Columns

I purchased my first computer when I began my writing life in 1994. A fan of pen and paper with no "word processor" experience, my firstborn installed the machine on top of her repurposed vanity table, placed in my kitchen. She offered a ten minute lesson and said,...

— PART TWO — Shortly after daughter Sarah’s, birth, early 1844, Frederick and his brother Moses traveled across the Erie Canal and on to Michigan for the first time. Frederick built a large steam powered sawmill in Imlay Township for the Beach, Imlay & Morse...

Folk who live or work near a pond or lake may encounter turtles in the road nowadays. For instance, while driving on our wiggly country path, a little traveler appeared. In a turtle's typical "I'll get there when I get there" disposition, he paid my automobile no...

— PART ONE — Frederick Plumer Currier Sr. was born November 11, 1812 in the township of Newbury in Orange County, Vermont to Moses Currier (1784-1845) and Mary Carter Currier (1787-1875). Mary’s mother was a Hoyt and might be a distant relative of mine. He was the...

When I began writing my memoir, I never dreamed a man in my critique group would someday say, "I'd like to see your soup beans, greens, and cornbread recipes in this story." "Recipes?" I replied. "Who doesn't know how to boil greens in bacon fat, and mix self-rising...

One hundred and sixty years ago, July 1-3, the pivotal battle of the Civil War was fought at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle began when units of the 1st Michigan Cavalry Brigade encountered Confederate forces on the outskirts of Gettysburg. The 1st Michigan...

Sometimes we need help to realize our dreams. Sonny Sutherby to work magic with his tractor on our new circular driveway in spring 1989, for one. And after days of raking rocks and sowing grass seed, I called Foglers Farm for straw to mulch the seed. As we owned no...

“Sam I Am” is a blessing and loves to have fun   Father’s Day has come and gone and for me, it was a time of reflection. Not only for myself, but in remembering my dad and my grandpas. Those men in my life have all passed away. Most recently, two years ago, my...

My Appalachian sister called Sunday, May 28. "Houston graduated yesterday," Patty said. She'd mentioned the date of a grandson's high school commencement ceremony some weeks prior. "How did everything go?" "Well, you won't believe this. Houston didn't tell us he was...

I have many fond memories of my childhood toys. I distinctly remember going to Kresge's in the downtown of my hometown shortly after Christmas with two dollars given to me by my grandfather. I strolled the toy aisles until my attention fell upon a most unique toy. It...