Hometown Monday - D is for Diane, Don and more

Hometown Monday

D is for Diane, Don and more

We are continuing this series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, with a new twist. We have adopted a format from the: "Blogging From A to Z Challenge." Each week we will share a published except related to a person whose name begins with that letter. 

This series of posts is 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. [Links in the text, below, provide more information on that person or entity]

Today we look at D. For D, we have (with two excerpts, below):

Danny Urich - Manager of McDonalds in Oak Springs in 1987, in "Murder by the Homeplace;" His wife is Jill.

Diane (Spencer) Bevins - Wife of Bart Bevins - see first excerpt, below

Dick Nixon - Editor and Publisher of the Oak Springs Enterprise in 1987

Doc Evans - veterinarian; approaching retirement, turned over his large animal clients to Jennifer in 1996

Don Kirk - lawyer at the Ogden Law Firm - see second excerpt, below

Donnie Bevins - first year student at OCC in 1987; deceased in 1996; son of Bart and Diane Bevins; sister of Jennifer Bevins

Douglas Johnson - lawyer with Ogden Law Firm, early in 1987; victim in "Murder by the Homeplace" late in 1987

A Diane excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" from Monday, March 2, 1987:

"We should be able to get in an hour ride before dark, Mom." Jennifer cinched up the girth of the saddle on Bon Jovi, her chestnut stallion. "The days are finally getting longer."

Diane smiled back and moved her palomino mare, Marilyn, toward the drive away from the barn. "It has been hard to get out for a ride, hasn't it? The wind has been blowing so cold its just no fun. The calm today is very welcome." The sun shone brightly in the western sky as mother and daughter rode side by side down the lane from their house to the main road. A flock of little horned larks were visible in the field along the road where Bart had fed hay to the cattle earlier in the day.  On the other side a pair of cardinals chased each other in a patch of giant horseweed and ragweed. 

"How are you and Dad taking having all the family around? You seem just fine, but...are you really?"  Jennifer felt as though she hadn't had a minute alone with her mother in two weeks. They hadn't even talked about the will meeting. This should be the chance to do that.

Diane looked a little surprised at the question. "I am fine. Thank you for asking. It has been a strain, though… especially for your father. He has worked so hard on this farm since his Dad died. I don't know what he'll do if he can't keep working it."

"Can you tell me what is really happening? Before they all came you told Donnie and me what was going on. Now I feel left out a little. You and Dad have been so busy, it seems."

"Well, it is kind of complicated and none of us really knows as much as we would like. Your grandma used videotape, a “TV will,” for this part of her will. She talked to each of us just like she was there in front of us. Your father actually cried; tears just ran down his cheeks." Diane shook her head as she recalled. "She told us how important it was to her and your Grandfather Frank that the farm be kept together. They also wanted each of us to continue to benefit from the family farm life into the coming generations. Beverly seems convinced that Mildred was senile when she made the tape. I must admit to having wondered a little myself."

Jennifer tightened her grip on the reins as a quail took flight with a whurrrr from the roadside just in front of her. Bon Jovi did a nervous dance but then moved forward. "It is hard to imagine grandma sitting there talking into a video camera. I always thought she was pretty old-fashioned, actually. Maybe I was wrong."

"Carter says she saw an article in Successful Farming magazine and asked him if he could do it with her. She and Frank had talked about this plan a lot, had it all worked out. Being able to tell us about it ‘in person,’” Carter said, “made her feel we would all take the news better." Diane chose her words carefully, Jennifer could tell. "She was right, though. It was a shock to hear that it would actually be over two more years before we know for sure what will happen, who will own or control the farm. Seeing her actually saying the words did make it more believable, I must admit."

"Have you talked to Donnie? Does he understand there is still so much uncertainty?  What does it mean to him?" Jennifer was thinking of all the plans she had heard Donnie and Melanie talking about, about being a part of the farm operation...soon.

"No, he has been at school and with Melanie. The right chance just hasn't come up yet. Your father and I aren't sure ourselves how we feel about it." Diane hesitated with each thought.  It was almost as if this was the first time she had seriously considered that situation, Jennifer noted.

