Author Archive
BACK STORY: Giving Thanks to Those Who Sacrificed
Writing the November column, my theme for the month could naturally have centered on either Veteran’s Day or Thanksgiving. It makes sense. However, in the process I once again learned — it’s a small world.
During an interview with local fun person Paula Craig (Sunset ’56), she shared her terrific … more
BACK STORY: Still Spinning After All These Years
Growing up in Oak Cliff, many ’50s and ’60s teens and pre-teens found their way to record stores sprinkled throughout the community: Priest Record Shop in Kiestwood Village, Coghill-Simmons on West Davis, Height’s Record Shop in Westmoreland Heights Shopping Center, and Mel Renfro’s House of Sound in Wynnewood Village, to … more
Back Story
My 1950s world had no big-box stores. And when September arrived and school resumed, we didn’t head for the mall, either. Instead, it seems that there was one, and only one, true back-to-school ritual that my friends and I consider to be the most memorable.
Unlike today, when supply lists … more
BACK STORY
Who doesn’t like donuts? Probably no one.
These yummy little fried pastries drenched in a heavy sugar glaze bring smiles to children and happiness to almost any office coffee room. Purchased in bags and boxes, and washed down with milk, coffee or juice, these treats seem to be a national … more
Gayla Brooks Kokel is co-author of the book “Images of America: Oak Cliff” and writes a monthly history column for the Oak Cliff Advocate. She can date her neighborhood heritage back to 1918, when her father was born in what was then called Eagle Ford. She was born at Methodist Hospital and graduated from Kimball High. Email gkokel@advocatemag.com.
