Transcribed by Billie R. McNamara from a typescript manuscript.

Reminiscing -- things experienced or observed roughly from 1898 to about 1916, principally to emphasize the changes occurring during that period -- a unique transition period.  Listed somewhat chronologically.  A time when most people with a compelling initiative were willing and grateful for the privilege of working hard to make for themselves a better life -- honestly.  Followed by incidents 1917-1920 emphasis on World War I - then briefly 1921-1959 adult business life, and finally retirement in 1960, and a few years later.  Some sentences or statements could be expanded into pages.

For full comprehension read slowly - compare with your experiences.  

Ferrell H. Campbell
Knoxville, Tennessee

January 1968 - First Printing
October 1971 - Second Printing
January 1973 - Third Printing
January 1977 - Fourth Printing

Phase I - Part I
1898-1902:  Living in Sevier County, Tenn., Near My Birthplace on a Farm

• A swollen bended knee being baked by holding a red hot iron shovel daily very close for a period of 10 months -- diagnosed as "white's swelling."  The swelling would alternately leave and reappear for about four years.
  
  
• The nightly foot washing during the summer and the regular invigorating Saturday night bath, taken in the wash tub -- usually in the kitchen.
  
  
• Eagerly awaiting being permitted to go barefooted each year on May 10th, regardless of the weather, and the good feeling of shedding the heavy brogan shoes -- fitted to the right foot or left by wearing them.  Soon the feet became toughened after many blisters and stumped toes.
  
  
• Early in life, not too eager to do certain essential chores.  I remember thinking, "not going to kill myself working" - "I've heard of people killing themselves working," etc.  After the "white's swelling" left my knee I became more active and energetic.
  
  
• Oh, the anticipation, the counting of days until Santa would bring square ribbed stick candy, raisins, oranges, juicy apples (having been "holed" and saved from the previous summer), and always chestnuts, with which we would play "hull gull."  All of this would be in long ribbed stockings, hung from the (fireboard) mantel.  Occasionally a small toy or a doll for the girls, and a 150 Barlow knife for the boys.
  
  
• Popping corn, cracking walnuts or hickory nuts, shelling peas and cornfield beans in front of the fireplace after supper on winter nights.  Wall pockets for "lamp lighters" on the wall.
  
  
• Most female's dresses and male's shirts were made from cloth - calico, gingham, muslin, etc., bought or bartered from the country merchant.  A11 scraps left were used in making quilts, lined with strong white cotton cloth, with flat layers of cotton sewed between the lining and top, at quilting parties.  Boys wore skirts until about age 5 - I did.  Then home made shirts and Jean breeches (trousers).
  
  
• It was the accepted custom for male and female to wear long heavy underwear and high top shoes during the winter.  Some "dress" shoes were buttoned.  All ladies' hose were cotton; all dresses came to shoe tops.  Some ladies wore "bonnets" - my mother didn't.
  
  
• The farmer's traditional work clothes were overalls with a bib and "brogan" shoes.  Most farmers had a Sunday blue serge suit of clothes (with a flat, spring steel, oblong shaped, tapered, gadget under his coat collar, to keep his lapels snug) and a Sunday pair of dress shoes (all shoes high top and squeaked), gallouses for trousers - no belts.  "Blacking," shining Sunday shoes.
  
  
• Quite frequently, on special occasions -- harvest time -- corn gathering, etc., men would exchange work and teams.
  
  
• No store bought tooth brushes - only a willow branch (chewed at one end to form a brush) - and soda or salt as the cleaning agent.
  
  
• No barber shops (the housewife usually was the barber) but shoe and blacksmith shops at strategic places; however, every home in the country had a metal (iron) shoe last to fit shoes on for minor repairs - half soling, etc.
  
  
• All during the week longing for the luscious egg custard pie, "sweet cakes" (sugar cookies) and molasses cookies, usually served on weekends.  That longing for sweets hasn't left me.
  
  
• Bare tables?  Never.  Clean white or red-checked oil cloth always on the dining and kitchen tables.
  
  
• No paper napkins or towels.  They were usually made of cloth from flour or feed sacks.
  
  
• Taking sacks of wheat or corn to a water powered mill located on Dumplin Creek, to be ground into flour or meal, and the miller keeping his share as toll for the grinding.  A flume, or trough (a mill race), carried water to turn the mill's wheel.
  
  
• The meal chest for storing flour and meal in every country kitchen or mealroom -- enough ground in summer to last all winter.
  
  
• Feathers or wheat straw enclosed in a strong fabric - ticking - to make a "feather bed" or "straw tick" for the bed mattress.  Usually no metal bed springs, bed coverings, except one sheet - blanket and homemade quilts.
  
  
• Being frightened of lightning and thunderstorms -- and when one approached I always carried in stove wood, then crawled under a "feather bed" until the storm passed.
  
  
• In late summer selected hogs were put in sties, "hog pens," to be fattened by feeding corn for the family's yearly meat, sausage and lard - and cracklings.
  
  
• Hog killing on the first real cold day of fall or winter -- and the good meat thereafter -- tenderloin the first night. occasionally a sheep or calf was slaughtered.
  
  
• All fat trimmings from hams and shoulders were cooked and rendered into lard.  Cracklings were made from the remaining solid portion and used in corn bread.
  
  
• The indispensable earthen floor "smoke house" with hanging, curing hams, shoulders and sides of meat, salted and stacked. Pure hog lard in lard cans and buckets.
  
  
• While living in the country -- up to 1903 -- our only "fireworks" (and they only at Christmas) were dried inflated very tough hog bladders.  To burst them, a heated fire shovel was used to strike the bladders, after placing them on something solid.  This was done in the yard, and created quite a sharp loud sound.
  
  
• During the late summer and fall searching for delicious and not too plentiful wild grapes - chinquapins - hackberries - pawpaws - May apples and sweet smelling pomegranates.
  
  
• Going through the woods gathering rich pine knots to be used in the fireplace for warmth and light during the winter nights -- a good piney fragrance, too.
  
  
• During the summer or fall chopping with an axe or cutting wood with a crosscut saw (usually dead trees) for the fireplace, for stove wood for the cooking stove.  Always a very large, slow burning log (and at times the log soaked in water) was saved for the Yule log at Christmas -- somewhat of a vacation during the burning of the Yule log -- with only the very necessary chores done.
  
  
• Frequently, it seemed, came my chore to do the bi-weekly churning, in the cedar wood churn.  But the soft sweet butter on hot biscuits made this chore more acceptable.
  
  
• For a long time I had admired the beauty of the bumble bee, and had an urge to catch one.  Once I slipped up on a big beautiful one - grabbed it in my bare hand.  Closed my fist quickly to prevent its escape.  Yes, can still feel that sting.
  
  
• Boys have been known to take - borrow - steal (take your choice) watermelons at night from a neighbor's patch.  They did seem to taste better, I'm told.
  
  
• Always curious as to why the cutting part (the blade) of a plow is called a "plow share" - and still don't know.
  
  
• Each country home with a vegetable garden, adjoining the yard, enclosed usually by a paling fence to keep out chickens and dogs - an apple and peach orchard near by.
  
  
• A savory delicacy from the garden - stalks of "pie plant" - we knew it as rhubarb much later.
  
  
• A few rows of broom corn (a species of sorghum) in each vegetable garden for making (round) sweeping brooms.
  
  
• No electric equipment in the country at this time. Only spring houses to keep butter and milk cool -- wash tubs -- big iron kettles in which to boil clothes, etc.  Wood burning cooking stoves were more convenient than cooking in or on utensils in the fireplace - as formerly done.
  
