Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Shoebox Surprises

In going through things from Mother's farmhouse, I came across a little old shoebox that obviously came from Mother's home in Dobson, N.C.  

What a wealth of surprises!


An invitation to the wedding of my maternal grandparents in 1915.  Fox Neck was the name of the family home, which is near Lignum in Culpeper County, VA.
The wedding write-up in the newspaper.
List of wedding gifts - maybe the ones marked are those who had been sent thank you notes.
Then the 1916 telegram welcoming Uncle Robert, the first child for Bessie and Bob Freeman (Grandmother and Grandaddy Freeman).
 
Granddaddy Freeman's schedule cards from law school at the University of North Carolina in 1911.
Ration Book from WWI

 



"To Do" lists have been around for many years.  

I recognize Grandmother Freeman's handwriting on this list.









The Most Exciting Surprise in the Shoebox!
I'm so glad I took the time to look at these loose sheets.  I almost moved on but once I saw the date of 1864, I was intrigued.  These were written during the Civil War by my great grandmother when she was 14 years old!!  Maybe I can publish and make my millions???
Millions or not, I think this will be of interest to the members of the Willis family AND their reunion is next summer in Culpeper.

My great grandmother (the "journal" writer) was Betty Young Hiter. 

She married Eugene Harris Willis and was later called Bessie, as in "Bessie Hiter Willis."  

My red hair came from my father, my Aunt Lib, Grandaddy Freeman, and now I've discovered another ancestor with red hair -- Bessie Hiter Willis.   More on Bessie Hiter Willis later.....

Who would have guessed what great surprises could come from one small shoebox!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Wonderful Wedding of Mo and Danny

Cousin Hunter and Mary Margeret's daughter, Maureen (Mo) Hollar, got married Friday evening to Danny McKenna.

(This overview was "borrowed" from my cousin's FB wall.  Thanks, Quentin!)

The wedding was held at the King Family Vinyards in Crozet (about 15 miles west of Charlottesville), Virginia. 


It rained most of the day so they decided to be safe and put up a tent.  Thankfully, the rain stopped and the weather was lovely.
 
Click on any photo for a larger version.
I knew the bride would be beautiful.
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Danny McKenna

The back of Maureen's dress was beautiful, too.  


The simplicity reminded me of the good taste and simplicity of Kate Middleton's dress in the recent royal wedding.


The bride's mother, Mary Margaret, dancing the night away.


Isn't there a nursery rhyme about  "Pretty girls all in a row..."


Ed and I were honored to be invited.
The Father's Toast

Parents of the bride, Hunter and Mary Margaret Hollar with the bride's grandmother, Thelma Hollar






After a luscious dinner of roast duck and steak, the cake was cut and the dancing continued.


Mike and Sarah Hill Buczynski, Mo's sister

Barry & Jane Hollar, Mo's uncle


Sharon Harman and Bo, her beau

Lee and Brenda Branner








Bob Ring, Hunter's high school friend.  I hadn't seen him for about 40 years!




The show stealer of the evening was Mo's little niece who was the flower girl.  She was so intense about dropping every petal in her basket.  She got to the front and had some petals left over so she walked back and forth a bit until that last petal was gone.



She also made a grand entrance into the reception.  

It's such a joy to watch a child before they become self-conscious.  

A picturesque setting, charming people, delectable food, and a rockin' live band created a wedding that was a true celebration 
of the GREAT LOVE 
of Maureen and Danny McKenna.
 Best wishes for a joyful life together!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Farm is Finally For Sale!

Our farm is officially on the market!  
Walker May Farm, 7321 Greenmount Road, Singers Glen, VA 22850

 
 I think the realtor's photographer did a great job.  
Here are some of the photos: 
 (Click on any photo for a larger version.)
  








































The views are beautiful in every direction.
  

Mockingbird Hill Farm has been in the May family for over 90 years.  Our grandparents moved here in 1920 and our father was born in this house.  My brother, sister, and I agree that we want it to stay together as a farm and we hope this will happen.  This is where we grew up so we are rather sentimental about it.

For "official" information, please go to Kline-May Realty at: