The Albany Echo

01/02/2025

End of an era at 49 S. Main St., home to The Albany News for over 50 years. Dive into the history of this iconic building and learn what’s next for its future.

By David H. Waller

10/31/2024

From frontier beginnings to a modern-day legacy, The Albany News has been a cornerstone of West Texas journalism. Dive into the fascinating journey of this historic publication.

The Albany News has carried under its masthead the line “Oldest Journalistic Venture West of the Brazos” over 100 years. This phrase was originated by the unique and fiesty editor of the Albany News in the early 1900s, C...

10/10/2024

📣 It’s been a while since our last Echo update, but don’t worry—we’ll be back soon! I’ve been busy preparing for the Shackelford 150 celebration weekend and wrapping up the Shackelford 150 book, which will be available for purchase at the end of November.

This weekend is the big celebration weekend, and we’re excited to see everyone at all the events!

Stay tuned for more updates and a return to regular Echo posts soon!

09/19/2024

If you've driven past the Hereford Motel recently, you've likely noticed the extensive renovations underway. Take a look at this vintage photo from the mid-1960s—the vintage sign was a true classic! Wouldn't it be great to see it make a comeback?

09/16/2024

Nothing kicks off the day like a good ol' drunken shootout in the morning! Read all about Hurricane Bill and Mike O’Brien’s wild and whiskey-fueled showdown in the streets of Fort Griffin.

Excerpt from The Frontier World of Fort Griffin: The Life and Death of a Western Town, By Charles Robinson III

09/11/2024

George Greer’s loyalty to his dog was unmatched. Find out how far he went to protect him—read the full tale on The Albany Echo!

Whenever my dad tells a story, you know it’s going to be something worth hearing. He’s full of tales about Shackelford County and the folks who lived here long before us. One story I’ve always liked is about George Washi...

09/05/2024

Set sail back in time with the Moran Yacht Club! While there were never any actual yachts or water, the club was all about good food, great friends, and unforgettable fun. Uncover the story behind the fun-filled gatherings that made this club a local favorite.

Over 30 years have passed since the Moran Yacht Club made its mark on the small town of Moran. Founded in 1986, this unique club brought together a group of local men with a shared vision: to have fun while raising money...

08/20/2024

From the ashes of adversity rose a legacy that shaped Texas history. Learn how a ranch and an oil discovery led to the creation of one of the best children's hospitals in the country. Cook Children's

In the late 19th century, Missouri Matilda Nail Cook and her husband, William Ivy Cook, made a significant investment that would eventually leave an incredible mark on Shackelford County and the state of Texas. The coupl...

08/07/2024

Standing alone: A solitary chimney at Fort Griffin remains a reminder of a time long since past.

📸: Carolyn Brown, 1965

07/31/2024

"100 years later, the railroad that shoved the frontier further westward is gone. Perhaps on some dark night, the wail we think is that of a coyote is really the whistle of a ghostly train, as it passes the lonely grave of J.M. Fox beside the old Texas Central right-of-way."

Uncover the mystery of J.M. Fox and his final resting place tied to our railroad history.

Whenever I am in a cemetery, the one thought that always comes to mind while looking at the very old tombstones is how quickly we can be forgotten. A generation or two passes and unless we are famous or a notable person ...

07/15/2024

Did you know Albany used to have a drive-in theater? I didn’t! 🎥✨ Check out the latest Echo story to learn about this forgotten piece of our town's history.

One of my goals with The Albany Echo is to unearth and share the forgotten histories of our area. These discoveries often surprise me, offering a glimpse into the past that I never knew existed. Today, I wanted to share ...

07/11/2024

Did you know the McLemore Hotel never actually left Albany when it was demolished 50 years ago? I was surprised to discover its current location, and you will be too!

In a previous article, I told the story about the rise and fall of the historic McLemore Hotel, a towering figure in Albany's past. Since then, I've uncovered a fascinating continuation to this story – The demolished hot...

06/30/2024

Check out this wild tale my dad shared about an unforgettable night in Austin in the late '70s! You won't want to miss this one.

Let me tell you about a summer night in the late '70s when my dad, Steve Waller, found himself in one of the wildest and most unexpected encounters of his life. This tale, filled with laughter, confusion, and a very unex...

06/28/2024

21 years ago in June of 2003, Texas Monthly named Albany as their "Favorite Small Town In Texas." Loved the opening paragraph on the opening page...

"Why do so many people trek to Albany (population: 2000)? For starters, it has a serious art museum, an imposing courthouse, picturesque storefronts, historic ranches -- and every June it lets its hair down with a Texas-size spectacular under the stars. Fandangle, anyone?"

06/27/2024

Journey back to the early days of the Fandangle with our latest feature. We’re revisiting reflections from its first decade, originally written in 1948 by Jan Downing for The Junior Historian Magazine.

In May of 1948, Jan Downing wrote an article for The Junior Historian Magazine about the Fort Griffin Fandangle, just ten years after it all started. As we mark the 86th anniversary of this beloved tradition, it's great ...

06/26/2024

I am rereading Interwoven by Sallie Reynolds Matthews, and this quote really resonated with me. We may not have beautiful mountains, lakes, or rivers, but our little slice of the world is perfect in my eyes. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

06/25/2024

Curious about the origins of the mesquite tree? I always believed the tale that cattle drives brought them to Texas, but further research may suggest otherwise. What’s your take on the debate?

Personally, I love mesquite trees. In spring and summer, they bring shade and a lush green presence across the pasture. Even in the fall and winter, their wild, thorny limbs sprawl everywhere, adding a unique character t...