(Editors Note and Update, 1-6-15): After some rather nasty comments, which were sent off to Spam Hell, Co-blogger Kitty wrote a response:
Pecos vs. Hillsborough: Crappy Places to Be From Smackdown!
Last summer I spent a few miserable weeks working outside of Pecos, Texas, near a town called Mentone. This area is currently seeing a boom in its economy due to new drilling in
The original uploader was Talshiarr at English Wikipedia – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, Link
Pecos was never a big town, but after the collapse in oil prices in the mid 1980s and a nearly total halt to all drilling and development, the town nearly died, with declines in population, many retail places going under or being re-opened as lower end stores, shuttered storefronts and hotels being flipped from chains to locally-owned places. There was only one grocery store where you could buy fresh produce, and even though the city sits on the interstate, deliveries are spread out so that the choices are poor, both in quality and variety. The town population dropped around 25% in the past two decades.
The town is near the Pecos River, which arises in northern New Mexico but dwindles to a muddy creek, bordered with salt cypress originally planted to halt erosion but which turned out to be invasive water hogs that added to the depletion of surface and ground water in the area.
Fine art in Pecos. It’s the eagle-with-a-snake-on-a-cactus image from the Mexican national flag
The much abused barely flowing Pecos south of Grandfalls, Texas. Viewed from the bridge. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A rebirth in the oil business means that Pecos is now booming. The hotels, including a couple built in the past few years, are always full. The only sizable store, a smallish, dirty WalMart has a huge parking lot and is full. Burrito stands line the streets, and most of the few sit-down restaurants are also Mexican. Indeed, the town is 80% Hispanic, and a friend visiting from Canada remarked that the area looked to her like northern Mexico in looks and feel. Although the town is only about 8,000 people, a survey early in 2012 reported it as the fasting growing small town in the U.S. The growth has not translated into improved services for the people there.
Hotel on the far edge of town
While I was assisting with a plant start-up, we were there during July and August of a year plagued by record droughts. At the time, there had been no rain for about 15 months, and the daytime temperature on site hit 120 F on some days. We would start out days at 6 am, in order to get as much work done in the ‘cool’ of the morning (it would sometimes get below 90 F). The convenience stores would be out of ice by 8 a.m. Some nights, if we managed to get done with our day’s work before dark, we’d eat at the same two restaurants. Several of my contractors were Hindu and pretty much lived on cheese enchiladas, rice, and refried beans that summer. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that homemade flour tortillas and authentic refried beans are made with a bit of lard. When I asked a local directions to the best restaurant in town, I was directed to Denny’s.
Most popular restaurant in town. (it was actually good and they have both kinds of wine. Red AND white)
Pecos is not without history. If you’ve heard of Judge Roy Bean and the “Law West of the Pecos”, the reference is to this river, when it represented the edge of the Wild West Frontier, most notably in the late 19th century. Judge Bean’s saloon-courthouse “The Jersey Lilly” was actually located in Langtry, near where the Pecos dumps into the Rio Grande River, but the town of Pecos plays up on reputation with replicas of the saloon.
English: “Judge Roy Bean, the `Law West of the Pecos,’ holding court at the old town of Langtry, Texas in 1900, trying a horse thief. This building was courthouse and saloon. No other peace officers in the locality at that time.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Countryside near Pecos with very rare rain
Related articles
- Tough times on the Pecos as miles of river go dry (star-telegram.com)
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Categories: Travel, Work and Jobs
Two Different Girls 
sounds like my kind of town. I have been and stayed in worse
I have bad memories of Pecos. I was picked up while hitchhiking at a place called Belmorea or something like that in 1959 and tossed in jail in Pecos. My crime, ” I had less than 50 cents on my person and thus considered a Vagrant. I was a teenager who by chance was taken in by a family from Pecos by the name Salazar to go pick cotton. I escaped from there and hiked back to Corpus Christi. I never hiked rides again.
Balmorhea
“Ignorant Comments” try taking some “Culture Diversity Classes”…
Your inappropriate use of quotation marks indicates that you need to take a grammar class, or at least review the proper use of punctuation.
Also, look up the word “culture” (note proper use of the quotation marks). It does not mean what you think it means.
Pecos is an ugly, run-down little town. They exist in rural areas all over the country. No ones moves to these towns, they try to leave.
Great people, crappy town.
People like you that come here with an attitude makes us grateful that we are a small caring community. Stick to your own BIG city and stay the hell away from ours. If you had even made an effort to see beyond your snotty attitude you might have found that we are compassionate people that care for one another unlike big cities. We might not have your glorified expensive stores but what we have is just fine for us. We are not materialistic, greedy, snotty people like you. So if you dont like it GET OUT AND STAY OUT!!!
Odessa is crappy, too. I make no claims about being from a great place. Unfortunately, I don’t have a choice about going to Pecos since we built a plant nearby, and hired people, and bought equipment in Pecos. And spent a lot of money at the hotel there. I’d love to stay away. Thank you for your reasoned and thoughtful response!
I just wanted to give my thoughts about your comments about Pecos, and the people from Pecos. I am from Pecos, TX born and raised (class of 84), in fact my sister (she was class of 82) still lives and works there and just 8 months ago we laid our mother and grandmother to rest there. You will never find a better group of friends or a group of people then the people from Pecos, including Bobbie Stephens ( I have know her my own life). Pecos maybe a run-down but it is a town full of rich history and great memories such as going to Balmorhea State Park to go swimming in the natural springs or going to the sandhills in Monahans or the salt flats there in Pecos, or going hiking and mountain climbing in Ft. Davis, if you would just take the time to look at all the beauty that is Pecos and it surrounding area then you maybe surprised at what the desert has to offer. Another fact growing up in Pecos was a blast and a safe town, a place where everyone knew your name and where everyone looked out for each other. I have been to all 50 states and 7 different countries and I always go back to Pecos to visit and the only reason I do not raise my family there is because the type of business I am in I could not make the living that I am accustomed too. So before you go and make a statement that Pecos is a crappy town you should do you homework and learn it’s history and get to know the people there and I will bet you will find the beauty that only Pecos and it’s people can bring.
A lot of those places you mention aren’t actually Pecos.We spent a lot of time in Balmorhea, and taking Scouts to Ft Davis. Great places
Being that you’re originally from Odessa and west Texas, could you please take a few minutes and recommend the areas of west Texas that you like or that would be worth visiting? I’m thinking of visiting/vacationing in that general area in the fall to early winter and I would greatly appreciate your input.
Thank you, and regards.
The area around Fort Davis. There is a state park there, around the old “Indian frontier” fort which was abandoned in the late 1880s or so. There is hiking, you can camp or stay at the Indian Lodge, or there are historic hotels such as the Lympia. The McDonald observatory is in Fort Davis. There are TREES in the area 🙂
Actually I’m not from there originally, but I lived in the area about 15 years pre- and post-college
Thank You!
If you go, I’d love to hear a report. I haven’t been there in many years.
I’d be glad to. I’m currently reading a book set in west Texas around the Pecos area and some place called Echo Texas. Overall, it sounds like it’s brutal in the summer. I’ve read that Reeves county has the lowest population density of any county in America. Granted, that may be due to a lack of water and other circumstances. I’m seriously thinking about homesteading to some rural area and would like to research it.
It was very kind of you to take the time for recommendations in that local, if I do go I’ll put in my two cents worth. Thanks again. Cheers!
West Texas people are hard working. I think everyone one has their own idea of paradise. What I know is that they love their Friday football games, the smell of the red dirt after a long anticipated rain, pickle juice snow cones in the summer, mesquite wood barbecues, and hanging out at the DQ. The reason everything looks so rough is the lack of moisture and dry hot days. The sandstorms that beat along the buildings are a major factor for the rough exterior you see. Much like the people weathered on the outside and a true treasure on the inside.
All true. I lived out there much of my life. People seem to not read beyond the title and notice no mention is made of the denizens of Pecos.
Although, that being said, my opinions changed of the people after getting death threats.
I think you are an uninformed idiot. I was raised in Pecos,Texas and later in my adult life lived in surrounding West Texas areas. The people in West Texas and especially in Pecos are some of the most wonderful, compassionate people you will find anywhere. We don’t judge people by their color, but by their behavior. You seem to have none of the above qualities. Marquita
And yet now you live in Austin. I’m from west Texas, as well.
I was born and raised in Pecos and very proud of it. Pecos people are caring hard working people. I have very fond memories growing up in Pecos. It seems PECOS is bringing some $$ into your pocket or you wouldn’t have gone through so much torture and suffering during your stay. So instead of being so critical why don’t you give thanks to “crappy’ Pecos for your paycheck.
I was working outside of Pecos. It was just the closest place with a hotel.
Hey, Geek Goddess..while you were out there in this horrible place..making it even worse…did you cause this to happen? Your plant hurt a few folks…
http://www.cbs7.com/content/news/Gas-Plant-Explosion-in-Orla-360445541.html
That plant is owned by Anadarko, and you are a horrible person for making light of that tragedy.
You can say what you want. I’m from this crappy town. And I am proud to be from there. No matter what happens in life the people and that crappy town are waiting for you. I have read some of what has been said. People BORN and raised in west Texas are the best. When life gets rough that’s who has your back. You need to get off your high horse. Maybe it’s because we come from a place that does not have much that we are able to to be caring loving people. We don’t expect to have everything in the world. But we expect respect. Respect where you come from and where others come from. If you do not have something nice to say don’t say anything and stay away from the town. Oh wait that town was putting food in your mouth.
Thank you for your comment. As I mentioned a dozen times in the other comments, I am also from west Texas. And no, I did not work in Pecos. It had the nearest hotels to the places we worked at. Pecos itself didn’t have anything to do with the projects, other than bed and shower.
Sorry but all due respect. Your just a bitch. Flat out, cause if it wasn’t for our crappy town u wouldn’t of had a place to stay and eat dumb broad, and luckily u left and kept those comments to yourself. Cause in reality that’s why it’s so small, we weezle out the dirt you greedy bitch. Don’t come back even if u have ten damn plants to build… Look around idiot shit face twatt, we have all the oil and work, so stay the hell away Pecos was great before you and will only continue to be greater without you. So either man up or ship out hoe. Simply put. Proud of my Pecos
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…Bosque County is lovely.
Hi,I live in Pecos and when the oil went bust and the sulfur mine closed it killed Pecos.I love it out here as I don’t like crowds.The town does look rough but the People are very good.They will defend their town. I saw some oil field people leave trash , drive crazy , go in places and think they own it.Cuss and loud at the cafes.if the local people cant get to the store before 5 there is nothing left , if you don’t go to the cafe before 6 you cant get a place to eat.One morning there was about 5 people in line at the donuts shop,A guy told the owner I WANT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE and took everything they had.So that’s why the locals don’t like the oilfield.The only people that’s making money in that town are hotels and the cafes,and man camps,I don’t see it benefiting the local people.They drive like a bunch of crazy stupid fools,I have lost 2 friends to head on collisions.the out of town people who caused both wrecks lived and are ok.My friends who were good christian people died.This is my reasons of not liking the oilfield.There are a lot of good people out here but the trashy ones ruin it for all of them
Geek Goddess you have to keep this BLOG alive and commenting. I spent a few days in Pecos, Texas enroute to Austin from the Carlsbad Caverns. Motorcycle riding along in the middle of nowhere. Lost. Had a blast in that crappy little town. The people were wonderful. Please keep this going. Love the comments from the educated world travelers. I’m from a little town called Ely. Nevada. It died when the Copper went down and the great EPA put so many restrictions on the company they said to hell with it packed up and left so I know the feeling of feast to famine expressed by some of the comments.
