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Boys will be boys
We've all heard the saying, "Boys will be boys." The following story, published on July 21, 1908, in "The Lenoir News" with the title "The Boys and the Boat" illustrates the point. What I'm looking for in a candidate
I found myself in a group of about 30 people just a few days back. It shouldn't have, but the subject of politics slipped its way into the conversation. The thought of such a large and diverse group arguing about Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives made me cringe with dread that a good old timey knock down, drag out would ensue. I knew the politics of every person in the room, which made predicting what each would say and what position would be taken by each individual could be easily predicted. I feared a scene reminiscent of a Jerry Springer show with people rolling around on the floor pulling hair and slapping heads. Happy new school year
School starts Monday for most Caldwell students. Soon home schools and private schools will be up and running in their new academic years too. In several locations, I've seen lights on in classrooms after hours where teachers are cleaning, straightening, organizing, and decorating. They anticipate a new crop of students who will learn and grow this year. Experience the Civil War in Lenoir
The Yankees are coming! The Yankees are coming! Put down the phone and live
We Americans are awfully busy people. So it would seem if you measure "busyness" by the amount of time we spend talking and texting on our cell phones. On a recent trip to the beach, I couldn't help but notice how many of my fellow vacationers were walking around with a phone mashed against their heads. It's a wonder this nation hasn't been stricken with a rash of skinned shins and stumped toes that reaches near epidemic proportions. Totally focusing the mind on an in-depth conversation about Aunt Ethel's recent gall bladder surgery tends to inhibit one's ability to watch where one is going. A photo of the John Edwards family on his official Web site is perfectly handsome, featuring the gorgeous 20-something daughter, wife Elizabeth, John, and the two golden-haired youngsters. They appear happy, the essence of wholesome family values and love. The day that picture was made no one would have believed an adultery scandal was set to strike that family.
Edwards joined the ranks of other politicians risking reputation and career in adulterous relationships. The list is long and getting longer, FDR, JFK, Bill Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, Larry Craig, and Eliot Spitzer, just a few who have been publicized. Special delivery: The final post office history installment
This is the third in a three-part series on the history of the United States Post Office in the town of Lenoir. It appeared in the April 9, 1931 edition. My dream job; any offers?
You've probably seen the commercial hawking home water filters where the camera pans in on a plastic bottle and declares that the bottle will stay and slowly deteriorate in a landfill for 20 years. I suppose there's some kind of complicated scientific test administered by some prestigious laboratory somewhere that can accurately predict how long a plastic bottle will live in a landfill. But what if there isn't? What if there's a company somewhere that hires people to sit in a dump with a calendar in hand watching the plastic bottle? Now that sounds like my kind of gig. You sit, you watch, you drink coffee. Sort of like what I do all day now except if I could land one of these bottle watching jobs I'd get paid for it. Sweet. Candidates for change
Off shore drilling has become a campaign playing card for both John McCain and Barack Obama. Each man is compromising his former position on the issue to appeal to voters who want oil plentiful and cheap. A scientist interviewed last week casually mentioned that neither candidate has suggested Americans need to cut back on consumption of petroleum products, mainly gasoline. The candidates most likely won't bring up conservation. That would not be popular with the voters; we want what we want when we want it. The presidential candidates know this, and they have to tell us what we want to hear. Yes, there will be oil production without restraint offshore or anywhere else we can pump it. You will not be deprived. More on the Lenoir Post Office’s early days
Today we are repeating part two in a three-part history of the post office in the town of Lenoir that was published on April 9, 1931, when the Post Office building located at the corner of Harper and Boundary streets was occupied. Do you eat it or wear it?
Last week my daughter informed me that one of the light bulbs in her bathroom was shot and wondered if I would mind installing a new one. Of course I didn't mind and went straight to the light fixture in question to get the job done. Besides I've often wondered how many mechanically inept dads it takes to change a light bulb and this was a good chance to find out. Two evenings at the opera house
Two different editions of the Lenoir News in 1908 gave some information about plays in Lenoir. The first item appeared on July 17: The games 'we' played
There are few things in this world I detest more than video games. By and large they're a waste of time and spending hour after hour playing them turns the brain into a soupy mush. Especially teenage brains. Video games are mentioned and blamed in nearly every article you can read decrying the poor physical condition of our youth. It's doesn't require a degree in physical education to understand that if you sit on your backside for hours and hours playing games, your physical condition will suffer. In short, you will become fat, lazy, disturbingly pale, and eventually you're bound to get sick. Making connections
From the response to the deer column last week, I believe many other folks in this county have been fighting their own wars with these four-footed garden pests. My husband chuckled and said that I must have really connected with people on that one. I think only those with deer battle experience could truly "feel my pain." They can relate. Expenses, late snows and our flying heritage
Today's column is about three entirely different and unrelated topics. Hopefully you will find something of interest in one of them. The incredible power of family
While watching a local Charlotte newscast last week, a political advertisement for Senator Barrack Obama was aired. Frankly, the Senator and I disagree on almost every single issue out there but in the ad I saw he did mention one thing, probably the only thing, on which the two of us can find common ground. The subject he addressed briefly was the importance of family in each of our lives. The cultural significance of blackberries
Saturday (July 12) is the seventh annual North Carolina Blackberry Festival in downtown Lenoir beginning at 10 a.m. According to the Chamber of Commerce Web site "â€-blackberries are a part of everyday life – children beg to go pick from the wild berries lining every bank and mothers take what isn't eaten during the day for cobblers. Blackberry cobblers and jam are a strong part of local heritage. The North Carolina Blackberry Festival offers summer fun to all visitors – without the chiggers!" Waging battle against the deer
I loved whitetail deer from the time I first saw Bambi decades ago. I remembered his pitiful little voice calling Mama during the forest fire and the majestic daddy buck high up on that rocky cliff watching him. In years following, a deer grazing in a meadow thrilled me. As one leaped a fence in front of me, his white tail flagged, I would exclaim, "Oh, look, a deer!" Blackberry pickin': How sweet it is
Most everyone reading this piece has taken on the task of picking blackberries. Now I'm not talking about going out to someone's tame blackberries briars where you could easily and safely harvest the berries while wearing your pajamas and house slippers. I mean real blackberry picking, out in the wild among the thorns and snakes and the yellow jackets. The grief of a generation
Last Sunday I squeezed the hand of a grieving widow and hugged her, unable to express anything more than a simple I'm-so-sorry and he-was-a-good-man. She was in pain, an awful personal pain of losing a spouse, which most people in the receiving line could not know. Her journey into the first year without her husband was beginning. Notable July Fourths of the past
Today is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when we declared our freedom from our mother country. People will celebrate in various ways, perhaps with family gatherings, picnics or trips. Freedom: Let it ring
Freedom. As Americans, every Fourth of July we get together with our friends to celebrate the fact that we are blessed to enjoy it every single day of our lives. We grill our burgers, shoot off our fireworks, consume our beverages (adult and otherwise), march in our parades, and most have a day off work to enjoy the festivities. All in all, the Fourth of July is a day of fun and frivolity. What I would have missed
If I had listened to a nagging inner voice I would never have taken a trip to Alaska last week. After months of plotting and planning, my husband came up with a trip to celebrate our 30th anniversary in The Last Frontier. But random little fears plagued me as I wrestled with all the "what-if." Tucker's Barn and the settling of Lenoir
Although the following article is not signed, I feel quite certain that it is the work of the late Allan L. Poe. He did this brief history of Tucker's Barn for Ada Allen who lived on the property at the time. Feeling the growing pains
Sometimes the Good Lord blesses in ways that are obvious and in ways we easily realize. Other times we are granted precious blessings and we're oblivious to them at the time. I had no idea how blessed I was when I was a boy growing up on Setzers' Creek . This was especially true during the summertime. Seeing the beautiful in life
Traveling down Old Petra Mill Road the other day, I slowed down, as I usually do, on the bridge over Rock Creek, one of the prettiest places in Caldwell County. There creek water streams downhill over rock formations framed in by woods on both sides of the creek. In this morning's glow a Great Blue Heron stood on his stilt legs watching for his breakfast in the current. Sometimes scenes are too beautiful for words. Murder in Buffalo Cove?
