Empty, Almost Ghost Towns In The Dusty Texas Plains

I visited these Texas towns: Spur, Dickens, Roaring Spring & Ralls.
Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip
Travel Vlog 291

[@chetbales3962]

I lived in Spur in 1969, I shined shoes at the barber shop, when the regular guys was out. I play pool right down the street , bought my first cowboy hat at the general store. seen a bloody movie at Halloween, at the movie theater. Had my first real girl friend from there. A lot of memories from that little town. I was thirteen at the time.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

Very cool indeed. Thank you for sharing.

[@dallas5609]

Bless you sir

[@StevieWonder737]

Did you know Molly Barron? I went to school with her in Austin. She was from Spur. She would have been about 5 yrs older than you, Class of 1968

[@chetbales3962]

@@StevieWonder737 dont recognize the name

[@robertwilson7750]

Why are there no people walking about

[@tsr207]

Thank you again for bringing vistas of America that we would never see otherwise - it really is an education in how immense the country is and how the changing economic conditions cause towns to rise and fall. Appreciate everything you do !

[@Loren_Vosser]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year Joe & Nic I love your videos they're so peaceful and informative Texas is a place I'd love to visit all the way from the UK 🤶 🧑‍🎄 🎄

[@torre333]

Merry Christmas and happy new year God bless both of you

[@melindacavazos4194]

I lived in Ralls, Idalou, and Crosbytown back in the 80's

[@fredreyez7614]

So did I, came from Michigan and worked at Texas Instruments on University Ave...in Lubbock... memories​@@melindacavazos4194

[@igavehimadollar3354]

I produced a huge deuce watching this big as a subway footlong me hearties

[@neobaggins3718]

I live in a town that, while not quite in as dire a situation as Spur has seen mostly a decline in population since the 1930s to 1950s. We don't live in town, but outside in an old farmhouse. Route 66 is main street, and there are increasing efforts to revitalize and renew the city. But nearby, along Route 66 and other state highways, there are so many cool old towns that are in the same situation as Spur or even worse. We're 40 min and 1 hour from the two largest cities in the state, and housing is cheap. Some amenities are lacking, but in general it's easy to live here. I can't understand why people would spend double or triple the price on a newer construction home in the suburbs when you can get a better house on land in a small town. My wife's and my goal is to start a business in one of the historic route 66 buildings on main street and bring it back to some of its former glory. I love traveling on Route 66 and exploring old towns, but it's painful to see them dying slowly. My hope is more young people will see the charm of these old towns and come breathe new life into them before they're completely decayed and lost to time.

[@uhycsak4444]

This is a nice comment, and I agree with you.

[@kingforaday8725]

My grandfather operated a cotton gin near Lubbock. I remember when we would go visit our grandparents during cotton harvest. My grandmother would load my sister and I up in their 55 Chevy Belair. She would visit cotton gins in many of the small towns in this area and pick up cotton samples that would be taken back for testing. The samples were in these long sock looking canvas bags with tags on them. By the time we got back home the trunk, back seat, back floor board and sometimes the front seat would be full of these bags. Along the way gin owners would gift us with gin branded ink pens, pencils, buttons, caps, miniature cotton bales, and often dimes and quarters for candy and a coke!!! Fun times!!! Wish I still had all those branded items as they are now collectors pieces.

[@RogerSmith-lc9lo]

I lived in Spur, Texas on a small ranch when I was about 15 years old. I enjoyed living there and watched the old timers play dominoes downtown. They would tell stories about their cowboy days….good memories….

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Very cool!

[@zoidmo3388]

@Roger...that! would be so cool. I wish ppl. myself included , had vids of when we were young. (like the 50/60's era..lol) Taping of the happenings in down town areas of our small quaint slow pace towns.

