mother nature has taken over the lawns and gardens. The skeletal remains of a once vital town is both tragic and nostalgic. How many years ago was it the center of the universe for the families that lived in its homes and the people that ran its busineses? If we look close enough, can we detect the shadow of the paths they walked? Can we hear whispered echoes of once strong voices? Inevitably, the mothers and fathers that nurtured their children in this town have also passed on. Was one of those children us? We can restore a home, re-plant a garden, but we cannot resurrect those golden moments in our past that shaped us. Perhaps this ghost town, standing like a sentry, reminds us to acknowledge our ancestors, for whom our goals were their whole world, during those golden moments.
Joe, I really enjoy watching your videos. You take us to some pretty cool places. One suggestion though: your microphone, or its location, causes there to be a really noticeable low-frequency rumble sound when your vehicle is driving, sometimes even when you're driving very slowly. I'm using a so-so equalizer to reduce the low-frequencies but that rumble is still noticeable. I think that you could either use a filter in your video editing software and perhaps isolating your microphone from the car's body so that the rumble is either eliminated or reduced. Keep producing these video 'cause I love 'em. You do a great job sharing your perceptions of these towns and giving us statistics is also very interesting. Thank you!
While in BHS we use to cruise Main Street back and forth, back and forth, mail street Sunday morning there would be a solid line of beer bottles set nicely in a row on both sides and middle of road. There was lake Meredith, McBrides/Alibates canyons, great hunting of all sorts of game, White Tail Deer, Mule Deer, Turkey, Three species of Quail with all the common predators,,,it was a great place to grow up in with great people. And we kicked ass in HS football, kicked ass.
Most people who live in whitedeer like i do are employed at pantex or work pipeline so yes they make more money but our little town also looks out for everyone here its like a whole family our kids start kindergarten together and graduate high school together...i would not change anything about whitedeer texas i have been living here since 1998 had 3 children graduate here and some of my grandchildren go to school here...
PS: That restaurant you went to at the end really resonated with me. I'm not a big taco fan but I think I may become one. And reasonable! Looked delicious ( I know, the soda) but i googled it and it's gotten great reviews so I flagged it and if I'm ever in Amarillo again I'll make it a point to stop! Thanks! Oh, it's called Yellow City Street Food, 4.7 score on Google Maps. Thanks again.
The abandoned downtowns with all the empty retail/restaurant spaces is such a piece of Americana. Loss of population wasn't the only reason all those places are empty or abandoned. In the 1960's and 1970's when the big box stores like Kmart, Walmart and others started opening, Americans shopping patterns changed. They could now go to one store and buy everything they needed vs. hitting multiple small stores in the downtown area. Home Depot killed small locally owned hardware stores. Then came the indoor shopping malls in the 1970's and 1980's. It was death to those small businesses that occupied those downtown retail spaces. Now today with so many Americans being able to buy things online and have it delivered (Amazon), the brick and mortar businesses are really stressed and shrinking. Think Bed bath and beyonds recently bankruptcy. The challenges for these cities is what to do with the over capacity of empty retail spaces in their downtown areas and suburbs. If the population has been shrinking for decades with no rebound in sight, at some point they just need to be knocked down in my opinion.
My family, originally from NW Arkansas,lived in Pampa from 1948 til 1961. Then my parents moved back to Arkansas. The courthouse is where my driver's ed. teacher,also a coach,had us start from,drive around a block or two,then back,to get our driver's license! My dad worked for Cabot west of town. A few years ago Pampa was hit really bad with a tornado! I believe the building downtown you thought had been a movie theater was the old Capri. I was in Junior High when they built capri in the late 1950s. Best I remember " Blue Hawaii" being there when it came out.
Great seeing yet another video, similar to the first of yours I came across. Perhaps by watching explorations of abandoned sites yt recommended your channel and I initially thought all your videos would be exploring (almost) ghost towns. PS think we're all curious what other research you did before going with a Jeep.
These towns all looked pretty barren and kind of sad except the last one looked alright. Borger looked way more run down than the numbers would suggest, but then again I guess it did lose well over half it's population since it's peak. White Deer was kind of interesting. Was hoping y'all would have tried some of the vegan food though lol. I have been doing a pescatarian diet for the past few months and was curious to get your reaction! RIP to the Bronco.
He stayed near the main street area. That’s the worst part of town. Not sure why he didn’t go into any other area. Seeing that he went to the carbon black plant which is several miles n west of town. Skellytown and Pampa are due east. It’s almost like he tried to make it look bad.
He most definitely showed the worst part of Borger. There are nice neighborhoods away from downtown and golf course with larger brick homes in the neighborhood. There’s shopping strips, businesses etc but he showed what has happened to the oldest part of town. It’s very sad to see. Borger is so small now.
