Your turn!

If you are reading this, you are probably related to the Halsell's in some way. I need stories, so post yours by clicking on "new posts".

Teacher attacked in classroom

This blog was started with the hope many of you would post stories about your families. You can add your input simply by clicking on "post". I need some yarns to create our digitized book of stories. Let me begin the "yarn-spinning"....

Back in the seventies, my father, Jim Bob Halsell, taught masonry shop (the art of bricklaying) at Fox Tech High School, an inner city school in San Antonio known for it's gangs. In 1975, Dad made the front page of the San Antonio paper after a gang attack. This incident occurred right around Easter, Dad recalls.

Ernie, one of dad's students, had his hat stolen on his bus ride to school. There was an altercation over it, and evidently, "reinforcements", in the way of unemployed grown relatives of Ernie's antagonists,with nothing to do but start trouble, arrived at the masonry shop classroom, looking for Ernie. Ernie could not be found with a search party. Displaying remarkable prudence and foresight, he had ran and hid, locking himself in the locker room. Back in those days, the schools did not have security guards, and Dad asked the three grown men to leave. They did so, but not before hurling a brick at Dad, hitting his leg. Dad, heaved one back, knocking out the back glass of the fleeing vehicle.

This action had the effect of stirring up a hornet's nest, a trait this line of Halsells continue to be gifted or cursed with to this day, depending on your point of view. The three hoodlum's jumped out of the car and attacked Dad, kicking him to the ground. I remember Dad had minor cuts and bruises, and the reporters asked him to elaborate, but dad remained taciturn.

The incident made the front page of the San Antonio Light Newspaper the next day. When Dad asked the students why they did nothing to assist, the alibis were convincing and heart-warming.

Ernie said "Sir, I gave up all violence for Lent."

Dad continued teaching these contemplative and spiritual angels for 20 years.

Suggestions!

I am starting to get numerous calls from family members-excited about attending!



1. Call in your reservation now to the hotel-you can always cancel later!

2. Contact Ernie Halsell for your contribution to talent night!

3. Consider bringing a card table display for your photos, family relics, etc. I envision having a family share time, and folks walking from mini display to mini-display meeting and visiting. How do you all feel about doing this Saturday morning? Appreciate your comments.

Helpful Links to click on!

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotelsearchresults?_requestid=116819

( our hotel is number 7)



http://www.fortworth.com/01visitors/01visitors.shtml

Important Update 4/16/07

Halsell Family Reunion

July 6-7, 2007

Burleson, TX

You are cordially invited to attend the Halsell Family Reunion being held at the NEW Holiday Inn Express (right behind Cracker Barrel Restaurant) on Interstate 35 in Burleson, TX at Alsbury Blvd. and EXIT 38.(approximately 15 miles south of Fort Worth), on July 6-7, 2007. We are looking forward to meeting each and every one of you there. In order to add comfort and convenience, this headquarters will replace the prior plans for the location in Keene/Lake Whitney.

The hotel is exceptionally nice and I know you will enjoy! The room rates are: King $105 per night; 2 Queen Beds $105/pn; Suites $119/pn and include sofa bed that sleeps six with a kitchenette. Some of the amenities and features are: Full Breakfast, Fitness Center, Indoor pool and hot tub, Business Center and Guest Laundry. Call NOW to reserve your room/s at: 817-426-0396 and be sure to tell them “The Halsell Family Reunion” Reservations must be made by June 11, 2007. Registration for the reunion will begin on Friday, July 6 at 5:00 pm in the Conference Room of the hotel. There are many restaurants within a short walking distance of the hotel and lots of shopping within a short driving distance. You might want to consider coming a day or two before or after the reunion and do the touristy things in and around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. There is a lot to see and just in case you bring your own private plane, the Fort Worth Spinks Airport is close by.

Don Halsell from Louisiana has spent many years researching the Halsell family genealogy and has done a superb job. He will be there to share his report, so chances are you can look your family up. Several of the Halsell’s have had their DNA taken and he feels pretty sure now that we are linked back to the English Halsell’s in the 1300’s. If you have something on the family history or stories to tell, we want to hear from you also. Please let us know so we can put you on the schedule.

Please continue to visit this site to keep up to date on the reunion and also write something about your family and your life, etc.

Please let us know your consideration in regards to attending ASAP so we can make the proper preparations. Also, bring any old family pictures so that we can scan them, or better still, bring copies we can keep for the book that Don Halsell is preparing for the family history. Also, any stories that you have heard down through the years please write them up and give them to us for the book.

Ernie Halsell has kindly volunteered his services and plans on bringing his karaoke equipment for our “An Evening to Remember with the Halsell Family” on Saturday evening, so if you can sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, or tell a joke, etc. – please contact him at: Ernie Halsell, 30507 Green Forest Drive, Magnolia, TX 77354-6652 or phone him at: 281-259-0360 or through the internet address: erniehalsell.juno.com Come and let us see and hear your talents.

Remember to check the “blog” on the internet for further updates and schedule. We are looking forward with great anticipation of meeting you in July. See you there!!

If you know of anyone who is related to the Halsell family and who would like to attend the Reunion, PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ALONG TO THEM. THEY ARE MOST WELCOME!!

James Halsell

210.685.8778 cell

james.halsell@gmail.com

Proposed Itinerary

Friday, July, 6


1pm -9pm-optional check in and registration-SWAU men's dorm

2pm lake outing

Boating and Swimming at Lake Whitney- Don Halsell has graciously agreed to make his pontoon boat available for lake cruises and watersports. depending on level of interest, we may arrange for other boats.


7pm Supper

Dutch Treat, to be arranged, probably at a restaurant in Cleburne. This could be a good time for talks about family geneology.



Saturday, July 7


9am -5pm activities to be arranged. There is Cleburne State Park close by, and plenty of picnic spots.

6:30 pm BBQ meal, Keene Senior center.

8:00 pm till? music and talent show

Sunday, July 8

9:30 am- coffee and juice-to be arranged