Chapter 3, Episode 5: Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

January 1999

This series of posts on each Friday, henceforth, moving forward during 2015 will continue the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Earlier, we have seen the community move from January 1997 through December 1998. We now move into January of 1999, in novel format…

Chapter 3 - Jennifer; Episode 5

As she walked into the horse barn, Diane saw that both Jennifer and Heather were standing by the birthing stall. When they had expanded this horse barn, they had built in two birthing stalls for use this time of year. Over the next few months, a number of mares would be giving birth as part of the ongoing breeding programs at the Stables. Birthing stalls were double-wide to allow the mare, while in later stages of pregnancy, to have more maneuvering room, and after the birth of the foal, to have room for each of them for a time. When not in use for birthing, a temporary wall could be inserted to make it two stalls.

Heather’s first Palomino mare, Sunshine, appeared to be within days of giving birth. This would be her third consecutive pregnancy. Sunshine had been the first bred, last year, as part of Heather’s FFA Project for her senior year of high school and now that part of the program was coming to fruition. 

Diane asked Heather if she knew that her mother, Beverly, was in town. Heather replied that she did not know, but that she was not surprised. She was confident her mother wouldn’t be able to stay away very long with baby Faith so young and growing so fast. When Diane mentioned that Beverly had said she planned to stay, permanently, Heather was surprised.

“She certainly had not mentioned that. Where did you hear this?”

“Well,” Diane continued, “Karen called Bart, while we were on break in the house. Lori’s friend, Jaxine, out at the Motel, had called her saying that Beverly was very specific in stating that, as she was checking in, she was here to live in Oak Springs, permanently. Jaxine is very good at ‘spreading the word,’ as you know.” While Jaxine had developed a bit of a reputation as a ‘gossip,’ she was also well known to be nearly one hundred percent accurate, because of where she worked and the people in the community with whom she was close. In fact, some folks had been known to intentionally tell her something interesting to see how fast the word spread. Is it ‘gossip’ when it is true?

“It would certainly be wonderful for us kids if she were to be close by. It has been nice  that she has come for some occasions, but being available, all the time, would be even nicer.” Heather smiled as she thought about upcoming graduation activities of her own.

Jennifer pitched in, “I’m very happy for you, Heather. I know you’d like to talk to your Mom more often. I certainly hope it works out.” Turning to Diane, she continued, “How do you and Dad feel about it, Mom?

“Well, Beverly’s recent visits have been mostly without drama, so we are hopeful. I agree with Heather. I think the arrival of the grand baby has a lot to do with her apparent decision, as well as Winnie’s passing. All her real family is here now. Bart is more skeptical, but he certainly wants it to work out well, for all concerned.” Looking across the barn, she added, “I need to get back to my own tasks. Talk to you later.”

“Me, too,” added Jennifer, “Keep a close eye on Sunshine here, Heather. She’ll be a new mama herself, any day now. I’ve got work waiting for me in the office.”

Jennifer turned and walked out the door, to return to her nearby office.

[To be continued - next Friday]

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."

Dr. Bill  ;-)

March 1998 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

March 1998

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in March of 1998.

 [Image Source: Wikimedia Commons]

Following are excerpts from an interview published in the Oak Springs Enterprise between reporter, Rachel (Nixon) Gates, and Diane Bevins, General Manager of Bevins Stables and Trail Rides in the east valley. The subject was their horse-breeding operations and the interview also included horse-breeding partners, Heather Gates and Dr. Jennifer Bevins.

Diane said: “Yes, we take great pride in the strides we have made in our horse-breeding program here at the Stables in the last couple of years. Heather Gates, although still only a junior in High School, has taken the lead for us and it has been an award winning process, to date. I see much more of the same in the future. We each get strong technical guidance from our veterinary partner, Dr. Bevins, of course. We breed both purebred Palominos and high-quality non-purebreds as well. We have two birthing stalls, and now try to have two births in January and two in March, if all goes as planned. And things usually go as planned.

“I should also mention that we highly value our association with a number of the other members of the Palomino Horse Breeders of America in the region. We have had many interactions that have been mutually beneficial over a number of years. We couldn’t have done what we do without those colleagues and friends.”

Rachel asked: “What mix of purebred to non-purebred to you use in your breeding?” To which Diane replied: “One or two purebreds a year is our current goal. We don’t want to expand the lines too quickly. Quality over quantity is our current strategy. We also desire to slowly grow our trail ride options, which requires more non-purebred horses. And, we need to sell some horses each year, in each category, to help finance the whole operation.”

