Wiki Wednesday - Meet Bart Bevins

Wiki Wednesday

Meet Bart Bevins

[Stock image of John Goodman, Missouri-native actor]

On Hometown Monday this week, we shared as excerpt from Chapter 7 in the "Back to the Homeplace" novel from March, 1987. We saw a conversation between Bart Bevins, the farmer, and his brother-in-law, Jason, the financial planner. Which did you identify with?

Today we'll take you to Bart's page in the Character Files at the WIki.

This will take two clicks, to help you get used to how the Wiki is organized.

Please stick with me, here, OK?

First, click here - THEN find Bart's name, and click on it - on the actual word: Bart's.

Did you get to the Bart's page, with the image of John Goodman below?

I hope you didn't cheat… Either way, though, do you agree, with Penny Nixon, that Bart would have looked something like John Goodman?

I usually don't want to suggest how my characters look - that is the job of YOUR imagination.

However, this time, I just couldn't help it. I hope you will forgive me.

*****

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

Hometown Monday - Bart Bevins, the man who farmed The Homeplace

Hometown Monday

Bart Bevins, the man who farmed The Homeplace

[Image Credit: http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/985133/spring-clean-your-finances]

This is the third of an expected irregular series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, to provide an insight into the story lines that may not be clear from other promotional pieces about "The Homeplace Series." These will also be coordinated with the content of the developmental Wiki, "Beyond the Books" - to expand the information available there, as well.

The following excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" is from Tuesday, March, 1987, Chapter 7:

            “I had a real good talk with George Chambers, Bart. He mentioned that you might still be using what he called: “the Workbooks” and that I might want to talk with you about them. He said it might be a good way for me to pick up ideas on how things had been handled on the farm, over the years.” Jason was sharing a break in the morning work routine with Bart, in Bart’s kitchen.

            “Well, I suppose he would be right. Except, I haven’t done a real good job of keeping entries posted in the Crop Workbooks. Seems something that appears more important at the time always comes up about the time I want to make the entries. Actually, Jennifer has been doing the Cow/Calf Workbook and the Horse Workbook. She started the Cow/Calf in 4-H, then started doing the Horse Workbook for an FFA project. She seems to enjoy it, too!” Bart shook his head. “The information is all there, I do keep notes on everything; I have just fallen way behind on posting the Crop Workbook.” Bart got up, went over to a nearby shelf, and returned with a set of journals, and a box of loose papers; sitting them on the table.

            “You do have a lot of information there, it does appear.” Jason wanted to grab them out of Bart’s hands and start reading, but attempted to remain patient. “Would you mind if looked over some of that information? It would really be interesting for me. I do miss my financial planning business paperwork, I must admit!”

            “I can’t imagine “missing paperwork,” Bart replied, “that is a concept that does not compute in my brain. I loved the Real Estate business, except for the paperwork!” That brought chuckles from both. “You are welcome to look all you want; you can even record the entries, if you want… if you miss that part, too. You can follow what we were doing in the older books there.”

            “Do you mean it? I’d love to work on it! That would be the best way to learn… read the early ones, make the entries in the new ones.” Jason thumbed through the first journal Bart had handed him. “You are the expert, though. I will have a lot of questions.”

“I’ll be happy to answer any questions. I do know what I did, that is for sure. I can even interpret some of the notes. They are pretty good… but sometimes I do get in too big a hurry.” Bart pushed the rest of the collection toward Jason, along the tabletop.

*****

For 'the rest of the story' read the book:

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

The Founding of the Homeplace Story 4, Fourth of July, 1833, Part 4

The Founding of the Homeplace

Story 4, Fourth of July, 1833, Part 4

"The Founding of the Homeplace" saga will continue here on the first and third Friday of each month, going forward. See Story 1 (Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4), Story 2 (Part 1, 2, 3, and 4), Story 3 (Part 1, 2, 3 and 4), and Story 4 (Part 1, 2 and 3) earlier. This is a serial presentation of the story, beginning in 1833, when four families decided to settle the land, the valley, that would become the setting of the first two books in the The Homeplace Series: "Back to the Homeplace" and "The Homeplace Revisited" as well as the forthcoming third book in the series, "The Homeplace Threatened." These three books are set in the years 1987, 1996, and 1999, respectively. The underlying premise of this series is the desire of the family matriarch to retain the family farm in the southern Missouri Ozarks in whole and in the family. 