  
• Old superstitions - some still exist:  Black-eyed peas, a must for New Year's day, to bring good luck - also the way one acted, or worked, would set the pattern for the year.  Toads causing warts.  To remove warts tie as many knots in a string as there are warts, rub one knot on a wart, throw the string away - when decayed the warts will disappear.  I tried this - it worked!
  
  
• Most planting on the farm was done when the moon sign or phase is right.  (This may be correct?)  Bad luck for a female to come visiting on New Year's day - a black cat to cross the road in front of you - to raise an umbrella in the house - to pass under a ladder or to bring an ax in the house, etc.
  
  
• Preparing apples and peaches to be made into preserves, jelly or butter by cooking in large copper kettles outside in the yard.  Much of it in gallon crocks for the family's use during the winter.  Surplus apples (and potatoes) were stored in cellars dug in the ground.  Also, apples and peaches were peeled and sliced, and dried in the sun to be used in stack cakes and pies, or stewed.  Some times the sliced fresh fruit was sulfured.
  
  
• Watching for snakes while picking blackberries (from waste land) to be made into jam or jelly.  Tapping maple trees for sap - boiling it to make maple syrup or maple candy.
  
  
• A flock of chickens feeding appear to be regimented.  They seem to know which ones have the highest rank or priority - viz, many chicken fights.
  
  
• The ruffled feathered ill-isposed hen when disturbed while on a "setting" of eggs.
  
  
• Large kerosene (coal oil) tanks, with hand pump, kept on the country merchant's porch, or in a back room.  A potato was stuck on the end of the customer's can spout to prevent spilling.
  
  
• Soda crackers - sugar - pickles - sauerkraut, etc., sold from wooden barrels in the larger country stores.
  
  
• The wholesale drummer (salesman) traveled horseback or by buggy and normally spent the night with a merchant or in a nearby private home.  The price for lodging, supper, breakfast and feed for his horse was about $1.00.
  
  
• Riding to the store bare-back to swap butter, eggs or chickens for coffee, sugar or salt, occasionally a stick of candy extra.  All customers waited their turn as the merchant gathered each item wanted.
  
  
• The country store was truly the "news center" - no telephones - no radios no television - only a monthly four-page newspaper (Montgomery's Vindicator) from Sevierville.  Each customer brought news of crop conditions, scandals, new neighbors, etc.  The drummer brought news from distant places, and during winter time - (when farm work allowed for some idle time) - always had eager listeners around the big "pot bellied" stove.
  
  
• When store bought "light bread" was a novelty, and not nearly so good as those good home baked biscuits soaked in ham "red eye" gravy.
  
  
• A hand-urned coffee mill (grinder) in every home, as Arbuckle's coffee was sold only in the bean, for about 15 cents per pound.
  
  
• Females only rode horses side-saddle, rather than a-stride as males.  Only one stirrup but both legs on same side, left leg in the stirrup, the other resting on a special support.  An "upping block" outside the yard gate.  A hitching post near by.  A hitching block placed in each buggy.
  
  
• Doctors in the country were many times paid with fresh meat, chickens, vegetables, etc.  I rode with an uncle (country doctor) on many night calls - horse and buggy - no automobiles.
  
  
• Common remedies for minor illnesses:  Sulfur and molasses.  Sassafras or wintergreen tea as a spring tonic.  Quinine for chills (think I used a bushel).  Asafetida - a small ball enclosed in cloth around the neck for sore throat (awful smelling) - prepared from plants of the parsley family.  Flannel cloth saturated in mutton tallow for clogged head or sore throat.  Few drops of turpentine in sugar for coughs, etc.
  
  
• The time when a two-horse Studebaker farm wagon was the ultimate and a twohorse Babcock buggy educed as much prestige as a Cadillac today.
  
  
• Quite a sensation - riding on top a wagon load of loose hay - going to the barn (on sloping ground) - wagon turned over, and the slick hay carried me many yards, down the hill - no injury - no hay knife needed on this load.
  
  
• Before the McCormick reaper, strong men swung scythes (with 5 prong cradle attached) when cutting wheat, oats or barley.  Hay was cut with horse drawn mowing machines.  There were no tractors at this time in our section of the country.
  
  
• The corn crib, separated from the barn, and the hay loft in each barn for storing winter feed for the animals.
  
  
• Moulding lead bullets for use in the long barrel "hog rifle," also reloading shells for the 12-gauge shot gun.
  
  
• At wheat threshing time the wood-burning steam thresher with four or five men would come on a specified date.  The farmer's wife always prepared an elaborate noontime dinner - chicken - country ham - many vegetables and two or three desserts - coffee - milk and buttermilk to drink.
  
  
• The clean fragrance of wood smoke as one approached a home in the country.  If stopping, one would call out "hello," at the gate or edge of the yard and await an answer before entering the yard.  When leaving if one received "come when you can" they were welcome to return any time.
  
  
• Hot biscuits often three times daily, breakfast, dinner (noon) and supper.  Frequently for supper corn meal mush, or hot thick corn bread was substituted; on special occasions a real delicacy - "thickened milk," made by cooking small rolls of flour in whole milk then sweetened.
  
  
• Winter time, in prolonged periods of severe weather cutting holes in ice in the frozen over creek.  The watering trough (rain water from the barn's roof) frozen, too.
  
  
• Riding to Knoxville (with Dad and Carlos) from Sevier County in a wagon, loaded with potatoes (taters) to sell, and smelling of noxious coal smoke.  About 6 miles before reaching the city limits, our horses always frightened of trains and were hard to hold.
  
  
• Farmers coming to Knoxville usually slept in their wagons in stables where they stayed and boarded their horses.  Many available, some were livery stables, that had equipment and horses for hire.  We stayed with relatives.
  
  
• Complete meals (all one could eat) for 15 cents - later advanced to 25 cents, at many boarding or "eating" houses in Knoxville.
  
  
• A period when a man's word could be, and was, believed as the truth - a liar was notorious.  A period, too, when it was a privilege to work and earn anything desired.  This was impressed on me by my parents.
  
  
• Thankful for an honorable God-loving father and mother, who reared their 6 children to be honest, hard working, and taught us to always do the right (Christian) thing in all our activities.  I strayed at times, which brought many switchings.  The "rod" was not spared.
  
  
• All the family dressing around warm wood burning cook stove in the kitchen on winter mornings, while breakfast was being prepared.
  
  
• An accepted method to pull a loose tooth was to tie one end of a string to the tooth, the other to an open door knob - then slam the door; it works.
  
  
• Carrying in my pockets small balls or rolls of string - colored preferable - and a Russell Barlow knife.  Wish I had saved a few of the 15 cent and 25 cent Barlows - a good one now several dollars.
  
  
• Writing materials - slates for school - rough tablet paper for 1 cent - lead pencils.  Smooth tablet paper for ink.  A quill pen (normally made from the end of a large feather).  In absence of store bought ink, a substitute was made from polkberries.  Store bought ink pens were available.  Postage stamps - letters 2 cents - postal cards 14.  We had R. F. D. delivery.
  
  
• Roasting, for school, an ear of "roasting ears" corn, unshucked, and a long red sweet potato in hot ashes, covered with red hot coals -- country ham sandwiches common.  Peanut butter, No.
  
  
• Any time a boy or girl was to be punished by a whipping, at our one room school, the offender would be sent outside to bring the teacher a switch.  If not a good one he, or she, was sent back until a good one was brought.  Any time a funeral was passing (the casket in a wagon or hack), the school bell would toll.
  
  
• Picking up pieces of sandstone from the road bank (as my brother, Carlos, and I returned from the one room school), which was easily broken into granules, and used for scouring our board floors at home.  A "mop" of hickory splints was used for scrubbing.  It worked, -- the floors were kept quite clean.
  
  
• A stick or two of candy or a small present at the close of each school year, for every student, from the teacher.  Normally a 4 or 6 month free school.  There were some "paid" schools.  "Books" meant school in session.  Most schools had a recitation bench at the front.
  
