In this 1982 episode of The Eyes of Texas, host Ray Miller profiles Estevancito, the first Black man in Texas. He also shares the history of stagecoaches and meets a collector of antique farming equipment in Tomball. Producer Gary James talks to a violin expert in San Antonio, while producer Bill Springer visits the historic Brushy Creek Inn in Round Rock. 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 May 15, 1982.

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.

In partnership with: