It’s a fact that communication on a large ranch was one of the biggest problems. At times it was crucial to get some way to relay information to the cowboys on the range as quickly as possible. Or for them to notify headquarters in the event of a medical emergency or wildfire. Before the late 1800s, it was done by sending a fast rider out.
I found an interesting article in my Texas Electric Co-op magazine about this and have to share.
One of the largest ranches in the world was the massive XIT in the Texas Panhandle at over three million acres, all fenced. That’s hard to fathom. The powers that be there heard about a way of attaching a very basic form of telephone onto the barbed wire fences and letting the wire carry the transmission. Though the quality was horrible, it sure proved to be a blessing. And all at no charge. They didn’t have to pay the phone service anything and they could even connect neighboring ranches with each other.
Later, when the phone company began to provide rural service, they took that idea and used existing power lines instead of stringing new.
I have a new release on March 29th—A Man of Legend. It takes place in 1908 in the middle of an industrialization boom and although the patriarch Stoker Legend wouldn’t allow telephones or automobiles on the Lone Star Ranch, they were widely available.
There’s a crucial scene near the end of the book where Crockett Legend needs to get word quickly to his grandfather of the trouble and bemoans the lack of telephone access. It all works out and Crockett had to hitch a ride in an acquaintance’s new automobile to arrive in time to help save the day.
Here’s a short excerpt from that scene:
Crockett glanced up into John’s laughing eyes. The only person the man would do a favor like this for was Farrel Mahone. His gut twisted, and he broke out in a cold sweat. Suddenly, it all made sense. John was supposed to get Crockett off the ranch. He froze.
Farrel was going to make good on his promise to kill either Paisley or Hilda or both.
Or maybe he intended to abduct Tye. Maybe all three.
Crockett stood so fast, he knocked his chair over. He had to get to a telegraph. He hurried out and collided with a woman in the hall. “Pardon me, ma’am. This is life and death.”
Cursing the fact that Stoker had yet to install a telephone at headquarters, Crockett rushed down the street and sent a message to the Lone Star.
“I’ll wait for a reply,” he told the operator. Ten minutes passed. Crockett paced, praying for a miracle. Then the machine began to tap while the man scribbled it down.
“Here you go.” The operator handed the paper to him.
Too late. Boy has disappeared, and women riding to get him back.
A moment later, Crockett fired off another, asking about his dad. The return message said he and Stoker had gone to Medicine Springs to pick up a shipment.
He sagged. Too late. He read the first message again. What women? Paisley and Hilda? Where were the men? Had they all left the ranch? He thrust a hand through his hair. He had to get home.
“Isn’t there a noon train to Medicine Springs?” he asked the operator.
“Not today.”
“Thank you.” Crockett‘s thoughts whirled. He couldn’t wait that long. He was eighty miles away. If he bought a horse and rode it hard, he still wouldn’t make it by dark. He’d have to wait on the train. That would get him to Medicine Springs by eight, then forty-five minutes to the ranch.
That was it. All the air went out of him. Whatever was going on, the women were on their own. He dropped into the nearest seat and put his head in his hands.
* * * *
I put a talking parrot named Casanova in this book that provides a lot of comical relief. He is quite taken with Paisley Mahone and fancies himself her boyfriend. And since Paisley becomes a nurse on the ranch, there are heartwarming scenes with her patients. Crockett watches all with love in his heart for this special woman.
Click HERE for more information and a longer excerpt.
This is the first series I’ve written set in the 1900s. What is your favorite time period to read? Do modern conveniences bother you? I’m giving away a copy of A Man of Legend (print or ebook) to three people who comment.
This book concludes the Lone Star Legends. I have another exciting project that’s completely different that I’ll talk more about in the coming days so stay tuned.
Here in the Texas Panhandle, we do love our cowboys. There's just something about a man in a Stetson and jeans that makes my heart beat faster. I'm not much of a cook but I love to do genealogy and I'm a bit of a rock hound. I'm also a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. You can contact me through my website and I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. HAPPY READING!
https://petticoatsandpistols.com/sweepstakesrules/
For historical romance books, I’ll read any time periods except I’ve never read ones set in ancient times. I prefer period-appropriate conveniences, but I understand artistic license which make sense.
I love contemporary romance, too.
Hi Denise, I’m happy to see you. I’ve never read many ancient times romances because I can’t really relate to those. I think you have to share some commonality at least to really connect with a story. And I confess, I had a struggle writing this series and I think it was due to the conveniences making it feel too modern. But once I got past that and realized that phones and automobiles were few the farther west you went, I wrote them like any other. Have a wonderful day.