  
• Wrapped heated bricks on cold nights as foot warmers.  No heat in bed room.
  
  
• The family washing done by hand on wash boards, and boiled in large iron kettles outside, and dried in the sun on clothes lines.  No fragrance to equal sun dried sheets, blankets, etc.  Bluing used to counteract yellowing.  No detergents - only lye or Octagon soap.
  
  
• The always convenient chamber pot under the bed, for night use as the outside privy was usually located many feet from the house.  No inside plumbing.
  
  
• Distinctive sounds heard in the country, (no reference to the above).  The crow of roosters - hens cackling after laying an egg - doves' lonesome coo - the bobwhite's musical whistle - the harsh caw of crows - barking of squirrels - mocking birds' melodious sow - the woodpeckers' pecking - hee-haw the braying sound of donkeys - bees buzzing - frogs croaking - crickets chirping - the screech owls' hoot or wail - and the whip-poor-will's nocturnal cue - the braying of mules - the neigh of horses - and, yes, the restful sound of falling rain, and the rustling of wind through the forest's leaves.
  
  
• Home lighting in the country was by kerosene (coal oil) lamps, with a woven thick cloth wick, or a substitute in emergencies -- sheep tallow candles.  Later there were improvements, using compressed air in lamps.
  
  
• Much convenience for washing dishes, etc., after a hot water tank was added to the kitchen stove.
  
  
• Horse powered grinders for squeezing the juice from sweet sorghum cane when making molasses.  The proper cooking is an art - and very important.  Often a piece of the cane saved for chewing by children, watching.
  
  
• All roads in the country were graded by horse drawn scrapers, and were built to conform to the contour of the land for easier travel by loaded wagons.
  
  
• Each male adult was required to work on his portion of the country road a certain number of days (I think 5) each year -- in lieu of taxes.  If children were used each two days counted as one.  Extra allowance for the use of a horse.
  
  
• Slow moving oxen - with a wooden double yoke - pulling logs to a saw mill.
  
  
• Apprehension about the severe sting of "pack saddles" when gathering corn.  I've had that awful experience.
  
  
• Making wooden traps to catch rabbits, then tracking the rabbits in the snow and placing the traps near their nest or den.
  
  
• When hand wound victrolas (graphophones) with cylinder records were the only "talking machines" in use -- truly a unique novelty.  We had one.
  
  
• Storing wood ashes in closed wooden "ash hopper" for making strong lye soap, used in the family wash.  After bleaching by pouring soft rain water, from the cistern or rain barrel, over the ashes, this liquid was then boiled in large iron kettles, mixed with hog fat.  The alkali in the ashes and fat are the principal ingredients.
  
  
• Making hominy in large iron kettles, in the yard.  Hickory king corn boiled in lye or wood ashe solution.  When fully cooked washed thoroughly 6 to 10 times to remove the lye.  A full day's work.
  
  
• Selecting solid cabbage heads for making sour kraut - shredding, packing tightly in crocks. or jars - salting - adding boiling water, then keep in dark three or four weeks to "work" or "cure."
  
  
• The anticipation of visiting "sociables" viz: box suppers - singings - spelling bees - church meetings, with "dinner on the ground."  Baptizings in a big creek or the river always attracted large crowds.
  
  
• All barns and most homes were weather-boarded or logs - a few made with "home made" brick.  Most covered with wooden shingles, split by a froe.  A very few barns or porches covered with tin.
  
  
• Lightning rods on most homes and barns in the country.
  
  
• Water to drink from cisterns or wells, except those homes near a spring, (usually a long handle gourd for drinking).  Water for horses and cattle from ponds or a creek or a watering trough.
  
  
• Listening to the Southern Railway's train whistle from Strawberry Plains - 4 or 5 miles away - constantly reminded me that I wanted to be a railway mail clerk when I became an adult (later on this desire changed to a county agricultural agent).

Phase I - Part II
A Year, 1903, in Texas

• Our Dad got the "Texas fever," it culminated late in 1902 when sold at auction the farm equipment and most of the household goods and moved to a farm about 5 miles from Mt. Pleasant in Eastern Texas.
  
  
• My mother prepared enough fried chicken, country ham, jellies, cookies, etc., to feed the family of 6 the entire three day train ride to Texas.  As we were crossing the Mississippi River at Memphis I recall looking out the window and saying to mother, "look at that big field of plowed ground."  I was train sick.
  
  
• Dad shooting opossums that had raided our chicken house, provided excitement many nights.  Another exciting occasion he shot an eagle, only wounding it.  I'll never forget the effort it made to reach us, with a determined fierce expression on its face, and in its eyes.  The eagle had to be shot again.  Carlos and I held the tip of each wing, which showed a wing spread of six feet.
  
  
• While living in Texas our father opened a small savings account for Carlos and me in a Mt. Pleasant bank.  On one occasion the banker opened the vault door so we could see "our" money.  We thought it was the same money we deposited.
  
  
• The creek that flowed through the swampy bottoms near our home usually had a skim of oil on the surface.  Oil wells are now thick there -- oh for foresight.
  
  
• Some of our cattle strayed into the swampy bottom land during a wet period and sunk up to their bellies and could not be extricated -- they perished.
  
  
• Carlos, age 10, and I, age 8, went to a neighboring farm about 1-1/2 miles from our home for two big watermelons.  They filled both ends of a large burlap sack.  To carry them we straddled the sack on a strong pole, then placed each end on our shoulders.  The return trip was without incident until we came to a high rail fence -- about twice our height.  The melons were too heavy for us to lift over the fence.  Finally the problem was solved by Carlos raising gradually his end of the pole, while I raised the other end and resting it on each successively higher rail.  At the top one end of the sack was rolled over and across the rail, then the melons were lowered inversely from the raising.  This bit of "strategy" has remained vivid in my memory.
  
  
• Our first and only experience of growing cotton was in Texas.  At age 8 I was a fast cotton picker and with fewer bleeding fingers - than others - pierced by sharp hard burr prongs surrounding the cotton boll.  Before the cotton is ready to be picked it goes through three different color stages of blooming.
  
  
• Most people in Texas didn't bother to kill snakes.  My father killed over 80 the year we were there.  While gathering some fruit one Sunday afternoon, I suddenly discovered 8 or 10 big snakes all about me -- some coiled.  By keeping cool I got away without being bitten, by backing slowly through an opening.

Phase I - Part III
Teen-Age in City

• The climate in Texas did not agree with us after one year returning to Tennessee we stayed in Knoxville, rather than going back to Sevier County, due to better education facilities.
  
  
• The likelihood of getting hot cinders in one's eyes when a train window was raised for fresh air.  The constant crying of children on trains.  There was no airplane or bus transportation - only a few roads suitable for inter-state automobile travel.
  
  
• Enough round steak for a family of 6 could be purchased for 10 cents to $1.50 - we seldom had steak except for breakfast; frying size chickens selling for $1.00 each - fried for breakfast - cream gravy, too.
  
  
• Fresh beans or tomatoes 50 cents per gallon - eggs 15 cents per dozen - buttermilk or skim milk $1.00 per gallon - whole milk $1.50 per gallon - "Sour John" apples for making jelly 50 cents per gallon.  What ever happened to "Sour Johns"?
  
  
• We eagerly visited both our grandparents back in Sevier County at every opportunity.  Grandmother (paternal) always baked us an old fashioned many layered stack cake -- dried apples or peaches -- and a gallon bucket of cookies.  All the uncles and aunts made us feel wanted.
  
  
• Grandmother always setting table ready for breakfast after washing dishes at night.  She "rested" by patching clothes for a large family of 6 boys - 1 daughter - quite frequently smoking home grown tobacco in a clay pipe.
  
