I lived in Spur in 1969, I shined shoes at the barber shop, when the regular guys was out. I play pool right down the street , bought my first cowboy hat at the general store. seen a bloody movie at Halloween, at the movie theater. Had my first real girl friend from there. A lot of memories from that little town. I was thirteen at the time.
Thank you again for bringing vistas of America that we would never see otherwise - it really is an education in how immense the country is and how the changing economic conditions cause towns to rise and fall. Appreciate everything you do !
Merry Christmas and a happy new year Joe & Nic I love your videos they're so peaceful and informative Texas is a place I'd love to visit all the way from the UK 🤶 🧑🎄 🎄
I grew up in that area. Every August Roaring Springs would have the Old Settlers Reunion. In the 60s it was a big deal. Indoor dance hall with a live band. Outdoor dancing with a live band. Rodeo and full carnival with rides and games. I was playing Bingo for the first time. My father looked at my card and told me I had a Bingo. I asked him what I should do. The said yell Bingo. I was hooked on that game. Thousands of people would be there for the 3 days. Highway Patrol and Sheriff Deputies from all around the area would be there to keep order. Fun times
This year was the 100th anniversary of the Old Settlers. My wife and I moved here from California. We love living in Spur and really enjoyed the Old Settlers this year.
I live in a similar town. But we don’t have cops or local law enforcement. Every now and then you might see a sheriff deputy parked, sleeping under a tree or something. We have beer and weed here though. The rodeos are great and fairs just as good.
My grandfather operated a cotton gin near Lubbock. I remember when we would go visit our grandparents during cotton harvest. My grandmother would load my sister and I up in their 55 Chevy Belair. She would visit cotton gins in many of the small towns in this area and pick up cotton samples that would be taken back for testing. The samples were in these long sock looking canvas bags with tags on them. By the time we got back home the trunk, back seat, back floor board and sometimes the front seat would be full of these bags. Along the way gin owners would gift us with gin branded ink pens, pencils, buttons, caps, miniature cotton bales, and often dimes and quarters for candy and a coke!!! Fun times!!! Wish I still had all those branded items as they are now collectors pieces.
I lived in Spur, Texas on a small ranch when I was about 15 years old. I enjoyed living there and watched the old timers play dominoes downtown. They would tell stories about their cowboy days….good memories….
@Roger...that! would be so cool. I wish ppl. myself included , had vids of when we were young. (like the 50/60's era..lol) Taping of the happenings in down town areas of our small quaint slow pace towns.
I'm currently in a smallish town in Mississippi - it was good for small business' when there was bigger industry - like a brickyard, fence manufacturing and lumber yard for homes. They all left but we do still have a nice sized grocery store, hospital and post office and 30 min to the nearest populated town... But, the main street looks a lot like those blighted towns with a few hanger on shops.
In the UK we have had 60 years of propaganda films from the USA dressed up as entertainment . We never thought for a second that such poverty could exist as shown in your videos. Add the shrinking populations of many of these places and what future do they have? There should be a special award for the work you have done a great job.
@johnsmith-mq4eq Hello John, I'm English, live in England,UK. I personally believe more 60 years, perhaps propaganda started in 1930s ( just asking/saying ) Anyway, Peace to all.
We do have obscene poverty in parts of us. However… these ghost towns or near ghost towns, they’re more of a product of retirement and the kids leaving home. Eventually the work dies out and the kids never come back
Yes these towns are disappearing, but just try to buy land around these places. The prices are out of control, and people with money don't want to live there. If the property prices were lower, less affluent people might be able to move there and help rejuvenate these places.
Red McCombs owned several large Ford dealerships in San Antonio. He lived in a very affluent superb, Olmos Park. I was a fireman there in late 70s. Insiders say ol Red was not a very nice guy.
My mom went to school with Red’s daughter Lynda. She said Lynda was the only kid in middle school who drove to school (Pat Neff). She also said that she was snobby. Wonder where she got that from…🙄🤔
Thanks for taking us along on this drive. I used to live in Lubbock before the pandemic. I got to go through Ralls and Crosbyton while there. Ralls is indeed pronounced that way. It's refreshing to see sunny weather instead of the foggy and rainy stuff up here in the Pacific Northwest. Population decline in the rural areas of West Texas has been a thing for years now.
@@Harpoon2theRescueclose but I’d have to say Georgia drivers. Specifically Atlanta are the worst. 80mph and bam the entire freeway decides to slam to an immediate stop. No coasting. Just… hope you got good breaks
My wife grew up near Spur and wanted to buy and open up that first building you showed (she also wanted to turn it into a coffee and tea shop). The population of Spur dropped because the private prison. The decline in all of these towns are due to the lack of infrastructure, which is driving people to Lubbock for goods, jobs, or homes. I grew up in Dallas, but have lived out here for twenty years and it’s sad to see these quiet towns dry up and die. We still live out here, but not sure for how much longer. The summers are getting too much for us to handle.
