Back in the day when he was a young whippersnapper on the streets of Dickens, recalls Harry Bob Martin, legal eagle (and Dickens County judge) H.A.C. Brummett would give him the stinkeye from the perch of his law office building across from the courthouse—even if Martin wasn’t up to anything worse than spending a nickel for BB’s and a Coke.
Today, even if few remember Brummett for his stern manner in the courtroom, many have stopped by for a photo op at the tworoom, white-frame office restored some years ago by the Dickens County Historical Commission (DCHC). The building, deeded to the DCHC as a treasure worth preserving, has had a new roof, a rebuilt front porch, a twice-redone sign, and many hours of scrubbing and organizing. Though it isn’t open to the public, it provides a scenic view of the past and a spot to stop beneath a shady hackberry tree.
Nine members of the current DCHC gathered May 4 for a Sunday afternoon picnic and work session. Limbs were trimmed, floors were swept, windows were polished, and furniture was straightened. Martin had already cut the grass the day before.
The old-timers among the group swapped stories of old-time Dickens, while newcomers listened, and ideas began to flow for how to make the spot an even more inviting reason for visitors to stop.
“We need a picnic table underneath this tree,” said one of the participants—an idea that was quick to gain traction. Got one to spare? Write the DCHC at palacespur1929@ gmail.com.
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