Linda, I like to take Amtrak and while going through remote areas in Texas I’ve noticed old wiring still hanging on fences and didn’t realize it was for the purpose you’ve shared here. I thought it was simply so rural that they didn’t bother using standard poles haha… I was interested to read your post!
Rachel, thank you for coming. That’s exactly true. Lot’s of that wiring is still left. There’s no telling what you’ll see in rural Texas. Ha! Have a good day.
This sounds like an interesting premise. The patriarch not willing to grow with the times and a crisis needing immediate attention. I’ve ready city based books in this time period but not country. My maternal grandparents were born in 1896 and my paternal grandparents even earlier and lived on farms in Southern Idaho so this would be what their lives would have been like.
Good morning, Wren! How wonderful to have you stop by. So true about your grandparents. It took a long time for modernization to come West. And a lot longer for rural areas. Hard to imagine because we’ve always had them. In my story, Stoker Legend was having no part of change. He liked the old ways because he understood those. At the time of this story, he was in his 80s. I understand him because I’m just as resistant to electric cars and constant software change. Have a lovely day.
The time period doesn’t bother me as long as the story stays accurate to that period, although I do like the Old West a little better. I guess it’s the history buff in me.
Good morning, Janice. I’m happy to see you. I, too, prefer the books I read set in the old West better. I did struggle a little writing this series but I had no choice since I had to wait for the kids to grow up. What helped was remembering how slowly modernization marched westward. And rural areas were even slower still so it was basically the same. Have a good day.
For me my favorite time period is the 1930’s.
Hi Anxious58. I like the Depression Era myself. They were in between the old west and modern times. A lot of people still rode horses, especially in the rural areas. But electric lights made it much easier to see by. Those stories still have an old feel to them. Thanks for coming. Enjoy your day.
Thanks for the interesting post. I enjoy all time periods but tend to gravitate to the 1800s.
Hi Debra, I’m so happy you stopped by. I’m like you, I might read other time settings but I tend to return to the 1800s. I don’t know why that is. It simply feels like home to me. Find joy and smiles through your day.
Hello Miss Linda- I depends on my mood what time period, I love to read. I love historical Westerns set between 1870 to 1900, but I’m also loving new ones being set at the beginning of the 1900’s when new technologies were being introduced.
I really love modern day suspense books, I’m a huge fan of mystery and if a western has a mystery in it.. that’s an even better gift to me.
I’m so excited for everyone to read your new book. I know it will be a huge hit.
Love you my sister friend.
Good morning, Sister Tonya! I’m so happy to see you. You read more books than anyone I know. And such a wide variety. Thanks to you, I read things I probably wouldn’t normally pick up. I’m very grateful that you liked A Man of Legend and I love your review. I struggled a little at the beginning of writing this series but relaxed and told the story as I always have. I think mystery/suspense would seem weird if set in earlier times. Those need to be modern I think. You have a good one coming in August with Taylor Moore’s new one. It’ll be excellent and I can’t wait. Enjoy your day and wear a smile. Love you too, sister friend.
I don’t have a favorite time period. I read them all.
Hi Estella, that’s great. You have so much to choose from. Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you nuggets of gold in your book selections.
I enjoy almost all time periods, but my favorites is the 1800s. It sounds like a very interesting book to read – can’t wait.
Hi Karijean217! I’m so happy you stopped by. It’s great to see you. I’ve found the 1800s readers are a dedicated bunch. I hope if you get a chance to read this, you’ll like the story. Much love. 🙂
Good morning Ms Linda, I love reading historical books in mid 1800’s when they traveled by wagon train. The thought of what theses brave families faced crossing the Oregon Trail to find a new life. I can’t even imagine what they went through , between diseases, attacks, the loss of family. The determination to make a new life, we could all learn a lesson from them.
Hi Rose Ann, it’s so good to see you, lady! I find those western migration books very enjoyable as well. They provide millions of plots because like you say, they had more challenges and problems than anyone. It was really hard but most found reward at the end of the journey. I think the women suffered the most and I can’t imagine how much strength it took. Have a beautiful day, dear friend.
I really don’t have a favorite time period. If it is a well written book any time period works for me. Most that I read are in the mid 1800’s but can’t wait to read yours in the 1900’s. I haven’t read a lot a books during that time period.
Hi Quilt Lady, seeing your name pop up always makes me smile. I hope you like my story when you get a chance to read it. Other than gas lights, phones, and few cars, it’s not much different from my earlier books. I didn’t really want to set these after the turn of the century but I had to wait until these kids grew up. Have a lovely day and enjoy the warmer temps, dear friend.