When the itinerary calls for a trip to Ralls, and someone says what in the dickens are you doing in Dickens, you hit the road, tune in some Motley Crue, and travel to Motley County. We enjoy and appreciate your videos very much; keep it up!
The old train depot in Roaring Springs is beautiful! It was part of the Quanah, Acme & Pacific Railroad, and used until 1971; which is also the year Amtrak took over passenger service. The town purchased it the next year, and it's a Texas historical landmark. Can't get enough of historical Mission Revival train depots, simply beautiful!
If you can find a copy, check out The Quanah Route by Don L. Hofsommer (Texas A & M University Press), 215 p. of text with pictures, chapter-by-chapter notes, bibliography and index. It's good reading. Ed in Albuquerque
I remember when Spur made the news for rewriting their codes to be tiny home friendly - and my thoughts then as now were that as soon as a tiny home lover figured out that it was cheaper to buy an existing home in Spur, that not many tiny homes would be built or located there. I think there are just a couple. One of the big issues for Spur is how to pay for maintenance of its infrastructure - that is why it has many unpaved streets. Another municipal issue is their water supply and line maintenance. The truth for Spur and other dinky Texas cities is that they serve no need in the area - Spur has outlived its usefulness. I'm sure that Spur will eventually have just a few Hermits.
You might have grew up with some of my family. I'm a Anderson descendant. My great auntie Loletha was a school teacher there. My uncle BL Anderson was one of the founding members of Shiloh Baptist Church there in Ralls
👍Fascinating. The sun-bleached ocher oranges and the sandstone ashlar and the fire-trap whitened dry timber, under the still, deep-blue cloudless skies that are somehow low-hung -- and amid broad-stretch streets with not a soul to be seen on them other than the backwash of a fast passing vehicle, sagging chain-fences, junk-yard front lawns and intermittent witch-spindle trees -- all remind of the aesthetic of the (less violent moments) in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie.👍
Yeah, I bet it was hard to get a fair trial in that tiny town back in that day. One lawyer town and a courthouse courtroom with jurors who know each other and know who is good and who is bad. Already know who is guilty before the trial even starts! I enjoy all of your videos of the various places you travel to, especially the ones in Texas. Thanks for sharing and a Merry Christmas to yaw. Ken
People pass away and the kids have grown up and moved away. People moved away, setup their new life and don’t look back. When the parents passed away, the house is either sold or left alone. It looks like a nice place to retire and take life nice and slow. Quiet and small community. Perfect place to have avoided Covid.
My stepfather was born and raised in Amarillo, he played back up stand up base for buddy Holly and did one Lubbock triangle tour with him when he was a senior in high school, I've driven through here while traveling, Mahalo y'all
24:45 You could imagine the veterans from the wars returning to this this town. Fought their way across the Pacific or Europe, Korea or Vietnam. Anxiously waiting to see this train station meaning they survived and successfully made it back to home. We all come from somewhere.
So excited to see Ralls , Spur, Rolling Springs and Dickinson! I go thru there about twice a year going to Lubbock to visit family ! I would love to live in a small town. A lot of these people work and shop in Lubbock! Enjoying the history and information on every little community! I agree, your voice is very smooth and easy to listen to!
This video reminded me of a movie from 1971 called "The last picture show". It showed about how bleak life in west texas could be. It was a good movie and this was another good video. Merry Christmas to you both. Sincerely, Jim Thornton
That movie hit very much dead center on small town life. I also enjoyed Texasville. It wasn't as good a movie but it was dead on describing small town folks.
I grew up in a town with 1500 people here in Texas. It was the best times of my life. I worked on a cattle ranch during high school and it toughened me up and taught me how to work hard. I kind of wish I had never left. Take care.
Very solid video on some of these smaller forgotten towns. Ralls looks like it can be saved, but the others are looking quite done for. I think Dickens could have turned around, but it may be too late at this point in time. Can't wait to see the next video and Merry Christmas to you and the family.
You saved the best for last, Ralls. The other towns are barely alive. Not one fancy mansion type home which tells lots about these towns. A great trifecta and cats which is always fun. Another good video. I drive a Fiesta ST which is lowered stock and it couldn't make it around the first three towns at all. Your 4 wheeled drive vehicle is indeed a necessity to do your job. Thanks for keeping us entertained, another great video, you've got the knack and I'm glad you don't usually sing much.