Chris, “culture diversity classes”? she should go learn about sculpture and art? She does travel a lot, so I think she’s fine. If you mean, classes that teach you about how to interact with others of a different racial background than yourself, please say so. Otherwise, you are asking her to take a class at a museum.
What may seem like a crappy little town to you is home to many. Because we do not have whatever it is your used to back home does not make our town crappy. Every town or city has it’s issues, and if you had gotten to know our town besides what you talk about you would have known a nice little town with great people. A great town is not defined by what stores it has and how many it has. Its defined by it history and people. I am Pecos resident and I love our little town. What makes me upset is all the people like you and most of the oilfield workers that trash our little town and talk badly of it. So in closing I would like to ask. What’s so great and wonderful about you town/city?
Mine town is just as crappy. I’m from Odessa
Thanks for the Grammar lesson. “Mine” Lol It’s a Blog not a Grammar Class. I was just sharing my Opinion. Lol I’ll make sure and have a Welcoming Committee the next time you’re in Town. We can have food that is cooked with Lard.
You caught me! Teach me to try and write legibly on my iPad!!!
I have generations from Pecos, Tx and generations that chose to stay. Those that had the gumption to get the heck out of dodge did! Thanks Dad! I visited Pecos in the Summer time to stay with both sets of my grandparents and at one point lived there for about a year. The only fun was the pool that cracked decades ago (late 80’s I believe), and the town never repaired it. Greek Goddess, some of the people are great considering I might be related to a whole slew of the population, but the assessment in my opinion was correct, Pecos is crappy!
This reply is to Goddess of Darkness (Geek Goddess). ha’ve read most of your posts and how negative you are. I can see my post is heading to be on a personal note to you. So just take it that I’m returning the favor. My husband works in the oil fields in Pecos and instead of seeing him 3 maybe 4 days a month we will be putting our house up for rent and living in Pecos so I can see him every night. I have never been to Pecos but I am looking forward to the move. I too have traveled, maybe not as much as you but I have traveled. Maybe you are more educated than me. Maybe I’m more of a people person than you. Who cares? For you being so educated have you not heard that saying “to each his own”? I have noticed you get defensive when someone throws the race card in your face. Many people bring up the “race card” as a defense to get out of what they have said to others and to take the focus off you. That’s an old trick and everyone knows. I’m not offended by your comments because you’ll never be happy in any city. Why? Because you are traveling with you. Go ahead and sass my grammar, my punctuation or whatever else you want. Those that reply it’s okay because you’re “just being honest” well that says a lot about them too. I’m also from a big city and I am enjoying the peace and quiet of living in El Paso because I know how to adjust to my surroundings. I also accept people for who they are (or is it whom? LOL) You can be as educated as all get out. but you are coming across as condescending and frankly a sap LOL.When people are happy to see you leave their town or tell you never to visit their town, something’s wrong in your O.K. Corral, honey. It’s also okay for you to have your own opinion. Be who you are, stay who you are and eventually you’ll be alone in this world. Which I’m sure those in close proximity of you will greatly benefit. I would tell you to have a nice day but I know it won’t happen. So I shall have it for you…..
This had ended up in our spam filter because of the personal attacks. I do not believe you ‘have read most of (my) posts and how negative they are” – you read most of our 600 posts? And you think we are negative? If you read the Pecos post carefully, you will see I never mention anything about the people in the town of Pecos. Whereas your spam comment is nothing but personal attack.
Please enjoy the town. I used to think the people were nice but just had a very unlovely place to live.
Wow, first off you have an awful lot of explaining to do at church on Sunday, because you obviously have NOT read all 600 posts. If you, you will have read positive commentary about restaurants, travel sites, friends, wonderful children (well loved and so blessed to have such a mother), and just everything in her very busy successful life. Her friends, myself included, feel so happy to have her in our lives. She is so kind and caring. If you HAD actually read our posts, you would know I’m almost an invalid now, and if not for the kindness and commitment of this incredibly busy woman, this would be a lot tougher battle than it is. Her ability to perhaps have given your husband employment by her education and hard work as engineer and executive (why do you think she was in Pecos?) should have you thanking her, not blasting her in a manner I’m sure your pastor would not approve of. Seriously, go to Pecos and show that to your new church pastor. Never write on the internet what you would not happily read in front of your church congregation. SHe wrote about things, and you wrote a personal attack. WWJD? Well, I think he would understand the hope of many a parent that sees a town like that and says “My child needs to go forth and leave here to be successful.” Many a successful person, such as Ross Perot, grew up in small towns in Texas, but they never raised their children there because they wanted something more. In a way, the need to see more and do more is often born in those small towns. Not the people, because it’s the teachers and educators that see the children that CAN go forth that encourage and educate people like my friend. She has gone on, via education, to do great things. INcluding giving jobs to many in small towns because of her innovative designs that allow plants to be built in new places that wouldn’t allow them before. She is also responsible for the safety of those plants she designs, and if your husband comes home to you each night, thank my friend for her care and ability in her designs. THat is something she learned in school, but it is also part of her heart as an engineer. She goes above and beyond to make sure your husband comes home to you at night. If she hadn’t left her crappy place to be from, your husband might have had a less careful engineer designing. SHe puts her heart into her friends and into her work. I am honored to blog with her, but also honored most of all to be her friend.
Point is, this is a FUN series. Not an indictment of Pecos. I think Pecos has a romance to the name. But, yeah, like most places it has been hit hard. I would also say the oil field workers that “trash” your town, bring a LOT OF MONEY to the town and help it out. If it weren’t for oil, where would Pecos be? Maybe if the people of Pecos were a little NICER to the oil workers you describe as “trashing” your town…it might have a slightly less grump reputation.
AMEN!! about the oilfield workers comment! I have been working here for 3 years and yes, it has good and bad points. BUT, alot of the time the people are so rude to us oilfield workers and I cant figure it out. Looking into yards and pastures, I’d say the locals do a great job of trashing the town without our help at all. We bring in SO MUCH MONEY to this town and area, also jobs for the locals. And really what other industry COULD thrive out here? The town has started to grow a tad bit, but it seems like most of the revenue it gets does not go back into improving the town. Many locals I’ve spoken with feel the the town government is holding it back and they too want some improvements to their home town. They tell me all the time how wonderful it used to be before the big oil bust…..they even had a department store (I think it was a JC Penney or something) and 2 grocery stores at one time instead of one that rapes you because it has no competition. The people that dont hate us, I will admit, are absolutely wonderful people. Yup, they need more restaurants and a bigger Walmart, that is a fact, but really the once you get know it, its a cool little place. I just couldn’t live here because of the sand storms, hot / dry weather and no trees or grass to speak of.
I am from generations that were raised in Pecos, Texas. We are all proud of the town, the people and the life we lived there. If you did not want negative replies to your statement that our home town is a Crappy Town, then you should not have stated so. We lived in Pecos without your oil all of my Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Parents and our lives and did just fine. We had cotton farming, cantaloupe, ranching, and these did no harm to our environment or the land. Can you say the same for your industry? From the 1940’s to the present time, the people who went to school in Pecos, have two e-mail sites where we share what we did when we grew up there and in the present. The prayer site is where we pray for each other, families, friends, and friends of friends. That should speak for the quality of the people from Pecos, don’t you think? Marquita
I grew up in Pecos too.My dad was Bear Stroud a deputy sheriff in the 70s and 80s.He also worked at the Orla Phillips gas Plant until its closure.
We loved Pecos, the best place to grow up. I would give anything to go back in time.
I now live in a similar town in Wyo, the oil boom and bust much the same. The locals are left wondering what became of thier quaint little town.We have a huge Exxon Mobile plant outside of town and a couple of smaller plants. We are always waiting for the next boom, we own a tiny restaurant and can’t seem to please outsiders.They come here to make a quick buck, but complain the whole time thier here. Just like Pecos ,those left here are hanging on, nut we have our pride! We want the workers to come in and boost our economy,but we aren’t going to take your shit.
Kathy Stroud
Everyone says how great Pecos was in the 50s, 60s, 70s. No one talks about how great it is TODAY.
Nothing is hard to google, Chris. I found your Facebook page. I found one of the commenters sells scented candles, and one was in the National Guard and owns a car wash in the town. So?
all places have a crapy side Pecos has truely nice side to it that big cities do not and who ever posted Pecos as crapy has ont lived very long
I’ve lived in worse places than Pecos! I’ve got many blog posts on the theme, crappy places to be FROM
I wrote this months ago, I’m wondering why all the sudden comments
There are comments because someone from Pecos actually read it and they shared it.
It’s a pretty informative blog, but when you label something under “Crappy places to be from” then it’s inevitable that people actually from the “Crappy places to be from” are going to take it personal and leave their comment.
You are entitled to your opinion and so are we. 🙂
Trust me, every place is crappy to be from. I imagine even Santa at the North Pole has something nice to say about living there.
If you are wodering why? Facebook is to blame. Someone has posted a link to you blog and it has been shared by many, and Pecos people are upset. I dont know how old you are but me, ill be 30 soon and I remember when Odessa was a nice place to visit. But sadly, no one wants to visit Odessa either. Odessa has grown too fast in a small area, and to me it is crammed. So as your blog blows up with replies about Pecos. Just remember that it was all due to Facebook.
Oh cool. You should read about my pieces about Barstow or Weyburn Saskatchewan. Nice people but awful little towns
So the great people you are referring to must be the other 20%. Since you and your friend obviously don’t like hispanics or Mexico in general. I bet if Pecos was 80% white it would of gotten great reviews from this stupid blog. Grammar check this too I really don’t care about grammar anyways. Just a person living in your crappy Odessa but loves Pecos Tx!
Oh, you think it’s about the ethnicity of the people there? You’re making assumptions about my background that might just be wrong. You don’t know my family or my relatives. I’m from west Texas. Be a bit careful about playing a racist card.
Also, I haven’t lived in Odessa in years.
I love how people are thinking you are GREEK!
whoa… doesn’t like Hispanics (with a H please, not h) and Mexico in general? Not the person I know well. In fact, playing this “you must not like the town as it is not white” doesn’t take into account the fact that the writer lives in a town with even greater diversity than Pecos. In fact, probably the most progressive and tolerant city in Texas. Until Pecos elects a lesbian mayor I think it takes second place in “tolerance” and “diversity”. Also this blog does not do GOOD reviews of cities, we do CRAPPY PLACES TO BE FROM! Because, it’s kind of fun. We all come from someplace we run from, and indeed are often drawn back to. Like any family, our hometowns have much we love and hate all mixed up. Pecos has seen better days, and thanks to oil and gas will see better again. But, it has blemishes. It is, like almost all small town a CRAPPY PLACE TO BE FROM, but also dear to many that live there. Just to an outsider that beauty is a sometimes hard to find. Chill, and be pleased Pecos made the blog!
Geek Goddess, I was born and raised in Pecos. I did leave after high school to attend college. I soon realized my calling was in the Army. I have travelled all over the world and have seen many small towns. I agree there is not much to our “crappy place to be from” but we, the original residents of Pecos, love it. One thing about true Pecos residents – if you try to degrade Pecos, we bond with each other and defend our home. I am thankful for having what we do have here. Try living in Baghdad, Iraq or Port-Au-Prince, Haiti for a little bit (while getting shot at) and you’ll learn to appreciate what we have locally. However, if you feel the need to boost your self-esteem by degrading others and their hometowns – please, pick another town.
