Chapter 5 - Episode 9 - 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 5 - Peter; Episode 9

[From the end of Episode 8:

They closed their conversation and Christopher continued to stare at the wall of his office, seeing nothing. “Who is Bruce Randolph?” kept buzzing in his head. He didn’t like unknown situations. He didn’t like not being in control of his situation. Hopefully the answers would come, tomorrow. ]

The first McDonald Conservancy office had been opened in what was now known as the Ozarks Communications building in downtown Oak Springs just over a year earlier, Peter realized as he sat at a desk in the small office that was now used by both he and Ronny Cox, the Executive Director (and only full-time employee) of the McDonald Conservancy. Ronny had come on board the previous April after taking early retirement from his position with the state Department of Natural Resources in Rolla. Ronny had been an integral part, as an outside consultant, in organizing the Conservancy under the oversight of Peter and the Bevins Trust. Now early in the third year of its existence, the Conservancy was on schedule with the 5-year plan created as part of the original organization. Already, Ronny kept busy, with the assistance of Peter as Board Chair, and a growing number of volunteers, inside and outside of the family and community, activating and growing the number of activities in the plan. Most were of a seasonal nature, involving nature, so they came up for attention, regularly, the full year around.

Most recently, in August of 1998, the Conservancy had been awarded a grant from the state Department of Conservation (combined State and Federal funds) in an amount totaling $800,000 to implement major segments of that 5-year plan, based on matching funds of donations of land and money already received and anticipated over that time period. The first moneys under the grant had just been received earlier in the month, based on expenditures in the fall, as well as in anticipation of upcoming activities. Ronny was responsible for assuring the proper activities were conducted, that they were properly documented, and that grant administrators at the state were kept informed of their progress on the plan. There were many contingencies to keep track of and keep on top of, as well.

Today, Peter and Ronny were going over final plans for the first phase of the McDonald Conservancy Visitor Center to be built on the east side of State Highway 37, about a half mile west of the Mill on Oak Creek. Phase One would also include two offices, a conference room, a display area and a reception area as well as a small storage area and a modest garage for small equipment, including an ATV to get around the property.

A knock on the door announced the arrival of Matt Winslow who let himself in, as they were expecting him to join them. Matt, oldest son of Karen (Bevins) Winslow, and her late husband, Jason, was President and General Manager of Ozarks Communications, owners of the building in which they were currently located. Ozarks Communications was the successor to Bevins and Winslow ISP (Internet Service Provider) and now held the Cable Contract for Oak Creek Township including the town of Oak Springs in addition to providing Internet services to the entire community as well, which was their first business venture in town.

Peter and Ronny wanted to be sure that they coordinated with Matt to assure that both Internet and Cable services would be available to install in the Visitor Center by the time they hoped to have the building completed late in the summer of the current year. Jensen and Watkins Construction had already been awarded the construction contract and were ready to begin work as soon as the final plans were approved.

In addition, they knew that Matt would soon be in need of their current office space, which he was letting them use temporarily, as a donation to the Conservancy, so they wanted to keep him up to date on plans for the Visitor Center. They would move into the Visitor Center offices as soon as they were available.

Matt, working through the Bevins Trust as a partner in setting up the original Internet Service Provider business back in the summer of 1996, had been fortunate to be able to buy this three story building near city hall at the time they were wiring Internet capability into city hall first for the community before going community wide. At the time, there had been several extra offices on the second floor and apartments on the third floor that were unoccupied. Now, Ozarks Communications was close to occupying all of the space. As more space was needed, they would be remodeling each room to meet their needs. Only Raynor Crimmons, who had an office on the second floor, and an apartment on the third floor, remained. He would be moving out by the end of the current calendar quarter.

After going over the key points of interest to Matt, Peter and Ronny received Matt’s assurance that his crews would be able to install both their Internet and their cable service as soon as the other construction was completed. They agreed to keep in touch, regularly, to assure that they all stayed on schedule with their plans.

[To be continued - next Friday]

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

Dr. Bill  ;-)

April 1998 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

April 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 April of 1998.

