Barbecue, around these parts, started as a way to cook large amounts of meat for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions and other celebrations.  BBQ "pits" were dug into the ground and covered with wooden sticks or wire to hold the meat.  Hot "coals" were shoveled under the meat as needed. The "coals" were supplied by a wood fire built away from the "pits". This would burn off most of the heavy wood smoke and prevent flames from burning the meat. Later, above ground pits were used, made of tin or brick and covered with wood sheets or barn tin to keep in the heat. Because chopping and splitting hardwood is labor intensive, most people switched to B&B Charcoal made in nearby town of Weimer, Texas. This style of BBQ became known as open pit BBQ.