WHOA! I was born in Washington DC. I could write about BIG crappy towns. And don’t play the “military” card until you know that the writer of this blog post has a father and son that both served our country, to say nothing of grandfather.
Point is the series is “this is a town when you go to it’s got some sad stuff going on.” However, for those with family, and a connection, home is home no matter where you are. Slack off on Iraq and Beghdad and Port-Au-Prince too, there are people that live there that love their towns. Probably the people that were shooting at you! (hey my husband was wounded in combat, by people he was chasing OUT of a place they had invaded. The locals were quite happy to help him out). Point is, we all come from crappy towns, but we love them if they are OUR town.
Be pleased Pecos made the blog!Pssshhhh!!! Be pleased you were alowed in or around our community. Pecos.
Pretty sure Kitty has never been anywhere near West Texas. You should see the burg she is from!!!
https://twodifferentgirls.com/2013/03/20/places-i-would-rather-live-than-pecos-texas/
Lmao.. Good One.. Like your Sense of Humor Kitty.
Kitty, I agree 1000% with the article and think these “counters” are amusing and puzzling” but having a relative in the military is NOT the same as serving yourself. GG was safe at home while her loved ones were the people in actual danger.
No, I didn’t serve. I spent the first 18 years following my dad around while he flew in B-52s; my brother and my son were in the military. I did exactly jack to serve.
Jimmy I agree with you 100%. We have lived here for 55 years and will probably spend the rest of our life here. I know God will bless our little town.
Jeanne since the Greek Goddess is an Agnostic, she would not understand God blessing anything.
All the comments because it’s making some rounds on facebook from people who grew up there. Born and lived there for 17 years and loved it and I agree with pretty much everything you said. I don’t see why people are getting upset because you are being honest.
I lived here for 21 years. I agree Pecos is not the best looking town but the people who live here are. People will help you all the time in this small, ugly town. Odessa is 72 miles away booming as well but is full of crappy people. You can be broke down on the side of the road for hours in Odessa before someone stops to help you. In Pecos every car stops to help you. So even though Pecos is ugly the people actually care about other people. That is what makes Pecos a beautiful town, not the scenery but the loving people!!!
You are right about Odessa!
Yeah I grew up in odessa from 1965-78, when it was a good and fun town to live in until it wasn’t. . So I beat feet out as fast as i could. Had to go get a life , all Odessa had to offer me was the dirty ass oilfield and I wasn’t such a halfway smart guy that I could put on a suit and go sell..yep oilfield equipment. I didn’t want anything to do with anything with the word oil in it. . Screw that. I went back about 13 years ago for a wedding and thought, wtf is this Beirut?? I leave for 15 years and yall fk it up worse than what I thought it could ever be..! I can’t leave you Odessans alone without supervision ! I swear it was quite disturbing seeing it all.. Ruined my good memories that’s for sure. Aint been back since.So you greasy peckerneck humps can have it, the dust storms, the no rain, the no more football championships, the no more odessa country club, and you can keep all the crime infestations and ugly af’n goldsmith all to yourselves! it just keeps on getting Kermit miles closer to hell.
Greek Goddess you are truly something else. I was born in Pecos, live in Pecos and love my little town before you talk down on Pecos you should look at your town. I am sure if you look hard enough you probably have an area that is crappy.
Yep, the town I am from is crappy as well. I’ve written about it. I got an education and left.
No one is complaining what I wrote about Barstow. Or Goldsmith.
Im sorry but why should we bring those towns up. We are talking about Pecos. That is what was brought up. And yes you made some valid points about our town. But when you are raised with pride for your town, it hits a spot in our hearts. Im sorry that you feel the way you feel about your town.
I will say a lot of people from Pecos have been the blog was “spot on”. Pride from growing up is one thing, but also part of the US and American spirit is that of adventure and moving to where you can best be successful. If we all felt this way about where we were born, we’d all still be living in the rift valley of Africa. Very crowded indeed!
There is little opportunity for teens growing up to make a living in small towns that aren’t near anything.
an AREA? Oh gosh, point is it’s a FUN post about many small towns it would perhaps be difficult to live in if you did not have a lot of family and friends. Also, to grow, and get the advantages you need to say go to college, start a business, create jobs for others….sometimes you have to leave the small town. I have TWO crappy places to be from, where I live (one is a vacation cabin). If someone is young and smart I am “GET OUT! Come back when you are ready to retire!” (at least we have a lake in each place though, it’s crappy but the lakes are nice). Mind you my husband and I had to GET OUT of the crappy places we were from to earn enough money to now have a vacation home on a lake.. if my husband had stayed in Franklin, KY (they shut down the plants and Wal Mart is the biggest employer), we’d be in a double wide if we were lucky. Go forth, leave the CRAPPY TOWNS and see the world a bit.
Yes I to was raised in Pecos, Tx. and moved away after graduation to Dallas, Tx, but Pecos is Home Sweet Home even though I hardly ever visit anymore. When I was growing up as a kid, I loved Pecos and being from there,Pecos was awesome, we kids were out all night and were safe. Pecos was a family oriented town and we as a town celebrated lots of holidays together. Pecos is a very friendly town and I agree just because it looks like it died after the eighties it’s still home to many. Maybe you should have made the title Crappy places I have visited instead of Crappy places to be from. Then it may not have hit the residents so hard. I for one don’t think I came from a Crappy place, I have great memories of my childhood and the residents of Pecos, Tx.
She never once said that the people were crap, but that Pecos has a lack of services and the weather can be unbearable. I’m also from Pecos and I know how crappy it is. There are not many opportunities for young people and it’s sad. I’m serving in the Peace Corps and and of course Pecos is great compared to a third world country, but it shows how much Pecos and many parts of America need improving.
Thanks. You understand!
I think that is true of many small towns. Also, an oil boom is not always good for locals. I know my own daughter works in Nome Alaska (she mines gold, but she is a geologist with a PhD). The miners and companies come in, and take the gold, and go home. The locals live in beat up homes and it is a crappy place. not the people, that are kind and generous and welcoming (even to a foreign company that comes in to mine gold). But no local community seems to do well in the long run when mining or other outsiders come in.
It’s good for the locals if they can partake of the jobs. During a boom, unemployment can be very low, provided the locals have some skills or education to be able to get those jobs. In a project I’m doing in Canada, all the locals have gotten jobs with the oil business, so they are having to recruit all across the country to bring people to the area to work. The town is pretty small, and lacking amenities, so people from other areas don’t want to move there, even for very good paying jobs.
I am hurt to see the town that I grew up in to be talked about so poorly. I do agree with what was said, but regardless it does strike a nerve because thats where I am from. I wish there more positive things that could have been said instead of negative. I think its onesided and could have been written by someone other than this gypsie/hippie
I have a blog where I talk about my travels, places I’ve eaten, and things I’m interested in. I loved eating at the taquerias and the burrito stand in Pecos. The people are great. They just don’t have the services, as another commenter pointed out. With the boom, it seems businesses would move end to accommodate the new opportunities and incomes – new restaurants, better quality retail, and so on. Sadly, most small towns are dying.
As far as gypsy/hippie: who were you talking about? I’m a director at an gas processing company, went to high school in Odessa and returned there after college to work for many years. I’ve been in every town in West Texas. I used to go through Pecos as a kid, on the way to Carlsbad Caverns, and have lunch there on the way. It was a much prettier town back then. Odessa has also turned into a very ugly place. I blame the boom-bust-boom cycle of the oil field.
you need to get your map out if you go thru Pecos to get to Carlsbad
Look it up on Google maps. There’s not 5 minutes difference going through Pecos or going to Kermit and then heading north. We’d go one way, and return another, for a change of scenery.
You need realize that you may be talking about the town, and not the people, but you are offending the people who live in Pecos and were originally from there with your comments about it. Look at your title. OFFENSIVE!! This town is happy being small. And if things are run down, or need fixing up, direct your comments to the mayor. Everybody is from somewhere and no one likes their hometown being criticized so harshly.
We lived in Pecos 11 years and met some of the greatest, most loving, caring, friendly people we’ve ever met and still maintain some of those special friends long distance. Quality relationships made it special and the people there tend to get close to one another. It did have some negatives I won’t go into, but we’ve met no more special people than them in the last several years in two other towns.
Of course, there are also people like this:
http://m.topix.com/forums/city/Pecos-tx
I just read your blog and everyone’s comments. I was also born and raised in Pecos. I used to swim in that river every summer when I was a little girl. I used to cruise the 3 main streets as a teenager. We would have to travel to Odessa or to Carlsbad just to shop for clothes and shoes. I also have family in bars tow, Odessa and Midland. Some in Balmoreah and friends in Toyah. Growing up, Pecos was great. We had so much fun. And caused a little trouble. I moved away in 1993. I go back home and visit from time to time. Although, many things have changed since I’ve lived there, some things haven’t. And that’s what makes me feel like I’m hone again.
Ya, there’s no where to eat after 10 pm. And there’s a Chinese / Mexican restaurant that’s other than Mexican food, lol. I will say that options are not an option. But hey it is what it is.
I was pretty hurt when I read ur blog. Well actually not the blog but the title. It didn’t sit to well with me. I understand this is ur opinion. However, I really don’t think that you can make an honest opinion by saying that Pecos is a crappy town to BE from. For one, your not from Pecos. So this could somewhat slanderous. And whether you feel ur town is a crappy town to be from too, it still doesn’t make it right.
Pecos was actually a town that came up from the railroad. It didn’t become well known because of judge Roy bean or the worlds 1st rodeo. The railroad actually gave Pecos their start. And Pecos being named my the Indians (peanuts) because it was so small.
I don’t think I ” come from a crappy town” think amenities are crappy. I think they all those oil field workers that come in and over run the town with their big city attitudes are crappy.
I’m not gonna bash u or tell u how wrong u are. Because ur blog was pretty much on the money, with a couple of exceptions (in my opinion). I just don’t agree with ur title. And as far as I know we’re still able to exercise our 1st amendment.
But I will do this for u, I am currently doing some work with a discrimination attorney, I’m going to ask his opinion about ur title. Because like I said, your not from Pecos.
Let me know what he says!
25-1 the lawyer wasn’t in pecos or from pecos, and I’m being a smartazz butttt.. he probably told her “Hey Pecos does suck Karen..now give me fifty dollars for my time!”
If you would like to write a post about Pecos, and what you enjoyed and remember, I will be delighted to post it in the column.
You can submit it with an email, or with an attached Word document. It should be under 1000 words in length, and accompanied by two or three pictures, and using proper grammar, punctuation, etc.
Thanks!
I went through Pecos in spring 2004 and thought there was great opportunity for the creation of an artist hub being established, art made then taken to the galleries in Santa Fe. Fill the town with artist tourism and cheap artist studios.
blacklab
LOL
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Kitty forgot to mention Dildo, Newfoundland, as perhaps a town that rivals Pecos. Interestingly, while on Qantas this afternoon, their inflight magazine has an article about how weird Austin is. Is Austin TX weird? Weird enough to justify a Qantas article? If so, perhaps someone should inform the nice people at Qantas about Pecos.
Austin is wonderful weird, wacky weird. It’s a beautiful city, highly educated, and proud of its off beat citizens. The liberal center of the state. The place you can find vegan restaurants and the best barbecue.
I was raised in pecos and it is a crappy ugly town! And that is why I got out and am never going back!!
Thanks! A refugee!
without the guts to put their name because I bet that person keeps coming back!