  
• Large twists of home grown tobacco, hanging in an outside closed room, for smoking in our paternal grandfather's and grandmother's clay or cob pipe.  Only two of a large family of boys ever smoked.  No ready rolled cigarettes available.  No snuff or chewing tobacco used.
  
  
• Our maternal grandfather reading the Bible daily and saying Grace at meal time.  He was a fine Christian gentleman, with two large families (7 and 8 children) -- my mother in first family.
  
  
• No dry cleaning plants, only pressing clubs, using heavy hand irons -- pressing the dirt into the garment.
  
  
• Shaving done only with a straight razor.  Individual shaving mugs on the barber shop's shelves.
  
  
• Trying to conjure doodle-bugs out of holes in the ground by repeating "doodle bug, doodle bug," etc., and inserting a wild onion stem in the hole hoping the doodle bug would attach itself to it - and quite often did.
  
  
• Some whys:  Why does one always mount a horse (or dismount) from the left side -- or why is a cow milked from her right side or why do cattle grazing always head in the same direction?
• The enjoyment from simple playthings, viz:  baseballs made by wrapping twine tightly around a ball of cloth (earlier, in the country, we would play "ante over" at school with homemade balls) -- walking on wooden stilts and tin cans with strong strings attached -- a shoe tongue for the "pocket" of a sling or sling-shot -- rolling iron hoops by fashioning a piece of stiff wire for a handle, the other end cupped for guiding -- kites made from any available paper, with strong weed stems as staves-- belly buster wooden snow sleds -- playing "hide and seek", mumble-ty-peg, jacks with small pebbles, marbles, spinning tops, one eyed cat, etc.
  
  
• The making of homemade ice cream in a hand-turned wooden freezer each Sunday.
  
  
• A boy calling on a girl friend -- out of his neighborhood, usually -- was "rocked" when leaving and had to run to the trolley car -- I ran fast.
  
  
• This one episode in my early life I regret, but it has a "box seat" in my memory.  There could have been dire consequences.  Going to The Knoxville Journal about 4 A.M. (this was later advanced to 2:30 A.M.) to secure papers for my paper route.  I had to cross a long bridge.  A street housing mostly saloons and bawdy houses (both were legal) ran under the bridge.  One of the bawdy house's chimney came almost even with the bridge, and only a few feet away.  This house had a tin roof.  Two other boys were usually with me -- mob psychology at work.  We conceived the idea of having some "fun" by dropping bricks on the tin roof, then running very fast to a safe distance where we could see "people" coming to the windows and doors.  One time we dropped a package of lighted firecrackers down this chimney.  Consternation below??  Yes:  We stopped this dangerous foolishness after about four or five times spread over a period of about two months.
  
  
• The necessity of wearing "dust coats" on all automobile trips outside the city.  All roads were macadamized or plain dirt and very dusty.
  
  
• For many years automobiles were open cars -- touring cars or roadsters (some with a rumble seat) -- curtains were available.  All with outside running boards -- no automatic shift -- and hand-cranked until about 1913 or 1914.
  
  
• Tires were improved to the point a 5000 mile guarantee was a sensation.  Tire patches, boots, and repair kits were a necessity and certainly a jack and tire pump.
  
  
• Some of the automobiles formerly sold in Knoxville not in production now:  Star - Dart - Jordon - Haynes - Winston 6 - Austin - Mormon - E. M. F. Page - Frazier - Chalmers - Auburn - Flanders - Cord - Crosley - Saxon Apperson - Moon - Pierce Arrow - Allen - Peerless - Stanley Steamer Franklin (air cooled) - Durant - Chandler - Overland - Stutz (bear cat) Hupmobile - Reo - Maxwell - Erskine - Hudson - Kaiser - Edsel - Packard Studebaker - an electric and a three-wheel auto.  This is from memory -- and wonder why they failed?  And is this peculiar only to the automobile business?
  
  
• While attending a revival one Sunday evening and choir softly singing, "Just as I am, Without One Plea," etc., going forward to accept Christ as my Saviour.  Some people say they cannot recall accepting Christ at a specified time.  I can.
  
  
• Two days before our mother died September 3, 1910, she called each child to her bedside, separately.  She said to me, "be a good boy, and be good to your sisters" and then in a weak voice said a short prayer in my behalf.  She was a sweet good mother.
  
  
• As we passed my former one-room school with my mother to a nearby cemetery, we were the recipients of the "bell tolling" -- as mentioned previously.  All students lined up standing quietly outside.
  
  
• I'm thankful for learning early in life, when there are no "boot straps," the "WILL to do," with action is effective and causes many problems to vanish.  A "dole" or "relief" to an able-bodied person was insulting.
  
  
• A phenomenon:  at age 18 I was the youngest member of a baseball team that won the Knoxville City League championship.  Here's the unusual occurrence:  forty (40) years later we held a reunion, and every member of that team was living and all present except two.
  
  
• Now the "will to do" tested.  Arising 2:30 each morning, walking 1-1/2 miles to newspaper office to work in mailing room -- $3.50 per week -- then carrying a long paper route -- price 10c weekly -- 15c with Sundays.  Walking from 8 to 14 miles daily, plus the two hours previous fast work before school at 8:00, and Sunday School by 10:00 each Sunday.  How happy and thankful I was for the opportunity to make enough money to buy my clothes, pay my school expenses, and partially repay my three sisters, De, Mae and Rae for the many things they did for me.  After our mother's death, they did the cooking and house work.  Our family was happy and full of hope.
  
  
• Have been thrilled lately seeing a friend's scrapbook listing my batting average at mid-season in the City League at 5.20.  I made the All-City team each year while at Central High School.  My high school years were enjoyed, making good grades and active in athletics.

Phase II - World War I

Some of my activities from 1917 to 1920, with emphasis on occurrences while in France, for 17 months, 3/16/18 to 8/26/19, during World War I -- "The War to End all Wars," they said.

• After completing high school and more than 1-1/2 years at U. of T. (where I had R.O.T.C. training) entered 1st Officers Training Camp 5-12-1917, at Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga.  This was three months intensive infantry training.  I was happy to be one of the 90 to survive from my company of 190 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieut. August 15, 1917.  After 6 months additional training at Columbia, S. C., and Jacksonville, Fla. (a good place to spend that awful cold winter) many of us were sent to Camp Meade, Washington, D. C., for further tests.  Several more were booed there.
  
  
• Upon arriving in Columbia., S. C., September 1917, Camp Jackson was not ready to accept the hundreds of arrivals.  After all rooming houses and hotels were filled many slept in churches, in parks, and in private homes.  I was fortunate (as were three others) to be asked to Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Parker's home at 1710 Bull Street.  I remained there two weeks.  The Parkers would accept nothing for lodging and three (3) meals daily.  When camp was completed they came for me each Friday evening and returned me to camp Sunday afternoon.  After my arrival in France we corresponded regularly.  The Parkers appreciated my writing and said I was the only one (of many they had in their home) who ever wrote to them.  They felt through me they had a part in the war.  I was grateful for their hospitality.
  