I thought that surely I had heard every story told about Buffalo Cove, but it seems that I must have missed at least one. On March 13 1908, the newspaper had the following item entitled "Ghastly Find." The key to a happy home
Unless some disaster befalls us over the next 48 hours, the wife and I will have been married 33 years this coming Friday. I don't mind telling you that in a society where a lot of marriages melt faster than the icing on the wedding cake, I'm pretty proud of our martial longevity. Actually, I'm more than pretty proud, I'm terribly proud. The most powerful man in the world
Preface: Two years have passed since this piece first ran as a guest column to the News-Topic. From the strong feedback on this topic, I was encouraged to present it to you again. More on the beloved Nora McGee
Last week we shared part one of Lois Herman Smith's memories of her friend, Nora McGee. Today we are presenting the final part. Dangerously drunk
Several recent graduates I know are at the beach right now celebrating their accomplishments with friends. I hope they will have a safe and happy time with the hordes of other students who will be there, but some of those celebrators will not be safe; they will be dangerously drunk. Remembering Miss Nora
When I read the newspaper obituary of Nora McGee, who died on May 20, I knew she was a subject for one of these columns. When Lois Herman Smith of Cary suggested I write about Miss Nora, I asked her to share some of her memories. I am passing along in two parts what Lois said with very little editing of her original text. The Watts diet
It seems like just yesterday we were bagging up the Christmas wrapping paper and now, all of a sudden, here we are, sweating out the summer's first salvo of heat and North Carolina's trademark humidity. There's always a lot going on this time of year. The last of the graduation exercises are being held at different locations all over the country. Brides are getting all dolled up for their upcoming nuptials. Kids are getting ready for Bible school and summer camps. All the while, men and women everywhere are donning their swimsuits and wondering just what they could have possibly eaten over the winter to bring about this unexpected and totally unwanted flab festival now being held on their hips and stomach. Dispelling the gloom
Life is heavy these days with all the bad news about the economy. I heard a television “news” reporter speculate on life in America if gasoline goes to $7 per gallon. This type of reporting has generated excessive fear and anxiety over conditions that haven't even occurred. An exciting, apropos way to honor veterans
I attended the Memorial Day ceremony on the Square in Lenoir last Monday. I have attended the one in Hudson in years past, but I was unable to attend this year. I commend the groups who sponsor each of these events, and I trust that they will continue this good work. It was good to see a large crowd in Lenoir. The many joys of overalls
My daughter giggled when I came down the hall wearing my overalls last Wednesday. She had never seen me wearing overalls and probably figured the whole thing was just a ploy to get her to laugh. When she finished with her guffawing, she said I looked “ridiculous,” “homely,” “pitiful,” and I'm pretty sure she used the word “pathetic.” I was very disappointed with her choice of such adjectives since the descriptive term I was going for here was “cute.” In remembrance
While looking for something under the front car seat recently, I found a little lapel button with the words “United We Stand” printed in red, white, and blue. Our youngest son had gotten it in one of those 50-cent trinket machines instead of the wristband he was hoping to get. I was sad to see that slogan down in the floor of the car. I held the button for a minute and remembered the year 2001 after the World Trade Center attack when billboards and bumper stickers with the “united we stand” message were common. A deep subject: Caldwell wells
An article, “Mirrors of Caldwell,” written by Charles Pegram in 1931, contains two items about wells. Quite a way with the ladies
Last week I spent my ink here talking about finding my long lost high school yearbooks. Honestly, when I started reading the notes my school friends had written in those old books, I just couldn't seem to put them down. Thoughts on moving
