Today's History Lesson

  My mom recently passed away, and while going through her files my sister found an old life insurance policy from 1939. It was originally purchase by my grandmother, and over the years eventually was changed to make me the beneficiary. To make a long story short, the policy isn’t the real story, but rather the company that originally sold the policy.

  A company called The Praetorians, which later became know as Praetorian Mutual Life Insurance Company originally sold the policy. The Praetorians were founded as a fraternal order called The Modern Order of Praetorians by C.B Gardner in 1898, in Dallas, Texas. The Praetorians did very well, and in 1905 they announced plans to build a fourteen-story building, which would become Dallas’s first skyscraper. Many took to calling the proposed building “Gardener’s Folly”, and thought that even if it were possible to build it, the first Texas-sized northerly would blow it down.

  In October 1906 groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the chosen site on the corner of Main and Stone streets, which was formerly a vacant lot that the circus would often set up on, and local school football games played at. Soon after the hole was dug for the basement, the rains came and it became known as “Gardener’s Swimming Pool” or “Lake Gardner”. Despite everyone’s lack of confidence, the $800,000 building was completed and opened to the public in 1908. During construction an extra floor was added for a total of 15 floors, making it not only the first skyscraper in Dallas, but also the first of it’s kind west of the Mississippi. For a nominal fee of 15 cents, patrons could ride the elevator to the top, and take in the sweeping view for 20 miles in all directions. The building has of course gone through some changes over the years, but still remains a Dallas landmark.

 

    The Praetorian Building as pictured in 1939.

So, thanks to a little research I’ve discovered another link I have to some pretty cool history, and I thought that I should share it with you!

Unity Tour 2010 Hits Paso Robles

  Unity Tour 2010 played the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles last night, to an almost completely packed arena. Opening act Pepper, from Kona, Hawaii, opened the show with an inspired 20 minute set, and were even joined by the Offspring’s Noodles on guitar for a song in the spirit of “Unity”.

  Offspring followed with what was one of the best performances ever seen in San Luis Obispo County. Their energy and presence brought the crowd to life, and had every person in the arena on their feet and singing along with them. A definite highlight of their show was a rendition of “Gone Away” by front man Dexter Holland on piano, which was as heartfelt as it was refreshing. Of course, there were many crowd pleaser's during the show, and no lack of audience participation as the crowd was singing along to every song. All in all a four-star performance by the band, and one my son and I will remember forever.

  311 headlined the event, and did not disappoint a bit. Opening with the classic “Down” from their self-titled first album, they had the crowd’s attention from the start. A very energetic band, it quickly became apparent that members of the band had more than their fair share of talent. Drummer Chad Sexton excited the crowd with a great drum solo, only to be joined by the rest of the band who each had a smaller drum kit or percussion instrument. It was quite the drum circle, and guitarist Timothy J. Mahoney was even playing on what looked like brake drums off a car suspended from a stand, that had a quite unique sound. The drum circle was capped off though when each person threw their drumsticks to another member of the band, then continued playing without missing a beat. Bassist P. Nut did not disappoint either with one of the finest bass solos I myself have ever witnessed…and I’ve seen quite a few. The evening ended after one encore by the band, and I was left wanting more…which is how you’re supposed to leave an audience in my book.

  Thanks to Tristan (sorry I couldn’t find you a goat bro!), and the folks at New Rock 107.3 for the complimentary tickets, and as a bonus I even got to sit next to Carl Edge (a real gentleman, and nice guy), the “Fishmaster”! Altogether it was a fantastic evening, and one that I was grateful to be able to share with my son, Tyler. It was his first concert (on my shoulders for Steppenwolf/Savoy Brown at Pozo at age 2 doesn’t count), and I’m sure an evening he’ll remember forever.