[@StevieWonder737]

Did you know Molly Barron? I went to school with her in Austin. She was from Spur. She would have been about 5 yrs older than you, Class of 1968

[@ratmadness4858]

I grew up in that area. Every August Roaring Springs would have the Old Settlers Reunion. In the 60s it was a big deal. Indoor dance hall with a live band. Outdoor dancing with a live band. Rodeo and full carnival with rides and games. I was playing Bingo for the first time. My father looked at my card and told me I had a Bingo. I asked him what I should do. The said yell Bingo. I was hooked on that game. Thousands of people would be there for the 3 days. Highway Patrol and Sheriff Deputies from all around the area would be there to keep order. Fun times

[@MadcapMedia01010]

This year was the 100th anniversary of the Old Settlers. My wife and I moved here from California. We love living in Spur and really enjoyed the Old Settlers this year.

[@thehimself4056]

What kind of people are there that NEEDS that much law enforcement?

[@ratmadness4858]

@@thehimself4056 1000s of farmers and cowboys drinking beer. this was before the fear of authority died.

[@thehimself4056]

I live in a similar town. But we don’t have cops or local law enforcement. Every now and then you might see a sheriff deputy parked, sleeping under a tree or something. We have beer and weed here though. The rodeos are great and fairs just as good.

[@zoidmo3388]

@ratmadness. Thx for your comment. Awesome hearing about these towns from folk that reside in these areas. Luv hearing about it.

[@ronnwood5527]

One of the greatest high school prom dances I ever did was in Spur, May 11, 1979 (AmaChron The Z-93 Entertainers). The theme was "Saturday Night Fever" and the kids were enthralled with 'Disco Fever'. Started the dance with "Stayin' Alive", "Night Fever", "Boogie Nights" and "How Deep Is Your Love". They danced to every song and a gave a huge round of applause at the end. Also did dances in Ralls and Dickens in later years.

[@kdtrimble]

I wish you would have the opportunity to speak with the locals. That would add a whole new level to your channel.

[@uhycsak4444]

Good idea.

[@asullivan4047]

They pull the side walk in when he arrives-!!!😳 I've yet to see any humanoids-???🤔.

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

Crime is low in Spur because there's nothing to steal and nobody to hurt.

[@kimballamram552]

A lot of those small towns have consolidated school districts that play six man football which is a source of pride for the towns. Another resident of Spur, Texas who achieved a degree of infamy was Marshall Applewhite of the Heavens Gate cult.

[@grumpadoes5358]

I was born and raised in Ralls. I never knew we had a famous song writer from here. Ralls is drying up fast. We had about 2400 people in my day. I left at the start of 1999 to move to Houston. My parents are both buried there so I visit occasionally when I'm in the area. Live in Virginia now. I recognize several of the houses you drove past.

[@ronniebishop8681]

Judge Henry Aldrich Carlos Brummett 1888-1965, he also had a son, Henry Aldrich Carlos Brummett Jr. 1915-1980 - born in Spur, Tx - served in WW2. Both are buried in Lubbock Co. Tx.

[@millardhale85]

Spur,Dickens,Roaring Springs, and Ralls,Texas WOW!

[@marshmallows5641]

The old train depot in Roaring Springs is beautiful! It was part of the Quanah, Acme & Pacific Railroad, and used until 1971; which is also the year Amtrak took over passenger service. The town purchased it the next year, and it's a Texas historical landmark. Can't get enough of historical Mission Revival train depots, simply beautiful!

[@edkiess6953]

If you can find a copy, check out The Quanah Route by Don L. Hofsommer (Texas A & M University Press), 215 p. of text with pictures, chapter-by-chapter notes, bibliography and index. It's good reading. Ed in Albuquerque

[@dennyrosson2522]

Best water in Texas at roaring springs!,

[@amym.694]

Fun Texas fact . Texas is the state with the most counties, 254.

[@Harpoon2theRescue]

.....with the planets worst drivers.

[@James-es1fg]

@@Harpoon2theRescueclose but I’d have to say Georgia drivers. Specifically Atlanta are the worst. 80mph and bam the entire freeway decides to slam to an immediate stop. No coasting. Just… hope you got good breaks

[@shadowchaser3836]

@@Harpoon2theRescueeveryplace has the planet’s worst drivers.

[@cherylross4238]

So excited to see Ralls , Spur, Rolling Springs and Dickinson! I go thru there about twice a year going to Lubbock to visit family ! I would love to live in a small town. A lot of these people work and shop in Lubbock! Enjoying the history and information on every little community! I agree, your voice is very smooth and easy to listen to!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!