What are your primary responsibilities, Heather? Rachel asked. Heather replied: “I would say I have two primary responsibilities right now. First, because I am still in school, getting that done right is a high priority. The horses are my FFA project, so that meshes nicely. Second, I am responsible for all the ‘grunt work’ with the breeding process, directing and helped out by the other stable employees. The care and comfort of the brood mares and their foal are my responsibility. All the record keeping for the breeding stock and their offspring are my responsibility.”

Rachel turned to Jennifer,  “And Dr. Bevins, how do you fit in the equation?” To which she replied, “My responsibilities are general health of the animals and technical advice and assistance to the horse-breeding process. We use all artificial insemination, so I’m responsible for having both materials and equipment available, and I assist and supervise the operations, along with Heather, and others as may be required. I regularly monitor the reports Heather prepares on the condition of all the animals, and recommend and treat as needed. It is a real pleasure to be involved in this first-class operation and process. Our outcomes have been outstanding.”

Turning back to Diane, Rachel said: “Dr. Bevins may have answered my final question. Do you consider the horse-breeding operation here at your Stables to be a success?”

Diane replied: “Very much a success, for all involved. My first purebred Palomino was Marilyn, way back, many years ago. Sunshine, Heather’s principle Palomino mare, is an offspring of Marilyn. We have developed other excellent mares and have been able to sell a number of male and female offspring for premium prices. On the other side, we have continued to upgrade our trail horse herd, while selling a regular number of horses both old and young to help support the stables and the breeding. We also do some breeding for other horses that we board. For example, Christopher Ogden owns Shadow over there in the second birthing stall. This is her second foal in the last two years. We are all very pleased with how our program is succeeding.”

Locals:

The Sullivan End-‘O-the-Road Livestock Auction announced that the first “Cow-Calf” Auction of the season would be held on Friday, March 27, 1998. A find selection of locally raised stock was expected at the sale event. Refreshments would be available from vendors at the Auction House.

Social Notes:

Travis and Inman, and their children, Zach and Kayla, spent Spring Break week in Branson. They enjoyed Silver Dollar City and many of the other local attractions.

Peter, Sheila and Jeremy Bevins spent Spring Break at the Lake of the Ozarks, boating and fishing, they said.

Cop Shop:

There were no incidents reported this month.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)

July 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

July 1997

This series of posts on each Friday during 2015 continues the stories of “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction families in the area of Oak Springs following the novel “Christmas at the Homeplace.” Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in July of 1997.

The 4th of July Gala Celebration at the Oak Springs Country Club was a weekend to remember, according to those who attended it this weekend. Good golf, good food, and fun games for the kids were the highlights most often mentioned in the news article.

Scott Gates completed the requirements for the Farm Operations Associates Degree at Ozarks Community College and took part in graduation exercises on Saturday, July 18, at the end of the summer term. A total of 35 persons took part in the graduation exercises and over 250 persons attended the graduation ceremony.

Brian Kirk, President of the Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society (Society), reported that members of the community had continued to provide very interesting documents and artifacts from their closets and attics that the review committee had been processing. He noted an interesting sidebar to the review process was that many of the items brought to the attention of the committee were related to others in the community, not necessarily to their own family, of the people providing the materials. Many folks noted they felt these items were important, but didn’t know what to do with them. The donation rate, he added, was running above 75 percent. The others, of course, were items families wanted to keep in their possession. He said that those were especially appreciated, and each was recorded and added to the database of information being gathered. The Society, he added, is still accepting donations of material so do not stop bringing what you find to the Library. Judy Watson will be happy to process it, he said.

Locals:

Ozark Communications, Inc. formally applied to the City Council to be the exclusive cable television provider to the City of Oak Springs. This was in response to the Request for Proposal sent out by the City earlier. Theirs was the only application received by the time of the deadline set for application.

The Oak Springs Enterprise ran a front-page article feature the opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on Oak Creek that featured photos of Oak Creek Outfitters providing services to their customers on a summer outing.

Social Notes:

A graduation reception was held at the Homeplace Country Inn Heritage Room honoring Scott Gates following the graduation exercises at the Ozarks Community College on Saturday, July 18. Scott’s parents and sister hosted the reception: his father, Paul Gates, his mother and her husband from Jackson, Mississippi, Beverly Bevins Gates Threshold and Winnie Threshold, and his sister, Heather Gates. Total guests in attendance exceeded 70 persons including family, friends and co-workers at The Bevins Corporation.

On July 26th, Bart and Diane Bevins returned from a week long vacation trip to the Lake of the Ozarks. They told friends it was great to just sit on the balcony of their condo and stare across the lake for long periods of time. Bart especially enjoyed, he added, taking in several new restaurants they had not tried on previous visits. Diane concurred in that. They highly recommended such a get-away to anyone feeling stressed in their job.

