In rural Texas during the 1960s, tobacco-spitting contests were a small-town staple at fairs, rodeos, and feed store gatherings. Usually held for bragging rights, they drew farmers, ranch hands, and old-timers who could pack a cheek with plug or chew, then launch a stream at a dirt line or a hanging target—distance and accuracy both counted. The air carried the smell of sweet leaf and dust, with plenty of good-natured ribbing from the crowd. It was part competition, part comedy, and all old-fash