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Calf Fries – The Original Sack Lunch

Last week, we asked our Facebook followers if they’d be game to try Calf Fries.  For those of you less familiar with cowboy lingo, that’s one of the many names we’ve given to bull testicles. Y’all have a lot of opinions on the subject — it was one of our most popular posts. The overwhelming answer? Not only would you, but you already have. This is a book about real Texas cowboys, after all, and if you’re following along you probably know a thing or two about cowboy cooking.

Calf Fries on the Waggoner

Once upon a time, Western ranchers needed more cheap & easy nutrition, so they tried eating previously discarded cuts of meat.  Like my Mama always told me, “Waste not, want not.”  The ranchers grilled, baked, battered, and fried them into all sorts of delicious recipes.  The rest is history.  The images below are just a few of the unfiltered cowboy life photographs Jeremy Enlow captured in Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch. It’s a real life look at the inner workings of the Waggoner Ranch cattle operations as they were before the sale, from beautiful sunrises to the gritty, hard work the cowboys do daily.

Dinner on the Waggoner Ranch, cowboy style

Calf testicles and ears are sorted out in the field after they’re removed.

 

Dinner on the Waggoner Ranch, cowboy style

Waggoner Cowboys keep close track of the ears cut to make sure every calf has been attended to.

 

Dinner on the Waggoner Ranch, cowboy style

Waggoner Cowboy, Daly Welch fills a glove with the day’s collection.  This will be supper.

 

History

We Westerners weren’t the first ones to enjoy these resourceful recipes.  The ancient Romans are the first people we know of that made use of the calf’s testicles.  They believed eating organs of a healthy animal would improve the health of the corresponding human organ; thus the common belief that Calf Fries are an aphrodisiac.  While we’re not sure about that, these organ meats are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.  There is no measurable effect on the hormone levels of humans who eat them though.

Calf Fries by Any Other Name

These days they’re called Calf Fries, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cowboy Caviar, Swinging Beef, Prairie Oysters, Dusted Nuts; we’re pretty creative with our euphemisms.  Call them what you will, they’re a dish enjoyed by many.  See the photos below for a couple of examples of ways modern folks eat Calf Fries.

 

Calf Fries battered and fried, served with cream gravy.

 

Calf Fry Pizza

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A View of Thistle Hill

If you’re from Fort Worth, you’ve probably heard of Thistle Hill. A historic mansion from the city’s “cattle baron era,” it is one of Fort Worth’s more impressive landmarks. For people familiar with the Waggoner Ranch, though, the home is even more significant. W.T. Waggoner had the house built for his daughter Electra when she married. He didn’t want her to move too far from home, and this house did the trick.

Jeremy Enlow is an advertising and media photographer based in Fort Worth Texas

On a recent photoshoot for Cook Children’s, Jeremy Enlow was able to capture an unusual photograph of Thistle Hill. Typically photographed from the street, this image shows the enormous size of the home and it’s unique position in Fort Worth.

During her 19-year marriage to Albert Buckman Wharton, Electra and her family resided in the Fort Worth mansion. After their divorce, she moved to Dallas. Electra was a prominent figure in Fort Worth society and the heiress of the Zacaweista section of the Waggoner Ranch. The town of Electra, located near the Waggoner, is named in her honor.

Nowadays, Thistle Hill is a protected historic building available for weddings and receptions. You can take a 360° virtual tour of the mansion here.

Love Texas history? Order the award-winning book Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch today to get an inside look at the ranch Electra Waggoner grew up on.

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Memorial Day Sale Ends Today!

this memorial day take 25% off cowboys of the waggoner ranch today only

Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch is on sale for the first time ever! In honor of Memorial Day, take 25% off your purchase, plus enjoy free shipping! Just use code 25MEMORIAL17 at checkout. This sale ends today, so get your order in fast.

 

“It was my honor to document this vital piece of Texas history for future generations to enjoy, before it’s gone,” says Jeremy Enlow. “I was shocked a ranch this size still existed with so many Cowboys still practicing cowboying the way it was done 100 years ago, with just their ropes and horses.  The land on the Waggoner is beautiful, but it’s the Cowboys on the ranch that make it a special place.”

Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch is proudly made in the USA. Printed in North Texas, the book is a GO TEXAN product. A portion of the proceeds of the book benefits the Waggoner Ranch Cowboys Fund.

 

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Rocky Mountain Oysters

Last week, we asked our Facebook followers if they’d be game to try Rocky Mountain Oysters. For those of you less familiar with cowboy culinary lingo, that’s one of the many names given to bull testicles. Y’all have a lot of opinions on the subject — it was one of our most popular posts. The overwhelming answer? Not only would you, but you already have. This is a book about real Texas cowboys, after all, and if you’re following along you probably know a thing or two about cowboy cooking.

Dinner on the Waggoner Ranch, cowboy style

Dinner on the Waggoner Ranch, cowboy style

Dinner on the Waggoner Ranch, cowboy style

Once upon a time, Rocky Mountain ranchers needed more cheap nutrition, so they started eating previously discarded cuts of meat. Thus, the most familiar name for this cowboy meal was born. The images above are just a few of the unfiltered cowboy life photographs Jeremy Enlow captured in Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch. It’s a real life look at the inner workings of the Waggoner Ranch cattle operations, from beautiful sunrises to the gritty, hard work the cowboys do daily.

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Serving Up Some Cowboy Wisdom

Cowboying on the largest ranch under one fence is no easy task. Many of the cowboys featured in the book have been at it for decades, working the Waggoner Ranch for 10 hours a day, five or more days a week. Along the way, they’ve learned cowboy skills and a heck of a lot of wisdom. We can all learn from the way Waggoner Ranch cowboys live their lives.

“They are cowboys. They live by another ethic that reveals itself in their work and how they relate to each other. They value people over things. They have a sense of personal responsibility. They know who they are, and they aren’t going to be less than that for anybody.” –from the book

We’ve collected some of our favorite bits of cowboy wisdom and quotes from the book below. Want more? Be sure to follow us on Pinterest where we share Western wisdom, Texas cowboys, and ranch life photographs.

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Weldon Hawley Retires

Weldon Hawley came to the Waggoner Ranch in 1972 after serving in Vietnam. His father, Charlie, was a cowboy on the ranch, and Weldon carried on the family tradition. He started at the bottom, living in the bunkhouse before working his way up to Ranch Manager. He retired at the end of February after 45 years as a Waggoner Ranch cowboy. In 2005, Weldon was presented the Top Hand Award at the 25th Annual North Texas Rehab Ranch Roundup

“When I started thirty years ago, we had two vehicles,” he says. “We rode in the camper in the back of the wagon boss’ truck. The chuck wagon was out (instead of cowboys driving in to eat at the cook shack). We have radios and cell phones and the helicopter. Everything else is about the same as it always has been.”

 

After 45 years as a Texas cowboy Weldon Hawley retires

 

Weldon has a reputation as a hardworking man of integrity. People often visit our Facebook page to leave comments about him, recalling old stories and praising his hard work.

People stop to congratulate Weldon Hawley on his Top Hand award at the North Texas Ranch Roundup

 

In 2016, Weldon was interviewed in Western Horseman Magazine for a story on the book. There, he reflected on what it is like to work on a historic ranch. “We’ll be the last bunch of cowboys working under the W. T. Waggoner Ranch. The book shows we’re still surviving doing things like they did 100 years ago, the cowboy way.”

For 45 years, Weldon has devoted himself to the Waggoner Ranch. It’s been an honor to get to know him, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. You can see more photos of Weldon Hawley from the book below.

 

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And the Winner is…

Last week, we announced our one of a kind giveaway: a copy of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch signed by Bobby Daniel. More than 200 of you entered the giveaway on our Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who entered and shared it with friends!

 

Bobby Daniel signed a one of a kind copy of Jeremy Enlow's book Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch

 

And now, we are excited to announce that the giveaway winner is Matthew Zeiger. Enjoy your book! It’s truly a piece of Texas history, signed by a legend who worked the Waggoner for more than 50 years.

About Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch

Made in Texas, by Texans, about Texans, Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch tells the story of 26 working cowboys on the historic Waggoner Ranch. Photographed and published by Fort Worth based photographer Jeremy Enlow, it has won a number of awards and is currently on its third printing. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book benefits the Waggoner Ranch Cowboys Fund.

 

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Win a Book Signed by Bobby Daniel!

 

You could win a copy of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch signed by Bobby Daniel!