[@tillyg8858]

Enjoyed the tour of Texas small towns. Thank you for sharing.

[@ValyTraveler]

I'm currently in a smallish town in Mississippi - it was good for small business' when there was bigger industry - like a brickyard, fence manufacturing and lumber yard for homes. They all left but we do still have a nice sized grocery store, hospital and post office and 30 min to the nearest populated town... But, the main street looks a lot like those blighted towns with a few hanger on shops.

[@peterpierce9233]

My Grand Parents on my father's side are buried there. In 1950 there was a Dirt Race track where the Race Cars came from far away to test their skills and speed. My mom and dad owned a diner there. One of the buildings you videoed was a "White Auto" owned by my Uncle Ronald Pierce. My Grand Parents were Alphie and Agnes Pierce

[@kentclark6420]

Hard to believe there was actually life there.

[@hhawg1]

Really enjoy these old, small towns. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@unklejohn8575]

My wife grew up near Spur and wanted to buy and open up that first building you showed (she also wanted to turn it into a coffee and tea shop). The population of Spur dropped because the private prison. The decline in all of these towns are due to the lack of infrastructure, which is driving people to Lubbock for goods, jobs, or homes. I grew up in Dallas, but have lived out here for twenty years and it’s sad to see these quiet towns dry up and die. We still live out here, but not sure for how much longer. The summers are getting too much for us to handle.

[@thehimself4056]

It got to 129 at our place last year

[@zoidmo3388]

Thx unclejohn for your comment. It's awesome to hear from folks that are residing in these types of towns. It interests me.

[@libbydoucette455]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@yaboi269]

@@thehimself4056that is absolutely horrifying

[@andycheng9066]

It’s so surreal to see these towns frozen in time

[@hg1651]

You think it’s frozen but it’s changed so much, since I was a child, growing up in dickens county.

[@ALo-yv2pj]

@@hg1651for the better or for worse has it changed?

[@mz4999]

One of the best. We love the decay and roughness at the edges of society. Best for you and yours and be well in 2024.

[@michaelking958]

I lived in Roaring Springs from 1988-ish to 1992, ages 3-ish to 6. We lived in my great-grandparents' house. I loved it there. It was so calm, peaceful, fresh air... just a beautiful place to live. Especially remember Elmer Parks who ran that Parks Welding Shop in your video 26:07 . He used to bail Alf Alfa that grew on our property. I used to watch him do it and I think a time or two he even let me ride with him. He also welded my Tricycle when the back wheels start to break off the rest of the frame. Nice man. I also remember Thacker Supply, where my mom would buy tools and whatnot to fix our super old home. You also pass the old grocery store, the lighter colored brick building at 26:59 next to the Fire Department building. I miss it so much even 32 years later. I still live nearby though, so I try to go to their Fourth of July event most years. The turnout is still pretty good!

[@PWPeteW1]

Thanks for taking us along on this drive. I used to live in Lubbock before the pandemic. I got to go through Ralls and Crosbyton while there. Ralls is indeed pronounced that way. It's refreshing to see sunny weather instead of the foggy and rainy stuff up here in the Pacific Northwest. Population decline in the rural areas of West Texas has been a thing for years now.

[@timothyogburn7656]

My stepfather was born and raised in Amarillo, he played back up stand up base for buddy Holly and did one Lubbock triangle tour with him when he was a senior in high school, I've driven through here while traveling, Mahalo y'all

[@macjac1725]

I grew up in Ralls, Texas and my parents would take me around the surrounding areas, alot of history! Amazing you viewed these little towns!

[@craigblakes5499]

You might have grew up with some of my family. I'm a Anderson descendant. My great auntie Loletha was a school teacher there. My uncle BL Anderson was one of the founding members of Shiloh Baptist Church there in Ralls

[@markhill7392]

I grew up in a town with 1500 people here in Texas. It was the best times of my life. I worked on a cattle ranch during high school and it toughened me up and taught me how to work hard. I kind of wish I had never left. Take care.

[@beverlypitts8270]

You have a very soothing voice. I enjoy listening to you describe the towns you visit.

