One of the activities many guides enjoy is assuming the identity of historical personages. I’ve been lucky to do this twice in the last two months. In March, during our Austin Tour Guide Association’s annual gala, I became August Scholz, the German immigrant who founded Scholz Bier Garten in Austin in 1866. This guise was appropriate for two reasons: the ATGA has always held its yearly party at Scholz, by all accounts Texas’ oldest continuously operated business. The other connection is that my great-grandfather, Claus Henry Frick, came from Germany to Central Texas about the same time as Herr Scholz. I’ve also dressed up as my relative and preformed portions of his autobiography.
It’s getting to be quite a habit: For San Jacinto Day, I became Jesse Billingsley, veteran of the battle, for a hotel and tourism conference. Here’s how I appeared:
Credited with originating the victory cry of “Remember the Alamo,” Captain Billingsley had come to Mexican colonial Texas from Tennessee, a neighbor of David Crockett. Settled near Bastrop, he joined the Sam Houston’s army as part of Edward Burleson’s First Regiment. After the Revolution, this early Texan served as a congressman and representative.
During these attire-base adventures, I learned the difference between mere costumes and replica clothing. Those that don such period pieces are truly serious about authenticity. Thanks to such inspiring examples and the thunderous response I received, I’ve now added full-regalia presentations to my slate of tour offerings. Look for August or Jesse on Austin’s streets again soon!
-HR
Comments
I just wanted to let you know that Capt. Jesse Billingsley is one of my many great grandfathers… Jeptha Billingsley his son was my great great great grandfather Wallace Billingsley was my great great grandfather.. Wallace’s daughter Lillian Billingsley Martin was my great grandmother.. Her Daughter Joyce Martin Havenar was my grandmother and my mother is Martha Havenar Crow.. My name is Theresa Crow… Thanks for playing the part of my family…
Theresa Crow
storytelling says : I absolutely agree with this !
I am currently trying to update the genealogy on my fathers side and found the “dressing up the past”, site. I am in the same family as Theresa Crow, except that Dale Billingsley Stoddard was my grandmother and Lillian’s sister. I would love to get in touch with more of the family and update the genealogy records.
My husband also is descended from Dale. Would love any family info you have discovered.
I am Barbara Martin Collins – daughter of Roy J. Martin > son of Lillian Billingsley Martin & Arthur Edward Martin; would love to hear more about family
Pingback: October Unfolding « Texpert Tabloid
My grandpa is Retired Staff Sergeant Roy Martin, son of Lillian Billingsley Martin. My mom asked me to find her grave for him because he had searched previously and not been able to find it. I just did, and hope to be able to get him up here soon so that he can visit her. I would love to know anything about this side of my family so that I may pass it on in future generations 🙂 my email is brittaniebuckley@live.com