I will be hosting cooking demonstrations at the Murphysboro, Illinois Farmers’ Market two Saturdays a month this season! This is definitely something that has been on my bucket list. I enjoy helping folks learn what to do with our local produce which, in turn, entices them to shop and eat local. I am very blessed…
I’m writing about something a little different for my 52 Ancestors post this week. Earlier this summer, a brick honoring three men in my family was placed at the veteran’s memorial at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, Illinois. I stopped by a few nights ago to take some photos. It was bright; the sun was setting…
It’s Throwback Thursday, and that means it’s time for me to showcase another favorite family photo. I have many portraits of ancestors, but very few snapshots … I like the more candid moments because they tell such a story that portraits really can’t. This is a photo of my 2nd great grandfather, Winfield Scott Douglas…
Today is my grandpa’s birthday. Today is the anniversary of the 1925 Tri-State Tornado. One single event that happened on the 6th birthday of a little boy shaped the man we called JR. James L. Raines Grandpa was born on March 18, 1919 to Phoebe (Douglas, 1880-1932) and James Albert Raines (1877-1957) in Murphysboro, Illinois. He was…
The Apple Festival is a long time tradition in the small town of Murphysboro, Illinois. It is the oldest and largest festival in Southern Illinois and the Grand Parade is considered to be one of the best … it’s certainly the longest. I know … I’ve marched it many times in my life, most recently…