Sunrise from the front porch of "Lonesome," Davis Ford's place on the Llano Estacado.  It is easy for a man to feel insignificent in a setting like this.  Photo by R.G. Box.

      I do not typically do book reviews in this blog, so this will be an exception.  A special book, well done and appropriate for anyone interested in the history of the Llano Estacado will soon be available.  The book, “Son of the Llano Estacado,” is the biography of my classmate, Davis Lee Ford, written by his long-time associate, Pam Arthur.

     I have been aware that Ms. Arthur was working on the book for the last two years, and expected a well-written, but dry,  recitation of facts about the life and times of Dr. Davis L. Ford, PhD, PE.  When I got an advance copy, I was blown away.  The book adequately covers the lifetime of Davis and his family, but it is so much more.  Pam Arthur has written a history of the High Plains and the Panhandle of Texas and some of the pioneers who first survived, then prospered in that harsh environment.

     The book traces the lives of quiet, gritty men who struggled with the elements in the Llano Estacado.  By sheer determination and force of will, they raised cattle and wrestled crops from the parched dirt of dry-land farms.  They fought and won against all odds—drought, insects, blizzards, real estate promoters, and Dallas bankers.

     My favorite parts of the book have to do with the women who worked at the sides of these men.  These ladies were beautiful, well-educated, genteel and far ahead of their times.  They were deceptively quiet, supportive, strong-willed, and ambitious.  I’ve read of an “iron fist in a velvet glove.”  Pam Arthur, in her depictions of these women, put faces to that phrase.

     The book is a must-read for anyone who grew up on the High Plains in the fifties.  Outside the history, the lifetime of my boyhood friend, Davis Lee Ford is worth the read.  I have known Davis for sixty years, but I had no idea all he has accomplished.  The book covered his career and, to the author’s credit, even made Civil Engineering interesting. 

     For those of you with reading problems, hundreds of pictures are included, so reading the book is not necessary.  The pictures tell the story in wonderful detail.  Several pages are devoted to Lubbock High School snapshots.  We were a good-looking bunch back then!

     According to the last information from the printers, the book should be ready in mid-December.  Copies can be ordered from:  pamarthur@gmail.com  Cost is $20.00 per book, which includes all taxes, handling, and shipping.

Dr. Davis Lee Ford, Phd, P.E., on the front porch of his Swankenda at "Lonesome."  Looking at this, it is easy to see why we perfer the view of the sunrise.   By the way, that's me on the left--the one who does not look like a Phd.  Photo by R.G. Box.