I’m of an accord that you don’t belong in Pecos, Texas. The local townfolk are a hardworking, honest group of people that will get along fine without ya.
Any town is what YOU make of it. You think Odessa is crappy too. I love to shop and eat in Odessa and Midland but am always glad to get back home to Pecos and the loving friendly people. Big cities have the most cold and uncaring clerks no matter where you go. In Pecos, yes, everyone knows everyone and this is a good thing. When disaster or illness strikes word gets around fast. People start praying, calling, visiting and doing whatever they can to help. Although I am not “from” Pecos I have lived here most of my life. I could not believe the outpouring of love and concern when my Dad passed away in 1997. I grew up moving since my Dad worked for a seismograph company. I have lived in 6 different states and many many towns in Oklahoma and Texas. Believe me, there have been far worse towns. Unless you have lived in other towns you have nothing to compare Pecos with. I love Pecos and will probably live here until I die. We don’t have a lot of luxuries but that is what makes it fun about getting to go out of town. I LOVE PECOS AND THE PEOPLE IN IT.
I agree that the people are friendly and kind. Very Texan!
I was born and raised in Pecos. I’m sure I’ve made the best choice of leaving this town. My heart is where my family is at but that’s all. If they’d make a smart choice as i did even by leaving to a smaller town. It would make a world of difference!!! And fyi Denny’s is not the place i would have picked…..
The guys at the country club said it was the second best place, after the little restaurant attached to the golf course, but since ol’ Claytie had it reserved, it was Denny’s…
I can’t believe you are degrading ol’ Claytie as you refer to one of the finest ranchers in our part of the country. You keep saying this is a fun blog, but you still are making remarks about people, things, and towns you obviously know nothing about. I don’t believe anyone is able to reserve the entire country club. It’s not that small.
The same Claytie that said rape was like rain: if it’s inevitable, just lay back and enjoy it?
Geek Goddes I think you are a IDIOT and need to keep your opinions to your self!!!!! What gives you the right to down or dis a place you obviously know nothing about!!!!! Its bad enough you talk crap about where you are from. I am sure the people of Pecos would be just fine if you never stepped foot there again. I know I would. Former Pecos resident and my HOME TOWN!!!!!!! Vicki Laurence
Thank you for your thoughtful response. My ‘right’ is that I’ve been traveling to Pecos for over 30 years.
I heard that there are some people in Pecos who aren’t hillbillies. And they have a lot of Mexicans.
I never met any hillbillies. In fact, I don’t comment about the people at all.
I love how the articles shows a motel/hotel that has not been open in numerous decades. There are good things that are about Pecos. Like the friendships that last a lifetime and the great memories of growing up in a small town where people actually know each other and care about one another. Showcase that!
The hotel is interesting to look at, it’s history. If you will write something about Pecos, I will post it.
I would love to write about Pecos. I don’t blame anyone for thinking Pecos is a crappy place to grow up. I moved away and have not been back for over 20 years. I am 42 years old and moved to Pecos when I was 5. I made friends fast and have those same friendships to this day. My best friend then is still my best friend to this day even though we live in different states. We can call each other and pick up right where we left off the last time we spoke. Growing up in Pecos was great because no matter where you went in the town you knew you were safe and cared about. We did have a movie theater for a short period of time while I was growing up. But the real entertainment varied by seasons. Football was king in the fall and the Rodeo was queen in the summer. Being in the local high school band was what was cool and cruising around sonic and down Eddy street and back was the norm. Going to dances on the weekends were the best and going to Barstow Barn for a get together was an invite to be had. I wish everyone could have grown up in such a town. A town that bans together to help each other and a town that honors our little town even if we never care to go back again.
I also lived in Goldsmith…What are the odds of me living in two towns that are listed as crappy places.
Alpine is l
Im sure you have heard of Billie Sol Estes and his legacy that was brewed in Pecos. Also the Worlds First Rodeo was born and breed in Pecos. And would could forget the ever famous “Pecos Bill”. That is what legends are made from.
Plus if you can survive one summer in Pecos you can survive in the Mojave Desert with ease. Glad you got to see our little town. Next time be sure to grab the world famous Pecos Cantaloupes. I just wish Ben’s Spanish Inn was still around so you could get some of the famous Chile Rellenos.
But know this if you are ever in Pecos and need help almost anyone in town will be glad to help you out.
Yes familiar with all those. I’ve spent most of my life either working or living in west Texas. I went to middle school with one of Estes’ nieces (or cousins…it’s been 40 years!) My grandfather took me to Spanish Inn, after we had spent the morning at the Sandhills.
My great aunt and uncle owned that hotel. It was built in the early 1900’s.
oh, very cool. Do you have any interesting stories about it? Every time I drive by, I wonder about it.
Yes and I will post some later. I have some tattoos to do first. So ill probably be posting at 4 in the morning lol
I wonder if I could talk you into writing a little post about its history? and maybe a few older pictures? I bet a lot of people would find it very interesting!
Sure
Everyone needs to STOP bashing this blogger. All she stated were facts. Pecos is HOT, sits by the “river”, and does not have very many amenities. No where did she state that the people that live there or were raised there were crappy!!
I grew up there, graduated from there and got as far away as i could. It had nothing to offer me for my future.
Everyone needs to stop getting so offended….
Thanks. I think nearly everyone from Texas is great, and I got back as soon as I could. We’ve had a near record number of page views today. I’d live to see the discussion thread on FB where these links are coming from. Links?
I saw this link on a friend’s page.
Must be a popular friend. 1500+ page views on just that post rom Facebook, plus quite a few searches on my name 😉
I grew up in Pecos. It’s all true. It’s hot, dreary and dirty. Despite the economic growth, what good has it been to the long time non business owning residents of Pecos, TX?
I was born in Pecos. I still love Pecos. I go back to visit for old time sake. Yes, only a Pecos native could genuinely love it. People have always bashed Pecos. But Pecos is awesome because of the people. And the Rodeo. And Dairy Mart Frito burgers. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Geek Godess,
So after a little thought I decided to add my two cents worth, hope you don’t mind. I don’t believe name calling or insulting you would serve any real purpose but only further drive focus away from the article you posted. I too like many of the folks responding to your post, grew up and spent some 20 years in Pecos. It is true that it is not some tropical oasis, nor is it filled with endless opportunities,but there is not a town in west Texas that is. My view may be tainted, but those old buildings are not just run down shacks. For some those buildings and shacks hold memories, nostalgia, and yes even history. It might not be in all its glory and prime, but then again if it was how would it compare to today,s facilities and would we have a need for some of the new businesses that have since come to town. I might be wrong, but I think if they were filming a Mayberry of the west it would be in Pecos. Where people help people just because, a street dance is still a big deal and everybody show sup when there is a festival or any town function. You know the ironic thig I found while reading through your post, Pecos is crappy, Mentone is crappy, Barstow is crappy, Odessa is crappy….They all had the same thing in common. Wanna guess what it is? It is you, by that I mean your outlook on where you were. I would suggest that if you are unhappy with where you are change. That is not just in the physical place, but mentally as well. Before you will ever like where you are you have to learn to like who you are.
In closing you did bring me a gift today that I am thankful for. In reading your blog I see a sense of pride that has always made Pecos great and the people who make up that community what it is…Great!!!!
Can’t wait to read your next article on what a great place you visited.
Thank you. You get it. I’ve probably been in 90% of the towns west and south of Odessa/Midland, as well as half or more of the towns in the Panhandle. I love the people in Texas. I’m sad that the towns are dying. The town that my grandmother was raised in doesn’t exist more, not on a map, not by looking for old abandoned houses. It’s just…gone.
Absolutely, i get it. I too am saddened by what is no longer there as well, but I am excited that the one thing that has never left Pecos or west Texas for that matter is pride. Pride In who we are as Texans and as former residents, The only thing that is ever certain in life is change. I don’t believe west Texas is dead, I think it might just be quietly asleep. Just as VIVI has expressed, with all the pride expressed and the folks that are following this chain, Lets do something positive every chance we can for our home town and make it OUTSTANDING!
also, if you look through our 500+ blog posts, you’ll see most of them are about GREAT places we visit.
I just got a call from my brother from another Mother, Andy. He asked for my opinion as a professional writer on this blog post…. I sat up a little straighter and blushed a bit. Professional? Wow. Thanks, Andy. 🙂
So here I am for the people of Pecos and for the love we share of the dust, the tumbleweeds and the memories that fill out hearts.
I see the intent of the majority of the current dialogue, the people that love and/or live in Pecos are following a natural human instinct to protect what and who they love.
My only personal response and additional insight for the blogger is that the people of Pecos really don’t eat out. We are served love on a plate in every home we enter, no matter how humble. That might be a reason why there aren’t 5 star restaurants to choose from and merely pit stops for truckers and travelers.
But I invite YOU (the people of Pecos) to shift the conversation away from the icky stuff to the memories that make us more than the human being in instinct mode towards the people we are with Heart and Soul and maybe we can do that by joining together and building a richer experience for her. *Great idea for a follow up blog. Ms. Blogger.
Let’s maybe experiment with memories that fill us in smiles and/or our favorite things about living in Pecos right now. Since I no longer live there I’ll work on the memories part.
Walking to Santa Rosa Catholic church on Sunday’s with my cousin
5th Quarter after our Friday night football games
Cruising through Sonic with my girls in Amanda’s silver bug
Dancing into the wee hours of the morning at the Sheriff’s posse
Walking to the local store at probably the age of 11 and getting a candy bar on my grandfather’s credit account, and feeling like such a grown up
Pulling leaves from the tree to use as money at my Welita’s house and playing store with my cousin Ebbie
I could go on ad nauseam, but I’ve got a sudden craving for a Dairy Queen ice-cream sandwich and I’ve decided to make Frito Pie for dinner.
I’ll check back and see what you LOVE about Pecos and what makes it one of the TOP TEN places to be from in the WORLD, even if it’s only my world and your world, because that’s enough for me.
❤ ❤ ❤
How'd I do, Andy?
Would you please write post? I’d love to publish it!
Greek Goddess, I am going to address how I feel and remember my growing up days in Pecos.
I must be really old, because we only had Al’s, Dairy Queen, and the Dairy King. We had never heard of the Sonic. If someone wants to blog about one of Pecos’s most famous teenage hangouts, let’s talk Al’s. Everyone circled Al’s drove down Hwy 80, which was main street and then back around Al’s. We also sat in our cars around Al’s drive-in to eat many of our favorite meals. If you did not go to Al’s back then you were going nowhere. We also had two, Drive-In Movies that were another place to go for entertainment. At the time I was growing up we had three downtown theaters. We had a number of good restaurants, at least 3 grocery stores. We had a community theater where plays were produced and played. Of course we had the Rodeo, the Sheriff Posse Barn where Rodeo dances were held. Parades for the Rodeo, Football parades on Fridays, etc. Pecos was not only a place with wonderful people, but we had plenty of things to do. However, Pecos is a very family oriented place where families sit down together for meals Mothers have prepared. We learned to have manners, empathy for others, and a respect for everyone’s choice of religion. I too am saddened by how our small towns have suffered and the lack of what people from large cities think is important, but I feel the people of Pecos know and have what is really important in life. The childhood friends I had in Pecos, are still my good friends to this day and we stay in touch with each other, no matter where we may live.
