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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 23h

Join us for the Inaugural Jim and Mitzie Wittliff Lecture next Thursday, October 8th at 5:30pm in the Formby Room of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library. Dr. Zachary Hernández will speak about “Decolonial Aesthetics and the Cultural Impact of Teresa Urrea.” #History #TexasTech

Invitation to the "Decolonial Aesthetics and the Cultural Impact of Teresa Urrea" lecture with Dr. Zachary R. Hernandez. The program will begin at 6pm, and a virtual option is available at bit.ly/Wittliff2026

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Revisiting this neat post from 2018 which features this 12” vinyl audio recording disc from the papers of Gordon Barton McLendon. More on the McLendon collection can be found on our digital repository at hdl.handle.net/10605/353054 #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #History #McLendon #RadioShow

12” vinyl record cover that reads "The Old Scotchman's Scrapbook: The Recordings of Unforgettable Voices and Historic Events of the Past." Imagery includes a man cartoon man with a beard wearing a kilt.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Tomorrow is Independence Day. Check out this special edition of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal for the 1976 United States Bicentennial. The full issue can be viewed on our digital repository at newspapers.swco.ttu.edu/items/689098... #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #Archives #History #WestTexas

Newspaper page featuring the words " Bicentennial 1779-1976" and "America's Parade of Presidents." A visual of the American Flag, Mount Rushmore, and the U.S. Capitol Building.

Front page of the Lubbock-Avalanche Journal newspaper issue featuring an image of 3 boys carrying the American Flag.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Here's an image from our Frank Reeves Photograph Collection. The 1940s image shows two cowboys and horses drinking water at sunset "when day is done." For more of Frank Reeves, visit hdl.handle.net/10605/16705 #SouthwestCollection #History #Cowboy #WestTexas #FrankReeves

Two cowboys on horses at sunset. The horses are drinking water from a pond.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Clockwise from upper left: Astronaut Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin. Oil gusher near Ranger, TX, ca. 1910-1940. Color slides, 1991/077-419-1, TX Tourist Development Agency photos and AV materials. Texas America250 can be seen at the SWC until 7/4/2026. #TexasAmerica250 #SouthwestCollection

Exhibit panel from Texas America250 exhibit or three historic images - Clockwise from upper left: Astronaut Edwin Eugene “Buzz” Aldrin. Oil gusher near Ranger, TX, ca. 1910-1940. Color slides, 1991/077-419-1, TX Tourist Development Agency photos and AV materials.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library will be closed tomorrow, Friday June 19th, for Emancipation Day. Regular Hours will resume on Monday June 22nd. #SouthwestCollection #Archives #SpecialCollectionsLibrary

Image of empty exhibit hallway with light shining through the windows.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Yesterday was Flag Day. This 1947 photograph shows a young man raising the American Flag while a group of adults and children look on. Winston Reeves - hdl.handle.net/10605/16706 #SouthwestCollection #Archives #History #FlagDay #WinstonReeve

Photograph taken in 1947 of a young man raising an American flag on a flag pole while a group of adults and children look on. The photograph was labeled "Catheleen Brawn - 'Exceptional Children'."

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Texas Constitution, 1876. Texas Constitutional Convention of 1875 Records. Annexation vote tally, November 10, 1845. Texas Department of State election returns, 2016/132-7. Texas America250 can be seen at the SWC until 7/4/2026. #TexasAmerica250 #SouthwestCollection

Since Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, there have been six constitutions
established as the law of the land. The current Texas Constitution, adopted in 1876, is preserved at
the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. A defining feature of the document is the
extensive detail and description usually found in state legal codes rather than constitutions. There
are 17 articles covering such topics as suffrage, education, railroads, and taxes. Seen here, the first
page includes a short preamble and 14 sections from Article I, the Bill of Rights.
In 1845, Texans voted in a statewide
referendum on the question of whether to join
the United States. The annexation vote tally
lists the number of votes polled “in the
Counties of the Republic on 13th Oct. 1845 for
the adoption or rejection of annexation, the
state Constitution, and ordinance concerning
colony contracts, the returns of which were not
received at the Department of State until after
the 10th day of Nov. 1845.”