  
• I sailed for France March 6, 1918, on the Great Northern, a fast ship and the first troop ship to sail without an escort. The night the submarine zone was approached we had orders not to undress.  On board were thousands of troops and much equipment.  This night I was assigned duty in the hole, bottom deck.  Hammocks were 3 and 4 high and crammed very close.  Most all were seasick and vomiting.  The ocean was rough and as the ship rolled the vomit on the floor would slosh over my shoe tops.  When relief came at midnight I went topside and laid across my bunk, deathly sick.  About 4 A.M. it seemed "all hell" broke loose suddenly.  A very loud, weird siren began giving forth with a most agonizing sound -- the big guns, both stern and forward, were firing rapidly, and depth bombs being dropped.  Added to this activity, just realizing we were out in the big ocean alone -- the night pitch dark -- with a howling wind, and the ship's heavy rolling all accentuated the dilemma.  The weird siren's belching was a signal for all the thousands to go at once to their assigned life boats.  The order was never given to lower them.  'Tis well, they couldn't successfully have been lowered, ocean too rough, and the wind too strong -- at times water would splash over the top deck.  The report was two torpedoes had been fired at our ship. A new device was being used for the first time -- indicating when and from what direction a torpedo was fired, permitting the ship to dodge it.  I know one thing for sure, our ship was doing some fast maneuvering.  There was no hysteria on board -- no ignorance in action.  Some time later two American destroyers came to our rescue and escorted us to Brest.  It was beautiful to see those American flags waving as the destroyers zig-zagged in front and on either side, and reassuring to stand on deck after daylight in a bright sun and a calm ocean, and to know help and protection was with us. Just "how close," yes.
  
  
• My first permanent assignment 4-7-1918, was Assistant Railhead Officer at Azerailles, France, located in Meurth and Moselle Province -- near the front -- and the first night I didn't sleep a wink, because of the roar of the big guns and knowing anything could happen.  Life up there was hard and challenging, no dull moments, very little leisure time.  I became Railhead Officer October 14, 1918, succeeding Major W. W. Chamberlain (wonderful man, who in civilian life was sales manager for Chevrolet in Detroit).  He became "shell shocked" and was assigned duty back at our headquarters.  My Railhead was one of seven located from Switzerland to Belgium.  We usually supplied about 30,000 troops, several thousand horses and mules -- and at times twice this amount.  I was the only Railhead Officer with the rank of 2nd Lieut., most were Captains and Majors.
  
  
• Returning from an Elsie Janis Army Concert at Baccarat one rainy midnight (we had been kept inside two hours -- being bombed).  No car lights -- hitting and killing an "expensive" cow in the road.  All in the car "shook up" no serious injuries.  I wasn't driving.
  
  
• An interesting incident is recalled that happened when the 42nd division moved into our sector.  General Douglas McArthur (the executive officer) sent a memorandum to me specifying I increase the amount of certain items to their troops over and above regulations.  I did not comply.  My headquarters was contacted that evening, advising them of the memo.  They directed me to visit General McArthur and read to him certain passages from the official manual.  I did, and, when finished, he thanked me.  Have often wondered about this after he became an illustrious General and leader.
  
  
• At Azerailles we were shelled every day, especially about 10 P.M.  Our warehouses were built in the middle of a long hill, sloping away from the German lines.  It was easy to hit the top of the hill above us, or to shoot beyond our station.  However, two close calls come to mind.  One afternoon a bomb (from an airplane) seemed to be coming directly on my head (jumped into a ditch).  It entered the ground -- never exploded -- about 50 feet from me.  Another time at night a big bomb exploded not far from my bedroom window.  The concussion knocked me out of bed into the middle of the floor how close?, again.  This bomb cut niches in a big pile of live bombs nearby.  They were moved the next day.  Troops coming in or leaving traveled only at night.
  
  
• Before entering the army I had a date with Nell Mae Giddeon.  Well, one Sunday afternoon while watching an aeroplane "dog fight" between about 15 French and Germans, Nell Mae's picture came to mind, some three years after that one date -- what an impression she must have made.  This picture persisted, so in a few days I sent her a copy of Stars & Stripes.  That was the beginning of the end of bachelorhood.
  
  
• The frustrated French -- one Sunday is vivid in my mind -- for memory of an incident to last so long it had to be unusual and frustrating.  All along the front -- back about two or three miles from the front -- the Allies used observation captive (fastened to a big truck by cable) balloons.  A basket was attached for observers, with powerful binoculars.  There were no helicopters, or high flying spy planes.  One of these balloons was stationed between our station and the front.  The French had difficulty in keeping it up.  A German Ace, using a small very fast fighter aluminum plane (then actually unique) came over shooting tracer bullets, destroying each balloon put up.  The French had no plane to match the Germans' speed.  For many days the French made elaborate preparations to destroy the German.  They brought dozens of the 75 millimeter guns (small cannons) and placed them, surrounding the balloon that only had dummies in the basket.  Finally, about 1 P.M., we observed a tiny speck high in the sky -- circling and descending.  It was the German Ace.  When he was a few thousand feet high he made a dive for the balloon.  The French opened up with all the 75s, hundreds of shells bursting filled the air.  The plane was not hit -- neither was the balloon destroyed.  The German made two more dives, destroying the balloon on his third dive -- then flew back to Germany.  The French brought back on the road all their 75s -- literally muttering to themselves.  They were so exasperated.
  
  
• The French 75 mm gun was what amounted to a secret weapon, as Germany nor the U. S. had anything as effective in quantities, although it failed as stated above.  I have two of the empty 75 shells.  A wounded French soldier handcarved the Alsace Wreath on one and the Lorraine Cross on the other -- took him two weeks.
  
  
• Each Railhead Officer was assigned an automobile (with a chauffeur) and a motorcycle.  I used the motorcycle to inspect a reserve supply of rations stored back about 10 miles from the front.  Returning one night -- to escape a German shelling -- opened the throttle wide, no lights, but was familiar with the road.  Suddenly hit a soft spot (that wasn't there in the A.M.), lost control and swerved to the right, but soon straightened on firm ground.  Next morning went back to check.  The French had brought red clay to repair the road, dampened it, preparing to roll with a big roller.  My motorcycle tracks showed I was headed straight toward the roller, and veered smoothly around it.  If I had hit the machine would, no doubt, have been killed instantly.  God was my pilot that night, and other times, too, for which I am thankful and grateful.
  
  
• After becoming Railhead Officer, the Mayor of Azerailles had me to his home for dinner, also present were his wife, an 18-year-old daughter and the Mayor's mother.  I could speak enough French for simple conversation.  During dinner the mayor's wife said to me, "Oh, yes, I know why you went up to Luneville" (20 miles).  I asked her why.  She said "pour couche avec la femmes" (to lay with the women).  I assured her that wasn't the reason, but was non-plussed, as that was my first experience with the openness of the French in discussing sexual and other subjects.  Later on during the meal the daughter asked that I let her know the next time I was going to Luneville as she would like to accompany me.  In my car a positive no-no.
  
  
• Across the street from the Mayor's home -- on the side walk -- was a public (male) urinal, enclosed about 5 feet high.  All French cities have them.
  
  
• My first leave in France was to Nice on the Mediterranean adjoining Monaco, where Monte Carlo is located.  The first night there I saw four former school friends.  It is beautiful all along the French Riviera.  High above and paralleling the Mediterranean is a narrow road in the lower Alps which offers a magnificent view.  To gamble in the casino, American servicemen had to change to civilian clothes, however, we could watch all we pleased in uniform.  I had only army clothes.  It was interesting to watch the agonizing faces of men and women when losing.
  
  
• Traveling down toward the Swiss border, on order from my headquarters, hunting for a regiment of "lost" infantry.  Going from place to place, late in the afternoon, finally located where they had been five days previously, before moving across a spur of the Vosage Mountains into the French front lines.  There were two roads leading to their location.  One straight across, and the other about 15 miles farther, going north then around the spur of the mountain.  I started straight across, but the Germans began shelling the road, so had to retreat and try the long way.  The night was very dark, and a cold rain falling -- we couldn't burn our car lights.  Going up a hill around a curve a big French truck coming on our side of the road hit my car head on, knocking it (my car) through a tall camouflaged fence into a level meadow, with the front wheels bent outward.  Again, "how close"?  It could have been down a cliff.  A quandary?  Yes.  It was now about 10 P.M.  I left the chauffeur with the car to try to get it back on the road, and started walking toward my destination, pistol in hand, apprehensive every step.  After walking about one hour I was suddenly challenged, which proved to be one of the lost regiment's sentry.  He took me to his officer, who awakened his commanding officer, and he in turn had his supply officer and sergeants awakened.  They were pleased indeed to see me.  We worked all night listing the things needed which was everything, food, clothing, ammunition, etc.  About daylight the colonel furnished a car for me to return to my station, picking up mine and towing it.
  