My family live in Borger while I was an infant. Then moved to Dumas. My dad worked for a family owned dirtwork company and was later hired on to work for Phillips 66 in Borger. My Grandfather made a crash landing in Borger in a plane owned by the family owned business. I think it was in the late 80’s or early 90’s. All the locals called it Borger in the day and booger at night. Not sure way, but my guess was the crime rate at night.
I just discovered your channel and I really enjoy your interesting commentary!! I love visiting these desolate towns. There are people living there with dreams like everyone else. You are so respectful of moving through these towns and it is appreciated. I've stayed one night Years ago at the now closed Lonesome Dove inn in Archer City. I attended a play at the theater, met Larry McMurtry, and had lunch with local ladies before I headed back to Dallas. It is the town where The Last Picture Show was filmed. Very haunting in a way but I found the people very alive! One of my best single sojourns. I just subscribed and looking forward to your next journey. Oh...your wife has beautiful hair!😊 21:31
Those were the biggest tacos, especially the fish taco that I’ve ever seen. Usually restaurants get pretty skimpy when it comes to tacos. You have an interesting channel that happened to pop up in my feed. I’ve subscribed to see where your journey goes.
No I'm sorry but I don't. I was there with a friend who lived there years ago, born and raised but he left when he was in his early teens. His family moved to the Galveston area.@@robertkitchens6341
Add some Jack to that "cola." That'll help, as much as Jack can help. (I am not a Jack fan.) Also: very happy to see you are continuing the loooong journey. Be safe.
Great work guys for the past 3 months trip.....avid follower.....would love to see more of the old west....Dalton gang hideout in Kansas, Tombstone, AZ, OK corral, Wagon ruts sante fe trail. etc....
Back in my hometown. Amarillo! I've never heard of that restaurant. But it looked good! If i ever get back that way, I'll have to try it out. See you New Mexico!
Really enjoyed the videos very informative and educational! If i may make a suggestion, could you please include when the towns were founded? I have always found that to be interesting, because it helps me to see how much time has passed for the town to be prosperous or in decline. I apologize if you already do, but thought i just wanted to be sure ,because i miss things quite often!
The busiest area for vice in Borger was down by the Canadian River. Even after the Bible thumpers cleaned up the town, the area north of town was lined with bars and bordellos. They called it Electric City for the strings of light along the highway. It was still lit up in the by early sixties but a new road was built slightly to the west and now you can't see the old derelict buildings that are still there. Borger once had many shotgun houses and other houses built for Phillips Petroleum employees. Ditto for Pampa.
Now you are in my neck of the woods(or scrub)....I love West Texas, but it is big and lonely :p Looks like you will get into the red dust of the panhandle...
505 West 5th Ave in White Deer is pending sale for $230,000. A selling point is that it is near Pampa! Just getting back to your videos and find I have missed them a lot! Nice new car! 🚐
Regarding the high income level in White Deer, it's possible that a number of this town's residents are employed at the nearby Pantex facility. Those jobs pay very high wages. I lived in Amarillo a number of years ago. I knew a number of people who worked there. A lot of people in the small towns in the Amarillo area work there. Pantex is one of the largest employers. I just thought about White Deer people working there since a few miles to the west on US highway 60. By the way my hometown is Childress. I'm retired. I moved back home a number of years ago. Childress is very busy with a lot of traffic through town. If you want quiet Childress is not the place. It's likely you've driven through here. Childress doesn't have the abandoned homes and decay you see in many other small West Texas towns. Although the population has declined like other towns you won't see the widespread decay here. The town isn't perfect but it's been blessed to be located on a major highway and has progressive leadership. I was surprised to see the widespread decay in Borger. I thought Borger was a nicer looking town. Those Panhandle oil towns took a big hit back in the 1980's when the oil drilling boom went bust and never recovered from the high number of job losses. By the way the little town of White Deer was amazing. I saw only a small amount of decay. High incomes in a town do make a difference. Little to no poverty makes a difference in the appearance of a town. White Deer is very unique.
No, my husband worked, for Valero corporation in SA, and was transferred t near Pampa, so, we bought a house here fir 370000dlrs, but, we kept our house in SA , so we are back and forward, I can’t manage to live just in here.I’m from Mexico City, it’s a big difference!!!
Off-topic, but congrats on the Grand Cherokee! The hood looked different and I was hoping you'd explain the car situation. Here's to happy miles in the Jeep.
