The plans for the opening of the new college were not going well in the spring of 1923. There was no campus building for him to occupy. While an opening date of September 18 was announced as early as March 14, A. W. Birdwell had no choice but to cancel the summer session for 1923. This was a heavy blow to both the school and the town, since the summer sessions were the most important time of the year for employed teachers to further their education. Also, Birdwell and Nacogdoches were facing a public relations disaster of the first magnitude if they had to contemplate a delay of the fall term as well. How could Birdwell inform East Texas in a positive way of the crisis, that he was determined to open classes at SFA, with or without the Austin Building?

The Booster's Club and Birdwell came up with the brilliant idea of hosting a free barbecue for East Texans. Their planning was ambitious and audacious. Birdwell would use the eve of the barbecue to announce that the opening on September 18 might not be as originally planned on the new campus. As seen below, the Boosters declared the barbecue a huge success. But, there were still no library books, no dormitories, no administration building, and an incomplete faculty roster, despite the brave show of advertisement for East Texas. Birdwell's prediction that the Austin Building would be ready "in a few weeks" proved to be just wishful thinking. The traumas and the successes of the opening days of SFA will be covered next week. (Editor - JLJ)

A free barbecue for all East Texas

Daily Sentinel, June 5, 1923

"BIG FREE BARBECUE FOR NACOGDOCHES JULY 4TH"

"One of the matters of great importance launched at the Booster meeting Monday might and one which will be of interest to the entire town and Eastern Texas was the fostering of a big free barbecue to . . . [make} Nacogdoches the center of attraction for all East Texas on July 4th. The Big Free Barbecue will be held on the Stephen F. Austin Normal Grounds, which is the most beautiful and ideal spot for an event of this kind to be found in this section of the state. . . . This day of fun and frolic will close that night with a big dance in the new Woodman Hall....July 4th of this year will be one to be long remembered by all. . . ."

Daily Sentinel, June 30, 1923

"NACOGDOCHES INVITES ALL TO BIG CELEBRATION"

"Nacogdoches will be host to all East Texas. . . . Every town in East Texas will be represented at Nacogdoches on the Fourth, and preparations are being made to entertain 10, 000 people. Quite a number from Sabine county have declared their intention of spending the Fourth in the Old Stone Fort City. Sabine County (Hemphill) Reporter."

[In separate heading:]

"VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR TEACHERS' COLLEGE FLOAT"

"One of the attractive decorated floats in the parade on the Fourth will represent the Stephen F. Austin Teachers' College. Dr. A. W. Birdwell will ride in this float and we are anxious to have twelve or fifteen young people of college age to ride with Dr. Birdwell to represent the student body."

Daily Sentinel, July 3, 1923

"COLLEGE IMPORTANT NOTICE"

"The Stephen F. Austin State Teachers' College will open for its first session September 18. It is quite probable that we shall have to occupy temporary quarters for a few weeks pending the completion of the College building. . . .Already prospective students and parents are asking for a list of approved boarding houses. There are also numerous inquiries for apartments, light house keeping facilities, and rent cottages. . . . We will lose tremendously if very definite information cannot be given about caring for the students who want to come to us. I need not say that in this matter the college must have hearty cooperation. A. W. Birdwell."

Daily Sentinel, July 10, 1923

"BOOSTERS EXPRESS APPRECIATION"

"From the very pleasing expressions of praise being received on the big July 4th barbecue, it is quite evident that this was one of the most successful events ever held in our little city, and feeling that the success of this great celebration was greatly due to the hearty cooperation and assistance rendered by those of our good citizens, both ladies and gentlemen, who so willingly responded in helping in any way they could in putting it over, and realizing that it is impossible to make a personal expression of appreciation to each one who assisted in making this . . . ."