  Note:  I've wondered many times why didn't we spend the night in the little town where we ate supper.  If we had we wouldn't have been knocked through the camouflaged fence -- but we would have been a day later in bringing relief to the lost battalion.  Why?  I'll never know.
  
  
• One late afternoon we saw a plane coming high over Germany -- looked to be disabled.  It alternately glided and used power -- and gradually descending.  It finally landed in a field about 400 yards from our Railhead.  We were not sure of its nationality, but started toward it.  As we got closer saw a machine gun pointed toward us.  The plane was a British bomber out of gas -- its tank had been hit by shrapnel.  The pilot thought he was still over Germany, and was prepared to fight to prevent capture.  He was pleased finding Americans.  We gave him food and lodging for 3 days.  His outfit (up toward the North Sea) sent a dismantling crew for the plane and transportation for him.
  
  
• Recalling two "NOT according to regulation" incidents while on the front (there were others), none for self benefit:
  
  1. In an emergency I loaned (strictly forbidden) my car to a Motor Transport outfit for a trip to Luneville.  While there it was stolen.  A factual report was sent to my headquarters at Issurtille.  Motorcycle riders were dispatched all along the front and in a few days found it (my car) up near Belgium -- stripped.  It was re-built by the Transport outfit.
  
  2. While assigned to my Railhead, the 37th Division had an emergency need for extra gasoline.  Unable to secure it in time by requisition, went to a French Army gasoline station a few miles away.  They refused me any (it would have been replaced or paid for).  Returning to my station for a truck load of armed troops, then returned to the French, secured the gas needed.  Left a signed receipt, sending a copy (with explanation) to my Headquarters.  Since, I've shuddered thinking of the possible consequences.
  
  Was not censured for either of these irregularities.  For possible explanation see a future paragraph.
  
  
• A simple heart-rending episode.  One day an American Red Cross train came to our front to evacuate many wounded soldiers from a nearby hospital.  Previously we had only seen in our sector the small French engines and dingy little coaches marked "40 hummes (men) 8 chevals (horses)."  The big, powerful locomotive with two American flags gently waving, the 12 to 15 beautiful Red Cross pullmans, the enchanting Red Cross nurses at the windows waving and eagerly looking at the conditions "at the front" passed majestically.  I saw tears trickle down many battle-tested faces.  Should they have looked at me, the same would have been seen.  This scene I suppose just awakened the nostalgia in us.
  
  
• Watching another "dog fight" between French and German, a German plane was brought down in flame -- landed about a mile toward the front line from our Railhead.  Three or four of us went to see the condition of the plane.  It was burning, so was the strapped-in dead pilot -- a horrible scene.  The Germans began shelling the downed plane to prevent the Allies from obtaining information.  We performed a hurried exit.
  
  
• We had numerous Armistice false alarms in France, same as in the United States.  The actual day of the Armistice November 11, 1918, I was on a mission north toward Tours, beyond Luneville, but did not know this was the actual day.
  
  
• Thousands of American troops were passed all morning, going toward my Railhead.  I learned later a wide sweeping American offensive was in the making to cut the German Army at Metz.  My station would have been in the center of the drive.  I had been receiving some extra supplies, but had not known why.  Returning to my station in the afternoon, the French were simply wild with joy -- they had been at war so long and most of it fought on their soil.
  
  
• Each Railhead Officer had the authority to grant the Railhead personnel 3 day leaves -- usually to Paris.  However the third day after the Armistice, two sergeants and I went across the Vosges Mountains to Strasbourg.
  
  
• After the Armistice, my Railhead was closed December 14, 1918, and I was transferred to Bourbon les Bains -- near Joan of Arc's birthplace -- as Railhead Officer.  While here, February 13, 1919, I received notice of promotion to 1st Lieutenant.  Soon I began receiving congratulations from each of the 15 sergeants and corporals formerly assigned to my Railhead up at Azerailles.  This was very pleasing to me, because it proved they appreciated being treated as "men," although at times the work was demanding.
  
  
• Also, had another congratulation from my former Commanding Officer, who asked that my "Record Book" be sent to him. When it  was returned the following notation was made under "remarks":  "Lieutenant Campbell has been under my direction and observation since assigned to Regulation Station A, in June 1918.  Lieutenant Campbell has exercised rare tact and efficiency in the distribution of supplies and handling of troops at the front.  His promotion to 1st Lieutenant was due to special merit, his character is excellent."
  (Signed) W. W. Chamberlain, Maj. Q.M.C.
  Regulation Station A, APO 712
  May 12, 1919
  
  
• While awaiting re-assignment at Issurtille after closing the Railhead at Bourbon les Bains, the Commanding Officer at the big S.O.S. base invited me to be his guest at the local army theatre three (3) different occasions.  I thought this rare and finally asked him "Why?".  He replied, "We have made many investigations of all Railhead officers, especially at the front, and you have the best record of any."  Humble and proud?  Yes:  And just possibly this answered why I was not censured -- or even court-martialed for going against regulations in emergencies.
  
  
• Gradually all Americans were moved back toward embarkation ports.  My assignment was at Brest, where I went aboard each ship carrying troops back to the States and arranged for the placing on board dungarees, caskets, and embalming fluid.  In Brest I lived with a lovely French family, Corre's.  After three months at Brest, orders to come home were received.  But the following day orders, dated prior, came granting me a two weeks' leave to Great Britain.
  
  
• While in London about 30 Americans and I (staying at same hotel) rented a bus and private guide, for two days' sightseeing.  Standing above the Thames River -- across from Big Ben -- the guide was extolling the importance of the Thames.  A big, raw-boned boy from Kansas said, "You have been telling of the importance of the Thames, whereas it doesn't compare with a river near my home."  The guide asked its name.  The Kansan replied, "The mighty Mississippi."  The guide hesitated, then said, "My friend, there's no comparison; your mighty Mississippi is merely a big stream of muddy water, whereas the Thames is liquid history."  I learned that day it is important to consider the other's viewpoint.  From London, Edinburgh, Scotland, was visited, then by stage and boat (across Loch Lomond) and the Irish Sea over to Belfast, Ireland, and on down to Dublin, then back across the Irish Sea to London.
  
  
• The first morning in Belfast (Northern Ireland) while waiting to cross a street, a man in a one horse two-wheel cart passed shouting angrily at me.  A man standing near me asked if I were an American.  He so informed my tormentor, who then smiled -- waved and moved on.  My interceder explained the angry man thought I was British.
  
  
• Crossing the turbulent English Channel, I arrived back in Paris July 16, 1919, the night after selected troops from all 27 allied armies were the first to go through, or under, the Arc de Triomphe since 1871 (see note below) down the fabulous Champs Elyseé to Place de la Concorde.  Five million people lined on either side -- some had held vantage points for three days, being relieved occasionally by friends or family.  Paris was glittering with hundreds of thousands at 2 A.M. when I arrived, still celebrating in every conceivable manner.  Many streets closed to vehicular traffic.  It was not advisable to be on the streets alone.  Thugs?  No.  Mademoiselles?  Yes.  It was fortunate that I had previously made reservation at the Grand Hotel.
  