Diane continued, hesitantly. "It's hard to talk to anyone. We expected to be here 'forever'. Any other alternative wasn't considered. Your father has retreated into his own thoughts. He has hardly talked to me since the meeting, to tell you the truth." Diane slapped Marilyn into a trot as they turned right, onto the main road. Jennifer followed suit and they rode in quiet for a quarter mile. The cheery voice of a Carolina wren, singing as though it were summer, was the only sound to disturb the beat of the hoofs on the gravel.

******

A Don Kirk excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" from Thursday, August 15, 1996:

Returning from lunch, Christopher walked back into the office with Don Kirk, the other lawyer in their firm. Carter had hired Don late in the fall that Christopher went off to college, in 1987. Carter and Don had known each other since law school in St. Louis. While Carter had returned to the small town law practice, Don had stayed near home in St. Louis and gone into corporate practice and had served in several political appointments in recent years. He said he was more than ready to join a small town firm to finish his career to retirement. He was the same age as Carter, and they both hoped that Christopher would join the firm when he was ready, as he had done. Neither had anticipated the challenge that now faced them; that Carter would not be around much longer.

Christopher had gone to the Rotary Club luncheon meeting with Don today because the speaker was their local State Senator Charles Medford. Keeping current on local politics is always critical for each lawyer in a local law firm.

As they returned, Don told Christopher that the easement issue on the road through the Bevins property had been before he joined the firm. However, he had been involved in a few cases of environmental endangered species cases, in the past, so he would be happy to consult and help in any way he could with the current situation. Christopher returned to his office to renew his research on the issues he now faced.

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

Bill  ;-)

Hometown Monday - C is for Cletus and Carter Ogden

Hometown Monday

C is for Cletus and Carter Ogden

We are continuing this series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, with a new twist. We have adopted a format from the: "Blogging From A to Z Challenge." Each week we will share a published except related to a person whose name begins with that letter. 

This series of posts is 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. [Links in the text, below, provide more information on that person or entity]

Today we look at C. For C, we have (with two excerpts, below):

Callie - patient of Karen in Tucson, first novel only

Carter Ogden - see comments, and excerpt, below…

Charles Medford - State Senator; first novel only, but, may reappear later, if needed

Charlotte (Crane) McDonald - deceased - grandmother of Mildred (McDonald) Bevins - we'll look at her more in the future.

Christopher Ogden - We saw more about him earlier, here and here and here

Clarice McCauley, Rev. - Minister, First United Methodist Church

Cletus - neighbor and farm worker at stables, also appears in "The Homeplace Revisited"

A Cletus excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" from Sunday, August 16, 1987:

Bart continued that as he had made some careful inquiries recently, a couple of unexpected bits of information had been disclosed. Cletus, their neighbor, immediately to the south, Jason did know him, who did fieldwork for Bart on a pretty regular basis, and with the horses, mentioned to Bart that his parents might be ready to sell their land. Now that they had both moved into the nursing home, permanently, they had actually raised the issue themselves of possibly selling their 80 acres. Cletus said he really didn’t want the responsibility. His folks had been on the place “forever” and everyone just assumed Cletus would continue the tradition. They had four riding horses, as well. In talking to Cletus, Cletus himself had actually mentioned the possibility of bringing the horses up to Bart’s place, so that they could be “looked after” all together. He had said their barn was in such poor repair… and they didn’t really have the cash to fix it. Cletus said he liked being around Bart’s place.

The additional of four more horses would make nine, and they would “need to earn their keep” was the way Bart described the situation to Jason. Diane said this had gotten them to thinking about the alternatives, just as the trustee’s meeting asked them to think about the future. She added that she had been thinking about wanting to do some different things, and this just might meet that need as well. Reading their horse related magazines with an eye toward alternative revenue sources led pretty quickly to the idea of trail rides, guided tours, nature interpretation, etc. They might even be tied into Paul’s talk of tours of the mill and the river. Diane’s English background would certainly be useful in preparing brochures and marketing materials, as well.