[@garyply279]

Keep talking Try not to sing LOL

[@tracysmith4383]

Red McCombs was also a brief owner of the Minnesota Vikings in 98 and sold the team to its current owners.. his catch phrase was" purple pride"! 😂

[@Dan-d9v]

Yep, tried to move the team to san Antonio.

[@sellerd1]

Since I started watching your videos a couple of years ago, I hoped that your travels would take you to Ralls. When I saw where Spur was on the map I got hopeful that you would go to Ralls. Then I saw you travel north and my excitement built. When I saw you climb the Caprock, I was pretty sure you were going to Ralls. When I saw the windmills, I was convinced. I spent many memorable days in Ralls from the late 1950's to the early 90's. I witnessed the slow but sure change of the town. My Aunt used to meet her friends every day at Dairy Queen. She was real excited when they got their Dollar General. She has since passed away and the last time I was in Ralls was for her funeral about 8 years ago. One thing I always loved about Ralls was the flatness of the land and the fact you could see miles in any direction and maybe just see a tree about 5 miles away. Then they ruined the scenery with unsightly windmills. I was heartbroken to see that. It was like the end of an era. I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for going to Ralls!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool! Ralls downtown has amazing potential, and I think in the future the town will prosper because of its proximity to Lubbock. Lubbock continues to steadily grow and has never lost population.

[@sellerd1]

I might be adding to Lubbock's growth. Im retired and living on Long Island. The cost of living here is outrageous compared to Lubbock. My cousin just moved from Lewisville to Lubbock. I'm seriously thinking of moving there. My brother is in Carrollton but that's pretty expensive as well. I like the flat open spaces and climate of Lubbock. There's an advantage of being at 3,000 ft.@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip

[@craigblakes5499]

Hi. Did you grow up in Ralls? If you did, you grew up with some of my family. I'm a Anderson descendant

[@sellerd1]

@@craigblakes5499I’m related to the Slater Family. My aunt was Leona and uncle was Rex. I have lots of good memories of Ralls.

[@jimthornton-fc8kq]

This video reminded me of a movie from 1971 called "The last picture show". It showed about how bleak life in west texas could be. It was a good movie and this was another good video. Merry Christmas to you both. Sincerely, Jim Thornton

[@grumpadoes5358]

That movie hit very much dead center on small town life. I also enjoyed Texasville. It wasn't as good a movie but it was dead on describing small town folks.

[@49558201]

Roscoe , Rotan , Roby , old towns .

[@TheSnoopyclone]

People pass away and the kids have grown up and moved away. People moved away, setup their new life and don’t look back. When the parents passed away, the house is either sold or left alone. It looks like a nice place to retire and take life nice and slow. Quiet and small community. Perfect place to have avoided Covid.

[@ReconPro]

Have a great weekend everyone!

[@jonathanlee5185]

👍Fascinating. The sun-bleached ocher oranges and the sandstone ashlar and the fire-trap whitened dry timber, under the still, deep-blue cloudless skies that are somehow low-hung -- and amid broad-stretch streets with not a soul to be seen on them other than the backwash of a fast passing vehicle, sagging chain-fences, junk-yard front lawns and intermittent witch-spindle trees -- all remind of the aesthetic of the (less violent moments) in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie.👍

[@wildkingdom2012]

What an epic comment.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You're amazing with words.

[@argekay1960]

An amazing tapestry of words strung together by a gossamer thread of imagination and pen. The vocabulary is strong in this one!

[@georgevan2589]

When the itinerary calls for a trip to Ralls, and someone says what in the dickens are you doing in Dickens, you hit the road, tune in some Motley Crue, and travel to Motley County. We enjoy and appreciate your videos very much; keep it up!

[@karenpacholek1643]

A lot of places you visit are pretty scary. I give you a lot of credit for showing us. Good job

[@tanhelmet]

Visit the old towns of Dell City, Pecos, Sul Ross-Alpine, Marfa, Fort Hancock,Fabens, Clint, Tornillo and Socorro. I moved out when I joined the service in 1989. I heard these little towns are thriving.

[@ericscottstevens]

24:45 You could imagine the veterans from the wars returning to this this town. Fought their way across the Pacific or Europe, Korea or Vietnam. Anxiously waiting to see this train station meaning they survived and successfully made it back to home. We all come from somewhere.