Cop Shop:

Jeremiah Loomis was released from the state penitentiary after having served over twelve years of an original 20-year sentence on drug charges based on his operation of a meth lab in the hills southwest of Oak Springs. The story went on to tell how his brother, Jasper, was charged in the murder of the public defender that represented Jeremiah in court on the drug charges. Jasper was killed by police officers, acting in self-defense, when they attempted to arrest him for the murder and he attacked them with a hunting knife. {For 'the rest of the story,' see: "Murder by the Homeplace:" http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Homeplace-William-Leverne-Smith/dp/1469926652/} 

Vandals reportedly did extensive damage to three cars parked along west Maple Street overnight on July 17-18. Police are still investigating the incident.

"May everyone have a homeplace, if only in your mind."




Dr. Bill  ;-)

Hometown Monday - Harry, Heather and Ivy this week

Hometown Monday - Harry, Heather and Ivy this week

We are continuing this series of posts of excerpts from the novels, novellas, and short stories of "The Homeplace Saga" family 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 Saga." 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 name beginning with H and I. For H and I, we have (with two excerpts, below):

Harry Flanders - banker - outside trustee of the Bevins Trust - see first excerpt, below

Heather Gates - daughter of Paul and Beverly (Bevins) Gates - sophomore in high school - see second excerpt, below

Ivy Grapes - friend of Peter Bevins - in Oregon - introduced in "Christmas at the Homeplace"

The Harry Flanders excerpt from "Back to the Homeplace" is from Saturday, April 25, 1987:

        Waiting in Harry Flander’s office at the Oak Springs Savings Bank took Jason back to his old office in the Salt River Towers in Arizona. The interior decor was so similar, Jason noticed: Walnut paneling… full bookcases… spacious desk and brown leather chairs. This was in contrast to the view out the window. Outside the bank office window was the greenery of a small Missouri community.

        The town square was very active this Saturday morning in late April. All the comings and goings of the old downtown square shops were quite visible from the banker's office window. There is a man in coveralls going into the Coast-to-Coast store to get some yard work supplies. The young mother with three children in tow headed for the Buster Brown shoe store.  A teenager coming out of the Rexall Drug Store on the corner reading a comic book.

        "Sorry, I got tied up a few minutes out there, Jason. I didn't mean to keep you waiting." Harry came into the room, almost breathless.

        "No problem, Harry. I'm enjoying the view. My office in Arizona had a similar window but it was on the tenth floor and looked out over the valley. There's no urban sprawl out this window.”

         "Not that you can see, you're right. We are beginning to experience the problem, though. Since the college was built out west of town, more and more of our good farmland on that side of town is being taken up with development. Can you believe we have such a problem, right here in Oak Springs?"

        "I guess we can be thankful our place is north and east of town. Maybe we'll be safe for a few more years." Jason took a seat by the desk as Harry settled in behind it. "I came in to arrange for our crop expenses money. It certainly was a good thing the trust provided for financing. Farming is a costly venture."

        "You are right, Jason. Farming these days is all business for those who have survived… big business in most cases.

        Jason nodded his head in concurrence. "Our suppliers expect a check the first of the month. If having the financing available isn't handled properly, the costs are even higher." He handed Harry a folder of papers. "I think I have all the papers you need right here. Bart was a big help to me in compiling some of figures you need."

        Harry Flanders reviewed the papers in the file carefully. Jason noticed that Harry was looking for specific items as he went through each sheet of paper. He did not take much time, but he was very thorough. "Very well done, Jason. You followed the guidelines very closely. We appreciate that. It helps us keep the money circulating. That's real good for the economy."

        "I understand your daughter is making a real contribution to the economy, too, Harry! How is the wedding coming by now?"

        "Did you need to remind me, Jason? It is six weeks away yet. I may be broke before that time!" Harry beamed with pride, regardless of his words. "I just hope Doug doesn't back out now that we've gone this far."

        "You're joking, I assume."

        "Yes, although he has really been jumpy the last few days. I could understand his nervousness in a new town those first few weeks. Then he seemed to settle in comfortably. Now he seems so preoccupied. I've tried to talk to him, but he says he is fine. Hope so!" He had finished checking Jason's papers and was filling out a form. "This will authorize the transfer of funds you need. Thanks for the good information."

         "That's the least I can do, Harry. I'm just thankful Bart has been so helpful. We make a pretty good team, actually." Jason got up to leave.

         "Glad to hear it. Makes all our work easier."

         Jason extended his hand. "Thanks, again, for your assistance."

         Harry came around the desk to shake hands. They walked to the door together. "That's what I'm here for. Keep me up to date on how things are going."

The Heather Gates excerpt from "The Homeplace Revisited" is from Saturday, August 24, 1996:

         Jennifer and Heather were going over the horse breeding plan that Heather had begun to develop following their discussion with Diane. Jennifer shared with Heather that her check on Sunshine was entirely positive. Heather was now tracking Sunshine’s cycle and would keep Jennifer aware of her status. Together they had checked the semen sources and were ready to move ahead when the time was right. 

