Bet you never heard about the man who loved Amon Carter so much he named his son Amon Carter.
BY DAVE LIEBERSilliman Evans (that’s the father’s name) was the Star-Telegram’s political writer, probably the best reporter on the paper. Picture him at a table in Amon Carter’s hotel suite directing coverage at a political convention. Silliman, to keep cool, would sit in his underwear, writing the main story.
One time, the reporter showed up in Pampa for a story, and the town quickly put together an appreciation dinner for him.
Silliman started acting like his hero Amon, using the same gestures, smoking the same cigars. He left the S-T and bought the Nashville Tennessean, where as publisher he further imitated Carter. He bought a mansion, entertained celebrities, gave expensive gifts and became the chief promoter of Nashville, writes Amon biographer Jerry Flemmons.
And he named his son Amon Carter Evans.
Amon Carter Sr. and his namesake, Amon Carter Evans
But Amon and his imitator had a falling out. Amon wanted Silliman to support John Nance Garner for president in 1936. Silliman said he would but privately talked up FDR. Amon found out and cut him off. Silliman begged for forgiveness. Amon stubbornly refused.
Silliman returned to Fort Worth in 1955 for Amon’s funeral. That night, staying in Amon’s Suite 10G at the Fort Worth Club, Silliman died in his sleep. His son Amon eventually took over and established his credibility as a tough, crusading newspaper publisher.
Amon Carter with the Tennessee Amon Carter
As good as this imitation Amon story is, it didn’t make my play, AMON! The Ultimate Texan. The other stories are even better!
Visit AmonPlay.com for ticket and play and book information. AMON! The Ultimate Texan concludes its current run at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, TX for shows with two shows on Sept. 17 and one show on Sept. 24, 2022.
“Theater is the oldest way we have of trying to tell the truth about who we are.” — the late playwright, Terrence McNally.
Tickets are now on sale HERE..
NEW! Read how Amon stole a lot from Dallas, including Gary Cooper.
NEW! Interview with playwright Dave Lieber