[Source: Currier & Ives, "Summer landscape, c1869"; Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002695754: accessed 17 Mar 2013)]

Characters in this series become actively involved in the study of their family history and snippets of that research appear, from time to time through the series (one example). This serial presentation begins to share that ‘research’ in Story Form, and, some of the Stories represent 'writings of the family' that were ‘discovered’ in the process of that research. Each Story is an essay or report of the activities of the initial four families and their descendants that settled the Homeplace – the farm and the surrounding valley.

Story 4, Fourth of July, 1833

In this episode, we share "Part 4 of 4"

Jake Patton, with an assist from Owen Olson, completed Henry McDonald’s four-wheeled freight wagon a few days before the ‘raising’ of the Olson cabin. As soon at it was ready, Henry, along with Harry, hitched up the mules and began driving the wagon around the valley each day, both to be sure the mules were trained and accustomed to pulling the wagon and to get each of them attuned to driving the mule pulled wagon. They tried a variety of loads, most being useful in moving goods around between sites. Before long, both Harry and Henry felt very much at ease with the mules and the wagon. They each became anxious to make the first freight run over the Big Piney trail a couple days after the Olson cabin was ‘raised.’

The Olson cabin ‘raising’ had to be postponed one day while a big thunderstorm rolled through the valley, but it went up very quickly on the following day. With one more day in between, Henry and Harry departed west along the Big Piney trail with full lists of items each of the families wished to have brought back on the return trip. They regretted not having a full load of goods to take with them, but that would likely come, in time. This time, they did have blacksmith items from Jake and Owen that they knew would sell in Big Piney. That was a start, at least, along with some other hand-tooled wooden and leather items from others in the valley. Kate and Victoria Patton had taken the lead among the women and sent along some preserves and food items they had made from native berries picked in the valley that they were pretty sure would sell in Big Piney because those items were not readily available there, to the best of their knowledge.

The McDonald men returned from their freight run to the Big Piney with most of the items they went for and some money from the sales they had made of the goods they had taken with them. The trip had been surprisingly uneventful. The mules and wagon each performed well. Robert Barksdale was especially pleased that the first two belts he had ordered for the mill were already there and were delivered on this run. With these now available, and with Jake able to make the first small saw blades, they looked forward to having a small, rough, early ‘saw-mill’ capability ready within a few weeks. 

Early in August the men got together and built two pole barns for winter hay. One was on the east edge of the forest between the Patton and Olson cabins and the other other equi-distance from the Barksdale, McDonald and soon-to-be Truesdale cabins. Shortly thereafter, as second cutting of hay was taken from open grasslands in sufficient quantities that all felt secure for their winter needs. 

During the third week of August, the Truesdale cabin went up as had been planned. As the fifth cabin, with the same basic design, it went up quickly and without any delay. Everyone felt a strong sense of relief, with harvest season approaching, that each of the families would now be set for the winter season with regard to housing accommodations. 

Hugh Truesdale and Victoria Patton were especially relieved on August 29th when who should arrive in the valley, down the Big Piney trial but The Reverend Mr. Jules Jenkins, still wearing his long black cloak and riding his big black Jack mule, Thunder, and leading a pack mule. The Reverend Mr. Jenkins preached his sermons, ate his meals, and performed the long awaited wedding ceremony promptly at 10 am on September 1, Victoria’s sixteenth birthday. As was his custom, following the wedding and lunch, The Reverend Mr. Jenkins packed up and headed southeast along the trail along Oak Creek to meet his next flock, where they were sure to be.