[@kimballamram552]

In the volunteer armed services of today the majority of the personnel come from towns with populations under five thousand people

[@Dmwntkp99]

Great setting for films.

[@JimOtoole-zw5se]

I said it before and I'll say it again. I don't see a huge difference between the average Russian and the average American. It's the governments that keep us from sharing friendship. Happy New Year Dan and Sue. From Southbridge, Massachusetts. USA. LETS PRAY THAT what keeps us apart fades I to history. That way all our sons and daughters can have it better than we did.

[@edkiess6953]

I don't see that much of a difference, either. I swap e-mails with some of them. From Albuquerque, NM

[@LarryHeagren]

You saved the best for last, Ralls. The other towns are barely alive. Not one fancy mansion type home which tells lots about these towns. A great trifecta and cats which is always fun. Another good video. I drive a Fiesta ST which is lowered stock and it couldn't make it around the first three towns at all. Your 4 wheeled drive vehicle is indeed a necessity to do your job. Thanks for keeping us entertained, another great video, you've got the knack and I'm glad you don't usually sing much.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool, thanks! :)

[@johngalanti1010]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@richardduerr9983]

It's kind of funny to me, a friend of mine lived in San Antonio (I'm from Ohio, but living in Philadelphia since 1987), and asked me if I would be willing to fly out (at her cost) to San Antonio, and drive her and her very old dog, in her SUV, back to the city she loves, Philadelphia (this was early December 2021. She was only in San Antonio for a few years to care for her aging father, who had recently passed. Anyway, her timing was perfect, I'm single, I was 56, kind of bored since COVID crap had ruined my social life, so I took her up on the 26 hour drive adventure. I had never been in Texas, except for Dallas airport. I fully expected to see the dry and dusty terrain like in this video, but the route we took (I-35 and I-30) was beautiful, with lush farmland and green fields everywhere, I was quite surprised by it's beauty. I see now, having looked at Google Earth, that the eastern half (San Antonio, Dallas etc.) is green, the western half of the state (as this video represents) is all dry and dusty, like I pictured from the cowboy movies and such. I always thought all of Texas looked that way.

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

East Texas is forested, humid, very dense. West Texas is the complete opposite.

[@ericscottstevens]

I probably would have agreed to the scenario. Sometimes adventures find us at the correct moment where we can say what the hey, let's accomplish something.

[@richardduerr9983]

@@DIVISIONINCISION I would never have known that until I made that trip, Before that, I only saw Texas in cowboy movies (probably none of which were actually shot in Texas) and such. It was a fun adventure, beautiful views, and the people I met on the way were super friendly.

[@713tilidierippimpc5]

The state where the dry west meets the wet east

[@marthakierstead3415]

Very sad to see such poor towns where people are struggling . Looking forward to the new year and seeing what travels you and Nic will bring us along.

[@rickiesteward883]

Just for informational purposes. There was a musician with the last name Frummox from Texas that sang a group of songs called the Texas Trilogy. One of the songs in that grouping was “The Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore”. This series of songs kind of laments the dying towns in Texas and was published/released in the 1970s. Certainly worth the effort to bring it up on KZbin and listening to it. It will put a musical touch to your documentation of those little dying towns. Certainly sad but it’s a sign of the times.

[@sailor4116]

You're knocking it out of the park with views. Great job.

[@bossdog1480]

I think one of the major reasons little towns are disappearing, and not the only reason of course, is that modern cars are far easier to drive long distances. I remember 40 odd years ago how sore my back would be from driving old cars. You needed to concentrate a lot more as the steering pre rack and pinion was all over the place and the seats were crap, with very little support. Now we just jump in the car and drive all day and still feel fine and dandy at the end of it. 😀😀

[@andrewward5891]

Actually I think good cars are the only thing keeping a lot of these towns on life support instead of being Ghost towns. People can live in these little towns and drive to jobs, grocery stores, and medical care in bigger communities. Back before cars when the reason a town existed ended (like a mine playing out) everyone left quickly.