“We had never given a moment’s notice to the idea of “tourism on the farm” – but now, we can hardly think of anything else, and are wondering if we are really on to something, or just plain crazy?” Bart finished with a big grin on his face. He seemed to be relieved to have told Jason their thoughts to this point.

Jason replied, “Not crazy, but caution is reasonable. We each need to continue to collect information and we need to put all that information together. It does seem we have some synergy here… several pieces of the same puzzle seem to be coming together. Is it too good to be true? How does it all fit? What are the real facts, apart from the concepts? These are the kinds of questions we need to be prepared to take to the next trustees meeting.

******

Carter Ogden was the lawyer that helped get the

A Carter Ogden excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" from Tuesday, February 17, 1987:

Jason noticed that Carter Ogden was unusually solemn greeting each family member as they arrived for the scheduled meeting. The family attorney for many years, Carter Ogden was like a family member himself. "Rough day, Carter?"

"Yes, Jason. This is not a meeting I have been looking forward to. You are all good friends. I told Frank and Mildred this would be difficult for me. They still insisted it was what they wanted!" Carter moved toward the conference room door. "Please join me in the conference room, everyone. We can get started now."

The dark mahogany panels on all four walls of the conference room added suspense that something very serious was about to happen. At the far end of the room, a large television screen was placed just to the left of center. To the right of center was an artist’s easel. It appeared to hold a number of large charts covered by a blank one. Nameplates were in place around the large rectangular conference table. It seated sixteen, Jason observed, two on each end and six down each side.

Bart and Diane followed Carter and took their places in the first two chairs on the right side of the table.  As he helped Diane with her chair, Bart said, "Seems mighty formal; but if this is what Mom wanted, fine." Bart shook his head as he took his seat.

"Didn't you ever disagree with what she said, Bart?" Beverly had ushered Paul to their chairs on the left side of the table directly across from Bart and Diane. "I'm beginning to wonder if she still had all her faculties when she planned all this rigmarole." Beverly's eyes darted down the room to where Carter had taken the far seat on the right side. "What is all this stuff for, anyway?"

Carter was reviewing the papers in front of him. He ignored both the words and the stare Beverly leveled at him.

Karen and Jason took their assigned seats at the near end of the table. Jason noticed that Peter was still standing, seemingly in near shock, staring at the person already seated in the chair next to Carter. The young man seated did not notice Peter's gaze. He was poring over the several papers in three stacks before him. Peter now quickly moved to his place beside Diane. Just one empty chair separated him from the well-dressed mystery person.

Carter stood and faced the group assembled. "You all know Harry Flanders, President of Oak Springs State Bank." Carter introduced the gentleman seated across the table from him.

Jason had come to know Harry Flanders as the quintessential small town banker. Silver haired and in his mid-fifties, the impeccably attired banker more than adequately filled out his three-piece, charcoal suit. The gold watch chain across his girth matched the arrogance of his nod of acknowledgement as he was introduced, Jason noted.

Continuing, Carter smiled down at the young man to his left. "I am pleased to introduce the newest member of our community, my new junior partner, Douglas Johnson. Doug just got into town last evening. I feel very fortunate to have Doug joining us here. He has a fine reputation in St. Louis as a trial lawyer, but now wants to broaden his interests into general practice here in Oak Springs."

The handsome young lawyer with blond hair and a fair complexion stood, facing straight ahead, as his name was presented. Only after Carter paused did he begin to acknowledge those seated across from him. That was followed by a nod toward Karen and Jason, then Bart and Diane. Seeing Peter, the smile left his face. Without saying a word, he looked down at the papers stacked in front of him and sat down.

Carter continued. "For the record, my secretary, Edith Brown, seated next to Mr. Flanders, is taking notes and recording these proceedings. We are gathered here today for the presentation of Phase II of the Last Will and Testament of Frank and Mildred Bevins. Present are the four surviving children and their respective spouses. Peter is single." Carter stepped to the video tape player.  "It was the request of Mildred that the following video tape be played at this time. She asked that you be sitting in the seats you were assigned so she could feel she was speaking to each of you directly." 