The panhandle area has plenty of “mailbox money” so when it seems like the numbers don’t add up that can be part of it. Yards are hard to maintain well in the climate here, hot dry heats, damaging cold a lot of pests get to the trees etc. And the codes aren’t like other areas regarding buildings being sound 🤷🏼♀️ just my thoughts. 10 years in Pampa originally from small rural desert California. Better cost of living, better abilities to gain college entrance even in community colleges to gain better careers in certain fields, and of course things like oil field work, good money, low cost of living, less taxes & government and local regulation in certain things
Another great video, thanks Joe. I wish you hadn't bought a Chrysler product though, mechanically they are the biggest pieces of garbage on the road. I hope you fare better than most Chrysler owners and I wish you continued safe journeys.
I remember Texas in early 90s. Long live Texas. Wonderful and kind people in small towns. Lone Star.
Regarding White Deer's unusually high income stats, a lot of residents in these rural western Texas and Oklahoma towns enjoy a fairly steady stream of income from mineral rights (often inherited from parents, grandparents, and so on).
Absolutely right, mineral rights and farming (medium sized to large farms) held in the same families for generations quite often.
Agree. It must be mineral rights
So they did nothing and get benefits because of their ancestors who took land from natives? The government should seize their assets and distribute to the community. - WW
They didn’t take it from the natives. The US Government took from the natives and gave it to them. And this govt is the same one you expect justice from now!?!?
@@WanderingWolf365такое перераспределение доходов возможно только при социализме и коммунизме. Когда есть частная собственность на землю, ресурсы, предприятия - ограбление закреплено законом
Really glad to see you back on so soon, but don't wear yourself out.
Sure glad to see you back so soon!
When the Texas Rangers went in to restore order to Borger, Captain Frank Hamer led the rangers. You may recognize Hamer's name, as he was the one who led the ambush of Bonnie and Clyde some years later.
The kind of historical tid bit I love!
I suspected it!
My grandfather worked on building the railroad to Borger the summer he graduated high school. He saw the town in all its "glory".
That's cool.
All the tracks were allowed to be removed in the 80s to most West Texas towns . Why ? We could use a rail road now 🤮
I think it’s worth it. Yeah bring your own drink.
@@jeffclaterbaugh3962 I agree about trains. I love them. I live in a small texas town north of Austin. There’s a rail road track about two blocks away. I love it.
I lived and grew up in fritch, small town few miles west of borger. All you had were those 2 towns, if you had ti get something exclusive somewhere, you most likley had to for about an hour drive to Amarillo. I really enjoyed the big sky country there and how empty it was.
My grandparents lived in Borger for decades. They would tell stories of the population boom and walking elbow to elbow downtown, even in the wee hours. I was always incredulous hearing those stories considering I often felt I was looking at a ghost town. Fun fact: in these sun-dried dying towns, take a closer look. You’ll notice the church is always the best kept property. It looks pristine while everything around it is a wreck.
After everything is boarded up, dying little towns always have churches and taverns going.
In Texas, or anywhere for that matter, when religion takes a top spot in people's priorities, it can lead to a situation where individuals become economically disadvantaged due to the misplacement of their focus, resulting in the misallocation of time, money, and energy. The only ones who tend to prosper financially because of religion are those who offer religious services, rather than the individuals who practice their faith.
The poorest plays in rural chickens walking in the streets Mexico always had he most elaborate gold gilded churches- seems to be a universal observation.
@@manjunathmadabalif it weren't for the churches many of those villages wouldn't exist.
@@2ndavenuesw481 usually a house or four pops up after water is found then the church and store comes in, maybe eventually they get a piece of infrastructure like a paved road system or train then a art deco/ mid century modern city utilities building (fire/police/hospital)
A wonderful video, as always. These quiet towns have a very unique atmosphere, and I always find them so fascinating to drive through, and their history is always interesting, too. Congratulations on your new Grand Cherokee, very exciting !! The restaurant looked very relaxing, and the food looked delicious. Thanks so much, Joe and Nic, always enjoyable.😊💚
Many thanks, CL!!
(From Amsterdam) I have watched these videos multiple times and am fascinated every single time! Wonderfully informative and entertaining! Love it ! !
Awesome, thank you!
I have been following you for about three weeks. I found your videos interesting and educational in regards to other states their living conditions ,as well the home prices ect, thank you for all the information is useful .
In the town of Borger, the way main street is broken up with trees and brick reminds me of Hendersonville, NC. They didn't want us dragging main street so they changed it from 4 lane to a zig-zag two lane with planters full of trees, bushes and flowers... It didn't slow us down from cruising up & down, good memories for sure....
Thanks Joe for sharing another interesting video of the Texas panhandle. Glad you got a new vehicle...
