Noodling & the Rachuig Family

Robert Rachuig, grandson of Rube Rachuig & Huldina Ickert, has sent me a few short messages about his memories of 'the old days.'   His first one concerns 'noodling,' which is the term for catching catfish and other large, rough fish by hand.  My mother and aunt have very clear memories of these noodling expeditions.  Many of you will remember that I've posted pictures of them in the past.

Here's the text of Robert's message plus a picture we scanned at the recent family reunion.

"Robert Rachuig's Family Memories at the home of his grand parents, Rudolph and Huldina Rachuig."

One of the special memories I have of my grand parents is about the family summer get-togethers at their home between Clifton and Valley Mills. It was on or near the 4th of July every year. On many of those occasions, we had a fish fry for family and friends, at their place on the Bosque river. On many occasions, we had a big fishing expedition to catch the fish for the picnic. 

I remember gathering at the Clifton city park and all of the men getting into the river and dragging a long net down the river and catching all the rough fish we could, that was legal to catch in that manner. It was about 5 miles from the park to my grand parents place on the river. Rough fish were fish with scales. However, it was not legal to catch fish by hand, such as catfish. 

My father and his two brothers were raised on the river and knew all the catfish hiding places down in under the banks on the river. They, along with the other men, did engage in the act of taking some of the catfish by grabbing them by hand. They were secretly taken home and became a part of the picnic meal. In the afternoon of the day of the fish fry, large tables were placed in the yard under the live oak shade trees, and a large crowd of family and friends came. On an occasion or two, I remember the local game warden was present.  We did have lots of fun at my grand parents home.

Will Krueger, Sr., an unidentified man, & a young boy with catfish.

A view of the Bosque River

Here's a link to my aunt's memories (with pictures) of July 4th picnics & noodling expeditions.  Click here.
 

Bosquerama, Bosque County's Centennial Celebration, 1954

Charlie Rachuig brought the following photos to the recent reunion.  Even though they are a little 'odd,' I knew exactly what they were.

In May 1954, Bosque County celebrated its 100th birthday.  The exact dates were May 1st to May 8th.  (I've done some research and provided links below.)  I made a trip with my grandmother, Mamie Adams Rachuig, sometime in April 1954, I think.  If we were there during the celebration, I don't remember the parade or any organized events.  Anyway, I remember all the men in our extended family had grown beards, which spooked me a little.  I was just 4-years old, so it all made a big impression on me.

Here are a few pictures of the event, which was called Bosquerama.  Click here for 1st photo.  Click here for 2nd photo.  Click here for 3rd photo.

The idea was to dress like people did in 1854; thus the old-fashioned clothes.  Men let their beards grow, and women could not wear make up.  They had a system of fines, or permits for those citizens who needed/wanted to break the rules.  Check out the explanation here.  Here is a better look at the permit badges and other memorabilia. 

Here are some photos of our extended family in their costumes.

Charles A. Rachuig, Julius Rachuig, Charlie Rachuig, & Betty Rachuig at Will & Hilda Krueger's home in Clifton.

Will Krueger, Sr. standing in his front yard in Clifton.

Will Krueger, Jr., Will Krueger, Sr., & Julius Rachuig in Will, Sr.'s front yard.

Same trio as above 'cutting up.'

I can identify all but two people in the next photo. Standing left-to-right: Charles A. Rachuig, Edgar Rachuig, Jerry Belcher, Hilda Rachuig Krueger, Evelyn Rachuig Belcher, Jack Belcher, Walter Rachuig, Sr., Hans Mansur, Dorothy Rachuig Mansur, unknown man, unknown woman, & Julius Rachuig.  Sitting left-to-right: Betty Rachuig with Charlie, Will Krueger, Sr., Alvina Beyerstadt Rachuig, & Will Krueger, Jr.

 

A History of Bosque County, 1986

I'm not certain if other family researchers have known about this resource, but it was new to me.  It's a history of Bosque County (Texas) published in 1986.  I found histories of various branches of our extended family (e.g., Ickerts, Bernhardts, & Krugers) as well as information on various communities where branches of the family lived.  (I want to take a closer look at this resource.)

I also noted that the Chisolm Trail (a major path for Texas cattle drives) passed through Valley Mills and Morgan.  I never knew this.

Link to history of Bosque County.

Photos of Clifton, Texas

When we attended the reunion in Clifton a few weeks ago, we were impressed with the beauty of the country side. Even those who live far from Texas have probably heard of the drought and wild fires scorching large areas of the state. We didn't see any evidence of those disasters. The area around Norse was really picturesque.

Those of you who live far from the Clifton area will get an idea of the area's natural beauty, courtesy of these photos from Robert Rachuig.

Old Mill in Clifton, Texas

This postcard shows the Old Mill on the Bosque River in Clifton. (I think.) I understand it generated the town's electricity in the early 20th Century. Maybe someone can enlighten us on its history.