"TABLE FOR FOUR" is another result of my annual trip to West Texas for a spring roundup, working cattle for Mr. Lon Davis of Floydada. One of the reasons I like to take part in this operation is to work with folks from such diverse backgrounds. The four cowboys in the drawing are all accomplished hands with interesting histories.
On the far left is Carl Runyan, a top hand working cowboy from Ardmore, Oklahoma. He is also a talented craftsman who makes some of the finest knives I've seen. Next to him is Will T. Smith from Childress, Texas, a well known roper in the state who competed in the Stamford 4th of July Rodeo this year at the age of 78. To the right of Mr. Smith is Clay Lindley, now living in Van Horn, Texas, and working as a range conservationist for the Department of Agriculture. Clay is a nationally renowned cowboy poet and comedian who is sure to keep the crew loose. To the far right is Sonny Fry of Spur, Texas, who runs his own cow-calf operation in Dickens County. In his "spare time," Sonny hand-built a chuck wagon that he and his family take to parades and shows around the state.
I'm sure you'll agree this is quite a versatile group, considering the fact that each one of these men is a highly skilled cowboy who's talents are obvious when it's time to work cattle.
I have to admit that another big reason I try to attent this roundup regularly is the great food. (As an old friend of mine from Floydada would say, "that ain't the onliest thing but it's one of the mainest things.") The meals are prepared the "old fashioned way" over hot coals and nobody ever goes away hungry. This year, the crew from The Hot Iron Cafe in Spur did the honors. Believe me, when Tex called out "CHUCK!," no one wasted any time getting in line to fill a plate. And, as you can see in the drawing, some didn't even wait to find a good place to sit. In this case, the hood of Lon's pickup served as a "TABLE FOR FOUR."
DANIEL FRANKS
All negatives and plates used in the production process of this print have since been destroyed. There will be no further reproduction of the original drawing.
Go to Daniel Franks' Biography
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