Well I may be older than dirt cause I moved to Pecos in 1934. We lived at Davis Mountain Station for a while then to Ft Stockton to the old Riggs Hotel. I remember Al’s fondly. Always had a “bowl of red”
Sandstorms were always fun after they ended. Used to go to Toyahvale to go skinny dipping after football games. Water was warmer then the weather at night.
Well, first of all, the person lived in Mentone, which isn’t Pecos and didn’t even have a water system last time I checked. And, while I’ll admit parts of Pecos can be ugly, it has the most beautiful vistas, with the Guadalipe Mountains to the north and the Davis Mountains to the south. And, most of all, it’s a town full of great people.
I love driving down to Alpine early in the morning, cresting over a hill just as the dawn is breaking. The view, the colors, are so beautiful that I am forced to pull over, get out of the car, and watch the light play across the hills and valleys. Few things are so beautiful.
Alpine/Marfa/Fort Davis/Marathon area is the most lovely place on the planet. Balmorhea too.
They are very pretty. Unlike Pecos!
Pecos cantaloupes and “Home of the World’s 1st Rodeo. What else does a town need?
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/18/travel/wrangling-over-where-rodeo-began.html
Have people from other towns responded like this?
Not at all. I got maybe two comments on Goldsmith. none on Barstow, none on some places in Canada. But, I also don’t get a lot of comments when I talk about lovely places, either! I think someone posted a link on Facebook somewhere that a lot of people saw, because we’ve gotten more hits today on that old post than on anything in the last few months.
Good or bad…publicity is still publicity. I was born and raised in Pecos, so of course I am a little biased like everyone else. I am happy to see pride still exists in our little town. Hopefully that sense of pride will continue when decisions are needed to improve Pecos. It is possible to advance toward the future without losing that sense of tradition and pride. Oil booms come and go but I can honestly the natives of Pecos remain with their sense of pride and love for one another. Some of us have moved away but we all hold that Pecos spirit close to our hearts.
I don’t think I know Pecos is the Home of the First Rodeo, which has been disputed from time to time, but History does not lie and check out the true facts about that History. Pecos is and always will be The Home Of The First Rodeo.
I mean really, why the negative comments/article on my little town. In reality we (the people of pecos) understand that it’s not going to be or ever will be a tourist city, but the pictures you posted are of buildings that have been shut down for years, & in reality have gotten brand new hotels. A lot of what is going on cause of the oil boom does cause head aches… But that’s not to say there are positives to my little city. I just don’t understand why you would say such things. We enjoy our city & do what we can with what we have to the best of our ability. But you also don’t see us writing or publishing all over the Internet about the city your from. It’s tacky & ignorant, as an adult (it’s assumed) you should know the one rule that’s always been taught, ” if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
well she’s written about MANY little cities. Lots of them Oddly only Pecos has sent death threats. That is what makes me worry about Pecos. Everyone else is “yep small towns are sometimes crappy!” or shrugged it off. But why PECOS has reacted in this manner is beyond me.
I am proud to say, I AM FROM PECOS, TEXAS. I now live in the small Oklahoma town of Wynnewood. Pecos and Wynnewood have alot in common in size, population, dependance on oil field, anyways… no one likes to hear their home town bashed, that is where their roots are, but let us ALL be HONEST, it is a crappy town to be stuck in… that is why most ppl say, yes, i am from Pecos…
I am from Pecos and i have lived in other areas of the country.I have yet to see a town as ugly and trashy as this one.The schools are ok,the food is not authentic,and the people are totally rude and obnoxious,there is only one store,despite the oil boom,and i have never seen anybody helping anyone out.Im sorry but i cant defend Pecos,it is Crappy.
Randall, maybe you just thought you were in Pecos, Texas. Maybe you were in Pecos, New Mexico. I totally take offense at your saying the food is not authentic and the people are rude and obnoxious. You are the one who is obnoxious making such ridiculous statements.
i guess you need to change the name of the blog to….crabby little people, in a crappy little town. you need to go visit coyanosa! that is where i am from!
I used to buy liquids from the the old Mobil plant near there. 🙂
I grew up in Pecos. I have many wonderful ,incredible, and lovely memories that i will carry forever. I still have friends from there that are still there, although, maybe not after i finish this post.
The woman that wrote this blog did not. in anyway , say the people from Pecos are rotten. It was simply stated that the town is not what it once was. Guess what? She is correct. Its heartbreaking to see whats become of West Texas in general. Its all but dried up and blown away, not the people, the town. I didnt find it offensive in the least. Its just true.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thats really the point of a blog,in my opinion 😉
Having lived in Pecos and Mentone off and on my whole life. Yes there is not much to do there. But the people there make it home and so many people stay. My grandmother was an artist there and taught piano to many students until her death both my grandfather and grandmother lived in Mentone until their deaths. Ask anyone in the town about “Doc” Shifflett. Never would you have meet a fine man. Anywhere. There was also a man named Newt King ran a cafe in Mentone. Great man. Many people that I personally know and went to school with are from there. Many have moved and gone on to do great things in life but some go back and work and make it a place to rear up their children. Yes it might seem crappy. But life there moves much slower. You don’t have worry about your neighbors or people. Even in modern society some people want to give their children a childhood. A real one. Not sit in front of a computer or tv all day. But things like respect, earning something, playing out side, ECT. That is something that money, big cities and all the modern age life can’t give you. I think before you say something is crappy maybe you should try to understand the fact these people are attempting to keep history of this town alive. But respecting that might be a little too much to ask.
The only think I can say about Barstow is the pool. It was were we used to swim. As well as the damm. I also believe that there are other crappy places in Texas to be from. Waco…remember the David cresch cult thing..yep. Hate to have that on your history list. Or Huntsville….how about where the Texas chainsaw massacre took place. Did you forget that. Or the town up near Denton where the lady used to shoot drivers for passing by her land. Even Plano has the crappy history of the place the kid shot his classmates. Round rock has the school killings there too. Houston has the 90’s gang issues, Galveston has hurricane season, El Paso has had its share of issues. So not everywhere is great. It what you make of it. Respect it. And just a thought..all of Texas is meat country so vegan places are really rare. Austin has them because of the diversity of the university there. Having gone to San Angelo State with many Vegans and vegetarians it wasn’t easy there either. And its very much larger than Pecos. So its a state thing not a town issue. Even there not much to do or places to go. It ws what you made of it.
Plano also went through a period when they had a lot of drug deaths in the high schools. Parents who didn’t want to spend time with their children and instead threw money at them. Very sad
Pecos and its citizens are like a dysfunctional family… we can say bad things about it ourselves but when a visitor comes in and says negative things the people band together to defend its town. It is simply a matter of pride in our city, no matter how bad it can be for others. But the fact remains that unless we do something to clean up the image, other visitors will not have many nice things to say about a run down town. I grew up in Pecos, my family and friends are or were from Pecos… we all Love our little town. But I understand your point of view. I have stood on the fact that many small towns look to draw in people as tourists and possible future residents, but if the town doesn’t clean up and draw in good businesses the desire for others to visit or stay will remain dismal. Unfortunately for my poor town it lays in the middle of the West Texas desert plains, but the fortunate part to this is that it is that stopping point or “Watering Hole” off the interstate. Meaning there is potential for upgrade and change. That being said my town may be crappy but it is my town and I love it. To be fair, I don’t live there because of opportunities elsewhere and my own family that have grown up in large cities and are not accustomed to small towns and the lack of amenities, but I enjoy and cherish every opportunity I get to visit. Lastly, being a Retired military vet… I have visited other places that are either just as crappy if not worst; but I made it a point to look for the good and interesting points of those places so as to enjoy my time. But maybe that stems from the small town upbringing I had in Pecos. “Open your eyes and mind to the beauty and wonders of what is around you and it will not disappoint; enter with closed eyes and closed mind and the darkness will not allow you to see what God wants you to see.” ~Mario Diaz II
I’m ex-military as well, and have lived all over, and mostly in small towns ( Glasgow Montana, anyone?) SAC didn’t put bases in beautiful places, for the most part.
The people in Pecos are great. I lived in Odessa for a few years (not a native by any means) and still go to West Texas every month, to places like Andrews, Iraan, Seminole, Snyder. I learned how to scuba at Balmorrhea, and married a guy from The area. My sons were born out there. One of my homes was in Colorado Springs, which is beautiful but the people weren’t as friendly, and we couldn’t wait to get back to Texas!
Amen Missy…but you forgot to mention how GOOD the chimichangas taste from the All-sups store, after staying out late at night with friends.
BTW, I was born raised there and as soon as I graduated, I left town and only come back to visit a few family members that still live there.
I was raised in Pecos and in 8th grade we moved out of state. I have the most awesome memories of my childhood there. Summers at the pool, fun at the rocket ship park, trips to the little zoo, Fritos chili burgers, and so many more. Although I truly loved living there, I do feel like it was better for us to move away. I am almost 40 now and have never been back. I suppose it’s mostly because of family and friends that have visited and told me how much the town has died that I don’t want it to taint my memories. I am saddened that businesses have closed and so many others have also moved away. I really do hope to see the town grow again.
I grew up in Pecos, class of 96.
Yes, growing up there sucked major donkey balls.
Some of the best and worst people I know were in that town, but overall leaving was at the top of my priority list after graduation. Success!
Pinche, I graduated in 1966 and believe me, leaving was at the top of my list. Only went back to visit my parents. Don’t miss it.
Mario Diaz is correct you should always look for the good wherever you are, I think your title and the words spent a few miserable weeks are what offended many people. You can answer all the post with chipper words of how great what they say is but your article is entitled crappy places to be from, and that is insulting.
I never said a word about the people, or what their experiences growing up TWENTY YEARS AGO was like. The town, now, is run down and ugly. It’s not showing any civic pride.
I did not say you commented on the people who lived there I said you offended them. No you said as of November 2012 it was a crappy place to be from, still insulting.
By civic pride do you mean have nice schools and grounds, I would say for the most part that is done. How about a museum that recently added the Depot which included restoring an old building. Maybe you are speaking of the old buildings or houses that really should be torn down. Well that responsibility falls back on one person, the owner. Demolition is a costly affair and if the city would undertake that responsibility then it would have to take the money from somewhere. As you yourself pointed out Pecos fell on very hard times during the last oil boom bust, just like the drought that will take years to recover from so will the years of little revenue. As far as trash goes that seems to be a problem in many places and they do have volunteers who pick up trash along the roads but all it takes is one windy day to blow in a whole new mess. I don’t like your article I think it is meant to devalue something that people value.
Why post about pecos and say crappy town??? When this crappy town with 2 restaurants ( there is more than 2 ) made money for your pocket! And I don’t care of you start judging for punctuations or anything that might be mispelled im on my phone. However, what i want to say is don’t post negative when all you came to do is make money. Why don’t you post how much money you made??!! Huh! It chaps my butt to read posts with poor judgement. MY HONEST OPINION. OH YEA YOU CAN ANSWER MY QUESTIONS NOW. PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
sure, I’ll answer your question. I didn’t make any money at all in Pecos. I spent money there, and my company spent a lot of money there. We put in a plant about an hour’s drive to the east, and Pecos was the closest place with a hotel. Let’s see, how much money did we spend? The plant cost $4.1 million to build, and I probably bought about one-half million dollars worth of materials from two local businesses. My work groups stayed in the hotel near the interstate about 20-30 nights total, at around $150 each night. There were between 5 and 8 people working, so each one was eating between one and two meals in town each day. They bought gas at local stations, spent money buying breakfast tacos at a stand on the main north-south road or at a gas station (GREAT breakfast tacos!). Every day we bought about 3-4 bags of ice as well, although some days of the week there was no ice to be found.