Your channel is a treasure. Quality and worthwhile content
I drove through these towns 5 years ago and had the most insane appreciation for how beautiful the old brick buildings were and they were abandoned! Just like everyone else I did not have the funds to move into the town and get it sparked up again.
Very much like the verb " sparked!"
@@bthomson sad why no one has tried to bring life into these towns all the Life is in the big stupid cities 😢
@@panlam3366 weird comment, no need to diss city life. People like to live near each other, that's all. But I agree with you I hope these towns get to really experience liveliness again
Joe and Nic formerly known as Lord and Lady Spoda have as a tour of the good old USA . As such we have discovered architecture , churches , county court houses , theaters , state captals , gas stations , Dollar General Stores, cats and dogs and cozy neighborhood bars and a little history .
Quite the litany!
Congratulations on the new Grand Cherokee! I got one as a rental a few months back. I believe it was the Limited or the Overland. Either way, it was an extremely nice suv. I’m guessing based on the miles you guys drive you probably have to get into something new about every two years. Glad that there wasn’t any down time between videos, but don’t burn yourselves out…..
I had family live in all those towns! Haven't heard of those towns in a LONG time. My mom met my father in Skellytown. She grew up in Pampa and White Deer. Never been to any of those towns so it is nice to see them. Thank you!
We lived in lufkin Texas many years ago. A wonderful small town. Loved living there but moved closer to family when we got older.
I am from Jasper
I went to SFA. Sometimes shopped in Lufkin. Right before I moved back home after college, I worked at Beard’s in Lufkin during its going out of business sale. I also was a volunteer DJ at KSWP.
Love sitting next to you on these wonderful back roads and listening to all the interesting information you pass along. And the restaurant stops and food reviews are a nice tough. Thank You.
I enjoyed your tour of the panhandle towns! So glad to see a video today! You are a great storyteller! I love the orange house in Pampa. The court house is gorgeous too. White Deer has a very interesting dynamic. Thank you for researching the town for us. A lot of people in this country are house poor as they say. I would think it would be nice they can afford to put their money into other things. Your food looked great!
Thank you for the great comment, Alexandra!
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@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip😊
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A new bronco! Does that mean TH-cam is doing you right? I hope so, you deserve it! You put out a lot of great content.
I love this video especially the moment that you feel peace when no annoying sound in the country ❤❤
Isn’t it a shame that our towns are in such disrepair? Thank you for showing the truth of what this country has come to. It’s still very relaxing to hear your voice and watch your videos.
A main reason that the smaller towns are losing people is the fact that in earlier times they needed lots of workers to harvest the crops or deal with the livestock . Now days with these huge tractors and herding cattle with helicopters , all these workers are not needed , so the kids leave the town and move to the city to find jobs . Trust me , America is not dying .
Go look up "Agenda 21" and you'll see why small towns are shrinking
Oops that should read " United Nations Agenda 21"
@@gordonlandreth9550 - That's true. Also in other areas, the factory that people worked at or the mine shut down, thus people move away. No jobs to be had. Many of the areas are where old people are there to die. Usually the local hospital is booming because those old people need healthcare.
@@gordonlandreth9550 But there’s no excuse for the trash in some of these towns. And our government could put money towards these American towns before sending to other countries!
I used to shuttle other drivers around the National/Enterprise lot at KCI. Had my pick of any vehicle. I always went with a Grand Cherokee. Most comfortable to drive, fit several people, tightest turning radius, etc. Good choice! 👍
Wow, what a stark contrast between the north and the south. Me? I prefer the south and sure do miss Louisiana. Excellent video and I loved the music in the restaurant. I was a young man when these first came out. 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻 as always, thank you Joe and Nicole ❤️
oh yeah..I remember the tune from BTO & Loggin etc..u & I must be from the same era AWESOME music back then ! Cheers stomod.
@@zoidmo3388 Rock on my friend 😎👍
I was picking up on the music too
Hey Joe & Nic. You made my Tuesday. So happy to be back on the road with you guys. Thank you for all the stats you dig up..mighty interesting. I've always heard things are big in Texas..by the looks of those tacos..my goodness. One taco would feed me for 3 days. YUM!
Bingewatching your vlogs. Keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Awesome! Thank you!
Well that was a short break from the 3 month trip. I wasn't expecting another video for a month or two.
We took 8 days off. We always have videos backed up so we can stay on schedule. :)
As I just complimented the other USA geographical documentarian I sometimes watch, I'll do the same here. Ive been watching your videos the past year.
As long as you've not stolen a part of my life, or been part of stealing, 'any part of my lie or others', these compliments shall stand.
You present the most interesting historical picture of USA towns and states I've seen.
