Pitmaster T - History Lessons 1960's BBQ Footage

Pitmaster T · Jul 4, 2011

I have decided to fold this historical footage into my own Site so it will be viewed more. Recently I revived and re-released the popular Pitmaster T - The Taboo of Simmering - Jetton and Legends of Texas BBQ thread to include some cool footage of his actual LBJ Barbecues.

I also think it deserves a thread of its own. You have to be patient, but these State BBQ's at LBJ's ranch are historically significant because they elevated the ENTIRE nation as to what BBQ's in Texas (and in some small case - the South) looked like. Other than maybe the Motion Picture "Giant" where they Q a cow's head, people didn't realize what it was.

Jetton, as you can see here, has QUITE the operation. Look at his trucks. I was taken aback because as a little boy I got to see one of his families BBQ's (after he died when his family ran the operation for a while) and I remember those big trucks with that yellow TEXAS on the side.

I will never, ever forget those holes in the ground and my grandfather taking me to the site (Trinity Park in Fort Worth) to look at the holes dug days before.

Enjoy and of course, if you would like to learn more about our BBQ heritage, click the link above.

YouTube - ‪Pitmaster T's History Lessons - Walter Jetton (Je Taan) at LBJ‬‏

Pitmaster T · Jul 4, 2011

Look at the trucks in the video... the truck behind the guy at the grill is a Falstaff Beer Truck I think... I may be wrong.

SmokeWatcher · Jul 4, 2011

Interesting footage.

bigabyte · Jul 4, 2011

Thanks for sharing!

Pitmaster T · Jul 5, 2011

Your welcome yall

jestridge · Jul 5, 2011

Well, so what does people think about Jettson methods. could this be same as boiling ribs???? I have use this method several time and turn out some very good brisket/clod . I think in the near future going to try a pork butt.

bigabyte · Jul 5, 2011

Sounds like one way to do it. I believe I've heard of folks in Texas doing it solely over coals in something as simple as a box made from bricks/cinder blocks with tin roofing for a lid. Since Jetton is considered by some to be an authority in the field (honestly I never heard of the guy before, but I'm not from Texas and think LBJ blows), he should command enough respect in my opinion to have his method considered valid. That doesn't make it the right or only way though, which is what makes real BBQ great. I love getting this sort of stuff out there though, blowing the lid off the minds of people who think BBQ is exactly one certain thing or one certain way.

Pitmaster T · Jul 5, 2011

When I was a kid we used to drive to Kerrville/ Hunt, Texas. Out there it was so nice on the Guadalupe. The Hill country is some of the most beautiful country in the world. A lot of those highways were built LOL so LBJ daughter could get back and forth to the famed "Camp Mystic" for girls. A VERY prestigious camp.

Jetton certainly benefited from LBJ's rise but there were a lot of Republicans that used his catering. Many captains of Texas Industry (my Grandfather contracted him several times for the annual Texas Electric Service Company TESCO), ranchers, and especially the folks at Nasa, Sharpstown, Katy contractors and oilmen.

Pitmaster T · Jul 5, 2011

Camp Mystic for Girls 1930's

Mystic Today

Camp Arrowhead. Right across the river from where we used to vacation Hunt, Texas 1930s

Arrowhead today

Camp Heart O' the Hills

Camp Waldamar

I Used to get some so so brisket here... still better than anyplace out of Texas.

and I ate it right at this Cypress Table here

Note the wall construction

So, my point is... The Hill Country of Texas is very very different and beautiful and has attracted so many over the years. The sole purpose for building just about all the roads was for a getaway -- even as far back as the 1890s. Cities were NOT the place you wanted your family in summer time in Texas before electricity. You as a man may work in town but you shipped you family off to Hunt/Kereville to stay cool.

DannyMac · Jul 5, 2011

I met my wife at a retreat at Tecaboca just North of Kerrville, Beautiful country.

Pitmaster T · Jul 5, 2011

cool... I am wondering where that is

Brewer · Jul 6, 2011

Great footage - I really enjoyed it!

Big Bears BBQ · Jul 6, 2011

Pretty cool thanks for posting the clip.......... I like that big smoker at the end what a machine..............

gtr · Jul 6, 2011

Cool! Love that 8mm footage - looks so cool. Thanks for posting & bringing up that great historical stuff - inspiring! :thumb:

Pitmaster T · Aug 5, 2011

gtr said:
Cool! Love that 8mm footage - looks so cool. Thanks for posting & bringing up that great historical stuff - inspiring! :thumb:

Your welcome... if anyone finds more footage and chooses to make a new thread PLEASE also post it here.

Wetsmoke · Aug 5, 2011

1960's barbeque

Really enjoyed the footage of the ranch and barbeque-

Chopjaw · Aug 5, 2011

Hey that was really cool. Thanks for taking the time.

Chef Jim · Aug 5, 2011

I have really enjoyed your post. Thank you.

Rocco05 · Aug 5, 2011

I love all things bbq! The insight and history is very facinating. It is done in all corners of the world, from simple holes dug in the ground to drivable or tow-behind rigs costing in the thousands. My take is: it's not what you use to do it, but the end results- with tasty chow.

thirdeye · Aug 5, 2011

Here's a couple more.... I wish I had the one from my family album where Lyndon was a guest at a bird hunt / Democratic fundraiser near Beeville ("All the way with LBJ"). Let's just say he was watering the cactus. Heheheeee.

Pitmaster T - History Lessons 1960's BBQ Footage

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