Mornin’, Linda! I, too, tend to gravitate toward the late 1800s. It wasn’t so primitive then, and there were beginning to be some new conveniences and industrial advantages, likes railroads. Although I did a series set in the 1920s, and that was fun for me, too.
Love, love Casanova, the parrot! LOL!
Pam, that parrot was a hoot. And I definitely needed something to lighten up this dark story. A writer friend of mine suggested a parrot and I jumped on it. The 1800s are my choice too but I love the Depression Era also. That was an interesting time and things were not too modern. Parts of the country were still riding horses, especially the rural areas. I cannot wait to read Christiana on April 1st. It’s preordered and I’m ready. Your story premise has me excited. Lots of luck, Filly Sister.
Hello Linda! You know I love this book! I, too, love Casanova the parrot! I enjoy books set in the Old West the most but since history is my favorite subject, I’ll read other time periods too! Thanks for the interesting post! I love learning about all kinds of things like that! I can’t imagine the lack of communication that those in the past had to deal with!
Valri, I’m glad the parrot provided a laugh or two. He was such a funny bird. I’m so happy you liked the story. I think Dallam was my favorite side character. He touched my heart. I got excited when I saw this article about phones on fences because it was something I’d never heard about either. But communication was a huge problem on those ranches so it made sense. Wonder what other hidden gems I can ferret out. 🙂 I hope your day goes well and I hope we can get together soon. I’ve missed you, friend. It’s been so long.
The book sounds great, Linda. Time period to read? I’m pretty all over the place with that, but as for living…I’m a big modern convenience girl. Give Me Air Conditioning!!!
You and me both, Mary! But for me, it would be the microwave. I use that thing a lot! I’m glad you could find a minute in your busy schedule to comment. That’s a miracle. Good luck with your new book!! Hope it sells a million.
Your book sounds captivating. My favorite time period would be the 1940’s and 1950’s. Perhaps because I grew up during that time but I always enjoyed novels during that era. Most modern conveniences do not bother me except for the I-phone.
Hi Anne, thank you for coming. I’m okay with some set in the 40s and 50s such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Driving Miss Daisy. It was an innocent time. I grew up then also and remember how we never locked our doors or cars. I don’t think many did. We played outside long after dark, drank from water hoses, and had so much fun. We didn’t have any air conditioning a lot of the time but honestly I didn’t mind that. I preferred the cool shade of a tree. I hope you keep finding books that satisfy. Have a lovely day.
1900s actually is one of my favorite time periods. Few authors write in that time periods. I can only think of a few.
Hi JCP, thanks for stopping by to read my post. You’re right. I can’t think of too many authors at the moment who write about the turn of the century. Makes it hard to find your favorite setting. Pam Crooks has a great series called The Secret Six set in the 1920s that’s very good.
I always have been intrigued with the historical novels of Scotland during the time of knights and ladies in waiting. They are very emboldening an exciting, even the way most women were treated is quite archaic. Lately I have been reading lots of westerns in the late 1800′ to the early 1900’s. When I told my husband I was reading westerns he looked at me with a very startled look. Yes, I am truly enjoying them as long as they are clean reads. Thank you for your wonderful stories, Linda.
Hi Judy, thank you for stopping by to read my post. I’ve read a few of those historic Scotland novels. Some I liked and some not so much. The names were difficult to pronounce and the language a bit odd. Ha! I laughed at your note about hubby giving you a strange look about reading westerns. I’m glad you tried some. Who knows? They might become favorites. Have a good day.
This story interests me very much. Historicals are wonderful and memorable. Books which are set during the 1920’s and 1930’s give me so much to think about and are meaningful. Modern conveniences are great but too much dependence upon screens bothers me, since books are my ultimate entertainment.
Hi Laini! Thank you for coming. I love stories that make me think or give me a new way of thinking. We can definitely learn from them. I’m glad my new story interests you and I hope you get a chance to read it. Enjoy your day.
I read any time period, I don’t really have a favorite. Admittedly, I read more westerns set in different periods than others! After all, most great books include a cowboy, whether he’s “like” one or “is” one!
Trudy, love what you said about cowboys! Yep, for me too. I hope you keep finding books that bring deep satisfaction, that linger in your mind long after you finish. 🙂
What fun to learn this! I adore historicals most but will read contemporary mysteries and suspense. If I had to pick a favorite era of historicals it would be before 1920’s and the wild west is a favorite. Thanks for sharing!