The end of school migration has begun, so it's moving time for many people this month. Near a large college campus recently, I saw all that hustle and bustle - the cars packed tightly, barely leaving room for the driver; laundry bags and baskets crammed full; and boxes of junk left on the curbs. I felt glad not to be moving. Memory lane
While rearranging some of the junk I store in my basement, I came across some real treasures. Well, treasures to me anyway. There, tucked away in the bottom of an old box, I found my old yearbooks from Gamewell-Collettsville High School. Needless to say, that was the end of my “clutter busting” for the day. For a sentimental older fool like myself, looking through my annuals was a treat that simply could not be delayed. I poured myself a cup of hot coffee and settled in for the afternoon. Mothers have wings
While rummaging through a box a junk my oldest son left upstairs, I found a little plaque I gave him for Christmas. It reads, “My mom's a travel agent for guilt trips.” That message was a joke because my son often accuses me of using guilt to control him. For example, if I want him to attend a family get-together, I say, “I know everyone would enjoy seeing you, but if you don't think you can manage going, it's OK.” (His interpretation: I'm going to look bad if I don't go and it's really not OK.) Caldwell's first automobile accident
Many people remember Charles Pegram, who operated the Printing House on West Avenue for many years. Prior to that time, he worked for the “Lenoir News-Topic” and he shared items of interest in a column entitled “Mirrors of Caldwell.” The April 7, 1931, edition gives an interesting item of history for those of use who like to know about Caldwell County “firsts.” Randon thoughts
Today, using a little baseball terminology here, I'm going to throw you a bit of a change up and deal you a random thought column. Seems painfully appropriate since most of my thinking is done in an unorganized, helter skelter, brain in the blender manner anyway. My condition can be directly traced to the consumption of too much transfat. Or it could be allergies. Or maybe global warming. You pick the malady. I'll just type. A visit to the Draco community
A few days ago I visited a community in Caldwell County that I had never visited before-Draco. I went at the invitation of the Bethel Advent Christian Church. It was their monthly church supper, a time of fellowship, devotion, and sharing of information. A day in the life
Not so many days ago a sweet little lady ran over me with her shopping cart while I was maneuvering through a local grocery store. She was so nice it was just impossible to get mad at her, especially since she was nice enough to wet a paper towel so I could clean the blood off my slacks. The whole ordeal wasn't really her fault since most shopping buggies tend to have minds of their own. As we were chatting, it dawned on her that I was, as she phrased it, “that man in the newspaper.” Since that description could easily apply to any of those unfortunates whose pictures appear on the “most wanted” section of the paper each week, I quickly clarified my identity for her. After making sure I wasn't on the run because of some malfeasance, she introduced herself and asked me a question. As true today: People hate taxes
Taxes are always a hot topic. On May 4, 1931, a headline in the “News-Topic” was “Williams Admits Cause Now Lost” with a sub-topic “Says Luxury Tax Forces, Claiming Bare Margin In Senate Have Won Victory.” Suggestions for helping the Earth
From time to time you'll pick up a newspaper and find an article where some environmentalist is quoted as believing there are just too many people in the world. I've heard the Rev. Jesse Jackson solemnly declare it. Ted Turner, former husband of Jane Fonda and renowned mental Goliath, was the latest to state such a concern. Too many people equates to too much pollution, you see, and someday that pollution will cause the sun's rays to penetrate the ozone layer and broil the entire population as one might broil several billion corndogs. Needing the bread of life
Food helps hold families together. That's the advice I give when the book is passed around at bridal showers. Eating together, or at least knowing that food is waiting on the stove, gives a good reason to be home. Of course, I'm assuming food will always be available. Although I've heard the name “Gypsy Smith,” my knowledge about him was limited. I knew he was an evangelist with a gypsy background, but I was not familiar with the details. When I was reading the April 1931 “News-Topic” I learned that the evangelist had preached in Lenoir.