Hi. Joe and Nic! I just discovered your channel!!! I love it! I love history like this. I’ve been binge watching it since I discovered your channel two weeks ago!❤❤❤
One of the greatest high school prom dances I ever did was in Spur, May 11, 1979 (AmaChron The Z-93 Entertainers). The theme was "Saturday Night Fever" and the kids were enthralled with 'Disco Fever'. Started the dance with "Stayin' Alive", "Night Fever", "Boogie Nights" and "How Deep Is Your Love". They danced to every song and a gave a huge round of applause at the end. Also did dances in Ralls and Dickens in later years.
Great videos Joe!!..love those Texas skies, interesting sights,. ..Wish a Merry Christmas to you & Nicole,. And a good New Year ahead🎉 "Thank You Good Sir"...God's Speed in your travels.🌼
I think one of the major reasons little towns are disappearing, and not the only reason of course, is that modern cars are far easier to drive long distances. I remember 40 odd years ago how sore my back would be from driving old cars. You needed to concentrate a lot more as the steering pre rack and pinion was all over the place and the seats were crap, with very little support. Now we just jump in the car and drive all day and still feel fine and dandy at the end of it. 😀😀
Actually I think good cars are the only thing keeping a lot of these towns on life support instead of being Ghost towns. People can live in these little towns and drive to jobs, grocery stores, and medical care in bigger communities. Back before cars when the reason a town existed ended (like a mine playing out) everyone left quickly.
Subscribed and hit the like button as well as the notification bell! I’ve been binge watching your videos all night! As a child through adulthood, I’ve traveled through small unknown towns and I’ve always been curious about them and what it would be like to live there! Your videos are right up my alley with all the video content and information you research. I love it! Id love to jump across the country living in small towns for a few months, getting to experience them, then hop off to the next one. Unfortunately I’m not sure how I could make a living being so nomadic per say.
That blue sky is awsome. Very few hills. No problem mowing lawn. Looks to be quite warm in summers. Enjoyed video, love to travel by arm chair. Thank you!
Very cool! Spur TX! I love the Dickens Co Sheriff’s office. I love how rural these towns are. I like the law office. That’s odd 8-10 kids in Roaring Spring. Fighting Jackrabbits 😂. Love those red brick streets. I really enjoyed seeing these four towns! Thank you!
@ 2:34 is a picture of spur dated 1909, and in the background is a building that has a facade that is crenelated along the top of the facade and the words Bryant Link Merchandise written across the front of the building. @ 3:24, we can see the building with the crenelated facade and the words Bryant Link Merchandise on the building next door. Very interesting that they survived.
I said it before and I'll say it again. I don't see a huge difference between the average Russian and the average American. It's the governments that keep us from sharing friendship. Happy New Year Dan and Sue. From Southbridge, Massachusetts. USA. LETS PRAY THAT what keeps us apart fades I to history. That way all our sons and daughters can have it better than we did.
A wonderful video, as always. Fascinating towns, in a very dry and dusty landscape. I love the coffee shop at the start of the video, a beautiful little building ! A very cool spot to enjoy a coffee ! Always so interesting exploring these towns ! Your hotel room looks beautiful, awesome views ! Thanks so much. Merry Christmas Joe and Nic !😊💚
True story: my Dad worked for Firestone tire in early 60s. He stopped in Spur at a gas station . He saw someone stick an air hose in a tire with Split Rings. Poor guy went in to get a coke. The guy came out to check on it and when the guy leaned over the Split Ring shot straight up and killed him instantly. He told us this in 2024 like 60 years later. Split rings require a cage to work on now. Very dangerous to work on them. Hope you visited Lubbock. We have an awesome Buddy Holly museum here and ranching heritage with old homes .
Judge Henry Aldrich Carlos Brummett 1888-1965, he also had a son, Henry Aldrich Carlos Brummett Jr. 1915-1980 - born in Spur, Tx - served in WW2. Both are buried in Lubbock Co. Tx.
Greetings from Australia.I always enjoy your videos travelling to parts I'll never visit.I'm watching this video in Christmas Eve so I;ll wish you, Nicole and Families a very merry Christmas.
It's kind of funny to me, a friend of mine lived in San Antonio (I'm from Ohio, but living in Philadelphia since 1987), and asked me if I would be willing to fly out (at her cost) to San Antonio, and drive her and her very old dog, in her SUV, back to the city she loves, Philadelphia (this was early December 2021. She was only in San Antonio for a few years to care for her aging father, who had recently passed. Anyway, her timing was perfect, I'm single, I was 56, kind of bored since COVID crap had ruined my social life, so I took her up on the 26 hour drive adventure. I had never been in Texas, except for Dallas airport. I fully expected to see the dry and dusty terrain like in this video, but the route we took (I-35 and I-30) was beautiful, with lush farmland and green fields everywhere, I was quite surprised by it's beauty. I see now, having looked at Google Earth, that the eastern half (San Antonio, Dallas etc.) is green, the western half of the state (as this video represents) is all dry and dusty, like I pictured from the cowboy movies and such. I always thought all of Texas looked that way.