We’re giving away 1 copy of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch signed by Bobby Daniel. Bobby signed this book during Jeremy’s recent visit to his home in Seymour, Texas. If you love Texas cowboys and the Waggoner Ranch, you’ll want to win this book!

Like our Facebook page then comment on this post for your chance to win!  One lucky winner will be announced on our Facebook page February 26th, so hurry on over.

Visit our Facebook page to find out how you could win a signed copy of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch

Have a friend who loves Texas cowboys? Be sure to share this contest with them!

 

 

 

 

Official Rules:

This campaign is not sponsored by, associated with, or administered by Facebook.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.

1. Eligibility: This Campaign is open only to those who like the Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch Facebook page. and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. The Campaign is only open to legal residents of the United States, and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Campaign. The Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign.

3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on February 21, 2017 10:00 am CST and ending February 26, 2017 at 11:59 pm. All online entries must be received by February 26, 2017 at 11:59 pm in order to be counted.

4. How to Enter: The Campaign must be entered by liking the Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/cowboysofthewaggonerranch/ and commenting on the Facebook post linked above. The entry must fulfill all Campaign requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch.

5. Prizes: The Winner(s) of the Campaign (the “Winner”) will receive one copy of the book Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch signed by Bobby Daniel. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.

6. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

7. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected by a random drawing under the supervision of Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch. Winner will be notified on our Facebook page within five (5) days following selection of Winner. Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 3 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY WINNER (AT COWBOYS OF THE WAGGONER RANCH‘S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.

8. Rights Granted by You: By entering this contest (e.g., photo, video, text, etc.), You understand and agree that Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch, anyone acting on behalf ofCowboys of the Waggoner Ranch, and Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Campaign, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes. without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.

9. Terms & Conditions:Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Campaign should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyondCowboys of the Waggoner Ranch’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Campaign. In such case, Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken byCowboys of the Waggoner Ranch.Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Campaign or website or violates these Terms & Conditions.Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Campaign, to void votes for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple entries from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple entries from the same computer in excess of that allowed by Campaign rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10. Limitation of Liability: By entering, You agree to release and hold harmlessCowboys of the Waggoner Ranch and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Campaign and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.

11. Disputes: THIS Campaign IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND TEXAS, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Campaign, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Campaign, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in Texas having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Campaign). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

 

 

Waggoner Ranch: 1 Year Later

A lot has happened this year on the Waggoner Ranch. Last February, the Waggoner sold to Stan Kroenke after being listed for $725 million. With the sale, 165+ years of family ownership came to an end. The largest ranch under one fence in the United States remains a contiguous working ranch, although things have changed throughout the year.

Stan Kroenke bought the Waggoner Ranch 1 year ago

After the sale of the ranch, the bunkhouse and cook shack closed down. About one third of the Waggoner cowboys have retired or been let go. Then the Waggoner made news when Kroenke forced Lake Diversion residents to leave their homes.

“But they will survive. They are cowboys. They live by another ethic that reveals itself in their work and how they relate to each other. They value people over things. They have a sense of personal responsibility. They know who they are, and they aren’t going to be less than that for anybody.” -Jan Batts in Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch

The cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch are resilient men, adept at coping with life’s many unpredictable changes. Bobby Daniel has retired to Seymour, Texas, where he raises goats. Some cowboys have moved on to other ranches. And many show up day after day to work the largest ranch under one fence in the United States as they have for decades.

The Waggoner Ranch was family owned for 165+ years before selling to Stan Kroenke in 2016

A year after the sale, we’re proud to be telling the story of this historic ranch and the cowboys who have called it home. Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch was photographed the year before the ranch sold, preserving a way of life for future generations.

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Waggoner Ranch from Overhead

It can be hard to visualize what a 510,527 acre ranch looks like. On the ground, the Waggoner Ranch looks endless, stretching as far as the eye can see in any direction. To get a better look at the scope of the ranch, Jeremy Enlow photographed the ranch from a Cessna airplane. You can see his aerial photographs of the Waggoner Ranch below.

Wanting to capture just the right moments on the ranch, Jeremy didn’t use a drone for any of the aerial photographs. Instead, he took all of the images himself while flying overhead.  These aerial shots can be seen in Jeremy’s book Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch. Get yours today and enjoy free shipping in the United States!

 

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