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

Bill  ;-)

The Founding of the Homeplace - Summer 1838, Progress Report - Part 5 of 5

The Founding of the Homeplace

Summer 1838, Progress Report

Part 5 of 5

"The Founding of the Homeplace" saga will continue here on every other Friday during August and September. 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" and subsequent series stories, set in 1987 and 1996, to date. 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. 

[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), Story 4 (Part 1, 2, 3 and 4), and 1838 Progress Report (Part 1, 2, 3 and 4) earlier.] 

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.

Summer 1838, Progress Report

In this episode, we share "Part 5 of 5"

The only circuit-riding preacher that had been through the valley in the past month, had come from the north. His news related to the plight of the Indians being removed from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States, primarily Georgia, to new lands in Oklahoma. Many of them were coming overland along what was called the White River trail running northeast to southwest about 25 miles or so north of the valley. The McDonalds had also heard these stories because the trail toward Springfield ran near the lumbering camps they visited. Some told of the difficulties these ‘civilized’ Indians, Creeks and Cherokees, were encountering along the trail. Some seemed pleased that a few of the Indians ‘dropped off of’ the march and joined settlements along the way. The largest, final contingent, was to have passed by already. However, it seemed that haggling and controversies in Washington and between the United States and the State of Georgia had held up the start of this march. When they would be coming through was still uncertain. Feelings about this entire ‘Indian removal’ policy were the subject of some debate, with advocates on each side of the discussions expressing strong opinions.

There were always issues within the valley that were the subject of discussions among the adults as well of course. The women, in particular, discussed when there might be enough school age children that a school should be considered. All of the children were still receiving their ‘book-learning,’ their education, at home. With only 4 age five and under in the eastern valley and 6 in the western part of the valley, it appeared it would be a few years before a school could be justified. It was also mentioned that more families would likely be coming into the valley. A couple of the families in the west mentioned relatives or friends that they were confident would be coming in the next year or so.

The men discussed ‘internal affairs’ such as roads/trails, river crossings, and the use of common areas and nearby forests resources. During discussion it was suggested that the next few years would likely bring circumstances where more formal organization would be required. None wished to see ‘government’ as necessary, but most admitted that increases in the surrounding populations would likely require it.

[...to be continued... on Oct 4, 2013, with Part 1 of Summer 1843 Progress Report]

Hometown Monday - B is for Brian and others

Hometown Monday

B is for Brian and others

We are continuing this of series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, with a new twist. We have adopted a format from the: "Blogging From A to Z Challenge." Each week we will share a published except related to a person whose name begins with that letter. 

This series of posts is 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. [Links in the text, below, provide more information on that person or entity]

Today we look at B. For B, we have:

Bart Bevins - we shared an excerpt about him back here

Beth (Young) McDonald - this is Mildred's mother - we'll look at her more in the future

Beverly (Bevins) (Gates) Threshold - we looked at her when we shared info on Paul Gates, her first husband

Brian Kirk - let's look at an excerpt of his, today.

An excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" from Saturday, August 31, 1996:

Brian arrived at Christopher’s office right at noon. After exchanging pleasantries, they took Christopher’s car to the Country Club for a private lunch. As they walked in together, Christopher realized that the two of them actually looked a lot alike. They both were about the same height and build. They were each dressed in open collar shirt and slacks that could have come from the same closet. They each had neatly combed brown hair and similar smiles. Brian had darker eyebrows, a more prominent nose and slightly smaller ears, if you bothered to look real close.

Their conversation was typical of young lawyers, each seeking to identify persons they knew in common as a way of feeling out the other person’s thoughts, motives, and manner of approach. 

They each ordered the half turkey sandwich and vegetable soup with a Diet Coke. That was encouraging, Christopher mused. 

Christopher asked Brian why he would consider leaving the corporate firm in St. Louis for much less money for this opportunity in Oak Springs, the obvious question. Brian talked of the constant pressure of partners and corporate clients, they always wanted work done faster and didn’t really seem to care all that much if it was done really well… just done yesterday. The hours became unbelievable, he said. He also missed his father. In law school, with the pressure to get done, it hadn’t been a problem. But now, when life was supposed to be about some balance between ‘home and family’ and work – there was no ‘home and family’ time. There was no time for a social life, at all. When he wasn’t working, he was exhausted, and feeling he should be at work or he would be considered a failure.

