The Historic Ranch Saloon Goes Down
A tale of early Waco, when even fighting drunks and card cheats had hearts of gold.
Waco Times-Herald
March 24, 1909
OLD BUILDING THAT HAS QUITE A HISTORY
An ancient landmark, the old Ranch saloon, a one-story structure on the south side of the plaza, is being demolished to make room for a two-story building. The property is now owned by Bruce Ainsworth of Riesel.
City Engineer George B. Gurley, while viewing the work of demolition this morning, grew reminiscent. It is, he says, one of the oldest buildings in Waco, having been constructed many years ago. The rafters in the building are of cedar, secured on the banks of the Bosque and brought to Waco by ox teams.
It was during the early days, when desperadoes flourished in this locality, that stirring times were witnessed in this place. The practice of shooting out lights and mirrors was very much in vogue at that time among the cowboys who, after receiving their pay, would imbibe fighting booze and proceed to have a time. It was always customary among these knights of the plains, though, to seek out the proprietor next morning, ascertain the amount of the damage, and settle up before leaving town.
Mr. Gurley today recalled a little incident which took place in the Ranch saloon during the pioneer days. Gambling was very much in evidence then and some parties, who believed in courting the god of chance, decided to break the bank. They secured loaded dice and succeeded in their efforts. The then proprietor of the place was invited to take a drink with the fortunate ones, and over the glasses the scheme was explained and the money handed back to him. The latter refused to accept the winnings, remarking that if he didn't have sense enough to keep from losing with loaded dice he deserved to lose his money, and no amount of argument or inducement could force him to receive the money he had lost.
Waco Times-Herald
March 24, 1909
OLD BUILDING THAT HAS QUITE A HISTORY
An ancient landmark, the old Ranch saloon, a one-story structure on the south side of the plaza, is being demolished to make room for a two-story building. The property is now owned by Bruce Ainsworth of Riesel.
City Engineer George B. Gurley, while viewing the work of demolition this morning, grew reminiscent. It is, he says, one of the oldest buildings in Waco, having been constructed many years ago. The rafters in the building are of cedar, secured on the banks of the Bosque and brought to Waco by ox teams.
It was during the early days, when desperadoes flourished in this locality, that stirring times were witnessed in this place. The practice of shooting out lights and mirrors was very much in vogue at that time among the cowboys who, after receiving their pay, would imbibe fighting booze and proceed to have a time. It was always customary among these knights of the plains, though, to seek out the proprietor next morning, ascertain the amount of the damage, and settle up before leaving town.
Mr. Gurley today recalled a little incident which took place in the Ranch saloon during the pioneer days. Gambling was very much in evidence then and some parties, who believed in courting the god of chance, decided to break the bank. They secured loaded dice and succeeded in their efforts. The then proprietor of the place was invited to take a drink with the fortunate ones, and over the glasses the scheme was explained and the money handed back to him. The latter refused to accept the winnings, remarking that if he didn't have sense enough to keep from losing with loaded dice he deserved to lose his money, and no amount of argument or inducement could force him to receive the money he had lost.
posted by Muley at 10:55 AM
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