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Texas Declaration of Independence, March 2,1836. Broadside. Mirabeau B. Lamar papers, 1909/001-344. Texas America250 can be seen at the SWC until 7/4/2026. #TexasAmerica250 #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #Archives #History #WestTexas #SpecialCollectionsLibrary

A free and independent Republic of Texas was officially declared on March 2, 1836. Over the course
of the next several days, 59 delegates—each representing one of the settlements in
Texas—approved the Texas Declaration of Independence. Similar to the American Declaration of
Independence written in 1776, the Texas document stated the issues Texans were having with the
Mexican government in a list of grievances meant to explain the reasons for the revolt. While some
had argued for more self-government within the Mexican system, the fight for an independent
republic won out. The republic lasted until 1845, when Texas became the 28th U.S. state.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

It's June! The sun is out, and so are the campus pigeons. One of them even photo-bombed this picture! #SouthwestCollection #SpecialCollectionsLibrary #TexasTech #WestTexas #Archives

Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library building. In the background is a blue sky with a few clouds and a single pigeon flying.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Pressler’s Map of the State of Texas, 1858. Texas State Archives Map Collection, number 1201. Texas America250 can be seen at the SWC until 7/4/2026. #TexasAmerica250 #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #Archives #History #WestTexas #SpecialCollectionsLibrary

Exhibit panel from Texas America250 exhibition. Imaged is Pressler’s Map of the State of Texas, 1858. Texas State Archives Map Collection, number 1201.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing each exhibit panel from the Texas America250 exhibit. Texas flag and seal design by Peter Krag, approved January 25, 1839. Texas America250 can be seen at the SWC until 7/4/2026. #TexasAmerica250 #SouthwestCollection

As the United States celebrates its 250th Anniversary, Texans look back over their long and storied
past to remember key moments in the Lone Star State’s history. Our famously independent and
loudly proud state also contributes its own unique history to the broader, unfolding American story.
Texas-specific commemorations such as the 1936 Texas Centennial marking 100 years of
independence and 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial remain landmark moments in the state’s history.
The establishing principles of the United States echoed through the Republic of Texas’s own
Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836 and the text of the state’s first constitution in
1845. These and other documents that captured the movements of the people building new
governments, pursuing new livelihoods, and forging new frontiers are preserved for posterity in the
Texas State Library and Archives. These essential pieces help document Texas’ participation in the
unfolding timeline of American history.
From the shape of the state on a U.S. map to the Lone Star flag, the symbols of Texas are
recognizable nationwide and beyond. And what they represent is integral to the ongoing story of
these United States.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Here's an iconic image of "Mr. Tornado." The F-Scale measures the strength of tornadoes and was developed by Dr. Tetsuya Fujita. Dr. Fujita’s materials are housed at the Southwest Collection. #TexasTech #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #Archives #History #WestTexas #TedFujita

Photograph: Dr. Tetsuya Theodore Fujita, developer of the F-Scale for measuring the strength of tornadoes.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Happy Commencement Days to all TTU graduates! Here's a photo of Texas Technological College's senior class taken during the May 30, 1927 commencement ceremony. Heritage Club Photograph Collection, Texas Tech University Archives #TexasTech #SouthwestCollection #History #UniversityArchives

Texas Technological College senior class of 1927 taken during the May 30, 1927 commencement ceremony in the College Gymnasium.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Ran into Carl, Monroe, and members of the Texas Tech Equestrian Team outside of the historic Dairy Barn on campus last week. Built in 1926, the Dairy Barn is one of four original buildings on campus and is situated just southwest of the archive. #TexasTech #SouthwestCollection #History #WestTexas

Four members of the Texas Tech Equestrian Team and two of their horses standing in front of the Texas Tech University Dairy Barn.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

May the 4th be with you! These newspaper clippings are from The Rising Star Sept. 8, 1977 issue. Star Wars was released on May 25, 1977, but was so popular that the Majestic Theatre reopened the film. #SouthwestCollection #Archives #History #WestTexas #SpecialCollectionsLibrary #StarWars

Newspaper clipping that shows Star Wars movie poster and an advertisement for showings at the Majestic Theatre in Eastland, TX.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

We invite you to see a temporary exhibit, Texas America250, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) through July 4, 2026. The exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from the State Archives. #TexasAmerica250 #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #History

Five exhibit panels in hallway of the Southwest Collection archive. The exhibit is Texas America250, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Today is Arbor Day! Texas Technological College hosted its first Arbor Day in 1938. Faculty, staff, and students still plant flowers each year. Winston Reeves Photograph Collection circa the late 1930s #Archives #SouthwestCollection #TexasTech #ArborDay #Lubbock #History

Photograph from Texas Tech's first Arbor Day celebration of seven people with two trees and gardening equipment.

