Pecans

If you've lived in Texas long enough, we are fairly certain that you or someone you know has crossed paths with the almighty pecan tree. Pecans weave through Texans' generational thread, beautifully connecting humans to the natural world. In searching for history of pecan tree planting in Texas, stories of collaborative effort were not easy to find. What we did uncover were individual stories. Tales that by design, are what growing trees and storytelling naturally encompass.

"We used to pick pecans at the ranch in Sweeney. Mamie would shell them while watching tv, it was very therapeutic for her. We would sell the pecan chips to 'Blue Chip Cookie'. Their specialty cookie was 'Brickle Pecan', which had those pecans in them." ~Don Beard, Native Texan

"Northeast of Lake Jackson, Mom and Dad's ranch was about 300 acres with pecan trees and some cattle too. Daddy planted & grafted some other pecan tree, but he was never really satisfied with them. The pecans we ate were native, and they were delicious."~Brenda Beard, Native Texan

"Lewis and I got 25 cents for picking up pecans. In the 1940's, that was enough money to go to the Saturday double feature movie, (9cents) get a soda & a popcorn (10cents), and have enough left over for the Sunday church service collection plate (5 cents) & of course a penny to go into my piggy bank. In later years, my sister, Fran, brother in law George & I picked pecans at the Florence TX land. I took them to the Senior Center to be cracked." ~Lois Mayes, Native Texan (When asked if any pecans were fed to the chickens, Lois replied: "Goodness no! Pecans were too precious to feed to the animals!")

**Studies have shown that dogs have a shaky relationship with consuming tree nuts. While every being is different, we do not recommend feeding pecans to your pets. 

Jay Beard of LSN had his first "agricultural experience" while in a job interview for an arborist position. The interview was held at the very top of a 75 foot pecan tree in the Silver Heights neighborhood. Yes he got the job, no that is not the last time Jay has been at the top of a tree.

Of course we would be remiss to leave out the tale of our youngest of 5 children, who was born right underneath our pecan tree in East Austin at the former LSN location!

Whether it be the legends of Choctaw Indians use of pecans as a food staple, or your great great Auntie's favorite bus stop pastime, collecting, growing, and enjoying pecans is very much a true Texas theme. Whether you plant 1 or 10, keeping the pecan legacy alive, is a must!