  Note:  Arc de Triomphe is located W. end Champs Elyseé, in the middle of Place de l'Etole (Square of Stars), where 12 avenues converge.  Napoleon I began the Arc 1806, as a monument to his troops.  King Louis Philippi I completed it in 1836.  It is 160 feet high and 146 wide.  The inner walls contain the names of 396 Napoleon's generals and 96 of his victories.  France was decisively defeated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71.  When the last German departed the Arc was closed (chained) and no one went under it until July 15, 1919.
  
  
• Flash-back Memories:  In Meurth and Moselle Province in N Eastern France (where I was stationed) the farm homes were built in a group -- the farms some distance away.  The barn or room for animals adjoined the home and the refuse piled just outside the home.  Females working in the fields -- all younger males away in the war, horses, too.  The French drank wine with meals -- never water -- and always cleaned the plate completely.  They never ate corn -- said corn was for horses.  We had to chemically treat or boil drinking water.  Two items I craved to eat -- apple butter and corn bread -- couldn't get either.  Looking all day for chocolates in Paris -- found none.  All tree twigs were saved, tied in very tight bundles for fire wood the French were frugal.  Most country roads never dug up to repair, but clay placed on top and rolled.  Many built in Napoleon's reign, in the early 1800's.  The major railroads and highways converge at Paris, and radiate from there.  French mayors were appointed by government in Paris.  Nice French girls wouldn't openly speak to American service men or walk with them on the street even if a friend or acquainted.  Took many pictures:  (1) One of a French peasant lady, wearing wooden shoes, driving cows, pulling a small wagon, just after a German bomb burst nearby, covering her and the cows with dirt. (2) The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in Paris, (3) Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, London, (4) Sir Walter Scott's monument in Edinburgh, etc., and had one made of me climbing a rope ladder to top deck of the Leviathan (14 stories from bottom to top).
  
  
• Certificate of Identity, kept with me, showing I weighed 175 lbs. (now 170), 6 ft. tall, blue eyes, etc., and stating ... "if captured is entitled to priviledges of prisoners of war" ... etc.  Luckily never had to show it.
  
  
• A beautiful land-fall on returning from the "war to end all wars."  A 14-day voyage (6 days in going over) from France -- pent emotions erupted in tearful banter by thousands cramming the decks as we approached Newport News, Virginia, August 4, 1919.  Seeing one's native land, loved ones and friends, was the one thing most desired by U. S. servicemen.  Many never made it.  How are we (how am I) going to atone for their sacrifice?
  
  
• I was discharged 8/26/19 -- honorably.

Phase III
Briefly, 1920-1959 - Adult Business Life

• After a hitch in the armed services it takes some effort and re-adjustment for one to get his mind geared to civilian thinking.  I worked hard at this task.
  
  
• For some two years immediately after my discharge, was a salesman, working the wholesale trade for a candy manufacturing and brokerage firm, traveling West Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  Then two things happened -- one temporary, the other permanent.  The temporary one was a sales manager for about 8 years -- the same firm.  The permanent one -- I finally persuaded Nell Mae -- whose picture came to mind in France -- to accept me for "better or worse," on June 27, 1925.  This I have never regretted -- and is proof I was a pretty good salesman.
  
  
• To keep in good physical condition I played handball and volleyball twice weekly at the Y.M.C.A.  This was very enjoyable.
  
  
• Just prior to the Great Depression of the early 30's, I entered the wholesale candy business.  After a successful beginning the Depression hit, and brought a struggle -- a nightmare.  It is comforting to me now, that I paid all bills -- some three years after closing my business to go with Reeder Chevrolet Company.
  
  
• Following the turbulent Depression years it was a relief to be with Reeder's.  Some lasting and cherished friends were made there.  World War II had made it necessary that I change work.
  
  
• After much checking -- with special consideration as to the permanency (I have never enjoyed changing work) -- the quality of the company, and the opportunity it offered for merited advancement, I chose Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  My work there was as an agent, then Assistant District Manager, and the last four years as Insurance Consultant -- specializing on business insurance and estate planning.  With Metropolitan I won for Nell Mae and me many pleasant trips to various places in Florida, to Gulfport, New Orleans, Hot Springs.  Elected president of the Knoxville Association of Life Underwriters, 1958.
  
  
• I learned by many special courses and experience that for one to be happy in business, a profession, or dealing with people in any category, a goal -- a purpose -- must be established.  Enthusiasm is a helpful aspect.  Another is to have or secure confidence and to make the one with whom you are dealing feel good.  I have learned also that well planned hard work will cause problems to vanish.  I enjoyed my work and enjoyed being a Saturday golfer (trying to break 90) and the good fellowship with my golfing friends.
  
  
• I've heard (am still pondering this) "If one doesn't know where he or she is going they are likely to end up some where else."
  
  
• "Pride of Accomplishment" -- One can store up dividends to be cashed over the years by unselfish help to associates.  An example -- I recruited and gave initial training to a young energetic man who advanced rapidly and soon became one of the company's leading managers in another state.  One year his office won the honor of having the best record in his territory (7 states).  The company gave him a victory dinner and invited Nell Mae and me.  Many H.O. executives present.  The manager began his talk by saying "except for one man present here tonight I would not be here, etc.," and then called my name to stand, and publicly thanked me for the guidance given in his early training.  Dividends?  Yes.
  
  
• While at a Metropolitan convention in West Palm Beach, Florida, passing a friend and former associate he extended his hand, and said "Ferrell, I'll never be able to repay you," and passed on.  What a compliment.  Dividends?  Yes.  He is now a manager.
  
  
• While recuperating in the hospital (47 days) from 6 heart attacks in 1959, I had an urge to write about 40 of my former associates.  Felt at that time I would not leave the hospital alive, but prayed would live long enough to complete this letter.  First I wanted to publicly pay tribute to my wife, Nell Mae, for loyalty and unselfish cooperation, and specifically seven others were mentioned by name who had helped me and two who had amplified my help and gone on to be managers.  Then a plan for achieving happiness was suggested.  Next, indecision was briefly discussed.  William James said, "There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision ..."  An excerpt from the final paragraph ...  "From my heart I must say this ... A great majority of our men have accepted Christ as their saviour -- if there are any who have not, please do so without delay..."
  
  Note:  I had not seen this letter for several years, but came across a copy in 1976 (some 17 years after written) and it brought back memories of that 47-day hospital ordeal.  To those who read this what would you write if you thought it might be your last letter?
  
  
• This excerpt of a letter from one of my golfing partners, and many more similar expressions from associates and friends helped in my recovery.  "... That wonderful golf foursome which I happen to be a member of ... was speaking of you last Saturday and each expressed their concern for your well being.  Ferrell, I just wanted you to know that you have been on my mind, and I will be thinking of you, and saying a few good words to our Master for a speedy recovery ..."

Phase IV
1959-to-date 1977 - Retirement

• My retirement was forced in 1959 by some heart attacks, and this changed plans for my future, and I accepted them cheerfully.
  
  
• I get much pleasure now in retirement thinking of the co-operation I received from my associates in the army, at Reeder's and Metropolitan, and the help I was able to give younger men, and their willingness to accept and build on it.  I used this condensed guide of pertinent success factors in revealing where improvement is needed (effective for any occupation) -- a student, a ball player, a doctor or a salesman, etc.  Knowledge -- Is more knowledge needed?  Of one's self -- or his business?  Attitude -- How about his (my) attitude -- good or bad?  Skill -- Can he (I) perform skillfully?  Habits (work) -- Does he (do I) work to improve knowledge, skill, attitude?
  
  
• My outside yard and garden work and growing the herbs and roses for preparing potpourri, making native wood walking sticks, assembling. old coins, and compiling unusual questions and answers (I have over 800) -- occupies most of my working time.  These varied interests enable me to stay busy and change my days' work to conform to the weather and my desires -- important factors in retirement happiness.
  