The color commentary is entertaining as well.
You keep things positive for your show. That's admirable. I can't do that considering I've been under attack for so many years, by so many interests, even my own family at times.
But it's good you do in your show.. I'm surprised you haven't taken a break, but maybe you want to be sure your audience remains.
As long as you've not stolen, or been part of stealing, any part of my life, or anyone else's, I hope you continue
A lot of the buildings are Skelly tons. Lol. Just found your channel and I love it,especially your commentary.
Lots of mexican restaurants around here plus others in our area.This whole area between San Antonio and Austin keeps growing.Even towns like Marion had new houses.There are places like waelder, Westhoff, Cuero, Goliad, Dewville Garfield, Cheapside Cotton Patch etc.
It's sad most people just move in to the cities these towns will keep fading away 😢
Goliad Tx, a town with great meaning for many Mexicans, since the General Ignacio Zaragoza was born there. hero of the battle of Puebla on that May 5th...
Taco ,taco need another taco. Not
The history of Borger was fascinating. Who would have imagined unsavory folk in a boomtown? 😆 Your videos are undisputedly the best of the genre on You Tube. Thanks as always.
Always enjoy looking up all these places on google earth.
Thank you for your video today! How great to have a new vehicle for your travel adventures, enjoy.
Thanks for the well made presentation.
OZ/ Thanks U 2 !! Very good to see you again- great that YT throw your vids up in front of my face ! (who said algorithms are bad?) LOL ! Yeah, White Deer- interesting figures. I particularly love the residential sections- especially in those old 'fading' towns. Cheers CY
Another great video. As an over the road truck driver, it's nice to leave the interstate and see these small towns on the back highways. I have actually picked up a load of carbon black from the plant on the left at 6:00. Grew up in Oklahoma but one of my close friends lived in Pampa for a few years so I've visted quite a bit.
As always, I found your video informative! My wife attended school in Pampa. Regarding Borger, what a history that place has! In 1927 Governor Daniel J. Moody sent in a detachment of Texas Rangers to restore order. Some successes occurred. However, the criminal element was deeply entrenched. Sporadic violence would still flare-up. District Attorney John A. Holmes was assassinated September 18, 1929 by parties unknown. The governor had had enough. Martial law was declared. A contingent of militia was dispatched from Fort Worth on a special train. Upon arrival, the "clean-up" commenced. Violence even claimed the life of A. P. (Ace) Borger, the town's namesake.
It's so weird how many towns don't have anyone walking around! How do they maintain anything without working?
wonder why its dying out?
These towns are made of automobiles not walking. People work during the day and if they go shopping they drive to the store. You can see all the cars parked out front of the stores in Pampa and White Deer. Nobody walks around town. I grew up in this area. Nothing has really changed.
Here I'll give you a ❤️ for that comment your right because there all lasy or sick ok sick u get b pass but most are not it's a lot of effort to keep a house nice
The majority of people work in the oil industry. The plants and refinery workers are on shift work.
The run down houses are likely rentals for contract labor.
Ate in that same restaurant when we were in Amarillo, and travelling in a Cherokee, too. Thanks again for these informative videos
This is so ironic. I grew up in Borger Texas from 1960 to 1971. The population then was 18,000ish. One of the most ICONIC buildings and businesses in Borger is in your first video scene at 00.23. On the left side just past the gas station is a 2 story building. This building was the famous Barneys Pharmacy. In its hayday this was THE hot spot in Borger Texas. It was owned by my father Bill Sprague with a couple of partners. It was the main drugstore in town and had a huge soda shop and cafe inside. Hand dipped milkshakes and grilled hamburgers were the best in town. It also had a huge gift shop with a large perfume section and every tobacco brand on the planet. The magazine rack was world class. No trip to town went without Barneys Pharmacy. It was always busy and stayed open to 11:00 at night so it was a great hang out spot for kids and teenagers. Growing up there I delivered newspapers on my bike for the Amarillo Globe Newspaper. Every morning at 4:00 AM 150 newspapers would get dropped off right at that front door in your video. I road my bike 5 miles to town and sat on that very curb at the front door every morning rain, snow or shine at 5:00AM and rolled papers, put them in my bike baskets and rode the street of Borger delivering papers. I would finish just in time to be at school at 8:15. I think if I was lucky I made about $15.00 a month !!! Growing up here...this town was blast!
WOOOOOOWW! You traded the Bronco in! I didn't even notice at first until you mentioned it! That Bronco did you proud, IMHO and I hope she goes to a good home. Somebody made a remark in one of your previous videos, maybe trying to be funny, that you wouldn't let Nicole drive the Bronco. Well, I'm glad you cleared that up! Good luck with the Grand Cherokee!!
