Deer Park Restaurant Guide

Bolivar T. Shagnasty was not only a great cook but was renowned around the country for his great herd of trained turtles. At one time, B.T. had over 50 turtles which was led by Theodore, his 326 year old tortoise. It was reported that B.T. actually trained Theodore to roll over.

When Bolivar headed west to seek new fortunes he started the greatest turtle drive of the time. Going was slow. Finally after 8 years, 3 months, and 13 days, they had traveled 163 miles and were camped along the banks of Dragoon Creek here in Deer Park. That's when tragedy struck; B.T.'s entire herd contracted deadly turtle "fulytis" and all perished short of their goal of the Pacific Ocean.

B.T> looked around and decided the area wasn't all that bad and decided to stay and take up his trade in the Deer Park area.

He never was to get going again. The shock of losing his turtles was just too great. But his memory lives on here at Shagnasty's with his great recipes, and you'll even see the shell of the great tortoise "Theodore" hanging as a shrine in the east end of the dining room.