[...to be continued... on Aug 2, 2013, with Part 1 of Summer 1838 Progress Report]

Wiki Wednesday - Who is Sheila?

Wiki Wednesday

Who is Sheila?

Last week's Wiki Wednesday introduced you to a business from the Oak Springs Directory in the 1996 novel in the series. Today, we look at a Character File at the Wiki.

On Hometown Monday this week, we shared an excerpt from early in the "Back to the Homeplace" novel that was dated in February, 1987. In the excerpt you met Sheila, Melanie, Donnie and Christopher.

Today, I'm sending you to the Wiki Character File information on "Sheila"  - a central if not major family character in "The Homeplace Series" family saga. Here you learn a little more of her background.

I encourage you to 'read the book' to see what her 'central role' is in this series of family stores.

Is her "little Honda" a good symbol for Sheila?

*****

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

[Image credit: http://www.hemmings.com]

Hometown Monday - Sheila first meets Donnie and Christopher

Hometown Monday

Sheila first meets Donnie and Christopher

[Sheila drove a convertible like this up from Mississippi]

This is the second of an expected irregular series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, to provide an insight into the story lines that may not be clear from other promotional pieces about "The Homeplace Series." These will also be coordinated with the content of the developmental Wiki, "Beyond the Books" - to expand the information available there, as well.

The following excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" is from Tuesday, February 17, 1987:

            "I was really surprised when someone said there is a McDonald's in Oak Springs. I thought this would really be the “sticks”… with a McDonalds here, I may survive!"

            "The town has changed a lot recently. I hear Daddy talk about the industrial park and the college. New people are showing up all the time now."

            Sheila waited for the car coming out of the drive to clear then turned into the McDonalds's parking lot. "Here we are."

            "We're right on time," Melanie checked her wristwatch as they got out of the car, "Donnie should be here any minute. His last class at O.C.C. gets out at four. It's about a twenty minute drive."

            "What's O.C.C. stand for?"

            "Ozark Community College. It's out west of town. The campus is built on a farm that was donated several years ago. Daddy was involved with it somehow. A lot of people wondered if it would work having a college out in the middle of the country."

            Sheila walked up to the counter, and to the clerk said, "One large diet coke and a regular fry. What about you, Melanie?" She glanced at the taller, honey-blond haired girl standing next to her.

            "Just a small coke, I'll pay for it." Melanie was digging in her purse.

            "I've got it this time, Melanie. I still owe you one for steering me to Carla's Beauty Salon.  It felt almost like home in there."

"That's probably because Carla came up here from Mississippi about three years ago."  They took their food to a booth facing the street. "Mom wasn't too happy when I started going there, but it has worked out just fine. My mother still thinks old Eva Hobson out on the east edge of town is the only person who can do hair right. Her place looks like an antique store to me. I'll take the modern look at Carla's."

            "Is that Donnie in the black pickup? Someone is with him." Sheila had shifted her attention out the window. She watched two young men get out of the truck and stride toward the door. Maybe this visit will be more worthwhile than I thought, Sheila mused. Donnie is a hunk and this blond friend of his may be even more delicious.

            "That is just my brother, Christopher. He and Donnie seem like two peas in a pod, sometimes. They hunt together, they play sports together; they even watch sports together. Since Donnie has been at O.C.C. it has gotten even harder for me to find time with him." Melanie waved to let the guys know where they were sitting. Donnie waved back and proceeded to the counter.

            As they stood at the counter with their backs to the girls, Sheila noticed how similar the two young men were built. They could easily pass for brothers.  Donnie had darker brown hair and appeared to be a little older. Their broad shoulders and slim hips brought to mind a pair of halfbacks lined up ready to take a football hand-off from the quarterback. I look forward to experiencing some of their moves, Sheila pondered. 

