The Storytellers
Tall tales, sad stories, funny facts - they all come pouring forth when any group of storytellers gather on the courthouse lawn, in front of a downtown store, or simply pass each other on a summer evening. Sit down and listen to some Nacogdoches folklore as told by these four storytellers. We encourage you to tell your own tales around the table too!
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The Storytellers statue honors Frances "Ab" Abernethy, Charles Bright, Bryan Holt Davis, and Robert "Bob" Murphey and anyone else who has told stories of old Nacogdoches. From tales of runaway mules and rampaging elephants to absconding bankers and railroad misadventures, these men loved the history and heritage of Nacogdoches. Please see the linked subpages for additional audio clips and a full biography!
Frances E. "Ab" Abernethy (1925-2015) moved to Nacogdoches his senior year in high school, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and traveled the country before earning his Ph.D. After accepting a position at Stephen F. Austin State Teacher's College, Abernethy married the coach's daughter, Hazel Shelton. Ab was a fixture in the local community as he carved out LaNana Creek Trail, played in a string band, and taught folklore at SFA for 32 years. [1] Charles Raymond Bright (1927-2013) was a local boy made good. His father owned a grocery store and after a stint in the US Army during World War II, Charles and his brother, N.G., established the Bright-Coop Company which filled a niche in the growing postwar poultry industry. A strong supporter of local history, Charles spearheaded the revitalization of downtown and the Convention and Visitors' Bureau building is named in his honor. [2] Bryan Holt Davis Jr. (1935-2017), as he often said, never lived anywhere else except for college. From his earliest childhood adventures at his grandparents' property on Orton Hill through his career as the Nacogdoches County Attorney, Bryan collected stories from Whimpey the Monkey to courthouse scandals. His particular specialty was the ability to recite the family lineage (and all the skeletons too) of many old Nacogdoches families, including his own of which he was the 7th generation in town. [3] Robert W. "Bob" Murphey (1921-2004) was born in Nacogdoches County and worked for several years first as the county attorney and then district attorney. While still a young boy he lost an arm in a riding accident, but it did not prevent him from serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II. In 1949 Murphey began a nationwide career as a humorist and event speaker while continuing to practice law, be a rancher, and serve on the Fredonia Bank board. [4] Fully funded by the Charles & Lois Marie Bright Foundation to honor its founder and his friends, this statue is an opportunity for visitors to learn about some of the town's best talkers. Statue facilitator Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc. worked with sculptor Harry Weber of Bronze Fox Studio to create an interactive and engaging work of art. Approximately 250 people attended the dedication on July 23, 2021. |
Ab Abernethy Audio - Play List
Charles Bright Audio - Play List
Bryan Holt Davis Jr. Audio - Play List
Bob Murphey Audio - Play List
Citations
[1] https://obittree.com/obituary/us/texas/nacogdoches/laird-funeral-home/f-e-ab--abernethy/2091104/ [2] https://obittree.com/obituary/us/texas/nacogdoches/laird-funeral-home/charles-bright/1658698/ [3] https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nacogdoches-tx/bryan-davis-7629222 [4] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149628571/robert-w-murphey |