Thursday, May 31, 2012

Texarkana is a unique place. The city exists in the two states of Texas and Arkansas. The shared attribute that each proud state shared was the U.S. Post Office which sits on the boundary of both states. In front of the post office, there is a tribute to the heritage of both states. One can stand in the middle of the stairs and be in both Texas and Arkansas simultaneously. The grand Federal Building towers behind like a proud uncle reminding the children that Uncle Sam's watching.

Every week, it was my parents custom to take us kids to a new church in whatever community we happened to be staying. This particular Sunday, my family was in Texarkana. We had met a man named Dr. Dan Bookout at a Kiwanis Club luncheon that we had been invited to attend. Dr. Bookout had set more international aviation records than any other person alive at that time. Dr. Bookout invited us to attend his church called Rose Hill Church of Christ. After church he invited us to join him for lunch. So  Aaron and I dressed in our Sunday best. Dad drove us to the famous post office, and my brother and I stood on either side of the state marker. I was in Texas and Aaron represented Arkansas, our new state to explore. Cathleen and I paused to remember that historical social science lesson experience that Aaron and I had enjoyed.

Dr. Bookout invited us out to his hanger to see his plane, the "Texarkana Baby." We were driven out to his hanger where we got to see his beautiful world record setting Piper twin engine 7 seat "Lance" with a six cylinder 300 hip engine. Try to say that three times fast! Mom decided to get some much needed time to herself and enjoy an interrupted nap. That day I think she missed out because Dan said as Dad, Aaron, and I gawked at the incredible flying machine, "We can't go anywhere unless you get in!" Up into the air we soared and viewed the terrain far beneath us that we had taken days to traverse on foot. He took us over the mighty Red River into Oklahoma and over Texarkana. The three of us were on cloud nine!


I'm in Texas and Aaron's in Arkankas

Texarkana U.S. Post Office

Texarkana Baby!

13 comments:

  1. Awesome. Your photos add another dimension of realism to your story. Thank you.

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  2. This journey is "must read" material!!!
    Rich

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    1. Thank you! The encouragement is much appreciated!

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  3. This journey is amazing and inspiring- Tad Beatty, New York Times.

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    1. Mr. Beatty, I am inspired by your review! I think coed cooking is in my future.

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  4. Dr. Dan is a good friend of mine. Thank you for the picture of his old plane.

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  5. You're welcome. I'd love to reconnect with Dr. Dan. I haven't spoken with him since 1987! Flying with him and hearing about his accomplishments and adventures was one of the highlights of the entire Walk.

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    1. Are you aware, that Dr. Dan Bookout is alive and well, at age 82, he resides in Texarkana, Texas with his wife,not to far from me. He is planning another adventure, this time, by boat. He has written 6 books, and is working on two more books. He is selling his houseboat, which he had been preparing for a big trip, deciding instead to use a smaller boat, rather than a houseboat.

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    2. I was not aware that Dr. Dan is still in Texarkana. Thank you for the update. I need to continue research on a book I am writing about the walk. I would be delighted to reestablish contact with him someday soon. Thank you for reaching out.

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  6. I can facilitate that. I don't see a "contact" section on this blog to send you an email.

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  7. Dr Dan is a fraud, watch Cowboys in the South Pacific on youtube to see who he really is.

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