I probably would have agreed to the scenario. Sometimes adventures find us at the correct moment where we can say what the hey, let's accomplish something.
@@DIVISIONINCISION I would never have known that until I made that trip, Before that, I only saw Texas in cowboy movies (probably none of which were actually shot in Texas) and such. It was a fun adventure, beautiful views, and the people I met on the way were super friendly.
When the dickens court house was in use, all the local teenagers parked out front on the side facing west at night. Some nights we would have trucks for 200 yards going south. Streaking was a big thing when I was in high school in afton. Running around the court house naked once or twice and going down the street south lol really good times. Dickens, afton, spur and roaring springs used too be wild places at night. Oh let’s not forget jayton.
It’s heartbreaking to see the decline of such beautiful little towns. Trying to imagine when they were full and the sound of lots of folks. It fascinates me how in all three places we saw but a handful of folks. Thank you for taking the time to show us Joey.
I lived in Spur in 1969, I shined shoes at the barber shop, when the regular guys was out. I play pool right down the street , bought my first cowboy hat at the general store. seen a bloody movie at Halloween, at the movie theater. Had my first real girl friend from there. A lot of memories from that little town. I was thirteen at the time.
Very cool indeed. Thank you for sharing.
Bless you sir
Did you know Molly Barron? I went to school with her in Austin. She was from Spur. She would have been about 5 yrs older than you, Class of 1968
@@StevieWonder737 dont recognize the name
Thank you again for bringing vistas of America that we would never see otherwise - it really is an education in how immense the country is and how the changing economic conditions cause towns to rise and fall. Appreciate everything you do !
Merry Christmas and a happy new year Joe & Nic I love your videos they're so peaceful and informative Texas is a place I'd love to visit all the way from the UK 🤶 🧑🎄 🎄
Merry Christmas and happy new year God bless both of you
I lived in Ralls, Idalou, and Crosbytown back in the 80's
So did I, came from Michigan and worked at Texas Instruments on University Ave...in Lubbock... memories@@melindacavazos4194
I produced a huge deuce watching this big as a subway footlong me hearties
I grew up in that area. Every August Roaring Springs would have the Old Settlers Reunion. In the 60s it was a big deal. Indoor dance hall with a live band. Outdoor dancing with a live band. Rodeo and full carnival with rides and games. I was playing Bingo for the first time. My father looked at my card and told me I had a Bingo. I asked him what I should do. The said yell Bingo. I was hooked on that game. Thousands of people would be there for the 3 days. Highway Patrol and Sheriff Deputies from all around the area would be there to keep order. Fun times
This year was the 100th anniversary of the Old Settlers. My wife and I moved here from California. We love living in Spur and really enjoyed the Old Settlers this year.
What kind of people are there that NEEDS that much law enforcement?
@@thehimself4056 1000s of farmers and cowboys drinking beer. this was before the fear of authority died.
I live in a similar town. But we don’t have cops or local law enforcement. Every now and then you might see a sheriff deputy parked, sleeping under a tree or something. We have beer and weed here though. The rodeos are great and fairs just as good.
@ratmadness. Thx for your comment. Awesome hearing about these towns from folk that reside in these areas. Luv hearing about it.
My grandfather operated a cotton gin near Lubbock. I remember when we would go visit our grandparents during cotton harvest. My grandmother would load my sister and I up in their 55 Chevy Belair. She would visit cotton gins in many of the small towns in this area and pick up cotton samples that would be taken back for testing. The samples were in these long sock looking canvas bags with tags on them. By the time we got back home the trunk, back seat, back floor board and sometimes the front seat would be full of these bags. Along the way gin owners would gift us with gin branded ink pens, pencils, buttons, caps, miniature cotton bales, and often dimes and quarters for candy and a coke!!! Fun times!!! Wish I still had all those branded items as they are now collectors pieces.
I lived in Spur, Texas on a small ranch when I was about 15 years old. I enjoyed living there and watched the old timers play dominoes downtown. They would tell stories about their cowboy days….good memories….
Very cool!
@Roger...that! would be so cool. I wish ppl. myself included , had vids of when we were young. (like the 50/60's era..lol) Taping of the happenings in down town areas of our small quaint slow pace towns.
Did you know Molly Barron? I went to school with her in Austin. She was from Spur. She would have been about 5 yrs older than you, Class of 1968
I'm currently in a smallish town in Mississippi - it was good for small business' when there was bigger industry - like a brickyard, fence manufacturing and lumber yard for homes. They all left but we do still have a nice sized grocery store, hospital and post office and 30 min to the nearest populated town... But, the main street looks a lot like those blighted towns with a few hanger on shops.
In the UK we have had 60 years of propaganda films from the USA dressed up as entertainment . We never thought for a second that such poverty could exist as shown in your videos. Add the shrinking populations of many of these places and what future do they have? There should be a special award for the work you have done a great job.
