I really enjoyed this article, Michael! I was just a kid in Cameron, Texas, only twelve miles from Milano, when Johnny Horton was killed. I remember being in a crowd of onlookers, at the auto wrecker's yard, gawking awkwardly (and somewhat morbidly?) at the demolished Cadillac. My mother reached into the sprung open trunk and grabbed a postcard. It featured Horton, all done up in quasi-War of 1812 garb, I suppose, promoting "the Battle of New Orleans", I guess. The card had a single, round drop of dark red "something" on one side...probably just errant ink from printing but you know how a kid's imagination goes. Horton's tale had a sad and eerie ending.
Billy Jean often ordered pizzas from where I worked at Johnny’s pizza in Shreve Island area. Whenever she’d order I would get so excited. I tried to explain to my co-workers who she was. But, they just looked blankly at me. I always told the drivers to be very nice to her.
This incident always upset me. Thank you for the details, Michael.
If you ever find the time, a more complete history of Billie Jean seems appropriate, and I think it would be appreciated. Among other aspects, I wonder how her first and fourth husbands -- Harold Eshliman and Kent Berlin -- fared.
I really enjoyed this article, Michael! I was just a kid in Cameron, Texas, only twelve miles from Milano, when Johnny Horton was killed. I remember being in a crowd of onlookers, at the auto wrecker's yard, gawking awkwardly (and somewhat morbidly?) at the demolished Cadillac. My mother reached into the sprung open trunk and grabbed a postcard. It featured Horton, all done up in quasi-War of 1812 garb, I suppose, promoting "the Battle of New Orleans", I guess. The card had a single, round drop of dark red "something" on one side...probably just errant ink from printing but you know how a kid's imagination goes. Horton's tale had a sad and eerie ending.
Billy Jean often ordered pizzas from where I worked at Johnny’s pizza in Shreve Island area. Whenever she’d order I would get so excited. I tried to explain to my co-workers who she was. But, they just looked blankly at me. I always told the drivers to be very nice to her.
Outstanding article and interesting unknown history until you revealed it in this piece. Thanks Michael for sharing such intimate information.
This incident always upset me. Thank you for the details, Michael.
If you ever find the time, a more complete history of Billie Jean seems appropriate, and I think it would be appreciated. Among other aspects, I wonder how her first and fourth husbands -- Harold Eshliman and Kent Berlin -- fared.
Your knowledge and research have led, again, to an excellent article, Michael! Thanks so much.
Horton in the Hall of Fame yes! And a fine back story right here, leading right back to - where else? -Austin! Bravo once again sir
Thank you for the good article.