The Blue Front Saloon Chair

In the mid 1990’s, while working on my book "Neighbor, How Long Has It Been" I was privileged to meet several members of the West family in Corsicana, Texas. It was the West’s that created Wolf Brand Chili, a true Texas legend. Over a period of several months, I was able to interview the family, and each person was most helpful in providing details on the history of the company and biographical information of those involved. They were especially cooperative in providing original photographs, almost all of which can be seen in my book.
I would especially site the help of Mr. Jim West, one of the founders of the company. In addition to being a Texas legend he was most forthcoming with historical details of the company from the origin to modern times. My tape recorder rolled as he told story after story about the history of how Wolf Brand came to be a Texas staple. Most of his stories, in one form or another, found their way into the book.
On one occasion, Mr. West and I were in a warehouse of some sort, and I noticed several old chairs spread around. I admired the chairs and when I inquired, he regaled me more history. It seems when the chili was first served in the Blue Front Saloon, a Corsicana waterhole of some reputation. The patrons who happened in could have a steamin' bowl of Wolf Brand chili and wash it down with a Lone Star Beer. The chairs, West said, were from the Blue Front Saloon. He speculated that the first customer "ever" to taste Wolf Brand might have been sitting in one of those chairs.
Months later, when the book was complete, I took Mr. West a signed copy. He said he was very pleased with the book and complimented me on a job well. Then, to my great surprise, he presented me with one of the chairs as a sort of a thanks. I was please beyond description. The chair became one of my prized possessions and, of course, I like to think it was "the" chair where the customer was sitting when Wolf Brand was first served.
When my friend dear Ed Williams told me of his efforts to help preserve artifacts related to Corsicana, I decided to donate, through him, my prized chair so that it might be preserved for all time and perhaps others could enjoy seeing it.

WALLACE O CHARITON
June 2024

PS. When I stared at the chair, cleared my mind, and then closed my eyes I could see a crusty old cowboy sitting in that chair enjoying some Wolf Brand Chili. If I really let myself go, I was sure I could smell the chili. Try it for yourself.