*****

For 'the rest of the story' read the book:

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

[Image credit: http://www.hemmings.com]

Surname Saturday - Bevins Family Line

Surname Saturday

Bevins Family Line

[This blogging exercise is part of the 'reverse research' for the major, and minor, characters in the forthcoming books in The Homeplace Series]

I began this Surname Saturday exercise on April 17, 2010, with BEVINS 1 and and next six posts were all related to taking the McDONALD family line, the maternal line, back to the earliest settlement in the Oak Creek valley in 1833.

In the meantime, in creating the history of the valley, from the four founding families and other early arrivals, much more has been learned of their inter-relationships and how these developed, through the Civil War period. I have recently, to provide context for Jennifer BEVINS' family history searches, in "Christmas at the Homeplace," currently, and "The Homeplace Threatened" in the future, as well as building the content of the developmental Wiki, expanded the connection of the 'past with the present' on a family level for The Homeplace Series, as a whole. In coming weeks in this series, more of the family surnames, and relationships, will be shared.

Frank and Mildred (McDONALD) BEVINS were the subjects of BEVINS 1 along with their four children, the primary characters in "Back to the Homeplace" with the unusual video will left by Mildred on her passing in last 1986. Subsequent McDONALD posts followed her line back to Henry and Laura McDONALD of the founding families. Although not as direct by surname, Frank's ancestry goes back to the founding families, as well, as will be recorded, briefly, below.

Ora B. and Sarah Jane (WATERS) BEVINS had one child, possibly others:

1. Franklin (Frank) Leonard BEVINS, born 9 Aug 1917, in Oak Springs, MO

Howard and Myrtle (TRUESDALE) BEVINS had one child, possibly others:

1. Ora B. BEVINS, born 1891, Oak Springs, MO

Lewis and Caroline (McDONALD) TRUESDALE had two children, possibly others:

1. James (Jimmie) TRUESDALE, born 5 Feb 1866, Oak Springs, MO

2. Myrtle TRUESDALE, born 1868, Oak Springs, MO

Lewis TRUESDALE was the son of Hugh and Victoria (PATTON) TRUESDALE, each of whom was an original settler in the Oak Creek Valley, the first couple to be married in the valley.

Caroline McDONALD was the oldest daughter of Harry and Sarah (BALDRIDGE) McDONALD, each of whom was also an original settler, as young children, in the Oak Creek Valley [See McDONALD 3, 4, and 5]

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill  ;-)

Wiki Wednesday - Bevins Stables & Trail Rides

Wiki Wednesday

Bevins Stables & Trail Rides

OK, so I love this photo image!  ;-)

Wiki Wednesday is my (one more) way of introducing you to some of the characters and stories of "The Homeplace Series" of Family Saga tales and adventures.

Today, I'm encouraging you to visit the Bevins Stables & Trail Rides at the collaborative wiki: "Beyond the Books."

On Monday, we shared a book excerpt that took place at these stables. I hope you enjoy your visit, however brief, and perhaps even click on a link to two, to learn more about our people.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Comons: Palamio_Horse.jpg

*****

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Hometown Monday - Heather starts her FFA Horse Project

Hometown Monday

Heather starts her FFA Horse Project

This is the first of an expected irregular series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, to provide an insight into the story lines that may not be clear from other promotional pieces about "The Homeplace Series." These will also be coordinated with the content of the developmental Wiki, "Beyond the Books" - to expand the information available there, as well.

[Palamino Horse - Wikimedia Commons - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Palomino_Horse.jpg]

This is what I envisoned Marilyn to look like - and also Sunshine, below]

The following excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" is from Thursday, August 22, 1996:

"At the stable, Jennifer, Diane and Heather were discussing the improved horse breeding plan and how it might, or might not, fit in with their existing plans. They were sitting around the table in the break area at mid-morning. Diane mentioned that in the remodeling they had made two of the stalls larger with the thought that they might want to do more regular breeding in the future. Mares typically need stalls with more space to have their foals. “Perhaps a plan to have two foals each spring would be a good plan to start. Then we could decide to sell one or two each year, and keep one or two each year.” Diane was thinking out loud.

