Years ago, Belmont, NC was a Cotton Mill Town(5,000 pop). It was dressed up later and called a Textile town. There were over 26 mills in this small town. The larger mills built houses for the workers and rented them reasonably. It was about 50 cents a room per week, which was deducted from the main workers pay. A 4 BR house was $2 a week. Sherry’s parents started working before their teens (not a bad thing in the early 1900’s).
These villages became a tight knit family. When asked, ‘ where are you from?’ The kids would respond with the name of the Mill, “I’m from the Imperial(etc)!” Now, There are no mills operating that I know of and there ARE NO MORE Mill Villages.
As with many things, the children raised on the Mill Hills (a term interchangeable with Mill Village) are now 55 to 80 years old and some have a Reunion meal and get together most months. Last night was one of those times. I usually do not go, too loud for me, but I went.
Wow, I was swamped by fans, readers of my books, who declare I am the best author they have ever read. (All three of the women said that!) Well at least that is what I thought they said, since it was so noisy I could not tell. LOL!
The food is some of the best in this area. They have country style steak that melts in your mouth. Fried chicken and catfish with all the trimmings and a great salad bar. They also have a sweet potato casserole topped with a crust of pecans, I always get that for dessert.
Anyway I did see some old friends that I played sandlot ball with on the Climax Mill village. One man was very glad to see me. I explained I was now deaf. (I have no idea who he was, but I want to. He is a nice guy!)
Jerry Ward, who used to pour my concrete was there. Jerry is younger than me and has already had his heart attack.(everyone seems to think they deserve at least one!) He still pours some concrete.
Sherry loves going, she knows MANY of the folks that attend. I went because I thought she would need my help since it is a Buffet, but she did not need me and handled her plate well. ( I felt so unnecessary!LOL)
Thanks for coming this way.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
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1941 Merc Coupe. I honestly do not remember one of these. The ‘41 Ford was very popular. But the Merc had rounder lines maybe.(thanks Rose)
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12 comments:
Well Jack for me - I love reunions - gives you a chance to see people from you past - the good old days. Sounded like a lot of fun for her and YOU! sandie
Nothing like a good old fashioned reunion to set the mind a rememberin'. I was drooling at the foods you listed. Great post my dear man. Hugs to Sherry.
'love & hugs from afar'
I had no idea that you were from a small town. I didn't realize the size of it. It sounds like it would be a GOOD PLACE TO BE FROM. Glad your patient was able to do for herself so well. I hope she gets her cast off tomorrow.. I bet she is tired of carrying it around.
You are right it is loud at the
reunion. I kown it is fun seeing
people you know. I enjoy when
I go to my HS Reunion.
You are a good author and I know
they enjoy your books. You got Fans....touch you.
Yes, must be wonderful.
Please have you all a good Wednesday.
I can see happy thoughts in you! That is waht's important in living and loving life !
I think that's neat the mill kids have reunions like that! Great tradition to do! Must have been an interesting time when all the mills were up and running years ago. Also neat that Sherry was able to handle her own plate at the buffet; that means she's getting around somewhat comfortably with that cast; hopefully soon it will be off and she can have full use of both hands once again!
betty
Jack, you crack me up! Maybe those women were trying to seduce you after reading your books. Love ya!
The '41 Merc shared its body shell and major body panels with Ford. The principal difference was the grill and the interior trim. A problem Mercury always had is that Ford management, with few exceptions, failed to differentiate the Mercury sufficiently from Ford.
The food makes me hungry. Humm we just had scrambled eggs and toast for supper.
Glad you had a great reunion. I had one of sorts as one of my sons and his family are visiting and 20 of us got together for dinner last night. Family is wonderful. All had a great time too! I'm sure you did well with that buffet too. Glad Sherry is doing well!
A very good entry, informative and sprinkled with comedy.
I guess you can see I am catching up and that I am running backwards...lol.
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