December 23, 1927.  Cisco, Texas.  It had been a chilly week in the run up to Christmas.  And though balmier days were ahead, it was still chilly as the 3500 residents of the bustling little town prepared for Christmas. Founded 49 years earlier, by 1927, the town’s economy was largely driven by farming, ranching, and the railroad. Many residents were employed by the Texas and Pacific Railway, which passed through Cisco, while others worked on local farms and ranches.  And there may have been Christmas carols.  They wouldn’t have been singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town yet, because that little ditty wouldn’t be written for another seven years.  But Santa Claus was indeed coming to Cisco, not with elves, but with accomplices, and he was carrying a pistol.  I’m Rhett Callahan, and it happened today in Texas.

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