Students planting trees as part of Texas Technological College's Arbor Day activities circa 1930s. A group of eleven young men are smiling for the camera and shoveling dirt.

Students planting trees as part of Texas Technological College's Arbor Day activities circa 1930s in front of the Texas Tech Administration Building.

Students planting trees as part of Texas Technological College's Arbor Day activities circa 1930s. A group of men are planting a tree in a field of dirt. In the background is a Texas Tech building.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

This photo comes from our JA Cattle Company collection and is titled "Snooks Sparks Vat Corrals" and/or "Bronco." The description shows that it was gifted in 1999. We thought it was too iconic not to share! #SouthwestCollection #Archives #WestTexas #Bronco #Cowboy #JACattleCompany

Cowboy wearing a cowboy hat and chaps riding a bucking bronco with a wooden fence in the background.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

The 2026 Annual Conference in the Humanities is happening this Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Formby Room at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library. #TexasTech #SouthwestCollection #Lubbock #History #WestTexas #SpecialCollectionsLibrary

Information for the 2026 Annual Conference in the Humanities on April 18, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, hosted by The Humanities Center at Texas Tech University. The event will take place in the Formby Room at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library on Texas Tech University. Open to all audiences. To join for lunch, RSVP to humanitiescenter@ttu.edu. This year's them is Humanity.

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

It's quieter at the archive because the West Texas Historical Association (WTHA) conference is being held in Lubbock. We have every issue of WTHA's journal, West Texas Historical Review, dating back to 1925. These can be accessed through Reference Services. #westtexashistoricalassociation

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Mark your calendars for a virtual reading from Emily Grandy on April 16 at 6:00pm hosted by @sowellcollection.bsky.social! Register here: texastech.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #southwestcollection #sowellcollection #Spring2026Readings #literature #community #reading #archive

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

It's April Fools Day and National Humor Month! Here's some archival humor for you. #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #AprilFools #nationalhumormonth

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

30 years ago, TTU celebrated the nearly completed SWC/SCL building with a "Hard Hat Party." Ground breaking (images 2 and 3) was in 1994. The building was dedicated in 1997 (image 4). #history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #lubbock #photographs

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

It's Spring Break! The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library will be closed on Friday, March 20th. Have a nice break! U 324.4 Communications and Marketing Photograph Collection #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #lubbock #photographs #springbreak

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Please join us for an upcoming reception and exhibit opening honoring Christopher B. "Stubb" Stubblefield on Wednesday, April 8th from 5pm to 7pm at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library. #SouthwestCollection #SpecialCollections #TexasTech #Lubbock #Stubbs #StubbsBBQ

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Did you know Jane Goodall visited Lubbock? This article comes from the Lubbock AJ October 2, 1998 issue. The Sowell Collection holds correspondences to and from Goodall. @sowellcollection.bsky.social #history #archives #southwestcollection #lubbock #JaneGoodall

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Cross-writing was used to save paper and postage. In the first 2 images, the author wrote one way and turned the paper to write in the other direction. The author(s) of the last 2 letters used all margin space. Tweed Family Papers, 1836-1932 #history #archives #southwestcollection #manuscripts

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

"We have one of the world's largest and most comprehensive archives on farming and ranching." #history #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #preservation #manuscripts #archives #lubbock

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Here's a look at a couple of our hallway exhibit panels featuring vintage photos of Lubbock businesses. #history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #preservation #photographs #lubbock

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Have you been wanting to know more about our Coronelli Terrestrial Globe? This brochure explains some of the history, the globe's origins, and how it was acquired and restored by TTU Libraries. #history #archives #southwestcollection #texastech #preservation #coronelli #preservation #restoration