At the Wal-Mart, people bought supplies, snacks, refills for their toothpaste and razor blades and lots of sunscreen.
There is a roustabout service in Pecos that we hired. The guy charged $50 per hour, and he is still doing work at the plant site for us, two years after the work was completed. Since he lives there, you’ll have to ask him how much extra money his pay brought into the town.
The half million dollars spent in Pecos is approximate, but if it’s that important to you, I can get an albeit incomplete list of where the money was spent, and in what distribution. So, in summary: hotel rooms, meals, supplies, pipe and fittings and safety equipment, gasoline, beer, snacks, labor from a small business owner. Oh yes, and we hired a guy to run the plant. Great employee. He moved to Kermit, though, so I guess he doesn’t count any more.
You’re welcome, Pecos.
Written on my iphone.
So what? Are we supposed to be appreciative towards you or the owner of the company? We don’t have to appreciate you at all since you speak only negative of pecos. Hmmm i think your boss his company should see what you have posted. Not nice for anyone that comes and makes money, because you all did. You didn’t work for free.
And of course you spent money in pecos, you had to have paid for room n board, food, clothing and the everyday stuff. We dont get it free why should you?! I just honestly think nobody should talk about a town no matter how ugly or poor or use judgement on a town. In reality the town is made of the people that live there.
So what? You asked and I politely answered.
I’m the boss. Thank you for commenting! — Sent from Mailbox for iPhone
On Thu, Feb 6, 2014 at 8:03 AM, Two Different Girls
You bought or your company bought? There is a diffence? You might make the choice of who to buy from but it’s sure not your money!
I answered that in my response. Please re-read, as I used plain English. Also, as an investor in my business, I treat it like my own money. What difference does it make re a review of the town infrastructure, or are you just trolling?
Odessa, TX is an hour east of Pecos.
Very good! Yes, traveling on the Interstate at 70 mph, it sure is! Traveling on unimproved lease roads where to top speed is 20 mph, not so much
Geek Goddess ~
I wish this article would not have been found and posted for all of this to start. I am truly sorry anyone threatened you in any way. I enjoyed seeing your pictures and reading about my little hometown, even if it was not the best review. However the review is true and correct about the town in general just not about some of the wonderful people in it. Reading some of these comments however has made me wonder about some of those people. Once again sorry for any backlash you have had.
Hi Michelle, I second that…well said.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I’m not bothered at all, more amused. I’m a west Texas girl and love the people. I changed jobs to get back to Texas. Most of my regular readers are from other countries, especially Canada, and the northeast US. Texas is like a foreign country to them. They have their own ‘crappy places’ too. (Talk to my friend about living in northern Manitoba where the temps drop to -20 starting in September!) Poor Texarkana, no one ever commented about its review, or criticize our post about all the pickpockets in Paris. After a while the comments get down to ‘your mama’ and I just delete. I’m working on a post about a fantastic little Greek restaurant, located in the back of a rundown gas station!
Geek Goddess you have a new fan that loves reading your blogs. Keep up the good work. I went on here because you wrote about my hometown and I was hurt at first that someone would write about my little town, but you are dead on and I am enjoying your blog. You have a new fan. Thanks for your blog.
Aww….thanks. Kitty, Jeff, Susie, and the rest of us just like to share things we’ve seen, or that we think other people might find curious or amusing. Welcome.
I spent many summers in Pecos. I grew up in Midland am curious to go back and just see the progress/non progress there has been. I actually still have family living there.
I have spent 1 1/2 years working in Mentone and living in Pecos at the Best Western. I love Pecos. I love Mentone. When in Mentone, sheriff Hopper would often tell me stories about things he had seen out there. So did judge Jones. Sunrises and sunsets in the desert are beautiful. I grew up in Raymondville, Tx. Pecos is not much different so I felt at home. At one time, we had a great crew out there and we would meet at the Social Lodge after work. There was good food there, lots of friends and cold beer. Businesses fold up out there left and right and the buildings are abandoned and falling down in the downtown area. Pecos is rich in cowboy history and is the “home of the first rodeo.” There were guys like Barney Riggs and Clay Allison shooting the place up. Mentone is in Loving county which is named after Oliver Loving. Robert Duval played the part of Oliver Loving in Lonesome Dove. Tommy Lee Jones played the part of Charles Goodnight. Oliver Loving was wounded by Comanches near Loving N.M. just up the road from Orla, Tx. I love Pecos. I’ll go back as soon as I can. The people and food are great. It is a slow pace friendly little town. The things described as “crappy” are the very things I like about it.
It’s what makes little places interesting, isn’t it? The Goodnight-Loving trail went through here. I remember studying that a bit in Texas history class, but when I talk to people from up north they don’t know anything about the cattle drives. I found the other end of the Chisholm trail on one of my trips, complete with a lonely sign on the North Dakota-Saskatchewan border.
https://twodifferentgirls.com/2013/08/13/end-of-the-chisholm-trail/
This town is the worst dump and stinky hellhole ever created.I hate it!
This is just a suggestion. I have a belief that every place, no matter how crappy, has something really interesting about it. It could be a place, or an event or even just the people who live there.
So… a challenge to the people of Texas. Invite us to your town, and show us what we’re missing. I’ll show up, and I bet Geek Goddess will to.
I am positive the hostile comments left on this blog post aren’t showing the best Pecos has to offer.
I sure will. And I once again extend my offer to post your article about your town.
I grew up in Pecos, Balmorhea, and my favorite, Toyah. We moved to west. Texas from LA California in 1972. My grandfather, Robert Jones, was sick of the violence. He became the mayor and lived there until he died. We enjoyed small town activities, 4H, the rodeos, ice cream socials in the little park, sleep overs where EVERYONE the same age stayed the night! School was personal, and small. You knew everyone in town. I missed the smell of rain on the prairie, mesquite, and sage. I miss riding our horse. I miss hearing the sound of children playing on the school ground that carried through the quiet, sleepy town. People who live in small towns aren’t there for the hustle and bustle. So before you print your one sided remarks, try to sit and RELAX for a few minutes with the locals. You might discover something amazing that you are missing…
I’m from small town myself, and experienced those same things…in the 70s. You say you miss it, so i assume you don’t live there anymore. Everyone keeps talking about growing up there. No one says how good it is now. It’s changed in 40 years, and not for the better.
Greek Godless, I knew that you wouldn’t have the guts to keep my post up. Cant stand it when people call ’em as they see ’em. I’m proud to have grown up in Pecos. I’m proud of my hometown. Once a Pecos Eagle, always a Pecos Eagle.
!. Personal attacks are not allowed. You made a personal attack that had nothing to do with the article.
2. Subsequent comments had thinly veiled profanity.
3. Gutless? It’s my blog. Commenting is a privilege, not a right. If you will look, there are dozens of comments posted that don’t like the characterization of Pecos as a (currently) ugly little town. Of course, most of them say “Thirty years ago it was great!”
4. It’s “Geek” not “Greek”. Perhaps you misread a lot of other stuff as well?
5. Your comment didn’t really add anything new to the conversation.
Of course, most of the controversy arises from your title….People don’t like to think that where they are from is crappy. In fact, for most people, it was a wonderful place to grow up. Families made lives, kids loved their schools, churches were welcoming, Friday night football was king just like every other little town in West Texas. It wasn’t crappy…in fact, it was idealic. And it may be that most people didn’t know any better. That was their home, they made the best of it, and it was mostly wonderful. Now the better question might be…”who wants to move back to Pecos” ? It has hit on hard times, like many other small towns in the region. It dry, dusty, run down to a large extent, and not much exciting going on. I grew up in Balmorhea, but Pecos was our “big” city, so I know it well. I had family who live there. It was a great place for the people who lived and loved and raised families there. I’m not so sure how many people would want to move back. But no one wants their home town diminished.
What do you think of it, today?
I have not been back in many years, like since 1967 when I moved east to work. My Uncle Jimmy lived there until he passed just last year, so I got his take on what has happened to Pecos over the years. I understand that it is a shell of what it was in the 50’s and 60’s when I was there. Cotton farming died out, which took a lot of jobs away. The water shortage really hurt. My Uncle was sort of disgusted that the main industry for a time was the prison. Now that the oil industry has picked up, there is some prosperity….but I think it will be fleeting. That’s hard country to make a living in….but I have lots of fond memories of growing up there.
Exactly. This is sort of what everyone is saying. I don’t recall any responses that say RIGHT NOW it’s this wonderful place. I remember it from the 60s as a children, and from business trips 30 years ago.
I was having dinner with a friend, who does not know about my blog. She mentioned working in Monahans a couple years ago. She said how awful it was, but it was better than Pecos. I nearly choked on my water, and asked her what she had been reading. Nope, she was unaware of how my two year old post became viral due to someone on Facebook. 😉
I spent 17 of my first 18 years in Pecos and yes, it has always been an ugly town! My Dad owned the sand and gravel plant in Barstow, between Pecos and Monahans. I tried to get back in contact with people I grew up with but there are still so many prejudice, small minded people who grew up there and never changed. Some of the guys think their high school years were the best years of their lives..eekk!! I feel blessed to have survived and moved on to college to a kinder, gentler, and prettier part of Texas. We now live in Harlingen which is flat but closer to the beach.
I really like your writing and will follow you. I have a blog also but haven’t been good about keeping up with it. Keep writing the truth!!
Thank you. I lived in Odessa during my high school years, and had a great time there. I also worked there a few years after college (Tech) and had a great number of friends. But there is no way I would live there again.
Hope you get back into your blog. Kitty and I are the primary contributors to this one, and we have a goal of four posts per week between us and the other contributors and guest posts. But, there are no blog police 😀
I mentioned that Pecos was our “big” city, since I lived near Balmorhea. Well then, Odessa was our metropolis ! It had a Lubys, more than one movie theater, and a real college. We used to go to Odessa for sports and scholastic regional events, basketball, track, and interscholastic league events. That was the big time !
People in Odessa go to Midland for the ‘nice’ stuff.
We went back 4 years ago for vacation. We met up with family who no longer live there either. We visited with friends in Toyah and Pecos, ate at some of the familiar restaurants, walked thru a few old buildings, went to church with our friends from years ago, and had a great time. We took our adult kids to see the Balmorhea pool and Carlsbad Caverns. Our family left the area to pursue careers that are not supported in West Texas, but there is still a serenity and calm in the open spaces and laid back life style. I think the negative responses to your blog are because we associate the town with our childhood, and for most of us, that was glorious in a small West Texas town!
Don’t you love Carlsbad Caverns! I like to go up to New Cave in the morning, before it got too hot to hike, and then tour the main caves in the afternoon.
I personally found your blog funny. I’m sure it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek. I grew up in Pecos, but was lucky enough to move away before high school. The restaurant you have pictured in your blog was built by my father, George Regas, who owned and ran it for 8 or 9 years before we sold it and moved to east Texas. It was called Tio’s and was famous for it’s Mexican Steak Sandwich. I’m so happy to see that it is open again as it has changed hands due to the terrible economy there. I have so many really great memories of growing up there, but it was a much different place. I think the population was more like 20,000 then which was before 1978. I had some really good friends and it was a great place to grow up back then. I can tell you for a fact that my family was the true minority. We were the ONLY Greek family in town! You may be the Geek Goddess, but my sister Theo was the Greek Goddess and I was just a goddamn Greek! There wasn’t a lot to do in that town so it’s a wonder it didn’t get burned to ground by bored kids! But really we enjoyed the simple things like going to the swimming pool in the summer, sports, sports and more sports, riding dirt bikes and horses, and just being kids. I hope that all the Pecos People will just chill out and laugh about our humble beginnings there. People are loyal to that little town. But let me tell you, when I moved from West Texas to East Texas everybody asked me what was the biggest difference. It was the people. I used to say in West Texas, if you broke down on the side of the road and had your hood up, people would stop and ask if you need water, gas or a ride. In East Texas, they would slow down just enough so that that would have a better chance of hitting you with the beer bottle they threw at you as they drove by. West Texas people are simply some of the best people you will ever meet. And by the way, thank you for your patronage of the Pecos businesses. They have have had a rough go of it for a very long time.