Family ranch in Gage, Oklahoma, travel thru Texas. Town after town like this .very peaceful . Watch out for Higgins ,TX PD! Especially with out of state plates
Going back 50 years ago the Urban Legend about the Texas cops was that a motorist with California plates would get cited for speeding if he wasn't exceeding the speed limit.
So you were nervous about the Bronco's reliability since it had over 100,000 miles on the clock? That would have been a valid worry back in the '50s. My 2001 Ford F150 has over 286,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. Just change the oil every 3000 miles and you are good to go.
You're right, of course. Years ago I had a Ford 150 that went over 200,000 miles. That said, I get a little nervous when I'm out in the middle of nowhere (we are heading into very rural Nevada right now), so I'll most likely never go that long in a vehicle again.
You do a great job..improvements have been terrific! Like an "armchair travelogue"!
I have family living in Borger.. and lived there for awhile myself.
Love history of theses ole panhandle towns
400! New ride! You go Joe! Another 100k? We hope so.👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺
Buildings sit in varying levels of disrepair, but mother nature has taken over the lawns and gardens. The skeletal remains of a once vital town is both tragic and nostalgic. How many years ago was it the center of the universe for the families that lived in its homes and the people that ran its busineses? If we look close enough, can we detect the shadow of the paths they walked? Can we hear whispered echoes of once strong voices? Inevitably, the mothers and fathers that nurtured their children in this town have also passed on. Was one of those children us? We can restore a home, re-plant a garden, but we cannot resurrect those golden moments in our past that shaped us. Perhaps this ghost town, standing like a sentry, reminds us to acknowledge our ancestors, for whom our goals were their whole world, during those golden moments.
Borger is mentioned in the Woody Guthrie book Bound for Glory.
Love this channel. From New Zealand it's really interesting to see the town's and cities of the US.
505 W 5TH ST WHITE DEER: asking 230,000; built 1980, 3 bed 2 bath 1758 sqft, 50x140 lot size. Note: sold in 2020 for 191,575.
Joe, I really enjoy watching your videos. You take us to some pretty cool places. One suggestion though: your microphone, or its location, causes there to be a really noticeable low-frequency rumble sound when your vehicle is driving, sometimes even when you're driving very slowly. I'm using a so-so equalizer to reduce the low-frequencies but that rumble is still noticeable. I think that you could either use a filter in your video editing software and perhaps isolating your microphone from the car's body so that the rumble is either eliminated or reduced.
Keep producing these video 'cause I love 'em. You do a great job sharing your perceptions of these towns and giving us statistics is also very interesting. Thank you!
While in BHS we use to cruise Main Street back and forth, back and forth, mail street Sunday morning there would be a solid line of beer bottles set nicely in a row on both sides and middle of road.
There was lake Meredith, McBrides/Alibates canyons, great hunting of all sorts of game, White Tail Deer, Mule Deer, Turkey, Three species of Quail with all the common predators,,,it was a great place to grow up in with great people. And we kicked ass in HS football, kicked ass.
Most people who live in whitedeer like i do are employed at pantex or work pipeline so yes they make more money but our little town also looks out for everyone here its like a whole family our kids start kindergarten together and graduate high school together...i would not change anything about whitedeer texas i have been living here since 1998 had 3 children graduate here and some of my grandchildren go to school here...
PS: That restaurant you went to at the end really resonated with me. I'm not a big taco fan but I think I may become one. And reasonable! Looked delicious ( I know, the soda) but i googled it and it's gotten great reviews so I flagged it and if I'm ever in Amarillo again I'll make it a point to stop! Thanks! Oh, it's called Yellow City Street Food, 4.7 score on Google Maps. Thanks again.
Yep, it's very highly regarded, which is why we went there.
I love you videos !! Please keep show more of this towns in Texas God bless you
The abandoned downtowns with all the empty retail/restaurant spaces is such a piece of Americana. Loss of population wasn't the only reason all those places are empty or abandoned. In the 1960's and 1970's when the big box stores like Kmart, Walmart and others started opening, Americans shopping patterns changed. They could now go to one store and buy everything they needed vs. hitting multiple small stores in the downtown area. Home Depot killed small locally owned hardware stores. Then came the indoor shopping malls in the 1970's and 1980's. It was death to those small businesses that occupied those downtown retail spaces. Now today with so many Americans being able to buy things online and have it delivered (Amazon), the brick and mortar businesses are really stressed and shrinking. Think Bed bath and beyonds recently bankruptcy.