I did a little research to get the background on the man. I learned that there were two evangelists named Gypsy Smith, father and son. It was the son, Gypsy Smith Jr. who preached a revival in Lenoir in 1931. However, the promotional material stated that his father, Gypsy Smith Sr., had preached in Lenoir on two previous occasions, and that the son had led a local revival in 1920. Caldwell communications
A few weeks ago, out of the goodness of my “big as a tractor tire” heart, I took the time to create sort of a mini-dictionary consisting of some colorful phrases and words that are used primarily here in Caldwell County. I did this to help the many who are moving into our area to be able to relate more succinctly with the natives. Today, I'd like to add just a few words and their definitions to our little dictionary. Some of these may well be exclusive to Caldwell and maybe a couple of mountain counties. I do this not only to help our newcomers but to add more proof that I truly am a sweetheart of a fellow. Preserving peace of mind
Americans are apprehensive for many good reasons lately. The teeter-totter economy, the presidential election, the on-going war in Iraq, and gas prices that continue upward are concerns people carry with wrinkled foreheads and heavy hearts. I've heard the phrase “God only knows” frequently in the past few months. The legacy of W.W. Scott
I've read many of the writings of W. W. Scott in my attempts to learn the history of Caldwell County. My friend, the late Allan Poe, gave me some information about the man that I used as a basis for this column some years ago. Recently I found two columns about him, one written about this death and the other about his funeral. There is some duplication of material, so I am presenting the highlights. Whoa man! That guy's pregnant
Thomas Beatie is pregnant. Yes, you read right. A man named Thomas, who hails from Oregon, allows he is five months pregnant. Perhaps a little background would be helpful here. Another gold standard
“Pure gold does not fear furnace.” - Chinese proverb A brief, but rich history
When one hears the word “history” the mind usually conjures up things that are years, even centuries old. But we must remember that everything has a history, be it many years or only a few days. Any ideas?
From time to time I tend to need a little help coming up with an idea for a column. Luckily, I have a network of friends and family members who come to my aid when I find myself faced with such a dilemma. Camping's for the birds
My girls came up with this great plan on how to spend the upcoming summer. More than green beer
Not many of us Caldwellians claim Irish ancestry, only 5.5 percent in Lenoir by U.S. Census Bureau reports. Granite Falls and Hudson are higher with 7.2 and 7.1 percent respectively. Those numbers aren't high enough to warrant a St. Patrick's Day parade much to my dismay. Burke County and the writings of Larry Clark
It certainly isn't news to anyone that Burke County is our neighbor and one of our parent counties. Their history is so closely tied with ours, that when a new book about that county comes along, those of us interested in the history of Caldwell County are compelled to read it. Larry R. Clark contributes history articles to the Morganton newspaper, and some of these articles have been compiled under the title “Burke County, North Carolina: Historic Tales from the Gateway to the Blue Ridge.” Considering mortality
We are all going to die. I know, you don't have to tell me. That's not the ideal way to kick off a column that is supposed to focus on the tickling of the funny bone yet it is, nonetheless, a fact. A fact, incidentally, I get reminded of three of four times a week nowadays when I go to the mailbox. Those fun loving guys and gals up at the A.A.R.P. are relentless when it comes to trying to sell me life and/or health insurance. I don't get it. If they know I'm nearly 55 and, due to my many health-ravaging habits, could easily become gravely ill or even assume room temperature any moment now, why would they want to insure me? Storms of life
The radio weather forecast I heard while driving to work one day last week called for tornadoes. That's right - thunderstorms with possible hail, high winds, and tornadoes, not exactly a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Remembering a big ugly visitor to Dudley Shoals 10 years ago, I shuddered at that forecast. Remembering Miss Nora
When I read the newspaper obituary of Nora McGee, who died on May 20, I knew she was a subject for one of these columns. When Lois Herman Smith of Cary suggested I write about Miss Nora, I asked her to share some of her memories. I am passing along in two parts what Lois said with very little editing of her original text. |
