Abilene State Park - Texas State Parks

[@buzzcorrey7171]

My father was superintendent of the Abilene State Park from 1941 to 1945. We lived on the park property in a house that was a converted barracks that had been moved from nearby U.S. Army Camp Barkeley. I was 2 years old when we moved from Abilene to the park. Military personnel from Camp Barkeley would come to the park after practice maneuvers for a day of R&R. My father gave them access to the swimming pool free of charge. On time my older brother and I were standing beside the road as the troops came to the park. They would be driving all of there equipment, tanks, jeeps, half-tracks, duce and a half trucks. They would line all of the vehicles up in a field just north of the main pavilion. One time tank pulled up and stopped where my brother and I were, the top popped open and the soldier ask us if we wanted a ride. I really wanted to ride in that tank, but my brother, being a bit shy and older than I, refused so I didn't get to go. I was so disappointed. My sister who was in high-school and the oldest of us three children, was a licensed life guard at the pool. One day a soldier made a running dive into the pool and hit his head was was knocked unconscious. My sister dove in and another soldier helped her get the soldier out of the pool and she gave him artificial respiration until he came too, saving his life. Years later, she was able to get into contact with this soldier who remembered her. My grandfather was the care taker of a boy scout camp, Circle 10 Camp Tonkawa, whose property adjoined the park. My grandmother like to bake and always had a pie and or cake or two in her pie cabinet. Word would get around from one bunch of soldier boys to another that if they went to my grandmother's they could get coffee and desert, so they would ask my mother for directions. She would say, "get Butch" (me) and he will show you. So one would put me on his shoulders and I would point the way over to the the Scout Camp. We left the park when my father took the assignment of superintendent of Possum Kingdom State Park near Breckenridge, Texas. The water tower you show is where my father kept his tools, lawn mowers and other things for maintanence. I was always afraid of that place, it really looked spooky to me. The pool was fed from deep wells and fed with an 8 in pipe. The water was really cold. I used to help my father throw chlorine disinfectant pods into the pool to keep the water safe. Thank you for a great video, I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the buildings and the areas where I played and road my tricycle, I was hell on wheels. Brings back a lot of fond memories. William H.

[@DudeRV]

I am so glad and most honored to have been able to take you on a trip down memory lane! Thank you so very much for watching! I have a video of Possum Kingdom as well...kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpOvf2yig5xkpKs

[@robertsutton3001]

South llano river is a awesome river to kayak or tube. You really get why the area is so special from that perspective

[@DudeRV]

I can see that. Just driving through the area makes me want to float the river. thanks for watching!

[@4nascar17]

Didn't know the Abiline area had that many trees. That CCC work is beautiful. Can't wait to see you back on Red. Thanks, BB

[@DudeRV]

I was kinda suprised by all of the trees as well! Stand by, I have a couple more Scooterless videos before Little Red shows back up. thanks for watching!!

[@randyc9656]

Thanks great info

[@DudeRV]

You are most welcome! thanks for watching!!

[@JL.FortneyProductions]

We have been shopping for a camper maybe see you out there someday!!!

[@DudeRV]

Very cool! Just look for the gimpy guy flying by on the red scooter! thanks for watching!!

[@Alex-kl3sc]

Looks like a nice park. Astute point about the direction the site faces. I've been watching your vids for a little while and never acknowledged your cool hats. Thanks for your service B) ' Where you going in 2021?

[@DudeRV]

Actually you are the first to even mention my caps. Thank you for recognizing! I have been bumping into the backwards site on a lot of campgrounds here lately. Thanks for watching!

[@RFSTEVENS1]

Been watching your channel for sometime now I cant figure out something. Do you pull your truck or does your wife drive the truck while you drive the RV. Thank you for your service and your you tube channel.

[@DudeRV]

most of the time we re flat towing the pickup, if we have a short move then she will drive. We bought the F150 just so we can flat-tow and transport the scooter. Thanks for watching and thanks a bunch for your support!