The challenges for these cities is what to do with the over capacity of empty retail spaces in their downtown areas and suburbs. If the population has been shrinking for decades with no rebound in sight, at some point they just need to be knocked down in my opinion.
I worked in Pampa for about seven months. Seemed like an eternity! I was surprised to see an Arlo Gutherie museum there.
Those tacos 🌮 looked delicious!
Thumbs up 👍
They were!
Thank you so much for sharing ❤
I can see the past where people would be too busy in their usual work and some peeping from windows and some sitting or mowing.
My family, originally from NW Arkansas,lived in Pampa from 1948 til 1961. Then my parents moved back to Arkansas. The courthouse is where my driver's ed. teacher,also a coach,had us start from,drive around a block or two,then back,to get our driver's license! My dad worked for Cabot west of town. A few years ago Pampa was hit really bad with a tornado! I believe the building downtown you thought had been a movie theater was the old Capri. I was in Junior High when they built capri in the late 1950s. Best I remember " Blue Hawaii" being there when it came out.
Congrats on the new Jeep!!! ❤really enjoying your videos!! Keep up the good job!!!
Great seeing yet another video, similar to the first of yours I came across. Perhaps by watching explorations of abandoned sites yt recommended your channel and I initially thought all your videos would be exploring (almost) ghost towns. PS think we're all curious what other research you did before going with a Jeep.
Not much research. I've owned Grand Cherokees before and have always really liked them.
So interesting!!!! Thank you for opening with the history discussion! Wild!!!
Congrats on the new car. You should consider the Toyota Highlander or the 4runner. I enjoy your channel a lot. It seems to calm my anxiety.
Good on you being able to trade your Bronco in before the Ecotec engine inevitably blew up. 🤣
We call them “weak-o-etc”. Pathetic engines.
Congratulations on your new vehicle
Love the videos y'all do a great job. Come through Colorado City Tx. sometime our little town needs alot of help!!!
These towns all looked pretty barren and kind of sad except the last one looked alright. Borger looked way more run down than the numbers would suggest, but then again I guess it did lose well over half it's population since it's peak. White Deer was kind of interesting. Was hoping y'all would have tried some of the vegan food though lol. I have been doing a pescatarian diet for the past few months and was curious to get your reaction! RIP to the Bronco.
He stayed near the main street area. That’s the worst part of town. Not sure why he didn’t go into any other area. Seeing that he went to the carbon black plant which is several miles n west of town. Skellytown and Pampa are due east. It’s almost like he tried to make it look bad.
He most definitely showed the worst part of Borger. There are nice neighborhoods away from downtown and golf course with larger brick homes in the neighborhood. There’s shopping strips, businesses etc but he showed what has happened to the oldest part of town. It’s very sad to see. Borger is so small now.
My family live in Borger while I was an infant. Then moved to Dumas. My dad worked for a family owned dirtwork company and was later hired on to work for Phillips 66 in Borger. My Grandfather made a crash landing in Borger in a plane owned by the family owned business. I think it was in the late 80’s or early 90’s. All the locals called it Borger in the day and booger at night. Not sure way, but my guess was the crime rate at night.
I just discovered your channel and I really enjoy your interesting commentary!! I love visiting these desolate towns. There are people living there with dreams like everyone else. You are so respectful of moving through these towns and it is appreciated. I've stayed one night Years ago at the now closed Lonesome Dove inn in Archer City. I attended a play at the theater, met Larry McMurtry, and had lunch with local ladies before I headed back to Dallas. It is the town where The Last Picture Show was filmed. Very haunting in a way but I found the people very alive! One of my best single sojourns. I just subscribed and looking forward to your next journey. Oh...your wife has beautiful hair!😊 21:31
Please show the towns on your map whenever possible!
Those tacos were huge and looked delicious!
I didn't see anybody walking around.
My mother was born in White Deer grew up in White Deer and Pampa during the 20,s and 30,s😊
Those were the biggest tacos, especially the fish taco that I’ve ever seen. Usually restaurants get pretty skimpy when it comes to tacos. You have an interesting channel that happened to pop up in my feed. I’ve subscribed to see where your journey goes.
Awesome!
You should have gotten a chili dog or chili burger at the Coney Island Cafe in Pampa. Been there forever and is extremely good.
Do you no my dad Darrell kitchens has lived in pampa most his life
No I'm sorry but I don't. I was there with a friend who lived there years ago, born and raised but he left when he was in his early teens. His family moved to the Galveston area.@@robertkitchens6341
Add some Jack to that "cola." That'll help, as much as Jack can help. (I am not a Jack fan.)
Also: very happy to see you are continuing the loooong journey. Be safe.
Absolutely, Jack would have fixed it.