Jennifer picked up the line of thought. “Yes, foaling will take more labor, all around, as well. Starting with two a year seems to be a good plan, to start. Of course, Christopher had us breed Shadow, last month, so she will be the first. We would need to pick one other.”

Heather had been listening and thinking. “I need a new FFA project this coming year. Might it be possible for me to work with each of you to develop a plan, and take responsibility to carry it out yet this fall, next spring and into next year? Jennifer, you did a project like this in high school, didn’t you?”

“I did a cow-calf project for 4-H, and, I did a horse project for FFA. It wasn’t quite this complex, but, yes, it would make a good project. Diane, what do you think?” Jennifer looked pleased with the idea.

“Frankly, it would solve one concern I had that we hadn’t discussed yet – who was going to do the follow through work on the plan and help keep us on schedule. Jennifer and I can each do our parts, but we can’t be thinking about it all the time. We do have other responsibilities that must take first priority – and that wouldn’t work with the breeding plan very well.” Diane looked a Heather, seriously. “Do you feel you are really up to this?”

Heather responded in kind, “I’m ready to lead the team, if we can work as a team, and you support me. I know you will.”

“We will.” Diane and Jennifer responded, in unison.

“Then let’s get to work. The mares each have at least two more cycles yet this fall, for breeding. Jennifer, do you think Sunshine is ready?”

Sunshine was a palomino four-year old mare that traced back to Diane’s favorite saddle horse, Marilyn, from years past. Sunshine had become Heather’s favorite in the last couple of years.

Jennifer responded, “I can certainly check her out, to be sure. What do you think, Diane? Is Sunshine a good candidate?”

“Yes, I tend to agree. Can we get some palomino semen to keep the line clean?”

Jennifer looked to Heather, “I’ll work with Heather to accomplish that… it is now part of her plan and responsibility, I believe. Correct?”

“Correct. I’ll get to work on the plan. Anything else?” Heather was about to jump out of the chair she was sitting on.

“Move ahead with planning,” Diane added, “but let’s talk some more before we take any serious actions. Caution is still our watchword, and it applies here as well. You get to work on the plan as we seek alternatives. I think it is a go, but a ‘go slowly’ not ‘a jump in with both feet without thinking,’ ok?

“Agreed. OK!” Heather replied.

“Yes, good approach.” Jennifer concurred.


For 'the rest of the story' - you may get the book, here, now:

*****

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

The Founding of the Homeplace Story 4, Fourth of July, 1833, Part 3

The Founding of the Homeplace

Story 4, Fourth of July, 1833, Part 3

"The Founding of the Homeplace" saga will continue here on the first and third Friday of each month, going forward. See Story 1 (Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4), Story 2 (Part 1, 2, 3, and 4), Story 3 (Part 1, 2, 3 and 4), and Story 4 (Part 1 and 2) earlier. This is a serial presentation of the story, beginning in 1833, when four families decided to settle the land, the valley, that would become the setting of the first two books in the The Homeplace Series: "Back to the Homeplace" and "The Homeplace Revisited" as well as the forthcoming third book in the series, "The Homeplace Threatened." These three books are set in the years 1987, 1996, and 1999, respectively. The underlying premise of this series is the desire of the family matriarch to retain the family farm in the southern Missouri Ozarks in whole and in the family. 

[Source: Currier & Ives, "Summer landscape, c1869"; Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002695754: accessed 17 Mar 2013)]

Characters in this series become actively involved in the study of their family history and snippets of that research appear, from time to time through the series (one example). This serial presentation begins to share that ‘research’ in Story Form, and, some of the Stories represent 'writings of the family' that were ‘discovered’ in the process of that research. Each Story is an essay or report of the activities of the initial four families and their descendants that settled the Homeplace – the farm and the surrounding valley.