They discussed the pressures and life of working in the small town firm, with the uncertainties there as well. They also talked about life in the small town and living in the southern Missouri Ozarks with all of the outdoor activities available. They talked of Sunday always being ‘home and family’ time, as well as most Saturdays, and most evenings. It was up to you. You needed to get in your billable work, but it was manageable, and there would be the three of them to work together and share the workload.

“That honestly sounds heavenly, Christopher,” Brian replied. “I am a hard worker, a very competent lawyer. I just need a change of scene, and this sounds remarkable, and very timely. I’d sure like to give it a try.” 

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

Bill  ;-)

Hometown Monday - A is for Amy

Hometown Monday - A is for Amy

We are continuing this of series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Series" Family Saga story-telling, with a new twist. We have adopted a format from the: "Blogging From A to Z Challenge." Each week we will share a published except related to a person whose name begins with that letter. Today, we begin with A is for Amy Hollingsworth.

This series of posts is 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. [Links in the text, below, provide more information on that person or entity]

Amy Hollingsworth will continue her role into the forthcoming "Christmas at the Homeplace," as well.

An excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" from Friday, August 16, 1996:

As Christopher entered the foyer, a young lady he did not recognize greeted him. She had a great smile and exuded enthusiasm, “Welcome to the Homeplace Country Inn. I’m Amy. How can I help you?” She extended her hand in greeting, and Christopher was taken aback, momentarily. 

Through his years in college and since being back in Oak Springs, Christopher had been totally dedicated to his studies and getting his law career underway. Nearly every contact with a female near his own age had been approached in only a professional, not a romantic, way. In those rare instances where a romantic feeling might have been felt, it was quickly snuffed out because the young lady did not live up to his expectations, based on his plutonic high school romance with Jennifer, who had turned out to be his half-sister – but still remained his best friend. But now, surprisingly, this unexpected encounter raised feelings in his body he had not experienced in a very long time.

Returning the handshake, Christopher responded, “I’m Christopher Ogden. I believe Karen is expecting me.” Christopher realized he was still holding her hand, and he was nearly transfixed by her bright green eyes. “Nice to meet you, Amy.”   

“I didn’t realize you two had not met.” Karen had joined them as they spoke. “Amy is my new assistant manager. I’m so pleased to have her as a part of our team. She’s Virginia’s granddaughter, of course, Amy Hollingsworth.” 

Virginia Hollingsworth was the closest neighbor to the Homeplace and had been a life-long friend of Karen’s mother, Mildred. Virginia also served as a Trustee of the Bevins Trust.

“Oh, I did know Virginia’s granddaughter was visiting. I guess I was thinking of a youngster. Not too clever of me, I see.” Christopher tried not to stammer, but wasn’t accomplishing that very well. He looked back at Amy, about five feet, six inches tall, with her short blonde hair, “I know you will enjoy working here. The place has a lot of potential… we are all so pleased to have it here in Oak Springs.”

“Thank you. I’ll leave the two of you to your meeting, Karen.” Looking directly at Christopher, Amy smiled and said, “We’ll talk more, later, Christopher.” She turned and left the room. 

“Very professional… and attractive,” Christopher said to Karen, after Amy had left. He could tell he was still blushing, but he plunged ahead. “Really seems to fit in well here. Nice.” Instinctively, his head turned in the direction Amy had taken, perhaps hoping that he could still see her, but she was gone. He hoped Karen hadn’t noticed.

“For sure,” Karen replied, smiling. “I feel very lucky that she arrived when she did. I was about ready to hire someone, and when I met her over at Virginia’s, I was thrilled that she had such a great background and was looking for work. I think it was meant to be!”

“I’m sure you are right. I look forward to getting to know her better, especially if she is going to be around for awhile.”

“A long while, I hope, if she works out like I think she will.”

