SCRIPTWRITER - VIDEO PRODUCER
STAN GINSEL
Mark of the Baron: How Texas Began
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Many believe Texas began with the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto, where a small band of American colonists ultimately defeated a superior Mexican army for the right to govern the land they had been given. A total loss and a quick victory that created a new sovereign nation they called the “Republic of Texas.” The names David Crockett, Jim Bowie, William B. Travis and Sam Houston are probably familiar to most as legendary figures from the beginning of Texas history.
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Although well-known, these battles mark the final chapters in the full story of how America’s Texas began, which actually started some 16 years earlier with the help of one of the most influential statesman to ever appear in Texas history, yet a man whose name few will recognize.
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He was known as the Baron de Bastrop and without his ingenious skills there would have been no colonists in Texas to fight for their independence in those epic battles. If not for the Baron, Texas would have had a much different beginning or not exist at all.
I hope you enjoy this first-ever dramatization of the chance meeting that sparked Texas into existence. A prequel to “The Alamo.” The moment Texas began.
Elgin Texas 2018 HogEye Festival
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The Hogeye Festival is sponsored by the Elgin, Texas, Main Street Board, an organization supporting the downtown revitalization, the City of Elgin, and is underwritten by area businesses. Proceeds from the festival go toward downtown improvement projects ranging from new sidewalks to beautification. The free festival features live music and entertainment on three stages, handmade arts and crafts, children's activities including a costume pet parade, a carnival, Road Hog Car Show, Gordon Swenson Memorial BBQ Pork Cookoff, Cow Patty Bingo, the Pearls Before Swine Art Show and great food! Video produced for the Elgin Courier newspaper in October, 2018.
Bastrop County Through the Years
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I produced this for the Bastrop County Historical Commission and for the Elgin Courier newspaper. It was also used by Bastrop County Tourism to promote the history of the county. Many thanks to the Bastrop, Smithville and Elgin Chambers of Commerce. Special appreciation to the Bastrop County Historical Society, the Elgin Historical Association, the Smithville Heritage Society and the McDade Historical Society Museum. Soundtrack by my good friend, Larry Seyer.
Radio RFD
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Here's a teaser to a show we talked about doing but never did. It's based on the antics of the folks working at a small-town radio station. I had the pleasure of being part of just such a station many years ago and always wanted to produce a show about it. So, here I go... I sincerely hope you enjoy the music and be sure to gather 'round this channel for the pilot episode of "Radio RFD" -- someday. I've dedicated this to my friend, Charles Taylor, who passed away July 21, 2019. Charles who, years ago worked in Elgin, Texas as a radio host was the inspiration for Radio RFD and was featured in this video.
Scoot the Root
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Rather than cut down the beautiful pines trees that were growing right where we wanted to build our home, we decided to move them instead. So, with the help of Dale Cook and his marvelous tree transplanter, along with Jason the operator, we chose to "scoot the root" instead. We're so glad we did. Thanks Dale and Jason!!!
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