Story 4, Fourth of July, 1833

In this episode, we share "Part 3 of 4"

On Tuesday, each person knew exactly what their role was as soon as they finished their individual chore responsibilities and converged on the McDonald building site to get right to work. The ground had been prepared, the site had been laid out, and materials had been placed in the most advantageous positions to ‘raise the cabin’ in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Having already done this twice, recently, certainly helped.

At appropriate breaks in the work, water and nourishment were available in the designated shady areas. Following the breaks, work began again immediately so that the ‘cabin had been raised’ well before dusk. Finishing work would follow, but the cabin was now ‘built’ and no longer required the entire combined work force. Everyone was very satisfied with their long day of work. They even noted a few improvements they would make for the next planned ‘raising.’

The following week on Thursday everyone looked forward to the 4th of July Independence Day celebration. A short program, beginning at 11 a.m. was organized. Jake Patton agreed to serve as Master of Ceremonies for this event and gave a short address at the end of the program. Hugh Teasdale read the Declaration of Independence. Patriotic songs were sung. Both Robert Barksdale and Henry McDonald spoke briefly about their ancestors involvement in the Revolutionary War and the fight for Independence from Britain. A community picnic followed the program. The men used this holiday gathering as an extra community planning opportunity as well.

The Barksdales shared their plans for the mill with the others, based on the results of their trip to Big Piney and their work since their return. Henry McDonald finalized plans for a four day trip to ‘widen the trail’ in a couple of weeks. Jake Patton announced that the wagon was already under construction. Hugh and Owen discussed their planned timing to raise the Owen cabin in about three or four weeks. By mid-afternoon, everyone had returned to their own places to take care of work that always needed to be done. 

Five men made the trip back up the trail westward toward the Big Piney to widen the trail in the necessary places so that the bigger wagon would be able to make the trip when it was ready. They were Henry McDonald, Robert and David Barksdale, Owen Olson and Hugh Teasdale. It was hard work but with good planning, use of the mules, a couple of oxen and one of the two wheeled wagons, they managed to achieve their goals, and returned without serious injuries before sundown on the fourth day, as planned. Although the summer heat had worked against them, there was no rain, so they were able to work straight through and stay on schedule. They were a welcome sight to those left behind as they returned to the valley that evening.

On the afternoon of the third day following their return from working on the trail, as they were working on their mill site near Oak Creek, Robert and David Barksdale became aware of a stranger, on horseback, leading a fully packed mule, coming down the east bank of the Creek from the north. With their rifles at the ready, they watched the rider who now obviously knew he was being watched, cross the Creek while still on the ridge and then proceed down the ridge toward them. He looked much like a trader, but unlike Big John, he had a more menacing air about him. They weren’t sure what it was, but both Robert and David felt it, as the rider approached.

The rider introduced himself as Warren Mather, an explorer, writer and sometime trader. The Barksdales introduced themselves and welcomed Mather to the valley. They of course asked him early on where he’d come from and where he was headed if he didn’t mind sharing that information with them. He was very open about having no particular firm plans; today he was following this creek to see where it took him. He said he would pause, from time to time, to make notes of his surroundings and new things that he saw. Further, he said that one day he would like to write a book about his travels on this part of the frontier. The Barksdales briefly told him about the settlements here in the valley and invited him to join them at their evening meal. When he accepted their invitation, David went to let the women know that their guest was staying for dinner as Robert kept Mr. Mather engaged in conversation. 

By the conclusion of the evening meal, Robert had concluded that Mather was a self-absorbed, well-educated loner who, in fact, was out exploring the world, for his own gratification, but otherwise seemed to be harmless. As he said he would, Warren Mather had cleared his small campsite on the edge of the forest west of the Barksdale cabin by sun-up and moved south down Oak Creek. Henry McDonald reported seeing him pass by their place as Mather went south along the river, but they did not speak. No one in the valley ever saw or heard from him again. 

[...to be continued... on July 19, 2013, with Part 4 of Story 4]