Jack Darnell Meets Jack Darnell

For quite some time now I have had a desire to meet the man whose name I have used all my life. Today that dream became a reality. I was disappointed in one thing, the old man had HAIR! HAHAHA!

His bird house outside his house is bright, the hills around are bright and cheerful and full of daffodils.

Jack himself proved to be a true Tennessee gentleman. His hospitality was engrossing, it overwhelmed. Jack lives in the community of Coker Creek, Tennessee. Life never ceases to amaze me, on the way up highway 68 a couple days ago, (due to a detour) Sherry took a picture of a beautiful Methodist church. That church is just 8/10ths of a mile from Jack's house.

Jack is a year or two older than I, we have many of the same interests, but the one central thing that brought us together is that we both love to write. He has published a book that is going well, called, 'The Book That Jack Built," Unique in the fact that a ten year old did the illustrations and another ten year old did the cover.

His book is about Appalachian Tales, riveting. WE purchased a few and he autographed one for Elsie Mae. WE are standing at his spring, that he has piped out about three feet. He walks 100 Yards to draw his drinking water. He said it kept up the stream even during the drought a few years back.

On the way back from the spring I shot this picture of his barn.

The 'facilities' (out house), it is comfortable I tried the seat, it is a one holer. (But Lucy there is no sears catalog, he cheats, he has real toilet paper!). This man may have the name I have, but he is one of a kind.

This is the outside canning stove, he says it is too hot to do the canning inside. (More daffodils).

I had to shoot these. Can you see the square headed nails? They are original. The house is over 150 years old. This is heart of Yellow pine. Tough durable lumber (No kidding, you say!!!)

Jack & his Publisher Yvette Warren. She was also a delight to meet and talk to. She is enthusiastic about Jack's potential and his work. I am limited to the photos I can put on here, So I skipped the good picture of the mantle. The mantle behind Jack is one solid rock. It took some Rock mason to hang that sucker.

Jack's kitchen, he joked about being a gormet cook, making toast and coffee. He says the secret to good coffee is don't add too much water! LOL Jack joined the army and they assigned him to the motor pool. Problem was he had never driven a car, so they made a cook out of him. (Side note: A few days ago my oldest son pointed out that military belt buckles were not the only type of buckle. You cannot see them too well Jack (son), but both these Jacks, who have never met are wearing military style belts, something else in common, so there!!!)

In his bed room is the manual portable Smith Corona typewriter. He says he uses a lot of correction tape. (Some of you folks may remember correction tape!)

Jack took me out to his book room, the walls are lined with shelves,that is expected by one who loves books, but this lamp, on top of the singer treadle sewing machine, caught my attention. Ever see one? I never had. Jack says it is a kerosine Alladin's lamp and as bright as an electric bulb. He said he didn't use it anymore because it must be turned off very slowly to keep from breaking the fragile wick (mantle). He said when he get's ready to go to bed he just wants to blow out the lamp and hit the sack.

Here we are back out on the front porch, Jack is graciously signing his books for us. Note the firewood and kindling on the porch.

This is the back side of Jack's house looking up from the creek. Daffodils everywhere.
No electric or running water in that house.

We said good by to two new friends. Yvette who is a misplaced (or specially placed) Cajun from Lousiana. They were displaced by Katrina, and have been a blessing especially ot Jack who cannot stop singing her praises.

He no longer uses cornhusks in a tick for a mattress (too noisy he says) so he has advanced. He also drives a car and does his laundry at a laundry mat. He keeps a cousin's horse 'cause the cousin lives in the city and doesn't have room for it.

A wonderful day. There was much more to the day, maybe I can get back to that tomorrow.

Thanks for coming by the log. HAPPY EASTER

Nite Shipslog,

My hat is off to a real American. One who is not polluting, one who is conserving and one who is contributing. Just blow out the lamp and rest well tonight, Jack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9JyyYoyWKw&feature=related

A short interviews with Jack!!!