******

[This excerpt between these two was shared last week as Christopher met with Karen]

******

*       *       *

Shortly after Christopher departed, Karen and Amy talked about his visit. Karen said, with a broad smile, “Amy, I think you made quite an impression on Christopher.” 

“Well, he made quite an impression on me, as well. I rarely get that ‘flirty’ feeling when first meeting someone, but I’ll have to admit, I did with him. I just couldn’t help myself.” Amy blushed just a bit. “I look forward to spending some time with him, at an appropriate time, of course.”

Karen smiled, “Oh, to be young again. I’m sure the opportunity will present itself. He’ll be around, regularly, and so will you. 

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

Bill  ;-)

The Founding of the Homeplace - Summer 1838 - Progress Report - Part 4 of 5

The Founding of the Homeplace

Summer 1838, Progress Report

Part 4 of 5

"The Founding of the Homeplace" saga will continue here on every other Friday during August and September. 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" and subsequent series stories, set in 1987 and 1996, to date. 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. 

[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), Story 4 (Part 1, 2, 3 and 4), and 1838 Progress Report (Part 1, 2 and 3) earlier.] 

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.

Summer 1838, Progress Report

In this episode, we share "Part 4 of 5"

The “Fourth Sunday” tradition continued in the valley with most of the eleven families gathering along the Central stream near the Patton’s for the July 1838 gathering. Jake and Kate took pride in the area around their home and businesses. It had become a park-like area and all of the families enjoyed spending a Sunday afternoon together there each month.

            At social events such as these, it had become fairly obvious that Harry McDonald and Sarah Baldridge would eventually develop a romantic interest. They were each 16 years old this year, and enjoyed each other’s company. But, they also preferred to focus on long-term plans. Each was a serious young person. They recognized that ‘growing up’ and achieving 20 or 21 years of age before marriage would likely be in their best interests. They were encouraged by their parents to do that, if they could wait.

            The younger children played games in the grass and with the dogs that some of the families had brought along. This year, it seemed, most of the children were from the western families.

            News of the world outside the valley was a common topic of discussion during these monthly meetings. News would come from the freight trips, the occasional circuit riding preacher and the traders that still passed through the valley, from time to time.

            A trader had brought word from the south that during the spring of this year, four or five more families had moved up from the south and settled along Oak Creek a few miles south of the Oak Springs valley. It was said that a couple of the families had a few slaves, as well, and were planning to open some tobacco fields as well as cotton fields. None of those folks had come further north, and no one in the valley here had gone south lately. His other news was that a copper mine had been opened, apparently the prior year, down near the confluence of the Current River and the Jacks Fork River

[...to be continued... on Sep 20, 2013, with Part 5 of Summer 1838 Progress Report]

Amazon.com features 3 Kindle Books - see offers

 Amazon.com features 3 Kindle Books

See Links for Current Offers

The 4 books, in time order of their stories (early and late 1987; early and late 1996)

Back to the  Homeplace:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ELPVUG

Murder by the Homeplace:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWZEX50

The Homeplace Revisited:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00571ATL2

Christmas at the Homeplace:

Forthcoming in mid-October

Wiki Wednesday - Homeplace Country Inn and Karen (Bevins) Winslow

Wiki Wednesday

Homeplace Country Inn and Karen (Bevins) Winslow

Monday we began our discussion of the Homeplace Country Inn with an excerpt from the 1996 novel, "The Homeplace Revisited."

We learned that by 1996 Karen was managing the Homeplace Country Inn and a little more about how it came about. Use the links to visit the selected pages at the developmental Wiki - where there is more information about all of the characters and businesses who populate The Homeplace Series Family Saga stories.

Karen (Bevins) Winslow is a central figure in the forthcoming (available in October) novel, "Christmas at the Homeplace," as well.

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

Bill  ;-)

Dear Readers - one more time

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your response to my note last week.

As noted, I expect to have a new novel out, "Christmas at the Homeplace," sometime in October. 

I need three more readers to receive an Advanced Reader (PDF) Copy and writing some useful comments for me. I need "outsiders" - you need not have read my other novels. Just send a note to: billsmith2003 at gmail.com. THANKS!