The McDonald Conservancy announced the hiring of Ronny Cox as Executive Director effective April 20. Cox had been affiliated with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Rolla for many years. In that position, he had many dealings with The Bevins Trust and the McDonald Conservancy so has been very familiar with their work, mission and direction. Peter Bevins, Managing Director of the Conservancy, was quoted: “On behalf of the McDonald Conservancy I want to extend our warmest welcome our new Executive Director. We never imagined that we could be so fortunate as to acquire the services of this outstanding public servant. Our working relationship, over recent years, has been exemplary, and very valuable in an advisory role as the Conservancy was conceived and founded. To have his expertise available on a daily basis will be extraordinary.” It was learned that Cox found that he qualified for an early retirement program offered by the state at about the same time as the Conservancy directors were considering the possibility of hiring a full time executive director. Cox added he had hoped to get “back into nature” when he eventually retired, and this opportunity was just too good to pass by. He said: “The McDonald Conservancy is one of only a few organizations across the country doing the kinds of things I would really support expanded in the way of public-private undertakings with respect to preserving and maintaining our natural environment. I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to that effort.”

Locals:

Lori Winslow met with Trace Watkins at the Jensen and Watkins office to go over the latest plans for the housing development in the east valley. At this stage, they were still blocking out possible combinations of green spaces and different proposed combinations of sizes of lots that might be incorporated. There were still some questions as to the precise borders of the property they would have available to develop, pending the Conservancy needs, the golf course placements, and access to current and proposed roadways. They were also each still getting to know and understand what each of them wanted to see in the develop, conceptually. Gary had stepped back and allowed the two of them to work on this part of the project. He knew they were each totally devoted to accomplishing it, and he was available to assist in any way he could.

Easter fell on April 12, so the Town of Oak Springs sponsored Easter Egg hunt on Centennial Square was held on Saturday morning, April 11.

Social Notes:

Paul, and his daughter, Heather, Gates hosted a family Easter dinner at their cottage in the east valley at noon on Sunday. Guests were Peter, Sheila and Jeremy Bevins, Scott and Rachel Gates, and Julie Barnes.

Matt and Susan Winslow hosted a family Easter dinner at their home on Sunday following church services. Guests were Karen and Lori Winslow and Raynor Crimmons.

Cop Shop:

Two young men were arrested late Tuesday evening, April 14. They were caught while still inside Bud’s Sinclair Auto Service store, rifling through the tools, following a tip called in my a concerned neighbor. Money from the cash drawer was in the pocket of the jeans of one of the young men. These two were identified as two of three juveniles also arrested in February on break in charges. This time, they were held in jail pending  a Juvenile Court appearance.

"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  ;-)

November 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

November 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,” which ended as 1997 began. Here is a peek at ‘Life in Oak Springs,’ and the surrounding valley, in November of 1997.

We spoke with Peter Bevins, managing director of the McDonald Conservancy recently about the latest activities with the Conservancy. He first wanted to send out a public Thank You to Lyle Cunningham and a group of volunteers he began organizing over the summer and the ‘work days’ they conducted during the fall. Peter said these activities were so important for the non-profit organization. This fall, work days have been devoted to ‘creek bank’ cleanup, brush clearing along the expected walking path along the Oak Creek, and clearing brush and small trees from the pasture near the corner of State Highway 37 and the Mill Road. Records are kept, Peter pointed out, of all volunteer activities conducted and the number of hours of each. These can generally be applied, at some point, as ‘in-kind’ contributions that often are valuable in grant applications for matching funds.

The second major activity work for the Conservancy had been on-going planning for the use of the lands donated under the Land Trust laws. The directors each needed to become fully aware of what could and could not be done with the land, to meet legal requirements as well as to manage the land environment most effectively and efficiently within the Conservancy guidelines. Some of this planning activity also included identifying additional potential directors and others who could provide positive guidance.

Finally, but no less important, had been grant writing, Peter added. Each of the directors had been involved in this, as volunteers, as well. Ronny Cox, with the Natural Resources office in Rolla, had also been very helpful in on-going technical assistance on some of the grants, he noted. Several small grant applications had been submitted along with one large grant application to a special fund administered by the State National Resources Department. Peter said there were really very few eligible candidates for this grant, at this time, and he really hoped they had done all of the right things to earn it. Receiving the grant would be a real boon to the community, he added, in terms of additions to recreational activities as well as environmental contributions.

