"Cattle and Dudes: A Family History of the Prude Ranch 1897-1997" explores the history of the Prude family from its Kentucky roots to the present day guest ranch operation in the Davis Mountains. The book was written by Glenn Justice and published in 1997 by Rimrock Press of Odessa.
The Prudes came to the mountains in the early 1880s, and I came to Sul Ross as soon as it opened up," said John G. Prude. "One of the greatest pleasures has been to see how Sul Ross has grown.
"It would be hard to think of Sul Ross and not think about John Prude," said Dr. R. Vic Morgan, Sul Ross president. "He's been a student, faculty member and a big supporter of Sul Ross over the years. We thank you." Morgan said he believed Prude to be the oldest living Sul Ross graduate.
Family members who attended the book presentation in the Archives of the Big Bend included John G's son, John Robert, and daughter-in-law, Betty of Fort Davis. Approximately 30 people attended, including Justice, Jeff Davis County Judge Peggy Robertson, Sul Ross admisistrators and faculty.
The Prude family is known for its long-time support of Sul Ross and its programs. Many family members are Sul Ross graduates, including John G., his first and second wives, and children and their spouses, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Prudes also provide support to the university through the John G. and Evelyn G. Prude Scholarship Endowment which currently supports one $1200.00 scholarship per year to an outstanding Sul Ross Student. The Prudes also contribute time and money to other Sul Ross programs.
"We're very proud of our heritage, but I'm not going to tell you any stories because you can read about them in the book," said John Robert Prude. He thanked Justice and Melleta Bell of the Archives of the Big Bend for their part in completing the book and coordinating the presentation.
The History Book is available for $15.00 at Prude Ranch and area bookstores.
Courtesy, Fort Davis Mountain Dispatch