Sloan Regas
Thank you. The population is down under 10,000, according to a recent census (although I bet it has climbed with all the drilling going on). I moved from west Texas to central Colorado. That was a culture shock! I felt like I was living in a foreign country where I could read the signs. If you spoke to strangers, they would back away from you. Not friendly at all.
And it’s “Geek” goddess. I’m a nerd. 🙂
I know you are the “Geek Goddess” I got that from the beginning. That’s why the play on words! My best to you. I’m sure you meant well and I’m sorry for my West Texas friends who obviously need to know how to take a joke. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you can never really laugh at all.
I lived in Pecos for four years. The people were very nice but sometimes not so tolerant to outsiders. Some of the attudes there were ‘stuck in the 1950’s’ IMO. We made it work out O.K. I wish that town and everyone there Good Luck and Best Wishes. To view Pecos perspective from an outsider go to the 2007 section of my old bloggity. http://www.pecosnews.blogspot.com
I actually chose to buy a hundred year old house in Pecos and completely remodel it in 2004. I grew up in Ft. worth however my family has been in the ranching business in Jeff Davis county since 1885. I could of bought a house in Ft. Davis , Alpine , or Marfa but I choose Pecos for my children to go to school . I like that the people have been here for generations and it is closer to Midland and Odesssa for doctors and shopping. the cost of living is low and the people are friendly . For us being in the cattle business it is much better to be in Pecos than one of the mountain tourist towns because Pecos has better feed store ,mechanics , and hardware stores . The schools also offer moe for exame They have a natotorium with an excellent swim team. The mountain towns do not offer this. This was the best choice for us sometimes you have to get past a few trees and look at things in a more practical manner.
Never been there but my son just got a job in the oil drilling industry .He is only 23 years old and is small in body but has a big heart .He is making a big sacrifice to help his family survive in these hard times .I hope and pray The Lord takes great care of him because it is hard and heavy work .I hope that he will be treated with the greatest respect that he deserves .We love and miss him greatly .Please keep him in your prayers may The Lord above give him strength to endour the hard work and hot temperatures God Bless the people of Pecos ! My sons name is Joshua ,Isaiah Garza .
It’s very unfortunate that every person advocating for Pecos can not write a complete sentence without grammatical errors. I am from Pecos, and would just like to give a shout out to some of the great English teachers that are in Pecos. I promise you they exist, and I am witness to them TRYING their hardest to get through to the kids. That notion aside, Pecos is very misunderstood. We are the underdogs most of the time. Ft. Stockton and Monahans have always been “better” than Pecos, whether it be football, or just overall appeal. If you insult someone from Pecos, it’s like you’re threatening the life of their mother. I know you didn’t mean to personally attack the people, but anything that is said bad about Pecos will be taken personally. That is because the people ARE Pecos, TX. There is a lot of heart in Pecos. Try not to focus on the death threats and the bad grammar.
I didn’t, but thanks for the kind comments.
As far as the threats you have received that’s to bad. However my brother-n-law has a saying he uses quite often. ” Don’t write checks with your mouth that your rear can’t cash.” It’s crude I know. Another saying is “Quit talking Trash”. (G-rated version) Your not going to like everyone and everywhere you go in life. But if your going to put yourself out there then people are going to have a opinion like it or not.
I’d like to think that threats aren’t the same as opinions.
We grew up in Pecos in the 1950’s— BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!
I bet it was, 60 years ago!
It was 60 years ago and even with the sad state that nearly all small towns have fallen into because of economics, it is still a good town. You said in an earlier comment to one of my posts,”but hey you live in Austin.” I too like you have lived in a number of places in Texas, but I have never called any of them Crappy. You are indeed a skeptic. I feel sorry for you even though you have made a success in your career, it is evident that you have no empathy for your fellow man, and how your words affect others.
If everybody thinks it’s so great why don’t they still live there?
The 50’s were the Best, but I still have family in Pecos, and family buried in Pecos. We moved in 1971, when I was in my 30’s, to El Paso. The school’s were bigger, but not better. We had great teacher’s, programs and dedicated people in our Pecos School district. My family in Pecos do just fine and are not underprivileged, uneducated, and have careers. Not everyone has to be an Engineer, believe it or not, everyone who does a job is a necessity to our world.
There are many correct facts in the article. But I think some of the pictures you used are misleading.
1. Rock building is not a hotel in Pecos. It hasn’t operated as one for decades. There are many great places to stay including one that gets awarded one of the best every year!!
2. Pecos art pic. You make it seem like the city sponsored that piece, or it’s indicative of art in the area. I know the person who made it, and it just sits in his front yard. He was just playing around one day and made it.
3. You forgot about the people. There are many very giving, successful people in this town. Even people without much would give everything they had to help another.
4. I could hand select pictures from any town in the USA and make it look bad.
Wow! I just ran across this 2 year old blog, and just have to say something to keep it alive! I chose to transfer to Pecos as an administrator in the farming and ranching industry 13 years ago. Having lived in 5 rural towns in 20 years doing that job, I was familiar with the prejudice against a “woman doing a mans job”! In Pecos I was accepted for what I knew and how I did the job. I had never felt so accepted and included by the locals anywhere else in over 20 years! I stayed 5 years and only left 8 years ago when retirement and health issues required that I live closer to medical care than the one hour drive to Odessa.
I loved the great Mexican food we got at those tacky looking restaurants, and miss the great breakfast Burritos from the Burrito Depot! Now, there was a place you wouldn’t go into unless you had a recommendation! Dinky old gas station converted to a food place, but oh, how good! They grow the sweetest Cantaloupe ever!
Great location to take short scenic trips to the pool at Balmorhea, Ft. Davis, Alpine, and the artsy town of Marfa. Pecos had an outstanding Museum in the old converted hotel. It has been written up in national magazines! That old hotel in your picture has not been open in years, but is a great example of how old buildings built of stone have held up to the ravages of time.
There are old, rundown houses in Pecos, but until the recent oil boom, it was all people could afford. There was lots of trash in town, but the wind would spread trash that the few inconsiderate, lazy people there threw out! Yes, they exist even in Pecos!
I loved the 5 years I spent in that economically depressed little town and would not have left if the medical situation had been different. Changing doctors every 3 years because it is a “Medically underserved” community makes it hard. I still go to visit the good friends I made there, and the oil boom has changed the atmosphere of this sleepy little town. When I was there you cauld always depend on your neighbors if you had a problem. How many times I got lost in the country and was able to call a local farmer or rancher to come show me where I needed to go! They always took time to come to the aide of that lost lady who was not from there! Bob Toone is probably related to one of the most honorable and kind persons it has ever been my opportunity to meet, Dale.
I just wanted to comment on what a great town this is and ended writing a novel! This writing has brought back so many good memories! Yes, it was dirty, run down, and no fancy stores. But if you looked beyond the facade, everything was there that we needed. Hot, yes! But I’d rather have the dry heat than the humidity here any time! This is how it was 8 years ago, not 20 or 30!
My family are from Pecos Texas and we still have a lot of family members living there. Let me tell you what I remember about these place. And even though I have been gone for over 51 years which is mostly all my birth life, my heart is still there. I have still have lovely memories of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. We enjoyed sitting outside every time we go to Pecos, because as car, truckers our passing by they give you the hand wave. Hello!!. Also reminiscing about what we used to do when we where little and when we go visit there. Pecos Texas will always be there and never be forgotten !! Especially with our love ones there.
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These thread comments are hilarious. I’m born and raised Pecos. Left in 2003 for San Diego. The blog title is what actually caught my attention. However the story is just about you stating your own opinion and experience in a old town that we all know is behind on the times. All of west Texas actually is.
Your blog was solely on what you saw in the town. Not about the people. Nothing you posted seemed fictious or malicious. It was just your observation.
I agree home is home no matter what. But we get older and travel outside our comfort zones we see new things.
This is what blogging is about. You telling your stories about your life experiences. I didn’t find this read offensive. (Plus I am 99% sure the eagle head fine art pic is my aunt’s next door neighbors house. Lol)
You nailed it.
The eagle art is amazing. Me, I would have spent some time painting the house, first. 😀
Interesting little blog. I was born and raised in Pecos, and after graduating, I have lived in Boston, California, New Mexico, and now the Washington D.C metro area. I have plenty of family living there and buried there, so I return each year and likely will into my old age (God willing).
You point out a lot of what is wrong in this town, and to be honest, it’s just scratching the surface. One grocery store? That points to a high level of corruption that allows a monopoly on food to go unchallenged. A recent boom in revenue from oil? Sure, but where is the improved public infrastructure that it so badly needs? These are all questions that I wish some serious journalists looked into, followed by scrupulous attorneys. Several more decades like this and Pecos could become a ghost town, and there are plenty of such places in West Texas including where my grandparents were born.
I can understand the umbrage people took with the post, however. It felt a bit like you were punching down, beating up the little guy. The blog’s headline is also begging for some trolling. There were a few cheap shots (the Pecos River runs dry because it is dammed in New Mexico, the hotel in your photo hasn’t been one in over 35 years) and what I like to call snark (Ha! Look at the ‘fine art’). But I can overlook all of this if it raises awareness for the residents that not all is right in Pecos, and that things need to improve drastically if it is to survive another oil/gas bust.
Sometimes it does take an outsider to tell the honest truth, even if it hurts one’s pride. Probably not your intention, but thank you for that service nevertheless.
The politicians have a lot to answer for. There was a boom, which met increased tax income, but nothing seems to have been done to improve the infrastructure. And now, the boom is over. Way over.
True. Sadly, politicians never answer unless there is someone they must answer to. I don’t think this will ever happen in Pecos. As much as one wants to fight for one’s childhood home, life happens in a new home. I wish all the passion kicked up in this comments section by residents of Pecos would take that to city hall, the school board meetings, etc.
Born and raised in Pecos, TX and thank God I was born and raised there. Every town goes through booms and busts but I am blessed to still call Pecos my hometown. The best people you will ever meet!
Except for the ones that send threats and f-bombs
This Greek goddess is a damn idiot. If you didn’t like our town, why come work here. You should of stayed where you are from. MORON
Thank you. It’s “Geek” Goddess. It’s just one syllable, so not should not have been too difficult.
True I grew up in Pecos and am proud of it. Great food, people, and parties, but a crappy crappy town. The abandon hotel in the picture has been vacant since I can remember and I’m 31 today. The only thing being built is hotels for what? When the oil leaves they will be vacant too.
People keep pointing out that the hotel in the picture is shut down. Duh. It is interesting architecture!
So many commenters mention that the PEOPLE of Pecos are what makes it special. I have no problem believing that, but unfortunately, comment threads seem to bring out the worst of those people. You may not agree with Naomi’s assessment (though most people seem to just hate the title of the series), but the way to disagree is not to issue death threats or bizarre implications: it’s to show what she’s missed.
