The Big Tree

From: http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasHillCountryTowns/Blewett-Texas.htm

MY HOMETOWN OF BLEWETT, TEXAS
As I remember it from 1948 through 1969

by Raul Nolasco, Jr.

Back in the 1950's and 1960's, at the junction of Highway 90 and FM 1022, there appeared a large sign that read, "UVALDE ROCK ASPHALT COMPANY.....THE LARGEST MINES IN THE WORLD." This mine was indeed the largest rock asphalt mines in the world. Exactly three miles south on FM 1022, where Turkey Creek goes under FM 1022, one can see the site of the mining town where the Uvalde Rock Asphalt Mines employees lived. On that site from 1911 to 1969 the mining town of Blewett, Tx. existed. In the late forties and early fifties there were as many as fifty homes inhabited. I lived here the first twenty years of my life. The town had a company store that sold tools, groceries, meat market, gas pump in the back and, clothing. This is were my parents would buy my school clothes at the beginning of each school year. This is where my parents got me started on Wrangler 13MWZ cowboy cut jeans. These jeans sold for $3.00 a pair. They were very stiff and could practically stand up by themselves. Also, in the store was the office for the Uvalde Rock Asphalt Plant. The town also had at one time a clinic/infirmary, a two story, horsehoe shaped hotel where at one end was the post office. Blewett also had a school house. I remember ringing the bell that was outside the front door. This town also, had a cemetery, and it is still there. I had a great childhood! Raised on 10,000 acres! I was raised with a rifle in one hand and a rod and reel or a cane pole on the other. Below our house was Turkey Creek. Turkey Creek was full of bass, catfish, perch, turtles, frogs, snakes and, ducks. I have fond memories of my childhood and into adulthood. I can describe it by saying that it was PARADISE! I truly miss Blewett. I am a third generation Blewite. Early family members were great-uncles of mine, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Out of this town of Blewett I have two cousins thar are physicians. One graduated from Harvard Medical School, the other from Baylor. I received a B.A. degree from Southwest Texas State University and a Mortuary License from the Dallas Institue of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Tx. Approximately one half mile from the town of Blewett were the Uvalde Rock Asphalt Mines.