Susan, I’m so happy you learned something new. That’s always fun. I didn’t know this either until I got that co-op magazine. Then I had to share. 🙂 I hope you find an abundance of books that fill that need inside you. Have a good day.
My favorite time period to read is the one I also write – historical romance set in the later part of the 19th Century. 🙂 Congrats on the new book.
Hi Jodie! Thank you so much for coming and for the congrats on the new release. I’m glad you stopped by. Wishing you tons of success with yours too.
My favorite time period to read about is the mid to late 1800’s. Reading in later times are okay too, but don’t quite have the feel of the old west.
Connie Lee, I’m the same way. A book has to have a certain feel and for me those really good ones are set from 1870 to 1900. They just fit like a well-worn shoe. Have a great day and smile often.
Welcome and thank you for sharing this piece of information. It must have been one long piece of wire for that to happen. Congratulations on your new book. This sounds wonderful. I really love historical Christian like civil war, western etc. I also like small town cozy mysteries.
Lori, I’m glad you enjoyed my post and learned something. Thanks for the congrats on my book. I appreciate that. When I was a girl, my mother read Grace Livingston Hill and Janet Oke. I loved those stories. My mother loved to read and I think that was because we were poor and books were our only entertainment. I hope you keep finding those favorites that speak to your heart and bring such joy. 🙂
I have a lot of your books cant wait for this one to get. You are a terrific writer.
Dearest Emma! I’m so happy to see you. Thank you for the glowing words. I hope you enjoy this one and add it to your collection. Take care and keep finding joy in books. 🙂
Hi Linda … I like 1800’s era and prefer the historical western genre. I’ve been missing mail order brides of late so might gravitate toward that type of reading in the near future. That being said, I do crossover to contemporary westerns now and then, especially by favorite authors. Take care my friend!
Hi Kathy, great to see your name pop up. I too, love mail order bride stories. They’re always so interesting with thousands of various plots that make them fresh. I read a lot of different things too but I always come back to western romance. They fit like a worn shoe. Enjoy your day up there in Minnesota. It’s beautiful here in Texas. Love you bunches, lady.
I am not picky… I enjoy a wide variety of Eras in my reading.
It’s good you’re not particular, Colleen. That opens up such a wide world of books. I hope you keep finding ones that deeply satisfy. Have a great Arizona day, dear friend. Love and hugs.
Hi Linda. I hope all is well. Very interesting using the fence to communicate. You had to be resourceful, right? I really like the late 1800s, stagecoach rides, trains, for westerns but really any time period is fine for a good story. Moving to the 1900s opens up using automobiles, new technology and lifestyle changes as you have done so paves the way for many more great books. Looking forward to A Man of Legend! Take care.
Sally
Sally, I’m glad you enjoyed the little tidbit about putting phones on fences. I found that interesting as well and had to share. Who knows? I might start liking writing in the 1900s so well, I’ll put more series there. Enjoy your day, dear friend.
I thought of something else the wiring reminded me of–party lines. I was talking to a thirtysomething a few months ago, and I mentioned both sets of my grandparents having had party lines. She didn’t know what they were and I had to explain.
Denise, I’m sure few of the newer generation would know about party lines. They cost a lot less than the private ones. My parents got one for that reason. But out in the rural areas, they were all party lines. I remember my dad getting so mad one time when someone interrupted his phone call to say they needed the line. But they did that all the time.
Linda I love your books! They are so good and each one brings me joy and laughter. I love the 1800-1900’s. It just seems like a better time, but a harder time too. Especially for women! But I love reading about those times. Thanks for the chance to win.
Hi Sonya, thank you for liking my stories! I’m glad they bring you joy. I told people that if my stories touched one person’s heart, I would consider myself a success. It’s strange but I love books of struggle and they have to work really hard to reach their goals or to find happiness. The reward just seems sweeter. The characters become more real somehow. Thanks for coming! 🙂
I don’t have a favorite. I like reading from any time period. It sounds like a really interesting book. I can’t wait to read it.
Diana, thank you so much for coming over to chat. You’re pretty easy to please it seems so you have lots more choices. I hope you find lots of good ones that satisfy. 🙂
Hi there,
I like the early 1800s, like 1840s Mark Twain era stuff, but I also love the early 1900s! Like 1900-1910 I’d say.
I love when “modern conveniences” (for the time!) turn out to be crucial to the plot–just like here, in Crockett’s situation! It really puts you into the time period, when the characters are stressing about telegrams and stuff. I love it!
