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A hundred years ago, on PALO PINTO'S hills.
The Golden sunbeams touched the rocks and rills,
'Twas the Indian's home and the wild beast's den,
A wilderness, yet, untouched by the White Men.
Native trees and flowers made vistas go grand,
With breath taking beauty, that covered the land,
Vast fields of COREOPSIS, like "CLOTH of GOLD,"
Where brave men met in "DAYS of OLD".
Acres of BLUE BONNETS formed CARPETS so rare,
With which man-made-fabric could not compare,
The Red LOBELIA stood up with TEXAS PRIDE,
Like the SCARLET SENTRIES, that could not hide.
The INDIAN BLANKET was a deep CRIMSON STAIN,
That covered much of the county's wide TERRAIN,
There were flashing butterflies and bright honey bees,
And sweet SONG BIRDS flying among the trees.
While far above in the clear blue sky,
Lovely Rose and silver clouds went floating by,
All this DIVINE beauty, enclosed in Nature's Hush,
Was a picture not painted by Mortal Man's Brush.
Changes Through the Century to 1957
Years passed, COMMUNITIES and VILLAGES soon spread,
Over LAND, that, once knew the INDIAN'S tread,
Homes and Churches were built, School-Houses and Barns,
The WILDERNESS was changed into ORCHARDS and FARMS.
The "YOUNG LOCHINVARS," who were making the QUEST,
Rode away from the EAST into the WEST,
When they got married, THERE they SETTLED DOWN,
And became the FIRST CITIZENS OF GOLCONDA TOWN.
Pioneer men and women were NOBLE and BRAVE,
They got so much LESS than they GAVE,
They toiled and suffered, in WARS they DIED,
But always their PRINCIPLES were upheld with PRIDE.
Where, NARROW TRAILS once marked the MOUNTAIN SIDE,
Now runs CEMENT ROADS, smooth, safe and wide,
Deep RIVERS are crossed on Steel and Stone,
And every where PEOPLE can talk by TELEPHONE.
A court house was built and the NAME,
Given the TOWN and COUNTY, is the SAME,
When GREAT DEEDS must be done, almost anywhere,
NATIVES of PALO PINTO will surely be THERE.
Palo Pinto is a gem in the Chain,
Formed of Texas Counties, all across the plain,
And Blessings are shown in so many ways,
That the People are thankful, all their days.
This rare and diverse part of TEXAS SOIL,
Drew wealth from coal-mines and wells of oil,
From large herds of cattle on the RANGE,
And "GOD'S BOUNTY" that is FOREVER STRANGE.
Here plants grow, both for charm and Duty,
Pecan trees yield food and Redbuds give Beauty,
Delicious Pears and Grapes, fragrant Peaches for Pies,
And "Gorgeous Human Peaches" that delight tired Eyes.
A Miracle was wrought, when it was found,
Health-giving Mineral Water flowed from the ground,
This Report was not foolish and idle talk,
When Blind and Crippled could see and walk.
The towns have grown and side by side,
In peace and plenty, all Races abide,
For each has much, that it can give,
To improve this world, in which we live.
There are Schools and Churches for all Creeds,
The Citizens are known for their Good Deeds,
Palo Pinto is the Site of an Army Post,
God, grant it may be only the Host.
The people love to laugh, work and sing,
But can fight, like "Gladiators" in the ring,
When States Rights are menaced, you better look out,
Palo Pinto in Texas, will win the Bout.
Within the next century, ma our Posterity see,
Great and Good changes, that are to be,
In this land where their Fathers have trod,
Upholding Truth, Honor, and Faith in God.
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