Everyday life in Texas

[Riley Gardner]

Hey all,

So I'm currently in the midst of a writing project (a possible novel) that is obviously taking place in the Texas Revolutionary period, but it begins in early 1835 in Gonzales, Texas. As I'm writing, I'm coming to the realization that I'm lacking quite a bit of knowledge in everyday life of the time period - what people did on a daily basis, how they took care of the property, the kinds of things they owned, how they cared for their horses or other animals, etc. Simple life that goes beyond weapons.

Does anyone have any good knowledge on how life was in this time period? Also, if anyone could suggest any good readings on this, it'd be appreciated. I'm focusing on a fictional family, the family of Galba Fuqua (which I've uncovered a wealth of information over, if anyone is interested) and also a bit into the William King family, all intermingled in Gonzales at the time period, so you can imagine the importance of simply getting the aesthetic correct.

Thanks all!

[edward]

I would read the city council minutes to get an idea of what may be going on at the time.

From the San Antonio council minutes:

Regular session of September 5, 1833 Mr. Ximenes presiding.
Having been read and approved the minute of the preceding session, it was voted that the citizen Francisco Flores be permitted to keep in the corral of his house a milch-cow in the corral of his house in order to give him milk for his sick folks, with the understanding that as soon as they are better, or the cholera sickness nears, he must put her outside (the City).

For Gonzales example see:

www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/gonminutes.htm

[rayjr]

Riley,

Another good source is Voices from the Goliad Frontier.  I know it is not Gonzalez - but gives you a real texture for the times.

Regards,
Ray
GOLIAD ORDER FORM.pdf (143.91 KB)