Locals:

The annual Bevins Trust Thanksgiving Turkey Day for employee families held on Sunday afternoon, November 23, was another big success. Eligible employee families each picked up their frozen turkey plus a sack of fixings. Everyone enjoyed refreshments and a social time prior to the actual distribution of goodies. This has become an annual event for the Bevins Trust affiliated companies that reached across the community in its impact. All welcomed this event as a fine benefit.

Social Notes:

Reverend Clarice McCauley baptized baby C.P. Ogden at the United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 23. His parents are Christopher and Nicole Ogden. Also attending the service were grandparents Don and Linda (Ogden) Kirk, Bart and Diane Bevins, and Jack and Mona Evans. Great-grandfathers present were Doc Evans and Lyle Cunningham.

Cop Shop:

A disgruntled former city employee was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for “keying” 3 cars sitting outside City Hall late in October. He has arranged to make restitution in lieu of jail time.

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




Dr. Bill  ;-)

August 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

August 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 August of 1997.

Sheep waiting to be judged at the fair

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_show

The 118th Annual Oak Creek Valley Fair was held successfully on the first weekend in August yet again. What started as a one-day event those many years ago has grown to a four-day-event that attracts visitors from surrounding counties and across the four-state region. License plates were seen in the parking lot from 12 different states, as a matter of fact… and, of course, there could have been more over the four days. Held on the fairgrounds south of Patton Pond in the southwest corner of the city, the fair offers township residents an opportunity to show off their animals, crops and projects. The higher ranked entries can be assured of good placement at the upcoming county fair as well as the possibility of being selected for the State Fair.

Pioneer crafts from the 19th Century were a favorite of Fair visitors as they are every year. We all enjoy being reminded of the simpler (but not easier) times of our pioneer ancestors. A new exhibit this year that drew a lot of attention was that of the new Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society where a few of the family artifacts identified earlier in the year were on display along with family stories related to the artifacts.

Six different bands and musical groups took turns performing on the two stages set up at each end of the fairgrounds this year. The carnival was set up in the middle of the fairgrounds, as usual.

The Bevins Corporation announced in the Oak Springs Enterprise that Scott Gates, recent graduate of the Farm Operations program at the Ozarks Community College, had been named Assistant Farm Manager. In this role, he will be involved in the planning and direction of all farm related activities under General Manager, Bart Bevins. The Bevins Corporation is primarily involved in row crops, hay and pasture land management, and a large cow-calf operation.

Locals:

Virginia Hollingsworth was moved to the Serenity Nursing Home [http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/serenity] from the Oak Springs Regional Hospital [http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/hospital] where she had been undergoing care following a serious fall she took while gardening at her home in the east valley.

Late in month, Heather Gates, a junior at the local high school, was to present her FFA annual project at the FFA (Future Farmers of America) State Convention in Kansas City. She had received high praise for the project from her teacher and FFA advisor [http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/2015/03/may-1997-life-in-oak-springs-homeplace.html], and all her supporters wished her well at State.

Peter Bevins, Managing Director of the McDonald Conservancy, announced that two more persons had accepted appointment to the Board of Directors of the emerging Land Trust. One was a professor in the Biology Department at the State University and the other was a Regional Director of the Missouri Nature Conservancy organization.

Social Notes:

Dr. Raynor Crimmons welcomed his daughter, Randi, for a two-week visit from her home in the Washington, D.C. area, where she works for the Department of Defense. During the visit, they also spend a long weekend in southeastern Iowa visiting relatives and friends. While in Oak Springs, Randi said she especially enjoyed spending time with Karen, Lori and Matt Winslow with whom she grew up as a youngster in Tucson, Arizona. She added that she also enjoyed meeting and getting to know Matt’s wife, Susan, and their two children, Tyler and Emily.

Peter, Sheila, and Jeremy Bevins enjoyed a week of camping along the Buffalo River in northwestern Arkansas early in the month. It was their first out-of-town vacation since had Jeremy became part of the family last year. [Learn more about this in “Christmas at the Homeplace.”]

