In this 1980 episode of The Eyes of Texas, producer Gary James profiles a catalog retailer in Dallas and tours the remains of “Rattlesnake Bomber Base” in Pyote. Producer Bill Springer meets a music box collector in Houston, while host Ron Miller checks in with the Pivoto family of Nome and The Cotton Gin restaurant in Brookshire. Produced by Houston’s KPRC-TV from 1969 to 1993, The Eyes of Texas was a regional television program highlighting unique people, places, and events across the state. This episode aired on March 1, 1980.

Newsman Ray Miller (1919 - 2008) began his broadcasting career in 1938 in his home town of Fort Worth. He relocated to Houston soon thereafter, where he joined KPRC Radio. When KPRC purchased Houston's first television station in 1951, Miller adopted the burgeoning medium, eventually winning a Peabody Award. In 1969, Miller created The Eyes of Texas, a regional television series examining all things Texas. On the air for 30 years, the series became Houston's longest-running local television program. Miller retired in 1979, serving as news director at both KPRC Radio and KPRC-TV for over 40 years. During his decades-long tenure at KPRC, Miller mentored a number of journalists, including Dan Rather and former US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

After retiring from television production, Miller became a local historian, writing several books and travel guides about historic attractions in Houston and Galveston. He also worked with the Harris County Historical Commission to secure markers for numerous sites.

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