  
• Here are some examples of my 800 questions-and-answers:
  
  Q. What four-legged animal's all four knees bend forward?
  A. The elephant -- on all others the hind knees bend backward.
  
  Q. What does "corned" in corned beef mean?
  A. Preserved with salt or brine.
  
  Q. Is the U. S. flag ever flown up-side down?  Or below another flag?
  A. Yes, a distress signal at sea.  (2) Yes, at church services at sea.
  
  Q. We know the removal of the appendix is called an appendectomy, the removal of the tonsils a tonsillectomy.  What's a removal from the head called?
  A. Some call it a "hair cut."
  
  Q. How do dogs perspire?  (2) Cows?
  A. Dogs perspire through their tongue.  (2) Cows through or on the nose.
  
  
• Thinking of picturesque expressions and words peculiar to the hill country of East Tenn. (largely inhabited by Anglo-Saxon descendants) heard in my early years in Sevier County:
  

  Set a SPELL	(stay a while)
  I AUTO go to the store today	(should)
  Here you NUSS the baby	(hold or feed)
  Pick a MESS of greens	(enough for a meal)
  Bring some ROSNEARS	(fresh corn - roasting ears)
  He has RIGHT SMART stock	(many)
  Tough as WHITLEATHER	(harness leather)
  This water isn't FITTEN to drink	(no good)
  He owns NARY a thing	(nothing)
  All TUCKERED out	(exhausted)
  As PERT as a cricket	(chipper)
  I AST where he lived	(asked)
  Charlie is feeling TOLERABLE today	(fairly well)
  That weed is PIZEN	(poison)
  Don't touch the hot ARN	(iron)

  
  
• And these colloquial words:
  

  JINE	(join)
  GIT	(get)
  YANDER	(yonder)
  SKEER	(frighten)
  POKE	(small bag)
  FETCH	(bring)
  ATER	(after)
  LEARN	(teach)
  FAR	(fire)
  RECKON	(believe)
  HERN	(her's)
  HISN	(his)
  KIVER	(bed cover)
  MATER	(tomato)
  TATER	(potato)
  SHORE	(sure)
  FRASH	(fresh)

  
  
• Remembering when:
  Only two small hotels in Gatlinburg, Mt. View (Andy Huff's) and Riverside (Steve Whaley's).
  No motels - now many dozen.
  Fire department equipment pulled by horses - a barking dog on top.
  Riding logging train to Townsend and Elkmont.  No other way available.
  Pharmacists compounded all prescriptions.
  5c and 10c stores sold nothing higher, later increased to $1.00.
  Regas Restaurant located on S. Gay Street between Wall and Commerce [Knoxville].
  Road to Maryville two-lane dusty macadam.
  No Alcoa road - no Alcoa either.
  No airport.
  Oak Ridge not dreamed of.
  Many rafts (of logs) floating down the French Broad and Tennessee Rivers to D. M. Rose Lumber Company.
  U of T playing football and baseball on Waite Field corner Cumberland and Fifteenth Streets.  Wooden stands for a few hundred - now 82,000.
  Great Smoky Mountains National Park merely a dream - a vision - of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Davis, later supplemented by Col. David Chapman's energetic interests.  Many people gave valuable assistance.  Details given in "The Birth of a National Park" by my brother, Carlos.
  First Baptist Church in 600 block Gay Street [Knoxville].
  Knoxville News published 100 block S. Gay, later combined with Knoxville Sentinel, Gay and Church, to form present Knoxville News-Sentinel.
  Norris Dam 1936 only a dream of Senator George D. T. Norris.  The first of T. V. A.'s many dams, about 50.
  Band concerts from specially built marble stand in Chilhowee Park by Crouch's Band, Sunday afternoons.
  Easter egg hunt - Chilhowee Park.  Prize for gold egg.
  Gay Street paved with rough brick - electric trolley line in middle of street - later street car tracks were installed, then buses.
  Southern and L & N Railway passenger stations waiting rooms always crowded until passenger trains stopped in Knoxville - L & N on 3/7/1968 and Southern in August, 1970.
  Market House, long two-story brick building center entire block between Wall and Union Avenues, on Market Street.  North end built 1888 (2nd floor used as city offices).  South end completed 1897.  First floor filled with vegetable, fish, and meat stalls.  Farmer's produce wagons parked perpendicular to curb on either side of the Market House. Retail on east side - wholesale on west side.  Merchants came about 4:30 A.M. for fresh farm produce.  Truly a landmark.  Demolished to make way for Market Square Mall 1960.
  
  
• Yes, and thinking also of these simple, yet majestic, scenes.  When young and living in their midst, never thought of them being "majestic."
  Woodland covered with snow, with snow birds flitting among the trees.
  Wooden fence rails enclosing a pasture filled with cattle grazing.
  Blue wood smoke lazily curling from a farm home chimney, with children and dogs playing in the yard.
  The distinctive fragrance as one passes a field of new mown hay or clover, conjures aha's and oha's.  This delight can't be captured by pictures.
  A prized water pitcher in a decorated pottery wash bowl on a wash stand in the bedroom, porch or in the kitchen.  A necessity.
  
  
• [In another section] Central High School was mentioned - well for several years former Centralite friends and I have belonged to the same church - First Presbyterian, Knoxville, and in the same James Park Sunday School Class.   In 1975 we were joined by another classmate, making 5 former high school friends still together - rather unusual, I think.
  
  
• To exercise your thinking mull over this:  Much progress is continually made in earth science (earthquakes), oceanography, electronics, computers and outer space.  U. S. has landed men on the moon (viewed on television).  Viking 1 and 2 landed on Mars (sending back good pictures), traveling 57,000 miles per hour, and taking 11 months to go the 220 million miles.  But think how insignificant compared to this:  A light year is 6 trillion miles (the distance light travels in one year at 186,282 miles per second).  The closest star (Alpha Centauri) to earth is 4.3 light years away and 98 light years from Canopus.  The North Star and the nearest galaxy (Andromeda) are much, much farther away, hundreds of light years., etc.  Difficult to visualize?  Yes!  What awaits us in the future?
  
  
• Rudyard Kipling said, "If you don't get what you want it is a sign either you did not seriously want it, or that you tried to bargain over the price."  Oliver Goldsmith said, "You can preach a better sermon with your life than you can with your lips."  Note: For every day living I'd say these two precepts are good to emulate.
  
  
• During my father's life-time (my mother died in 1910), my brother and three sisters and spouses met the first Friday each month for dinner to be with him.  He died in 1957, but we still meet at the same place and time for an enjoyable family gathering - as we have now (1977) for some 30 years.  In retirement Nell Mae and I look forward to these monthly meetings and they enhance our family's fellowship.
  
  
• All the preceding are simple facts, now an opinion or two and some unanswered questions.  Nature hasn't changed - just people.  Chickens still cackle, doves coo, cattle graze headed in the same direction, etc.  We have the same sun, moon, the seasons, etc., now as when I was eagerly waiting fox that square, ribbed stick of candy at Christmas.  But with some, it seems to me, morality, sense of values, and faith in God have changed.  Why???  Simply and logically who or what, but an Omnipotent God could make a small acorn to grow into a mighty oak, or put together a tiny seed that would develop into a plant producing many luscious tomatoes?  Yes, and what could hold, or keep, a planet - like the earth - or a satellite like the moon - revolving in their orbits - in space?  We have a choice.
  
  
• Since last printing we have sold our home (1974) and moved into an apartment.  I miss the garden, roses, herbs, etc.  My health prevented me doing the garden and yard work.  However have been fortunate having friends to share their garden and garden plots, and I am thankful.
  
  
• My eye-sight has gradually improved since the detached retina operation in 1965.  For this I am thankful, along with my good recovery from the heart attacks, and many, many blessings all through life.  And, yes, I enjoy and am thankful for cherished friends.