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Tuesday was going to be a big day; there were many people on the move.
Auntie writes to her niece, Miss Mattie Jones, to tell her that she and Evalyn would take the early train.
Ethel, however, had not decided if she would get up that early, or take a later train.
Many people in Fayetteville were planning to go, too.
Auntie was sure that "a good many, I think, will go from this place".
Even her pastor was planning to go.
June 20 was a Saturday in 1908.
The big event was the following Tuesday, June 23.
What was happening in Tennessee on that day?
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Postmark
Fayetteville, TENN
June 20, 1908
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Address
Miss Mattie L. Jones
Shelbyville
Tenn.
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Message
Evalyn & I will go on the early train Tuesday morning.
Ethel perhaps also, or wait until later; a good many I think will go from this place.
Our Pastor also is going.
I was glad to receive your card and hope to see you soon.
Much love to your mother.
Lovingly,
Auntie
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Comments: 34
"it is quite possible that Mattie and her aunt are headed to an event in Nashville. "
I have already been there -but I do not have the super AKCD sleuthing powers.
A new Chancellor was installed at Sewanee in Chattanooga, there was a notable funeral somewhere, but I could not find any mention of the sort of thing that might attract a crowd of townsfolk.
But, I did not do a focused search in the archives of Nashville newspapers.
Was "The Tennessean" published in 1908?
(I have another postcard to her -I will get that ready to be published, too)
She has a devoted Auntie, and some cousins (?), Evalyn and Ethel.
I have been south of Nashville toward Murfreesboro, but not as far as Shelbyville or Fayetteville.
Fayetteville would be closer to Huntsville than to Nashville, I think.
I pass through Nashville, Memphis, and Louisville from time to time, but I seldom have business reasons to travel elsewhere in Tennessee or kentucky.
I appreciate the problem.
Some folks, like Kate, have learned how to mine archival material from the web -and I am grateful for this and amazed by it.
kate and I have discussed putting together a book, Ron.
I don't knwo about a TV program; Kate will probably insist on wearing a gown. :-)
You are all set for the celebrity that is sure to come from Postcard Personalities on your local cable channel.
These cards are fascinating, dorine.
I appreciate your enthusiasm.
If your show is on basic cable, I'll be tuning in!
It does appear to be in the flood plain, Beaker!
I haven't even broached the subject of Postcard Personalities to Kate, who is communing with Nature in a mountain cabin this week-end.
I feel the same way, although the poor gal needs a break, too! :-)
You may know, from her articles and comments, that Kate has had a lot going on in her life during the last year or two.
Fayetteville and Shelbyville are not near any large cities.
The reference to Nashville, by Kate and I, was sheer specualtion.
I am trying to imagine the kinds of events (that might occur in June) that would involve a group of towsfolk making a train excursion together.
That is exactly what I suspect was occurring, Dannielle.
I could not find an adequate newspaper story cache to pursue this line of inquiry.
I have been to a tent revival meeting; and I encourage others to go.
While I was not converted there, I was moved by it - and I am not a likely target of religious sensationalism.
While the parodies and stereotypes (like Elmer Gantry) have a basis in reality, the revival meeting is still something more.
This may have to be an article -aws I am beginning to pontificate.
Suffice it to say that one of the clearest demonstrations that I have ever seen of Americans confronting existential realities occurred at a Revival Meeting.
I haven't found it quite as peacedful as I did before Beaker mentioned "flood insurance".
:-)