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Check out these historic 1949 images of New Hope Baptist Church from our Winston Reeves Photograph Collection. New Hope was founded in 1926 and moved to its current location in 1929. #history #archives #southwestcollection #photographs #NewHopeBaptistChurch #lubbock

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! These undated images come from University Archive's Public Information Photograph Collection, 1926-1968 and are labeled as "Valentine's Day Lesson." #history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #photographs #ValentinesDay #UniversityArchives

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Looking for books on Lubbock history? Look no further! These are frequently used by researchers and our staff. You can access these in our Holden Reading Room or check with your local libraries. #history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #research #lubbock #photographs

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Mark your calendars for a Sowell Collection reading from Katherine Larson Feb 12 @ 5:30! Come in person or email sowell.swco@ttu.edu for virtual. Reception/signing will follow! @sowellcollection.bsky.social #southwestcollection #sowellcollection #Spring2026Readings #literature #community #reading

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Here are some frosty pictures from our part of campus earlier this week. Stay warm out there, Raiders and researchers! #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #lubbock #winter #snow #history

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Who says archivists can't have fun? To keep things interesting as we work, we name our beloved carts! Here's some examples of the creative names we've come up with over the years. #texastech #archives #southwestcollection #history #lubbock #specialcollections

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Aug 2008-Apr 2009, the SWC/SCL hosted 'Medieval Southwest: Manifestations of the Old World in the New,' an exhibit of artifacts tied to the South Plains, including a 16th-cent. dagger found at the former Coca-Cola factory. #history #archives #southwestcollection #artifacts #archeology #exhibits

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Welcome back students! We hope you have a successful semester. For research inquiries, please contact Reference Services at reference.swco@ttu.edu or (806) 742-9070. You can also utilize our digital repository at swco-ir.tdl.org/home. #archives #southwestcollection #texastech #research

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Be sure to follow our colleagues at the Southwest Music Archive (@ttumusicarchive.bsky.social). They collect records and personal memorabilia on Texas Music, with a focus on documenting West Texas' musical history. #history #archives #specialcollections #texastech #lubbock #music

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

We're back from Winter Break! The weather in Lubbock has been unseasonably warm, so here are some images from 1976 to remind us of a thing called snow. These come from the Photographic Services collection - hdl.handle.net/10605/13727. #archives #southwestcollection #texastech #lubbock #snow #winter

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Reposted by Southwest Collection

Southwest Music Archive @ttumusicarchive.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

We’re back in the office! 💗🏢 Here are some songs and albums our archivists are listening to as they settle back into the groove of things. 🎵💃🕺 #music #davidbergmuller #davidorlowsky #jonimitchell #brucehornsbyandtherange #wutangclan #oidupaavladimiroiun #glassanimals #wolfalice #olafurarnalds

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library will be closed for Winter Break beginning on December 24, 2025. We will resume our regular business hours (M-F, 9am-5pm) on January 5, 2026. Happy Holidays! #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #preservation #history

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Here's a little office cheer to brighten your day! Some of the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library faculty, staff, and students decorated their doors to ring in the holiday season. #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #manuscripts #Holidays #happyholidays

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Reposted by Southwest Collection

Southwest Music Archive @ttumusicarchive.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Known as “Dice,” this guitar was custom-built by Ted Newman Jones for Jesse “Guitar” Taylor—a popular Lubbock-born guitar player known for his innovative and energetic performances. 🎲🎸 #guitar #music

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Southwest Collection @swcscl.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Dec 23, 1927 - Marshall Ratliffe dressed as Santa Claus and robbed the First National Bank in Cisco, Texas. The heist resulted in a hostage situation, shootout, and one of the state's largest manhunts. #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #preservation #newspapers #santaclaus

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Reposted by Southwest Collection

Southwest Music Archive @ttumusicarchive.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

The Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball is near! Be sure to get your tickets to see #MichaelMartinMurphey perform on December 18 in Anson, TX! For more information on the history of the Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball, read our blog here: tinyurl.com/2025CowboyCh... #TexasCowboysChristmasBall #Christmas

tinyurl.com

Another Year, Another Cowboys’ Christmas Ball!

It’s that time of year: the ol’ holiday season, and that means that folks from the Southwest Collection will be headed south to Anson, Texas, for the annual Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball. Down in J…

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