         Diane joined them, reviewed the plans, and gave her approval to move ahead. She had one additional bit of information for Heather. “If you are to use this for an FFA project, there is one other thing we need to do, I think. You need to have a more personal investment in the project. I have talked to both Bart, and your father, Paul, and we all agree that this foal of Sunshine should become your foal to raise as your own horse. Would you like that?” 

         “Really? Is that possible? It would be wonderful? But, how can it be possible? I don’t have any money to buy it?”

         Diane replied: “We need to work out a formal agreement of course, but that is not difficult. You have already shown a real dedication to our horse operation with your everyday work ethic. We love having you working here, and both the horses and our customers love to have you here. We already have our ‘credits’ system in place for boarded horses, like Christopher’s Shadow and others, for example. Some of the work you do will build ‘credits;’ as it grows, we’ll board the horse here and let the horse earn credits, as well, as a trail horse. As it works out you can learn how that works as part of your FFA project as well. OK?”

          “Thank you, so very much. I will work very hard to earn this opportunity. You really mean it, don’t you? Wow! Thanks!”

          “We really mean it, yes. Right, Jennifer?” Diane looked at her daughter, then back to Heather.

Jennifer replied, “Yes, we do! Welcome to full membership in the team here.”

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

Bill  ;-)

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  ;-)

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:

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

Bill ;-)

Tuesday Profiles - Bart Bevins

15 August 1996 Profile

Bart Bevins

54 years old

This Profile is the second of a series of weekly profiles of major characters in the "Back to the Homeplace" novel that also appear in "The Homeplace Revisited," as of the beginning of the second novel, 15 Aug 1996.

Bart Bevins was born May 13, 1942, to Frank and Mildred (McDonald) Bevins, at the Oak Springs hospital; the family lived at the Homeplace farmhouse near Oak Springs, Missouri. 

He attended Oak Creek School #4, a one-room school near the Homeplace, from kindergarten through the 8th grade, when he went to town for high school.

He graduated from Oak Springs High School in the Class of 1960.

(Diane Spencer and Linda Winters were classmates in high school.) All three went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. Bart and Diane graduated in 1964; Linda graduated a year later.

Bart received his B.S. degree in Business Administration; Diane in Secondary Education - English; Linda started in Theater Arts but graduated in General Studies.

Bart Bevins and Diane Spencer were married on June 15, 1960, at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Springs. Bart joined Oak Springs Realty and Diane had accepted a position as High School English teacher at Oak Springs High School. Linda Winters joined Oak Springs Realty in the summer of 1965.

Children born to Bart and Diane in Oak Springs:

Donnie, born in 1968, died in 1987 

Jennifer, born August 3, 1971, 25 in 1996

Bart worked at Oak Springs Reality from the summer of 1965 until the summer of 1978 when his mother asked him to take over the farm operation after his father, Frank, died in the late spring. Bart and Diane build their new home shortly thereafter. He has continued with farm operations responsibilities to this date; working through the Bevins Trust since 1987.

May 18, 1996 - Saturday - Jennifer Bevins graduated Vet Med school

May 18, 1996 - Saturday

Jennifer Bevins graduated Vet Med school

Item in the Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Oak Springs Enterprise, 

Fifteen Years Ago column of 'In Years Gone By'

Jennifer Bevins, a member of Oak Springs High School Class of 1989, and a Pre-Vet graduate of the University of Missouri Class of 1993, received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in university graduation ceremonies in Columbia today.

Dr. Bevins will open the Bevins Veterinary Clinic on the grounds of the Bevins Stables and Horse Trails east of town in July where she will conduct her large animal practice. The Bevins Trust has assisted Dr. Bevins in purchasing his large animal practice from Doc Evans, long time Oak Springs veterinary. Doc Evans is relinquishing his large animal practice as a step toward his retirement while continuing his small animal practice. Doc Evans encourages all of his large animal clients to go to Dr. Bevins for their continuing veterinary needs. The two will work closely together during this transition period.

Dr. Jennifer Bevins is the daughter of Bart and Diane Bevins, life-long residents of the Oak Springs area. Bart was active in a local Real Estate business from 1965 to 1978 when he returned to The Homeplace farm after the death of his father as the farm operator. Since 1987, Bart has been the farm operations manager for The Bevins Trust. Diane Bevins was the Oak Springs High School English Teacher from 1965 to 1993 when she resigned to assume full-time management of the Bevins Stables and Horse Trails business locally.

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'The Homeplace Revisited' will be available in about a month. Get to know the family.

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

Bill ;-)