@johnsmith-mq4eq Hello John, I'm English, live in England,UK. I personally believe more 60 years, perhaps propaganda started in 1930s ( just asking/saying )
Anyway, Peace to all.
This is not poverty; it is people moving to be closer to jobs in Houston and Dallas.
We do have obscene poverty in parts of us. However… these ghost towns or near ghost towns, they’re more of a product of retirement and the kids leaving home. Eventually the work dies out and the kids never come back
Or they were built around a trade that ended and the old timers never leave
One of the best. We love the decay and roughness at the edges of society. Best for you and yours and be well in 2024.
Yes these towns are disappearing, but just try to buy land around these places. The prices are out of control, and people with money don't want to live there. If the property prices were lower, less affluent people might be able to move there and help rejuvenate these places.
It’s so surreal to see these towns frozen in time
You think it’s frozen but it’s changed so much, since I was a child, growing up in dickens county.
@@hg1651for the better or for worse has it changed?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Enjoyed the tour of Texas small towns. Thank you for sharing.
Red McCombs owned several large Ford dealerships in San Antonio. He lived in a very affluent superb, Olmos Park. I was a fireman there in late 70s. Insiders say ol Red was not a very nice guy.
My mom went to school with Red’s daughter Lynda. She said Lynda was the only kid in middle school who drove to school (Pat Neff). She also said that she was snobby. Wonder where she got that from…🙄🤔
@@mjbankhead9063 Thanks! I remember Pat Neff.
Thanks for taking us along on this drive. I used to live in Lubbock before the pandemic. I got to go through Ralls and Crosbyton while there. Ralls is indeed pronounced that way. It's refreshing to see sunny weather instead of the foggy and rainy stuff up here in the Pacific Northwest. Population decline in the rural areas of West Texas has been a thing for years now.
Fun Texas fact . Texas is the state with the most counties, 254.
.....with the planets worst drivers.
@@Harpoon2theRescueclose but I’d have to say Georgia drivers. Specifically Atlanta are the worst. 80mph and bam the entire freeway decides to slam to an immediate stop. No coasting. Just… hope you got good breaks
@@Harpoon2theRescueeveryplace has the planet’s worst drivers.
My wife grew up near Spur and wanted to buy and open up that first building you showed (she also wanted to turn it into a coffee and tea shop). The population of Spur dropped because the private prison. The decline in all of these towns are due to the lack of infrastructure, which is driving people to Lubbock for goods, jobs, or homes. I grew up in Dallas, but have lived out here for twenty years and it’s sad to see these quiet towns dry up and die. We still live out here, but not sure for how much longer. The summers are getting too much for us to handle.
It got to 129 at our place last year
Thx unclejohn for your comment. It's awesome to hear from folks that are residing in these types of towns. It interests me.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@thehimself4056that is absolutely horrifying
I wish you would have the opportunity to speak with the locals. That would add a whole new level to your channel.
Good idea.
Red McCombs was also a brief owner of the Minnesota Vikings in 98 and sold the team to its current owners.. his catch phrase was" purple pride"! 😂
A lot of places you visit are pretty scary. I give you a lot of credit for showing us. Good job
You have a very soothing voice. I enjoy listening to you describe the towns you visit.
When the itinerary calls for a trip to Ralls, and someone says what in the dickens are you doing in Dickens, you hit the road, tune in some Motley Crue, and travel to Motley County. We enjoy and appreciate your videos very much; keep it up!
The old train depot in Roaring Springs is beautiful! It was part of the Quanah, Acme & Pacific Railroad, and used until 1971; which is also the year Amtrak took over passenger service. The town purchased it the next year, and it's a Texas historical landmark. Can't get enough of historical Mission Revival train depots, simply beautiful!
If you can find a copy, check out The Quanah Route by Don L. Hofsommer (Texas A & M University Press), 215 p. of text with pictures, chapter-by-chapter notes, bibliography and index. It's good reading.
Ed in Albuquerque
Really enjoy these old, small towns. Thanks for bringing us along.
I remember when Spur made the news for rewriting their codes to be tiny home friendly - and my thoughts then as now were that as soon as a tiny home lover figured out that it was cheaper to buy an existing home in Spur, that not many tiny homes would be built or located there. I think there are just a couple. One of the big issues for Spur is how to pay for maintenance of its infrastructure - that is why it has many unpaved streets. Another municipal issue is their water supply and line maintenance. The truth for Spur and other dinky Texas cities is that they serve no need in the area - Spur has outlived its usefulness. I'm sure that Spur will eventually have just a few Hermits.
Very sad to see such poor towns where people are struggling . Looking forward to the new year and seeing what travels you and Nic will bring us along.