[@siphomogale779]

This travel shows us we should appreciate where we live and take care of our towns, Marry Christmas Everybody

[@duran9664]

Not always. Some towns need to put to rest 🤪

[@hg1651]

When the dickens court house was in use, all the local teenagers parked out front on the side facing west at night. Some nights we would have trucks for 200 yards going south. Streaking was a big thing when I was in high school in afton. Running around the court house naked once or twice and going down the street south lol really good times. Dickens, afton, spur and roaring springs used too be wild places at night. Oh let’s not forget jayton.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That sounds awesome. Great memories of those times, I'm sure.

[@bizjetfixr8352]

What's stupid is that most of those buildings are worth essentially zero. But when you go there and check prices, the asking prices are as bad as DFW/Austin.

[@drscopeify]

These are old farming towns but farming has been automated and no longer needs large number of people to work the farms just a few guys and large machines so the young people move to the cities and only the parents or grand parents stay behind, and some modern day farmers mixed in. This is a story seen all over the world, from Germany, to Italy, to France to UK even China, Japan, it is everywhere in the world. Every advanced country and economy sees this play out however with Americans able to work remote, with services like StarLink and rural high speed internet programs this could all change over time as more people are able to work remote but time will tell if remote work stays around or it was just a short term COVID thing.

[@lakenneth374]

The Biden administration infrastructure bill provides $42.5 billion to connect everyone in America to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet. It is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school, access health care, and to stay connected with family and friends.

[@thefreestylefrEaK]

Fascinating place. So eerie and quiet. Not a soul to be seen. Depressing. Lots of history in this (virtually) ghost town.

[@Myth-Tho]

Your content is much needed...I find myself watching video after video.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!!

[@frankgrabasse4642]

I love the handrails. As if anyone is around to use them. I would hope that remote work would bring people back to these places for cheap homes.

[@judithdelmar1589]

It's happening but generally folks with more money than sense looking for the "quaint". Terlingua is a case in point.

[@karenmoss4315]

I have never been to The Us, but after watching your videos, it feels like i;ve really been thhere! Thank you!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

My pleasure 😊

[@johnrudy9404]

I love the emptiness of these places. I can do without people. Just a couple is fine. How blue that sky is.

[@insertmyidentityhere]

Spur is where my family is from!! I’m from Lubbock…..❤

[@stevedavis6879]

Brilliant video . I'd love to visit these kind of places . I'm in the uk , we have similar small towns like these . Something nostalgic about them 👌

[@4GSR]

Yeah, I bet it was hard to get a fair trial in that tiny town back in that day. One lawyer town and a courthouse courtroom with jurors who know each other and know who is good and who is bad. Already know who is guilty before the trial even starts! I enjoy all of your videos of the various places you travel to, especially the ones in Texas. Thanks for sharing and a Merry Christmas to yaw. Ken

[@TheGravitywerks]

Problem, if you are a criminal......

[@mayonnaise9993]

@@TheGravitywerks Or a minority. A lot of the time they couldn't see the difference between the two.

[@mikerogers1216]

Back in the day? Lol, the town is only 36 years old, it doesn't really have a 'back in the day'

[@johnsmith-mq4eq]

In the UK we have had 60 years of propaganda films from the USA dressed up as entertainment . We never thought for a second that such poverty could exist as shown in your videos. Add the shrinking populations of many of these places and what future do they have? There should be a special award for the work you have done a great job.

[@alankirkby465]

@johnsmith-mq4eq Hello John, I'm English, live in England,UK. I personally believe more 60 years, perhaps propaganda started in 1930s ( just asking/saying ) Anyway, Peace to all.

[@awashhyzo]

This is not poverty; it is people moving to be closer to jobs in Houston and Dallas.

[@James-es1fg]

We do have obscene poverty in parts of us. However… these ghost towns or near ghost towns, they’re more of a product of retirement and the kids leaving home. Eventually the work dies out and the kids never come back

[@James-es1fg]

Or they were built around a trade that ended and the old timers never leave

[@Toxic-Male]

Co-ops ,Gins,Fuel Associations,schools ,county road crews, feed store and cafe or two is the last employers in these communities.

