Local traditions and culture in Dallas

The first Drive-up bank window opened in 1938 at the Hillcrest State Bank.

In the early 1920's the first car radio was invented by Henry and possibly the first automatic electric traffic light.

Mariano Martinez (a restaurateur) invented the frozen Margarita in 1971.

The first integrated circuit which became the microchip was invented in 1958 by Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments.

Today the pow-wows are freely held and has become a time where many tribes gather together to share their stories and just generally a time to have fun and socialize. The songs sung at these pow-wows are both old and traditional and modern day compositions. Pow-wos are seen as being really essential for the survival of Indian people and their culture and for the next generation coming up to learn and enjoy.

(American Indian Arts Festival)

The first Chili's restaurant opened in Dallas on Greenville Ave. The building was an old inter-urban electric rail depot with a rail line at that time connecting Dallas to McKinney, Sherman and Denison. The building was later demolished to make way for a new Chili's restaurant and parking lot.

The marketplace area of the square also displays a couple of painted Southern Plains Tepees. It is really quite a roomy and comfortable shelter. The pattern of the tepee is cut in the shape of a half circle with 2 smoke flaps near the centre. When the tepee is erected twelve or more straight, smooth poles are needed for the framework . They need to be at least 3 feet longer than the width of the cover.

Gordon Tonips is a Comanche / Kiowa Artist from Northern Oklahoma. Aside from his Anasazi Fire Rocks, he also displays some of his sculptures at the festival. This Square Tower House one first place in stone sculpture at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. It has been carved from iron oxidized sand stone. More on his fascinating history and works can be found at (www.comancheartist.com)

Three of the strongest poles are made into a tripod and tied together a little higher than the height of the cover. The rest of the poles are then placed against the tripod, which forms a cone for the canvas covering and these are all lashed together with rope. The cover is then pulled around the framework and fastened together at the overlap.

The American Indian Arts Festival and Market is an annual event held in October over a Saturday and Sunday. The festival includes American Indian stalls covering a variety of handcrafts. If you are unfamiliar with the Indian culture, this is a great place to come and learn.

Location : Annette Strauss Artist Square, 1800 Leonard Street

There are stage performances, children’s activities and cultural demonstrations such as basket making. You can also try some American Indian food – a very different interpretation of the Taco or just munch on a delicious freshly cooked corn cob. You can buy food on a coupon basis ahead of time.

(American Indian Arts Festival)