This travel shows us we should appreciate where we live and take care of our towns, Marry Christmas Everybody
Not always. Some towns need to put to rest 🤪
I grew up in Ralls, Texas and my parents would take me around the surrounding areas, alot of history! Amazing you viewed these little towns!
You might have grew up with some of my family. I'm a Anderson descendant. My great auntie Loletha was a school teacher there. My uncle BL Anderson was one of the founding members of Shiloh Baptist Church there in Ralls
👍Fascinating. The sun-bleached ocher oranges and the sandstone ashlar and the fire-trap whitened dry timber, under the still, deep-blue cloudless skies that are somehow low-hung -- and amid broad-stretch streets with not a soul to be seen on them other than the backwash of a fast passing vehicle, sagging chain-fences, junk-yard front lawns and intermittent witch-spindle trees -- all remind of the aesthetic of the (less violent moments) in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie.👍
What an epic comment.
You're amazing with words.
An amazing tapestry of words strung together by a gossamer thread of imagination and pen. The vocabulary is strong in this one!
Yeah, I bet it was hard to get a fair trial in that tiny town back in that day. One lawyer town and a courthouse courtroom with jurors who know each other and know who is good and who is bad. Already know who is guilty before the trial even starts! I enjoy all of your videos of the various places you travel to, especially the ones in Texas. Thanks for sharing and a Merry Christmas to yaw. Ken
Problem, if you are a criminal......
@@TheGravitywerks Or a minority. A lot of the time they couldn't see the difference between the two.
Back in the day? Lol, the town is only 36 years old, it doesn't really have a 'back in the day'
People pass away and the kids have grown up and moved away. People moved away, setup their new life and don’t look back. When the parents passed away, the house is either sold or left alone.
It looks like a nice place to retire and take life nice and slow. Quiet and small community. Perfect place to have avoided Covid.
Thanks for another great video joe wishing you and nic and your family a Merry Christmas, safe travels God Bless
Like the short stories of the places to visit , giving a feel for the small towns , Thank you
Thanks for another fascinating episode.
Hope you have a great Christmas.
My stepfather was born and raised in Amarillo, he played back up stand up base for buddy Holly and did one Lubbock triangle tour with him when he was a senior in high school, I've driven through here while traveling, Mahalo y'all
Have a wonderful holiday. See you all soon .💕💕💕
You're knocking it out of the park with views. Great job.
I love those old towns
I do too!
Excellent, very nostalgic ambiance’s , love that .
Cheers, try to stay out of trouble you 2😇🌟
24:45
You could imagine the veterans from the wars returning to this this town. Fought their way across the Pacific or Europe, Korea or Vietnam.
Anxiously waiting to see this train station meaning they survived and successfully made it back to home.
We all come from somewhere.
In the volunteer armed services of today the majority of the personnel come from towns with populations under five thousand people
So excited to see Ralls , Spur, Rolling Springs and Dickinson! I go thru there about twice a year going to Lubbock to visit family ! I would love to live in a small town. A lot of these people work and shop in Lubbock!
Enjoying the history and information on every little community!
I agree, your voice is very smooth and easy to listen to!
Wow, thank you!
Man, as a new resident in the USA, I am addicted to your videos!! Great way to know several faces of the USA!
This video reminded me of a movie from 1971 called "The last picture show". It showed about how bleak life in west texas could be. It was a good movie and this was another good video. Merry Christmas to you both. Sincerely, Jim Thornton
That movie hit very much dead center on small town life. I also enjoyed Texasville. It wasn't as good a movie but it was dead on describing small town folks.
Thank you for another great video and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Its really sad 2 c these little towns wasting away, sad. Thanx Joe 4 another informative video. Merry Christmas 2 u and Nicole!
I know I wonder how busy they were in their hay day
I grew up in a town with 1500 people here in Texas. It was the best times of my life. I worked on a cattle ranch during high school and it toughened me up and taught me how to work hard. I kind of wish I had never left. Take care.
Merry Christmas Joey and Nicole! Can't wait for next year's adventures.
Jayton, Texas, Clairemont, Texas…..
Spur,Dickens,Roaring Springs, and Ralls,Texas WOW!
Oh I'm so happy to find a new video today. 😍 Dreaming me away from snow and cold weather. 😅 Merry Christmas Joe and Nic. ❤
Very solid video on some of these smaller forgotten towns. Ralls looks like it can be saved, but the others are looking quite done for. I think Dickens could have turned around, but it may be too late at this point in time. Can't wait to see the next video and Merry Christmas to you and the family.
I enjoy drives thru small towns like these to see if I encounter classic cars, trucks, or vans. Appreciate videos.
