Hearing From Advocate Readers

Russ and I have been Advocate subscribers for about 50 years. It helped us stay connected to our hometown and our roots. Reading The Advocate before writing was how this all started for me. I have appreciation for the notes, letters, emails and texts from folks with roots in Knox County. I am encouraged by those who tell me they enjoy reading Memories. Reflecting, it is hard to believe I have been writing for so many years.
I miss reading historian, the late Phillip Fox Sr.’s column FoxTales. I saved many articles. We corresponded often! His articles continue to teach and speak to me. I grew to think of Mr. Fox as a mentor. When beginning to write my memories for family, I called on him frequently to ask about events and history of Knox County. He encouraged me to keep my desire to remember places, events and write about them. One of his last notes follows. I’m sure your family appreciates your efforts. They are most fortunate in having those memories for future generations. How many times have you heard someone remark if so-and-so we’re still living, she or he could tell you about the events that happened in the family, but unfortunately, they’ve passed on. Mr. Fox’s words of wisdom and encouragement ring true today. A missed dear hearted man.
Readers with Knox County ties common thread is respect for the past. The late Tom Easterly faithfully read the Advocate. The Easterly family had a dealership in Knox County. Later living in Lexington, Tom contacted me via email. Bert Scent introduced us over the internet. Tom wrote of his respect and love of the place he once called home. Tom and I corresponded for years. Up to his death he expressed his desire to share memories with his children and grandchildren. He implied they could not sit still long enough to listen.

Recent comments from readers.

JC Calebs Milford, Ohio
We lived at the top of the hill behind Bally Frasier’s dealership and Pope Lumber Company on 25E. No indoor plumbing - we had a two seater outhouse. We were blessed to be one of the few to have a TV in the mid 50s. Neighborhood children came Saturday mornings to watch Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and other shows with us, Calebs kids.
Once I caught my sister Vivian smoking in the outhouse. She got in big trouble with mom and dad. We picked blackberries for $.25 per quart. Dealing with chiggers and scratches was all part of it. Once I took a bite of my sister’s berries. I still have a scar from her retaliation.
We attended the Highway Chapel Church for Sunday school. Never allowed to miss for any reason! We had wonderful neighbors.
About age seven, we moved across 25E to a much better house with indoor plumbing, a garage and an old crib next to the cemetery and lumberyard. We had a lot of good times.
Millie’s Aunt Nanny, McCormick was also my fifth grade teacher. She was an awesome teacher who loved her students. Couple of events come to mind when we were in her class.
1) Once after a snow fall a few of us brought snowballs back into the room after recess. Yes, we all got a deserved SWAT. Afterwards, Mrs. McCormick gave us a big hug almost smothering us in her bosom. A definite illustration of forgiveness and love.
2) Another memory - projects. Our group’s project, making a drawing of the state of Kentucky with all 120 counties in color. She made us feel like this was the best ever. What a wonderful teacher and lady.

Buzz Wenderoth Northern Kentucky
Your truly remarkable story reminded me I have three family clocks needing repair. A marble one that my mother (Dinah Brewer) and I found in a Lexington antiques store. It sits on my office desk. I keep putting the repair off. Your story gives motivation to fix it.

Belva McNabb Knox County
Advocate came today. I read your column. I use to sit and listen to my parents and grandparents telling their about their life. My memories came to me how Daddy would get us around the fireplace and tell about his life I loved listening to my Daddy and my Pop-paw. Thank you once again for your precious memories, and sharing them. I can relate.
Read your Mountain Advocate column today. I was raised across the river from Artemus in Davis Bend. I went to a one room school. You mentioned Pat McDonald. I want to share the sweetest story. Pat was my third grade teacher, and I was a teacher’s pet! We had to copy this story and sign our name, but not me, I signed George, the name at the bottom of the story.
From that day on, I was called George. For my birthday he brought me a beautiful little doll.

Uneeda Williams Knox County
Thanks for your Once Upon a Time, Memories in the Advocate, sure enjoyed it … about special play at Artemus school, children now don’t get to experience this, I really enjoy your weekly articles!

What started out in 1997 as a way for me to preserve my families memories now inspires others to recall theirs. What JOY for me to read.
Thank you.