So now I really REALLY want to read this book!!! I’m hooked–what happens next?! Also I’m already in love with Casanova “who fancies himself her boyfriend”–that is just too, too delightful.
Thanks for the excerpt!
Abby AH
Hi Abby, thank you so much for coming by. I’m so glad to have you join us. I didn’t mention but one of Paisley’s patients has a critical problem and needs modern medicine. She finds a way to help the poor cowboy who considers his life over. Yes, Casanova is such a silly bird. At times when I was writing, I had to stop and just laugh. It’s been delightful talking to you. Keep finding books that bring much enjoyment.
I do enjoy reading about the wild west but as long as the story line is good count me in!
Congratulations on your new book, it sounds like a great read, and I love the book cover, and how fun a parrot in the story! Thank you for sharing this informations it is very interesting. I love to read pre Civil War books, I love Historical books. Thank you for sharing the excerpt. Have a great evening and a great week.
Hi Alicia Haney! Thanks for coming and sharing your favorite settings. Historicals to me are so rich in detail that adds a lot more depth that contemporaries don’t have. Thanks for the congrats and compliment on the cover. I’m so happy you find it an eyecatcher. Yes, Casanova will sure make you laugh. He’s a riot. You have a great evening and week as well. Thanks again.
Hey Linda, I enjoy reading about several eras such as the Wild West and WWII.
Hi Caryl, thanks for coming. I love books and movies about WWII. There are lots of great stories out there with that time setting. It was such a unique time and really required strength and courage. Enjoy your evening.
I enjoy books set the later half of the 1800’s overlapping into the very early 1900’s. Change was happening, but hadn’t worked its way too far into rural or remote areas. The new developments and inventions would eventually be incorporated into their lives, but many were selective as to just which ones they would use.
I appreciate what modern conveniences have to offer. Refrigeration is one I would not want to have to do without. Electricity was probably the best development and I would prefer not to live without it. I have, but kerosene lamps light very little. Oil lamps cast a nice glow and do work pretty well, but the fire hazard always bothered me, especially with little children and cats (or klutzy adults). There is a lot you can do without the modern conveniences but life is so much more comfortable with them. I do find that the electronic distractions intrude into what we can do. Once I finish email and check the web, I don’t have as much time to read.
Pat, I’m so happy you came by. I’m sure when you worked for the Civil Service in other countries, you had to deal with no electricity or refrigeration a lot of times. It’s very difficult. Like you, I’m glad we don’t have to live that way. Although a great many in the world still do. I do love books of change and I liked telling stories where it was rapidly evolving but I enjoy the 1800s a lot better. It seems I know that world better for some reason. I’ve often wondered if perhaps I lived back then. Love and big hugs, dear friend.
Congrats on the new book. I’m sad to see the Legends end, but know I will love whatever you wrote next.
I generally prefer the late 1870’s through the early 1900’s.
And enjoy seeing the beginnings of modern conveniences that I take for granted.
Hi Alisa, I’m so happy to see you. Yes, the Legends are leaving us and more’s the pity but they must. It’s time to say farewell. You and I love the same time settings. Thank you for coming. Love and hugs.
I enjoy reading about WWII. Congratulations on your new book. No modern features do not bother me. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Hi Debbie, thank you for stopping by and reading my post. WWII has some very interesting stories and I like those sometimes if they’re written well. Have a great evening and sleep well.
any tine period, no
A talking parrot named Casanova! That nails it for me wanting to read this one, Linda!
Christena, Casanova is quite a bird and he’ll keep you laughing. I needed that for this dark story.
I love the 1800’s but I’m intrigued about this book and the start of modern conviences.
Hi Linda, I like reading mostly western historical romance books. I have really enjoyed reading your books.
Wendy, thank you so much for coming by and leaving a comment. And thank you for the compliment about my books. I really appreciate that. Have a beautiful day.
Hi Tonya Cherry! Great to see you. I’m happy that my new book intrigues you. I’m going to be giving more copies away in the next two or three weeks so maybe you’ll win one. When I first started writing this series, the modern conveniences really kinda took me out of the first book but by the time I wrote this one, I’d gotten past that. And what helped was that except for gas lighting, Stoker Legend kept everything exactly as it was on the ranch. He didn’t like automobiles or anything like that.
I like the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s, the time when my grandparents were born and their parents were young couples trying to raise their families. I would love to have been able to just live a day with each set of my great grandparents, after my grandparents had been born, of course. I’ve always thought that would be the best thing ever!! Your book sounds wonderful!!!