Another Cool 😎 video. Merry almost Christmas 🎄 ✨️ as always, Thumbs up 👍
You saved the best for last, Ralls. The other towns are barely alive. Not one fancy mansion type home which tells lots about these towns. A great trifecta and cats which is always fun. Another good video. I drive a Fiesta ST which is lowered stock and it couldn't make it around the first three towns at all. Your 4 wheeled drive vehicle is indeed a necessity to do your job. Thanks for keeping us entertained, another great video, you've got the knack and I'm glad you don't usually sing much.
Cool, thanks! :)
😂😂😂😂😂
Hi. Joe and Nic! I just discovered your channel!!! I love it! I love history like this. I’ve been binge watching it since I discovered your channel two weeks ago!❤❤❤
Awesome! Thank you!
I grew up in Texas. Some good memories and some bad memories but mostly glad I got the hell out of there.
One of the greatest high school prom dances I ever did was in Spur, May 11, 1979 (AmaChron The Z-93 Entertainers). The theme was "Saturday Night Fever" and the kids were enthralled with 'Disco Fever'. Started the dance with "Stayin' Alive", "Night Fever", "Boogie Nights" and "How Deep Is Your Love". They danced to every song and a gave a huge round of applause at the end. Also did dances in Ralls and Dickens in later years.
Great videos Joe!!..love those Texas skies, interesting sights,. ..Wish a Merry Christmas to you & Nicole,. And a good New Year ahead🎉 "Thank You Good Sir"...God's Speed in your travels.🌼
Thank you, Jenny!
I love the handrails. As if anyone is around to use them.
I would hope that remote work would bring people back to these places for cheap homes.
It's happening but generally folks with more money than sense looking for the "quaint". Terlingua is a case in point.
Amazing, the real US country side. Thanks for upload.
ANOTHER GREAT INFORMATIVE VIDEO, GREATLY APPRECIATE THE WORK.
looking forward to seeing the family
great video as always thanks for sharing joe and Nike 👍
Hi Joe! I like your video so much. Its an addiction! Thanks
Awesome!
Merry Christmas, Joe & Nic! 🎄🎄👍👍❤❤
Thank you!
I like how you only ever provide the facts, and don't exhibit an idealogical bent of any kind. Refreshing in today's landscape.
Thank you!
I think one of the major reasons little towns are disappearing, and not the only reason of course, is that modern cars are far easier to drive long distances. I remember 40 odd years ago how sore my back would be from driving old cars. You needed to concentrate a lot more as the steering pre rack and pinion was all over the place and the seats were crap, with very little support. Now we just jump in the car and drive all day and still feel fine and dandy at the end of it. 😀😀
Actually I think good cars are the only thing keeping a lot of these towns on life support instead of being Ghost towns. People can live in these little towns and drive to jobs, grocery stores, and medical care in bigger communities. Back before cars when the reason a town existed ended (like a mine playing out) everyone left quickly.
i was pleasantly suprised to see that you had uploaded a new episode. i always look forward to your shows. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
I really dig these videos. Thanx
Thank you!
Subscribed and hit the like button as well as the notification bell!
I’ve been binge watching your videos all night! As a child through adulthood, I’ve traveled through small unknown towns and I’ve always been curious about them and what it would be like to live there! Your videos are right up my alley with all the video content and information you research. I love it!
Id love to jump across the country living in small towns for a few months, getting to experience them, then hop off to the next one. Unfortunately I’m not sure how I could make a living being so nomadic per say.
Thank you for the kind words.
Love those small quiet 🤫 towns..go...spurs...go ❤
That blue sky is awsome. Very few hills. No problem mowing lawn. Looks to be quite warm in summers. Enjoyed video, love to travel by arm chair. Thank you!
Thanks 👍
Ski Abilene! 😄
That' was nice to see thanks, I wish you and Nicole a Mary Christmas, greetings from Belgium Europe
Dickens, Tx!...Yep that sherrifs' building, amazing!...driving back home to Michigan several years back on Highway 82...I had to take a pic!!
Hello from Lubbock Texas. I remember a miniature horse farm near there. Red Mcombs had car lots too.
Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎅🏼🎄
thx again, Merry christmas.
Red owns many car dealerships in San Antonio. Excellent vlog. Merry Christmas.
Your content is much needed...I find myself watching video after video.
Awesome!!
Very cool! Spur TX! I love the Dickens Co Sheriff’s office. I love how rural these towns are. I like the law office. That’s odd 8-10 kids in Roaring Spring. Fighting Jackrabbits 😂. Love those red brick streets. I really enjoyed seeing these four towns! Thank you!
Thank you, Alexandra!
That one town Ralls has a beautiful brick main street. I am amazed at how good condition it still is.
While I’m hesitant to mention it. Famous (or rather infamous) Heaven’s Gate founder Marshall Applewhite was born in Spur, Texas.
And Applewhite was raised here in Corpus Christi TX.
Great setting for films.
