“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.” ~ Galatians 6:9
Joan & Jay
Meet Joan and Jay! Joan is a native of Morgan County and the oldest of nine. I grew up with her youngest siblings, particularly Bill, Kathy, and Cindy. In fact, Cindy and I graduated together, and there were times in second and third grades when I stayed all night with her. It was always a thrill because there was a ton of fun things going on around their house (Joan was long gone by this time), like Kathy’s sea monkeys and Billy’s ant farm. And that house, as time would reveal, would become a critical memory for me. As I recalled last Thursday, and Joan confirmed, their dad, Harold, designed and built the house in the late 1950s at the top of Wells Hill. It was, it is exquisite, not just then, but now. It isn’t large, but it is highly functional and carries elements of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style, which Joan pointed out was an inspiration in her dad’s design. She and Jay spend their summers in it when they’re not in Florida, and they were inspired to come to last week’s reception. I was thrilled to meet Jay and spend just a little time with them.
Barbara
Then, here came sweet Barbara Ison, skipping out of Vacation Bible School at the Methodist Church, where she has taught for 70 years, to see me and my work. I couldn’t have hugged her harder. I grew up with her oldest son, James Paul (RIP 2014), and Hero and Shero bought their home and auto insurance through Barbara and her husband, Paul. She has always been just about the sweetest, kindest woman Morgan County ever raised. I talked to Barbara just six months ago about the Caskey House where she spent a few years as a child. Her mother was a sister to Prichard Caskey, the longest owner of the house. During World War II, when most of the men, including Barbara’s dad, were serving in the military, Barbara and her mother stayed in the house with Prichard’s wife, Oshie; their sister, Georgia; and the family patriarch, former judge William Amos Caskey. Barbara had lovely memories of the house and shared them with me as part of my research. Like Joan and Jay, she usually spends the winters in Florida and her summers back here at home, where she was born and raised.
the gang
I learn so much from the people in my hometown, and I appreciate them – and it – more with every passing year. Having just a few minutes to talk with Joan and Barbara was a balm. I hope we have a chance to do more of it in the near future. They’re such a blessing to me and the community.
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