You are much appreciated! ;-)

Hometown Monday - Homeplace Country Inn and Karen

Hometown Monday

Homeplace Country Inn and Karen

This is the sixth 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.

Karen was the oldest of the 4 Bevins siblings who came "Back to the Homeplace" in 1987 to kickoff The Homeplace Series. She and her husband, Jason, provided stable and reliable support for the other family members.  Shortly after completing the remodeling of the Bevins farmhouse to become the Homeplace Country Inn, Jason died in an auto accident. Karen carried on as manager of Inn and as the rock the family continued to depend on in many ways.

Karen (Bevins) Winslow is a central figure in the forthcoming (available in October) novel, "Christmas at the Homeplace," as well.

Today, our excerpt is from 1996 when young lawyer, Christopher Ogden, to gather information for a Ten-Year Report for the Bevins Trust, visits Karen (Bevins) Winslow at the Homeplace Country Inn (learn more on Wiki Wednesday, as well): 

An excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" from Friday, August 16, 1996:

“They walked into the Homeplace Heritage Room that was part of the addition added when the Country Inn had been created from the former farmhouse. Karen pointed out how the room was decorated with artifacts, photos and story items celebrating the first fifty years of The Homeplace from 1833 to 1883, featuring the founding and the Civil War years. In 1983 the family had celebrated the 150-year family ownership status of the farm they knew as the Homeplace. The Homeplace name had been preserved in the name chosen for the inn, The Homeplace Country Inn.

A large stone fireplace dominated the far wall, with three leather couches arranged in front as a conversational area. Each of the other three walls was decorated with pictures, posters, memorabilia and artifacts of the early days of the farmstead. The center of the room was currently open space, but could be filled with chairs, or arrangements of tables and chairs for various functions.

Karen shared with Christopher the story of finding a great deal of family history information that her mother, Mildred, had accumulated and saved over the years that the family did not even know she had. From that information, Karen had picked up on the research and felt it was very important that this family history be built into and become an integral part of the Homeplace County Inn.

Christopher had heard bits and pieces of the story before, but was anxious to get the whole story in his notes to include in the Ten Year Report. Karen agreed to provide all the information he needed, and to review the report for accuracy and completeness as he was drafting it.

Karen added, “Has Jennifer mentioned that she has also, apparently, caught the ‘genealogy bug’?”

“No, it hasn’t come up. What do you mean, exactly, the ‘genealogy bug’?”

“For some of us, many of us, actually, when we start looking into our family history, or genealogy, we just can’t stop. We love the search, to find clues, to uncover new information, and the bonus is, it’s about your family… who we are, where we came from. Finding that an ancestor had similar interests that you do, or another family member has – it is just fascinating. Of course, if you don’t also have the ‘bug’ you may just think we are crazy, or eccentric, or something.”

“Wow,” Christopher exclaimed, “you really are excited about this stuff. And you say Jennifer is too?”

“She just started getting involved a few months ago, but it appears she is hooked. She has already driven up to the Mid-Continent library in Independence three separate times, looking for more answers, more details, more family history. It has been great.” Karen said, “She has found answers to some of my questions, as well, and raised new ones. You should ask her about it.”

“I certainly will do that.”

Karen went on to remind Christopher that the four original bedrooms in the old Homeplace farmhouse were now guest rooms, each dedicated to a generation over the last 100 years. Frank and Mildred’s room celebrated their life together. Her parents, Joe and Beth (Young) McDonald were celebrated in a second room, as were her grandparents, William and Charlotte (Crane) McDonald, in the third room. The fourth bedroom recognized the four children of Frank and Mildred (McDonald) Bevins: Karen, Beverly, Bart and Peter. The six rooms added, above the Heritage Room, in the new addition, were given country/nature names related to the southern Missouri Ozarks location: Armadillo, Bluebird, Cardinal, Lady’s Slipper, Red Fox, Softleaf Pine. A new commercial quality kitchen had been added behind the Heritage Room on the first floor, as well as an apartment, each with outside entrances.” 

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

Bill  ;-)