Thanks for the video, fully watching now, good to see you 😊
@ 2:34 is a picture of spur dated 1909, and in the background is a building that has a facade that is crenelated along the top of the facade and the words Bryant Link Merchandise written across the front of the building.
@ 3:24, we can see the building with the crenelated facade and the words Bryant Link Merchandise on the building next door. Very interesting that they survived.
I said it before and I'll say it again.
I don't see a huge difference between the average Russian and the average American.
It's the governments that keep us from sharing friendship.
Happy New Year Dan and Sue.
From Southbridge, Massachusetts. USA.
LETS PRAY THAT what keeps us apart fades I to history. That way all our sons and daughters can have it better than we did.
I don't see that much of a difference, either. I swap e-mails with some of them.
From Albuquerque, NM
A wonderful video, as always. Fascinating towns, in a very dry and dusty landscape. I love the coffee shop at the start of the video, a beautiful little building ! A very cool spot to enjoy a coffee ! Always so interesting exploring these towns ! Your hotel room looks beautiful, awesome views ! Thanks so much. Merry Christmas Joe and Nic !😊💚
Many thanks!, CL!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families
True story: my Dad worked for Firestone tire in early 60s. He stopped in Spur at a gas station . He saw someone stick an air hose in a tire with Split Rings. Poor guy went in to get a coke. The guy came out to check on it and when the guy leaned over the Split Ring shot straight up and killed him instantly. He told us this in 2024 like 60 years later. Split rings require a cage to work on now. Very dangerous to work on them. Hope you visited Lubbock. We have an awesome Buddy Holly museum here and ranching heritage with old homes .
Judge Henry Aldrich Carlos Brummett 1888-1965, he also had a son, Henry Aldrich Carlos Brummett Jr. 1915-1980 - born in Spur, Tx - served in WW2. Both are buried in Lubbock Co. Tx.
I wasn't expecting any more of your videos this year. This is a nice Christmas surprise. Looks like some of those homes can use some love?
For sure. :)
Those nearly dead towns are lacking the Christmas spirit. Have a great Christmas holiday, Joe.
Never trigger a copyright on TH-cam again! Great job, Joe. Merry Christmas to both of you.
Right!! :)
Greetings from Australia.I always enjoy your videos travelling to parts I'll never visit.I'm watching this video in Christmas Eve so I;ll wish you, Nicole and Families a very merry Christmas.
thank you for what you do. you make me feel like i have been along with you. i live in roanoke va which you did a brief visit to, merry christmas,
Haven't had time to watch your videos. forgot how good a job you do making these!
Thank you, Michael!
I absolutely love this Channel !!!!!
Thank you!
It's kind of funny to me, a friend of mine lived in San Antonio (I'm from Ohio, but living in Philadelphia since 1987), and asked me if I would be willing to fly out (at her cost) to San Antonio, and drive her and her very old dog, in her SUV, back to the city she loves, Philadelphia (this was early December 2021. She was only in San Antonio for a few years to care for her aging father, who had recently passed. Anyway, her timing was perfect, I'm single, I was 56, kind of bored since COVID crap had ruined my social life, so I took her up on the 26 hour drive adventure. I had never been in Texas, except for Dallas airport. I fully expected to see the dry and dusty terrain like in this video, but the route we took (I-35 and I-30) was beautiful, with lush farmland and green fields everywhere, I was quite surprised by it's beauty. I see now, having looked at Google Earth, that the eastern half (San Antonio, Dallas etc.) is green, the western half of the state (as this video represents) is all dry and dusty, like I pictured from the cowboy movies and such. I always thought all of Texas looked that way.
East Texas is forested, humid, very dense. West Texas is the complete opposite.
I probably would have agreed to the scenario.
Sometimes adventures find us at the correct moment where we can say what the hey, let's accomplish something.
@@DIVISIONINCISION I would never have known that until I made that trip, Before that, I only saw Texas in cowboy movies (probably none of which were actually shot in Texas) and such. It was a fun adventure, beautiful views, and the people I met on the way were super friendly.
The state where the dry west meets the wet east
When the dickens court house was in use, all the local teenagers parked out front on the side facing west at night. Some nights we would have trucks for 200 yards going south. Streaking was a big thing when I was in high school in afton. Running around the court house naked once or twice and going down the street south lol really good times. Dickens, afton, spur and roaring springs used too be wild places at night. Oh let’s not forget jayton.
That sounds awesome. Great memories of those times, I'm sure.
I enjoy your videos. Thank you ❤😊
Awesome!!
It’s heartbreaking to see the decline of such beautiful little towns. Trying to imagine when they were full and the sound of lots of folks. It fascinates me how in all three places we saw but a handful of folks. Thank you for taking the time to show us Joey.
Amazing research work you have on every town you show in your videos. I wonder how is it to live in such places.