[@66oggy]

I know a chap who lived in Texas for a number of years. He knew many people who had never ever ventured outside the state, and when I asked why, he said simply, they disliked the surrounding states, which is ridiculous, as they had never crossed the border in the first place to " Try it out " as it were.

[@zuxx00]

I always find towns like these fascinating. It's almost like an abandoned movie set.

[@PopuluxeApocalypse]

Too cool. Something really beautiful and captivating in these old ghost towns though. It’s almost as if those old decaying structures are talking as you drive by. Thousands of stories to tell I’m sure. Thank you for sharing your travels!

[@hridoygovindadas914]

I really dig these videos. Thanx

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@lindadavis1631]

Have a wonderful holiday. See you all soon .💕💕💕

[@laquintabloomington1584]

That one town Ralls has a beautiful brick main street. I am amazed at how good condition it still is.

[@JW-sy2yt]

These old buildings are a great example of skilled masonry work. It’s a shame they are falling apart. If all these brick buildings were in California they’d be “quaint little tourist towns” selling artisanal cheese, coffee, chocolate, and wine.

[@rvlivingwiththegeezer7791]

Red McCombs owned several large Ford dealerships in San Antonio. He lived in a very affluent superb, Olmos Park. I was a fireman there in late 70s. Insiders say ol Red was not a very nice guy.

[@mjbankhead9063]

My mom went to school with Red’s daughter Lynda. She said Lynda was the only kid in middle school who drove to school (Pat Neff). She also said that she was snobby. Wonder where she got that from…🙄🤔

[@rvlivingwiththegeezer7791]

@@mjbankhead9063 Thanks! I remember Pat Neff.

[@momoreno944]

I enjoy drives thru small towns like these to see if I encounter classic cars, trucks, or vans. Appreciate videos.

[@michaelbezos2969]

That blue sky is awsome. Very few hills. No problem mowing lawn. Looks to be quite warm in summers. Enjoyed video, love to travel by arm chair. Thank you!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@judithdelmar1589]

Ski Abilene! 😄

[@samuelmorado70]

True story: my Dad worked for Firestone tire in early 60s. He stopped in Spur at a gas station . He saw someone stick an air hose in a tire with Split Rings. Poor guy went in to get a coke. The guy came out to check on it and when the guy leaned over the Split Ring shot straight up and killed him instantly. He told us this in 2024 like 60 years later. Split rings require a cage to work on now. Very dangerous to work on them. Hope you visited Lubbock. We have an awesome Buddy Holly museum here and ranching heritage with old homes .

[@bobbyb.1743]

@samuelmorado70, yes sir, had split rims on my Grandfather’s ‘63 GMC 3/4t 4x4 down in Hillsboro. Had the wheels replaced for that very reason and also b/c they required “a cage” to change the tire and have since been outlawed in most states. Neat that your dad shared that story.

[@arojasserrano]

Man, as a new resident in the USA, I am addicted to your videos!! Great way to know several faces of the USA!

[@juliogonzales5441]

Love those small quiet 🤫 towns..go...spurs...go ❤

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Always amazing how decaying cities, towns and villages have housing crumbling to the ground, yet the city hall, police station and courthouses are pristine.

[@amel2784]

@ 2:34 is a picture of spur dated 1909, and in the background is a building that has a facade that is crenelated along the top of the facade and the words Bryant Link Merchandise written across the front of the building. @ 3:24, we can see the building with the crenelated facade and the words Bryant Link Merchandise on the building next door. Very interesting that they survived.

[@barblenzen2198]

Thanks for another great video joe wishing you and nic and your family a Merry Christmas, safe travels God Bless

[@torza2]

Amazing, the real US country side. Thanks for upload.

[@carolstevens9369]

Hi. Joe and Nic! I just discovered your channel!!! I love it! I love history like this. I’ve been binge watching it since I discovered your channel two weeks ago!❤❤❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@GrandCapitan]

While I’m hesitant to mention it. Famous (or rather infamous) Heaven’s Gate founder Marshall Applewhite was born in Spur, Texas.

[@shdz57]

And Applewhite was raised here in Corpus Christi TX.