[http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Homeplace-William-Leverne-Smith/dp/1493510401/]

Cop Shop:

Local police were investigating a fire at the playground in Patton Park, in the southwest part of the city. It appeared that vandals had set fire to the wooden swing set as well as the rubber pelts on the ground about 9 p.m. last Thursday night. An empty container of flammable fluid was discovered near the fire. As of this reporting, no one had come forward with useful information on who may have set the fire or why.

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




Dr. Bill  ;-)

Feb 1997 - Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Life in Oak Springs, the Homeplace

Feb 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 February of 1997.

The Bevins Trust announcement in the Oak Springs Enterprise in early February was direct and to the point: “As of the first of the calendar year, The Bevins Trust put into effect a reorganization plan which included the formation of a non-profit land trust, the McDonald Conservancy, and, a new for-profit corporation, the Bevins Corporation. Henceforth, all commercial agricultural activities of the Bevins Trust will operate through the Bevins Corporation, which will be headed by CEO, Bart Bevins. The McDonald Conservancy will be the recipient of selected assets of the Bevins Trust, over the next five to ten years, and be governed by a nine-member board operating under a mission statement and operating plan approved by the board. The mission will relate to stewardship of land and water along several miles of Oak Creek in eastern Oak Creek Township. Three board members will represent the Bevins Trust and the other six members will represent the general public selected for their expertise in land stewardship and conservation practices including the use of the water and land assets of the land trust for recreational and educational experiences. At a future date, an Executive Director will be hired to carry out the policies set by the Board of Directors. Peter Bevins will serve initially as Coordinating Director as the McDonald Conservancy goes through its initial organization.”

Karen Bevins, Chair of the Bevins Trust, said that this reorganization has been in the planning stages for several months and implementation steps will be spread over the first several months of the current year. The changes were prompted by the growth of the organization and the family, as well as by tax considerations.

Locals

News from the Oak Springs Historical and Genealogical Society: Penny Nixon and Brian Kirk announced that the Society Committee examining the manuscript found in the Oak Springs Enterprise office back room was indeed a History of the Founding of Oak Springs and the surrounding valley dating back to the first settlement in 1833. On closer examination it now appeared that the manuscript was prepared for the Centennial celebration in 1876, but was shelved because of the financial difficulties related to the Panic of 1873 in the nation and the community. It appeared that the stories were collected and compiled by Jerry Potts, publisher and editor of the Enterprise, at the time, and his assistant, future editor Alex McDonald. Plans were begun to arrange to have the manuscript edited and published by the Society, for the community, in the near future.

Social Notes:

At the Bevins Corporation hosted Valentine’s Day party held at the Homeplace Country Inn Heritage Room on Friday evening, February 14, two couples announced nuptial-related dates. First, Scott Gates and Rachel Nixon announced their official engagement with a wedding planned for September. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Bevins and Brian Kirk announced that they planned a June Wedding, with a date set of June 14.

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




Dr. Bill  ;-)

3 Threats - 6 POV characters - Peter is our fifth…

“3 Threats to the Homeplace” preview 

6 POV characters

Peter is our fifth…

Peter is the most mysterious and the most complex character in the entire “The Homeplace Saga,” series of stories. If you have not yet read, “Back to the Homeplace,” I certainly encourage you to do so, so that you learn to know Peter… To learn a little more about him, if you are new to the series, or as a reminder if you are a regular, following is a piece I recently published specifically regarding her role in the upcoming “3 Threats” novel:

http://homeplaceseries.hubpages.com/hub/3-Threats-Character-Development-CD5-Meet-Peter-Bevins

[http://www.amazon.com/Back-Homeplace-William-Leverne-Smith-ebook/dp/B003ELPVUG/]

As we begin February of 1999, in “3 Threats,” Peter is devoted to the success of the McDonald Conservancy as well as to he “new family,” of course. Ronny Cox, formerly with the regional Department of Natural Resources, now Executive Director of the Conservancy, is now on board full-time to assist Peter and Board to implement the $800,000 grant they have received as well as to ensure that all of the segments of their five-year-plan are in place and moving forward. News of a threat to this whole new system sets them into a defensive posture.