So the challenge is stated once again: why is Pecos a wonderful place? Where are the wonderful people and what are they doing? And most important, why would someone want to move to Pecos?
We have Pecos High-Notes with over 740 classmates responding with fun stories every day– many FOND memories!
I was raised in Pecos and moved out as soon as I graduated high school. I’m so glad I did!! Pecos has nothing to offer that would benefit the people who live there. What about more after school programs for the children? R.O.T.C? A place like the YMCA? Or a fun family orientated place families can enjoy!! Instead they want to build a multimillion dollar sports complex? How about more funding for the technical college there? Pecos has so much potential!! I love the people in Pecos but seriously, that town needs to be able to offer more to the people and especially the children!
1. Pecos is not the end-of-the-earth, but you can see it from there.
2. Pecos is like Hell, only with Canteloupes.
I don’t mean to laugh but I can’t help it. Your assessment is dead on ( extending to the whole of West Texas) but what is making me laugh are the people huffing and puffing over it. I truly thought everyone in Pecos realized (with the exception of the elderly, who may have seen Pecos in its better days.) it’s a horrible place to live. Guess not. I wonder if it’s the people who have never left to explore ANYTHING else who are up at arms. I was raised there and had a great childhood, but that had nothing to do with the town. I just have wonderful parents.
I have a lot of cousins who were born and raised in Odessa, and have never lived anywhere else. They can’t imagine leaving for better opportunities, or even traveling to other places to see what else is out there in the world. You don’t have be to rich to do a bit of travel, but I have relatives whose only vacations have been to Las Vegas!
Penelope: Pecos is the location of the original rodeo. And by extension the first recorded acceptance, in the US, of warm beer.
There you go
I beg to differ. I have traveled extensively in Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. I actually enjoy Pecos. I have a business here that was successful with or without the boom. I love the local food, and am amazed at how positive and giving the citizens are. I like not having a big box store on every corner, and find most of what I need locally. The mountains are only 1hr south and great hiking 1hr west. Convenient to El Paso and Midland (I prefer El Paso). I guess one mans trash is another mans treasure!! I have found in my travels that positive people find the best in All the places they travel, and petty people don’t. Very simple life lesson.
Pecos is also the original birthplace of rodeos in the entire country. Not to mention being one of the first China towns in the country.
it also has the worlds largest privately owned prison. The rodeo is in question but then again my family is from Two Rivers Wisconsin and they claim to be the home of the first ice cream sundae!
I can see both sides of this. What GG wrote about the town is true (other then her title choice). I personally would not call it “crappy places to live”. (I don’t care if my quotes are correct or not. If your going to judge a persons grammar or spelling, you sure the hell better be perfect at your own.) In my opinion, I would have titled it “Small Towns USA” or something with a more neutral title. I also see why people are up in arms about the article. I see great potential (other then oil industries) for this small town. The people here are friendly, and full of pride. The buildings here have lots of history and character. They each seem to have a story that can be told. Beauty is not just the glamorous BIG city life. Its what comes from within. It’s the people that make the town beautiful, not the buildings or what the town offers in businesses. The saying of “you can paint a trash can into a beautiful piece of art but inside it is still a trash can”, can easily apply to cities great and small. Calling a town crappy even tho the article is about its buildings and what the town offers is still an attack on the people, even if it was unintentional. GG may not have directly spoken about the people in Pecos, but coming from a small town myself, people associate their town with the people, buildings and all. They go hand in hand. I see great potential (other then oil industries) for this small town. The other issue I have that i seen, is all those that were from a small town and left that complain about it, including GG. Growing up, I was always taught by my father “Do not complain about something you can not change, and if you can change it, then change it and don’t complain about it.” Its not easy to make a change for the better. It takes hard work and dedication. People rather take the easier route out and complain rather then doing something about it. I know people that went to college so they can learn something that they can take back to the community they grew up in to help make it better. As for the oil fields bettering Pecos. I personally disagree. I’m not from here or from Texas, but that don’t matter. I have seen how major industries have destroyed communities, no matter what the industry is. Fast money is not always the answer to the solution. Yes, oil industries are bringing in money right now. BUT they are destroying the land in the process. how is that a better solution. What I read about the past of Pecos is far better then what it is now becoming from before its first and present oil boom. Where do you think the fresh food comes from in the grocery stores? Farmers. And yes, sadly, much of the farmed crops now come from over seas. And in my opinion, it is very narrow minded to think that only oil industries can survive here. The sad part is, that may eventually become the case because of all the pollution. Think Pecos needs a YMCA? Then start one or something like it? Don’t have money to start it? Use the brain you were born with and get creative. As the saying goes, “When there’s a will, there’s a way”. Yes, oil industries are not the only thing polluting this area. People are too. People too lazy to walk to a trash can to throw something away.(For the persons reading this, how many times have you walked by trash and not pick it up thinking its not mine or someone else will get it.) Not many people rather make an effort to change their place of living to something better, even if its as something as small as putting trash where it belongs (not on the street or sidewalk, etc).Our society (as a whole, not just Texas) is becoming lazier and lazier. People rather complain then make a change. People rather find the easy route, rather then work hard (mentally with problem solving, not just physically). If many of us were thrown back in time before the industrious age, in my opinion, 90% would not survive.
Great comments! Thank you.
I love it, when the local theater in town was in danger of being destroyed to make way for a parking lot… everyone in the town of Manitowoc Wisconsin pulled together. People bought a seat, people put in endless man hours to paint and sand and do ANYTHING needed when they couldn’t afford to hire people to do the work. Now it is a show piece, it attracts big name acts and also is a showcase for local theater groups (that sprung up once they had somewhere to perform). Kids became involved, seniors that couldn’t afford tickets became ticket collectors (You want to see an act, they will find you a job to do). It’s recognized world wide as one of the best restored vaudeville era theaters in the world. Who did it? The people. The town is the better for it, and so are the people of the town.
Pecos, could it perhaps be the PEOPLE after all? I sure hope not because I’m betting most people there are lovely, but those that reply here often are not. https://twodifferentgirls.com/2016/01/06/pecos-vs-hillsborough-crappy-places-to-be-from-smackdown/
good grief woman! Do you have a job and it looks like no else has a job to either to spend all their time talking about Pecos. Here is Pecos in a Nut shell Rodeo,Dairy Queen,and Western Pakage! and a few sanctimonious Baptists. Luckily the Catholics outnumber them otherwise it would be like Andrews a dry county
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
I think you need a dip in the Pecos river.
I’ve read through all the comments and the article…. maybe (to not antagonize so much) a better title would have been; “A GOOD place to be from” since it seems your opinion is based on what you feel as opposed to what is real. And BTW, real is the people, the spirit and history, not the aesthetics. Aesthetics and amenities for visitors are shallow at best.
I lived in Pecos for a few years, 1960-64. Spent many nights cruising (circling Al’s and an order of Chili Fries), going to the movies, keg party’s in the country, girls, Cushman Eagles, and the beginning of my learning to make cars go faster, Chicken Fried Steak at Black’s Truck stop I have some great memories (and not so great, like the 2 times I was put in jail- for under age drinking and fighting) and left because my parents found jobs elsewhere. They didn’t like Pecos as much as I did.
It’s called perspective.
Yes I’ve been back. Once to show my ex where I called home and once to show my sons where I called home. With my ex we were on our way to NM on Christmas vacation (coming from the east on Hiway 80) it was cold and the wind was blowing tumble weeds across the hiway. She commented; “it looks like a Clint Eastwood movie”, LOL she’d never been west of Houston. With my sons (10 and 15 at the time) they were less than impressed. Perspective.
Pecos is a GOOD place to be from. It’s aesthetics have gotten crappy, but, I’m not as pretty as I once was either…. 🙂
In response to your article about Pecos. I am sure that most people regard My home town a crappy place. But at one time it was a nice place to live. It could be once again. The people that live there now are just trying to hold it together. So please don’t put them down. You see I happen to love my home town even though I haven’t been there in years. All Pecos needs is a government with a vision. And someone who cares enough to carry out those ideas.
I was born in pecos my grandparents the norwoods are buried there as well as a couple of aunts and my brother. I attended school and I attended church. Yes My parents moved away but my heart will always be in pecos. The people in Pecos are tough honest hard working people. The town has gone down hill that is for sure but. It could be fixed. All if takes is for the city council to want to do it. I know that it takes money. I wonder if anyone has ever thought about inviting stores like Safeway back to the town and how about stores like BC penny sears etc. That would help . also what about the farms get them up anx running again. All is not lost all it takes is a little hard work. Invite businesses to start up in pecos.
How about the infrastructure for god sake plant. Few trees on all the main streets that would dc perk things up a little.I am sure that grants can be obtained for the trees and possibly planting. Just don’t let them die.
History of this area aside I couldn’t agree more. Pecos is the biggest shithole in the US.
Yes pecs is run down. And it saddens me. I was born and raised there. Pecos was once a nice little town. With lots of nice people. My grandparents a couple of aunts and a baby is buried there. Norwood plot. But all places become crappy if the city council allows it.
You ever been to Andrews, Tx? Lol… all this stuff could be about this place for sure!
Oh yes. I was the engineer for plants all around that area. Buddy’s Steakfingers…
I grew up in Pecos in the mid 80’s. Been writing about various personal, childhood moments growing up there. And while I have fond memories of that time, moving away in 87 was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
And holy cow do people get touchy about where they live!
I like Pecos and I liked your comment. Good job!
Whenever I travel I-10 through west Texas, I enjoy detouring through Pecos for three outstanding things:
1. The West of the Pecos Museum–a better than expected tour of life on the frontier.
2. La Nortena Tamales–the best red chile enchiladas since leaving New Mexico, and they will ship this goodness to expatriates who crave the savory spice.
3. Pecos cantaloupes–make that phrase synonymous with Georgia peaches and Washington apples. None better.
Pecos is a strait up shi@ hole. Its corrupt, out of date and about as racist of a town as any I’ve seen. From the fake museum to the horrible food it gets .5 of 5 stars and that because the money. Very few people want to work there and the ones that do want to be paid too much for there qualifications. Most are ungrateful for the new schools and roads although happy to have them. I’ve noticed the don’t like outsiders. It’s probably because the have to get jobs now because the social benefits they are use to don’t cover the over inflated prices imposed by the business owners they known for so long and are such great folks. Ya, this town is something else. When we got here there was a parade every weekend with the whole town in it lined only with the people working in the oilfield trying to go to work. In freakin real. The biggest company in town was a tortilla factor that most worked for here. When the owner of the factory talked city council to get Pecos to invest in the factory that guy burnt off leaving the town even worst off than it was. If it wasn’t for the oil here now this lame town would still be eating at the run down DQ were is saw the clerk, after taking cash, stick her whole hand in the catchup dispenser trying to get something out of it. All while locals watched as if this was the norm. So get on your purple soap box and be proud, right up until you visit any other town in America and see this place sucks!
Might be moving with my family to pecos.. I actually like small towns.. Can’t wait to see how it goes..
Hope it goes well for you!
Ha ha ha! I can’t believe this blog is still getting comments… I’m heading back to Pecos for our 40th class reunion this summer. I’ll let you know how the town is holding up. 🙂
I’ve had more comments that there are people living in Pecos. 😂
I keep an eye on this BLOG just in case someone says something intelligent. I would like to know how your visit goes. Life is still alive in Bryan/ College Station.
This comment section has me more interested in the town than the article itself. A true internet gem, 10 out’a 10.