[@onrycodger]

Another Cool 😎 video. Merry almost Christmas 🎄 ✨️ as always, Thumbs up 👍

[@fredreyez7614]

Dickens, Tx!...Yep that sherrifs' building, amazing!...driving back home to Michigan several years back on Highway 82...I had to take a pic!!

[@Ttoe280]

Like the short stories of the places to visit , giving a feel for the small towns , Thank you

[@saifhasan4631]

Hi Joe! I like your video so much. Its an addiction! Thanks

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome!

[@NativeNYer]

Its really sad 2 c these little towns wasting away, sad. Thanx Joe 4 another informative video. Merry Christmas 2 u and Nicole!

[@eddiemunster4094]

I know I wonder how busy they were in their hay day

[@Thomas63r2]

I remember when Spur made the news for rewriting their codes to be tiny home friendly - and my thoughts then as now were that as soon as a tiny home lover figured out that it was cheaper to buy an existing home in Spur, that not many tiny homes would be built or located there. I think there are just a couple. One of the big issues for Spur is how to pay for maintenance of its infrastructure - that is why it has many unpaved streets. Another municipal issue is their water supply and line maintenance. The truth for Spur and other dinky Texas cities is that they serve no need in the area - Spur has outlived its usefulness. I'm sure that Spur will eventually have just a few Hermits.

[@stevenmoser7233]

Red owns many car dealerships in San Antonio. Excellent vlog. Merry Christmas.

[@Jody-kt9ev]

Speaking of school mascots, Henryetta, Oklahoma used to have the "Fighting Hens". Troy Aikman played football there. Hutto, Texas has the "Hippos".

[@ppkaci]

in those little towns, once the hardware store closes its all down hill. very sad to see any town in this country dying like that.

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Very cool! Spur TX! I love the Dickens Co Sheriff’s office. I love how rural these towns are. I like the law office. That’s odd 8-10 kids in Roaring Spring. Fighting Jackrabbits 😂. Love those red brick streets. I really enjoyed seeing these four towns! Thank you!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Alexandra!

[@GregDV]

I flew into Spur years ago back in the 90's in my Cessna 175, mainly for the same reason you traveled here. I found the people in Spur to be very friendly and welcoming.

[@Jay-Leigh]

It’s heartbreaking to see the decline of such beautiful little towns. Trying to imagine when they were full and the sound of lots of folks. It fascinates me how in all three places we saw but a handful of folks. Thank you for taking the time to show us Joey.

[@billywills9501]

I attended Texas Tech University. During Summer breaks we would go to these small towns exploring. We met some of the most Interesting and exceedingly Kind people ever. Beautiful memories. Thank you or the Great video!

[@kbittorf335]

Deep in the heart of Texas! Hmmm, the Bavarian Grille, sehr lecker!🍺👍🎄

[@summerz8867]

Excellent, very nostalgic ambiance’s , love that . Cheers, try to stay out of trouble you 2😇🌟

[@67NewEngland]

- In a relatively short time a transportation corridor will come through the area and government backed investors will bulldoze that town and build stack n’ pack apartment buildings around chain retail. None of us will be around to tell the story of what was there. Watch a video on Russia, tall apartment building are all they build for housing there. We’re already heading in that direction and as population grows towns like this will be developed.

[@screwthecabal6453]

I love those old towns

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I do too!

[@samuelmorado70]

Hello from Lubbock Texas. I remember a miniature horse farm near there. Red Mcombs had car lots too.

[@edwardmacintosh9476]

My heart feels for Spur. It's sad to think that this Texas town will probably be gone in a short time. Ghost town for sure in the making.

[@DesertMav]

Very solid video on some of these smaller forgotten towns. Ralls looks like it can be saved, but the others are looking quite done for. I think Dickens could have turned around, but it may be too late at this point in time. Can't wait to see the next video and Merry Christmas to you and the family.

[@jefferydraper4019]

OMG, Spur, my hometown!!!!! Our family (Great-grandfather) moved there in 1909 when the city was incorporated, and left in 2009 when my grandfather died. A lot of that downtown area was still filled with businesses of one kind or another when I left permanently in 1984. Sadly you only drove on the east side of the town and missed the west side where the newer construction generally was. The east side has been neglected since the 1960s.