To the residents of Brownfield,
I write to you first and foremost with gratitude. In mid July, I had the opportunity to return to the beautiful township of Brownfield, the childhood home of my father, David Doane. I was overwhelmed with a flood of wonderful memories of visits to my grandfather, Alfred M. Doane, and his wife Myrtle. I am thankful for the beauty you have preserved and obvious care you give your town. You offered me hospitality and wonderful stories of my grandparents. It was amazing to see his carpentry skills in several of your homes and to spend three nights in the house he built and was his home for so many years on Sam Brown Hill Road.
The second reason for writing is more difficult to put into words. In short, I am a man searching for family heirlooms. My grandfather was a man of many talents, including the violin and painting wonderful scenes of nature. During my visit, I was privileged to make a photo of a one of his paintings which now hangs in the sanctuary of the Brownfield Community Church. From your stories, I heard of a “barn sale” through which he sold some possessions in preparation to move to Arkansas in pursuit of warmer weather (he returned to New England after only a short stay). In the rare event that one of you may know of one of my grandfather’s paintings or “keepsakes” from his home-place, I would be very willing to pay whatever you would feel appropriate for these items or ask that I might at least get a photo for our family archive. While this seems a rather strange request even to me, I’m uncertain of a better way to state how much such items are cherished by my family.
Finally, if you are a long term resident of Brownfield and knew my grandparents, I would like to speak to you by phone or visit with you on my next visit. I would love to hear more stories of their life in Brownfield.
If you know of such opportunities, I can be contacted at:
Phone 713.456.8130
Email michael@doane-berger.com
Post 9102 Cadawac Rd. Houston, TX 77074
Again, I thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I look forward to bringing my two sons to Brownfield so they too can enjoy the unspoiled beauty you have preserved.
Sincerely,
Michael Doane