As with the other major characters in “The Homeplace Saga” series of family saga, historical fiction stories, you can use the developmental wiki as a reminder. Here are links to Peter, and the other characters:

http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/home

http://homeplace.wikispaces.com/Peter

There are currently 3, about to be 4, references under Labels (right sidebar, scroll down):

http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/search/label/Peter

…where you get more information about Peter - but not a lot… Read “Back to the Homeplace” for more… ;-)

******

“May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds.”  Dr. Bill ;-)

Hometown Monday - P is for Paul, Penny and Peter

Hometown Monday - P is for Paul, Penny and Peter

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 names beginning with the letter P.

For P, we have (with two excerpts, below):

Paul Gates - first husband of Beverly Bevins

Penny Nixon - Part-time reporter for the Oak Springs Enterprise in 1987

Peter Bevins - Youngest of the 4 Bevins siblings

Our excerpts today are from the novel, "Christmas at the Homeplace," recently released, now available at Amazon.com… for Christmas purchases:

This excerpt is from "Christmas at the Homeplace" is from Chapter 12, Tuesday, November 19, 1996:

Paul went up to the Big Thunder Lodge Tuesday afternoon to meet with Julie Barnes and others involved in the changes they discussed earlier. He had had discussions with Karen, Christopher, Lyle, Harry and Bart and they had developed a list of questions for which he hoped to get answers before the trustee’s meeting the following week. Timing was the primary concern. They also wanted Paul to get further details on the commitment sought from the Bevins Trust.

Since this was Paul’s first visit to Big Thunder, Julie gave him the grand tour. He was very impressed with this lodge set back off the road in the woods. It was much larger than he had expected even though he had heard about it. They also walked out on the east balcony where they could look at the lake that had been created by the earthen dam that they were now proposing to remove. 

From the position on the third floor balcony where they were viewing the lake, Paul could look to the north and see, at the edge of the woods, where the stream of Oak Creek was entering the lake. It really wasn’t a very deep lake, and he wondered to himself why they had chosen to dam up the stream at all. To Julie, he said he was anxious to see the plan for flow of the stream following draining the dam. She said that was a good place to start and they went to a meeting room in the administrative area where several planning charts were on display. One of the planners was also there to interpret the charts and drawings for Paul.

Julie showed Paul the architectural drawing of how the stream would look following the planned changes. The drawing ran from the north end of the property in the woods to the south end of the property where the stream reentered the woods heading south through the National Forest toward the Mill a few miles away. The charts along side the drawing also showed how the dam fill would be redistributed to create a float stream with several curves on the property. They were planning to install an entry point near the north end and pickup and re-entry point near the southern border of the property.

The planner said the intent was to give guests the opportunity for a short float, by canoe or kayak, on the property (north to south). For more adventurous floaters, the entry would be at the south edge of the property to float south to the Mill, if all went as planned. This would include the pickup point north of the Mill as well as some improvements along the creek in between in cooperation with the National Forest Service. A proposed plan to do this had preliminary approval of the Forest Service, subject to a number of conditions, including the approval of the Bevins Trust of the work needed along the creek on their property. 

After some further discussion, Julie and the planner each agreed to attend the trustee’s meeting with Paul the following Tuesday to bring these charts and make a brief presentation.

This excerpt is from "Christmas at the Homeplace" is from Chapter 17, Saturday, November 30, 1996:

Peter and Bart had agreed to meet this afternoon for a couple of hours at Bart’s office at his house to go over their maps of the individual pieces of land currently held by the Bevins Trust. Bart had already marked the lands that were currently involved in agricultural activities. That was the easy part. Most of the wooded areas were fairly easy to identify, as well. They each would, sooner or later, go into the McDonald Conservancy. The areas with pasture land and transitional areas were a bit more difficult. 

Future use plans as well as possible improvement projects in these areas would help determine their distribution. Those were marked for further consideration, a bit later, along with a tentative priority for each.

The big ridge where the caves were located was also fairly easy to identify and assign to Conservancy land. The land surrounding Oak Creek would generally be assigned to the Conservancy, but the issue they generally faced was how far from the water’s edge to include, moving up and down the creek, on each side. A closely related area was points of possible erosion and where the channel of the stream might change over time. They marked each of these with their questions for further consideration.

They both enjoyed this review process and were a bit surprised how many questions they raised. It was quite a bit more complicated than they had realized it would be. They agreed it was good they were getting an early start so that questions could be addressed.

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

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 - 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  ;-)