Great work guys for the past 3 months trip.....avid follower.....would love to see more of the old west....Dalton gang hideout in Kansas, Tombstone, AZ, OK corral, Wagon ruts sante fe trail. etc....
Back in my hometown. Amarillo! I've never heard of that restaurant. But it looked good! If i ever get back that way, I'll have to try it out. See you New Mexico!
Good video, Joey. I never visited there. I’m surprised my job did not get me there at least once. You are terrific. Thanks.
Another great video. Your home state is BIG. Congratulations on your new Grand Cherokee...Very Nice!
I thought you were taking a break. LOL I enjoy your videos but want you and Nicole healthy. Take care of you and rest sometime.
We took a week off. We always have videos backed up. :)
Really enjoyed the videos very informative and educational! If i may make a suggestion, could you please include when the towns were founded? I have always found that to be interesting, because it helps me to see how much time has passed for the town to be prosperous or in decline. I apologize if you already do, but thought i just wanted to be sure ,because i miss things quite often!
Nothings says bad with money when there’s a dodge challenger parked in the garage of a run down house
Always the way especially in run down city suburbs
Man im gonna miss the bronco haha. Been with us over 2 years. Ill have to grow to love the Cherokee haha.
If someone else posted this I haven't read all comments: House questioned in White Deer 505 W 5th Ave listed at $230K according to Realtor web site
I’ve had family in every town visited in this video 😂
The busiest area for vice in Borger was down by the Canadian River. Even after the Bible thumpers cleaned up the town, the area north of town was lined with bars and bordellos. They called it Electric City for the strings of light along the highway. It was still lit up in the by early sixties but a new road was built slightly to the west and now you can't see the old derelict buildings that are still there. Borger once had many shotgun houses and other houses built for Phillips Petroleum employees. Ditto for Pampa.
Thank you ...
Now you are in my neck of the woods(or scrub)....I love West Texas, but it is big and lonely :p Looks like you will get into the red dust of the panhandle...
A well narrated video. Enjoyed watching it.
Thank you!
505 West 5th Ave in White Deer is pending sale for $230,000. A selling point is that it is near Pampa! Just getting back to your videos and find I have missed them a lot! Nice new car! 🚐
Regarding the high income level in White Deer, it's possible that a number of this town's residents are employed at the nearby Pantex facility. Those jobs pay very high wages. I lived in Amarillo a number of years ago. I knew a number of people who worked there. A lot of people in the small towns in the Amarillo area work there. Pantex is one of the largest employers. I just thought about White Deer people working there since a few miles to the west on US highway 60. By the way my hometown is Childress. I'm retired. I moved back home a number of years ago. Childress is very busy with a lot of traffic through town. If you want quiet Childress is not the place. It's likely you've driven through here. Childress doesn't have the abandoned homes and decay you see in many other small West Texas towns. Although the population has declined like other towns you won't see the widespread decay here. The town isn't perfect but it's been blessed to be located on a major highway and has progressive leadership. I was surprised to see the widespread decay in Borger. I thought Borger was a nicer looking town. Those Panhandle oil towns took a big hit back in the 1980's when the oil drilling boom went bust and never recovered from the high number of job losses. By the way the little town of White Deer was amazing. I saw only a small amount of decay. High incomes in a town do make a difference. Little to no poverty makes a difference in the appearance of a town. White Deer is very unique.
I grew up and just moved out of pampa. Pretty cool to see this on here
No, my husband worked, for Valero corporation in SA, and was transferred t near Pampa, so, we bought a house here fir 370000dlrs, but, we kept our house in SA , so we are back and forward, I can’t manage to live just in here.I’m from Mexico City, it’s a big difference!!!
Off-topic, but congrats on the Grand Cherokee! The hood looked different and I was hoping you'd explain the car situation. Here's to happy miles in the Jeep.
Sure glad I found ur page
The panhandle area has plenty of “mailbox money” so when it seems like the numbers don’t add up that can be part of it. Yards are hard to maintain well in the climate here, hot dry heats, damaging cold a lot of pests get to the trees etc. And the codes aren’t like other areas regarding buildings being sound 🤷🏼♀️ just my thoughts. 10 years in Pampa originally from small rural desert California. Better cost of living, better abilities to gain college entrance even in community colleges to gain better careers in certain fields, and of course things like oil field work, good money, low cost of living, less taxes & government and local regulation in certain things
As always a great video ! Best of luck to you and Nicole on your new set of wheels
Thanks so much!
Another great video, thanks Joe. I wish you hadn't bought a Chrysler product though, mechanically they are the biggest pieces of garbage on the road. I hope you fare better than most Chrysler owners and I wish you continued safe journeys.