“Since history has no properly scientific value, its only purpose is educative. And if historians neglect to educate the public, if they fail to interest it intelligently in the past, then all their historical learning is valueless except in so far as it educates themselves.” G. M. Trevelyan.
The Port Royal Covered Bridge has finally been dismantled and hauled away to reinvent itself as a sturdy barn for a local farmer. The actual removal process on both sides of the river took about three weeks total, but the effect will have on the park could take years to overcome. I did not grow up here in Clarksville, nor did any of my family, so for me it has been hard to find sympathy for the dedicated supporters of the remains of the bridge.
The bridge was first built in 1903, then fell during construction, killing one young boy; it was rebuilt and then fell again in the 1970’s due to a storm and was rebuilt again and fell in the mid 1990’s to flooding, where it remained until recently. The original bridge was much larger than its later versions and only served the community of Port Royal for a short time in its history. However, there were many fond times there, weddings, schoolboy mischief, stolen kisses and family outings. «Read the rest of this article»
Do you know what the saddest part of my day is?
The first few minutes after I come out of Elle-Girl’s room after she’s gone to sleep. Yes, I know you must be thinking I’m crazy, or maybe being fake and unrealistically sappy, but its true.
Around 8 p.m. the business of bedtime begins: It’s splish, splash in the bath, wiggle into warm Jammie’s, and finish off the sippy cup of milk. It’s brush her teeth, spit, repeat, “nigh, nigh, Sea” (Night, Night Sea turtle toothbrush), kiss daddy goodnight. It’s the lowering of the night time shade, read the story one more time, “See” she says as she finds the frog on each page. Turn off the light, snuggle down tight, a brief nursing of Mamma’s milk, drift off to sleep. «Read the rest of this article»
About this time of year when the last of the Autumn leaves turn crimson and start to gather around the welcome mat, the residents that live between the Montgomery and Robertson county line begin to have out-of-towners knock on their door. They come from miles around in search of Adams and its famous attractions, The Bell Witch, The Bell Witch Cave, and David Alford’s play “Spirit”.
In the early 19th century in what is now Adams, Tennessee the Bell family was tormented by a “spirit”. In fact, the only recorded death in U.S. history caused by a Spirit was the death of the family’s patriarch John Bell. From the day of John Bell’s death up to modern day Adams, the story has been passed down from one family to the other like a cherished family bible.
«Read the rest of this article»
Have you ever wondered what John Montgomery thought as he sat out on a long hunters journey? Or perhaps you have always wanted to know how early settlers’ wives made a Fort into a home? Just how mysterious was that historic night when Dr. Hopson tended to the Bell Family and their spirit troubles?
On a moonlit Lantern tour of Historic Port Royal, you can find the answers to these questions and more, including a first hand account of the Cherokee traveling the Trail of Tears, what really happened during the Tobacco Wars, and the theories surrounding the end of the Silk Mill.
On Thursday, October 23, at 6 p.m., tours will step into Port Royal’s past, with groups leaving the Port Royal State Historic Park Interpretive Center every twenty minuets until 9 p.m. Each stop along the way will be 8-10 minutes long, for a total of an hour long tour. The tours are free and open to the public. «Read the rest of this article»

"Woman getting ready..."
Play dates are funny things.
The morning of, maybe even the night before you set about planning what you will wear. It’s kind of like when you were in high school and were going on a date with a guy, only difference is the debate over what you wear is now a little different.
As a teen you wanted to have it all together, smell nice, hair a certain way, and make- up just perfect.
As a mom on a play date, same thing, only this time you strive to not make it look like you have it all together.
You want to be approachable, right? You don’t want to give the impression that Gucci and pearls are the norm for you. Or maybe that’s just the impression you want to give, and if that’s the case then I think someone needs to tell you
- A. You’re not fooling anyone, and
- B. The rest of us are quietly fuming that you got to take a shower this morning!
«Read the rest of this article»
I am finding recently that a lot of opinions are being tossed about. With this being an Election year it seems everyone has something to say. Everyone thinks what they have to say is the truth. Everyone thinks what they have to say is important. So I say to everyone, you are right.
We all have a constitutional right to say what is on our minds. Our country was founded on that belief. However, more and more it seems that what someone has to say is not always welcome. In some cases even its forbidden, or even chastised. Who are we to slap a hand or remove a blog, or delete a comment that someone has posted just because its what they perceive to be as right, whether we agree with it or not!
It’s a delicate time we are living in. You must be careful what you say to someone. You must always be politically correct. You must always be conscious of someone’s feelings.
«Read the rest of this article»
Dolly Parton is a passionate lady. She is passionate about her songs, passionate about her music, and most of all passionate about her family and her roots.
That’s why in 1996 Dolly Parton started her Imagination Library in her home county Sevier County, Tenn. She wanted Preschool children and their families to be passionate about books.
Imagination Library is a program designed for children to receive a brand new age appropriate book from birth until age five. You can sign up at any time to get your child started. The book is mailed directly to your house. This is a community funded program and the Dollywood Foundation tracks and mails the books to the families entirely for free!
In March of 2000 Dolly approached The National Press Club in Washington D.C urging other communities to take action and to pick up the program to spread the love of literacy. «Read the rest of this article»

Elle-girl and Elmo
Earlier this week while at Kroger I noticed some baby lotion in the clearance bend from Earth’s Best Organics. Since this was already a brand I use with Elle-girl’s foods, I thought I would try it. I’ve loved it! It’s true lavender, and smells yummy, and it goes on so smooth, unlike other thick lotions. Elle-girl, who has always hated getting rubbed down with lotion, also seemed to love it. She lays very still while I apply the lotion before bed, then she carries the bottle around the house during the day. I started to notice as she carried it around she would sing the Elmo song that she learns on Sesame St.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, we love Sesame Street and Elle-girl loves Elmo! National Public Television offers many great programs for Adults as well as children 24hrs a day. NPR boasts of being viewer sponsored and therefore they do not buy into selling lots of products through commercials on their station. As a parent, I appreciate that. «Read the rest of this article»