Amon G. Carter holding a turkey presumably from Shady Oak Farm. | FW Star-Telegram Collection/ UTA Special Collections
Amon G. Carter Sr. (1879-1955) wore many hats — including being a father, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and an amazing gift-giver.
In fact, he famously gifted Shady Oak hats made by Cowtown’s own Peters Brothers to countless people, including British royalty, US presidents, and movie stars. Take a peek at this gift list dating back to 1937.
When it came to Thanksgiving and Christmas, he certainly didn’t hold back. He aimed to put Cowtown on the map by gifting local products like pecans, fruit, and turkeys from his own Shady Oak Farm or other surrounding farms.
Turkeys were delivered across the nation as early as the mid-1920s to his friends in the oil, banking, railroading, advertising, and newspaper industries. Up until the 1930s, the turkeys were shipped live in wooden crates but were eventually replaced by smoked turkeys.
One of the most noteworthy recipients was Gilbert T. Hodges — president of the Advertising Club of New York — in 1928. According to “The New York Sun,” Gilbert received a 25-lb live turkey,and rather than taking it straight to the butcher, Mr. and Mrs. Hodges became so attached that they named it “Richard” and rented out a vacant apartment across the hall from where they were living for it stay in.
Here’s a look back at some thank you letters from Amon’s other highly esteemed friends:
US President Calvin Coolidge thanked Amon for the turkey and acquaintanceship. | December 22, 1928
Senator Tom Connally sent a letter showing thanks for Christmas cigars and a turkey. | January 13, 1942
First Lady Clementine Churchill, the wife of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, sent a letter thanking Amon for a smoked turkey. | January 21, 1943
US President Harry S. Truman thanked Amon for sending turkeys and pecans. | December 28, 1945
George Strait | Friday, Nov. 18 + Saturday, Nov. 19 | 8 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $385+ | Don’t miss the iconic country singer as he performs a two-night show in Cowtown.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” | Friday, Nov. 18 | 7 p.m. | Artisan Center Theater, 444 E. Pipeline Rd., Hurst | $10+ | Based on the best-selling book, the show is a hilarious and heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.
Saturday, Nov. 19
30th Anniversary Festival | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m. | Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth | $6+ | Enjoy half-price admission all day as the zoo celebrates its 30th anniversary with live musical acts, giveaways, and animal enrichment activities.
Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience | Saturday, Nov. 19 + Sunday, Nov. 20 | 11 a.m. | Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | This year’s “surf side”-themed holiday market will feature Santa in a Hawaiian shirt + opportunities to shop local vendors, a charitable raffle, and pet adoptions.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 5 p.m. | Sundance Square Plaza, 420 Main St., Fort Worth | Free | Sundance Square will kick off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting, photos with Santa, and family-friendly activities.
Parade of Lights | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 6 p.m. | Downtown, Fort Worth | $22+ | Reserve a seat for the largest illuminated holiday parade in Texas.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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A new movie theater could be coming to the Ridglea Hills neighborhood. The 9,683-sqft theater would be in the old Levitz Warehouse parking lot at 6905 Camp Bowie Blvd. Halbach Dietz Architects would design the small, two-screen theater. The Urban Design Commission still needs to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. 🎬
Eat
Mediterranean restaurant Chadra Mezza & Grill is closing its Park Place location and moving down the street to 1701 Galveston Ave. The restaurant told us they expect to reopen after Thanksgiving with takeout orders only. Dine-in services will not be available. 🍽️
Concerts
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Nov. 19 for the Auditorium Concert Series at the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The 23-day event will run Friday, Jan. 13-Saturday, Feb. 4 with concerts at Will Rogers Auditorium. Concert highlights include Larry the Cable Guy, John Michael Montgomery, and Deana Carter. 🎤
Travel
If you’re flying out of Dallas Love Field for the holidays, the airport is warning travelers about limited parking inside garages. As a reminder, all parking spots are first-come, first-served, including valet. Avoid parking troubles by taking ride-share services, public transportation, or using off-site services like The Parking Spot. ✈️
Jobs
Opening day is getting closer for the new Truck Yard location in Alliance at 3101 Prairie Vista Dr. The restaurant is looking to fill several positions including security, cooks, and assistant manager. According to Truck Yard, the grand opening is just around the corner. 💼
Watch
Kathleen Cluchey from the Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth is now a “Chopped” champion. The teacher won the $10,000 prize during the Thanksgiving “Thankful for Teachers” episode. You can watch Mrs. Cluchey on Food Network on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. 🔪
Show
“America’s game” is going on tour. “Wheel of Fortune Live!” is bringing its all-new theatrical experience to Grand Prairie’s Texas Trust CU Theatre (1001 Texas Trust Way) on Monday, Jan. 24. Audience members will get the chance to be randomly selected to win cash and prizes. Grab your tickets. 🎟️
Gift yourself a memorable staycation this season at Live! by Loews just ~30 minutes away in Arlington — the perfect home base to discover the holiday happenings around the Arlington Entertainment District. Bonus: Check out exclusive perks valued at $65+. 🎄*
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H-E-B held a groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023. | Photo provided by H-E-B Newsroom
Construction has officially begun on the new H-E-B Alliance location at 3451 Heritage Trace Pkwy. The Texas-based grocery store will open in late spring of 2024 and be joined by another Tarrant County location in Mansfield, which will break ground early next year.
🍖 True Texas BBQ | The restaurant was named the “best barbecue chain in Texas” by Texas Monthly and will feature classic barbecue dishes including smoked meats, sandwiches, and sides.
💊 Full H-E-B Pharmacy | The drive-thru pharmacy provides prescriptions at low prices, same-day prescription delivery, auto refills, immunizations, and more.
🩺 H-E-B Wellness Primary Care Clinic | Services include primary care, physical therapy, health/nutrition coaching, clinical pharmacists, specialty referrals, and labs.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Rebecca.
Editor’s pick: Big news baseball fans — the 2024 MLB All-Star Game will be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington on July 16, 2024. Mayor Mattie Parker said, “We are thrilled to offer our world-class amenities to support the hosting of the All-Star Game and All-Star Week festivities in Arlington.” This will be the second time Arlington has hosted the All-Star Game. Back in 1995, the city hosted the Midsummer Classic.
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