Lucy's Branch RV Park Closed

We stayed at Lucy's Branch RV Park while in Rogersville, AL. Just before we left everyone was served their final notice that the park would be officially closed November 1, 2007. The property was sold and the next time we visit there will probably be condominiums or homes. The property is very valuable as it overlooks the Tennessee River. Presently, there are several new homes and condos further down the river. We said, "no problem, we were leaving anyway." We can take a hint!!

Lucy's Branch

The history of Lucy's Branch land was very interesting. This site is named for Lucy Bedingfield, daughter of a slave and a Cherokee Indian. She was born in 1832 and her Indian name was Finch. She married Meredith Bedingfield, a slave, and had 9 children. Lucy was an astute and avid storyteller. Sher purchased 170 acres (some of the property is the RV park where we were staying) in June 1888 for $600, recorded by U.S. Patent #43463. One of the last known Indian Chiefs in the area formerly occupied this land. Lucy mortgaged the farm several times by marking her mark. She used "Gold Coins" of the present standard of weight and fineness" to make payments. Lucy and her descendants farmed this land until the TVA purchased it in 1935 for the creation of Wheeler Lake. Lucy relocated to Oklahoma in later years and is buried there.

Saying Goodbye to Cairo UMC

This was our last Sunday at Cairo United Methodist Church. We said goodbye to our Sunday School class members. The church also helped celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Pastor Bill and wife, Pam. We hope to see them again.

The Sportsman's Deli

On the way back from Athens, AL we stopped at the Sportsman's Deli to get something to drink. Notice the table where we were sitting. I would love to hear some of the stories that come out of here. The Sportsman is located next to a river where alot of people go to fish. I can just hear the whopper of fish stories...how big was it? Really......

Tennessee River

What a beautiful view of the Tennessee River from the door of our motor home. Jerry took this picture in the morning as the lighting was just right and the water looked like glass.

Triple R Ranch

While in Alabama we met some friends of Heidi and Charles and visited their ranch. Marcus, Jackie and Clellan live here in a log home built by them along with the barns and fences. The outhouse was built by Jackies daddy. Jackie loves horses and would like to someday have a herd of buckskin horses. She has a good start now! They love to sing and have invited us to go to their home and sing and play their old piano. She has also invited us to go to her parents home and play and sing for them. We haven't sang this much in a long time. We have really met some wonderful people while being in Alabama. We look forward to going to their homes and singing and playing for them.

On Three Say SEX

My sister and brother-in-law drove from Missouri to visit a couple of days with Jerry and I. They have never seen Alabama. They spent one night at Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge over looking the beautiful Wheeler Lake. They spent one night with our friends from Alabama. We had breakfast at the River Bend restaurant before they left the last day. Before they left, we insisted they try the fried pickles. I wouldn't be surprised if it is on their menu next year at the Garrison Campground.

Historic 1826 Beaty Mason Home

Athens, AL, has several homes on the National Registry of Historic Homes. The Beaty Mason house, built in 1826, the home of Athens State University president. The house is owned by the University. The house was built by Robert Beaty and was occupied by he and his wife and six children, called a mansion in its day and still a stately home. Until the death of the the last family member, Mary Elise Mason, in January 1958, the house was never occupied except by family members. The house sold in 1958 and the buyer asked to be remain anonymous, gave the house to the college. The community collected appropriate furnishings and contributed money to restore the home to its present elegance.

First Presbyterian Church Built in 1852

Athens First Presbyterian Church was organized in 1829. The church was badly damaged during the Civil War and worshippers met at the Baptist Church. Sufficient money was raised to be begin the building of the present church "On the Square", which was completed in 1895. The church is still being used today.

Dixie Theatre in Athens, Alabama

These original Silent Movie Posters, discovered in the attic, are hanging in the Gray & Holt Dry Goods today. Joseph P. Kennedy bought up several Hollywood studios. One small studio was FBO, Film Booking Offices of America, which specialized in Westerns produced cheaply. It's owner was in financial trouble and asked Kennedy to help find a buyer. Kennedy formed his own group of investors and bought it for $1.5 million. Gray & Holt Dry Goods at one time was the old "Dixie Theatre" which played these old western movies. Also, found in the attic were some of the original movie seats from the Dixie Theatre. This store was full of history.

Barker Cemetery

We visited the Barker Cemetery which is on the way to our friends church. Jerry's folks were from Oklahoma and he also had kin from Alabama. The Barker Cemetery is on Barker Cemetery road. We stopped to see if Jerry recognized any Barker names. One of the ladies at the church we met, said she did a research on the Barker Cemetery and said they were called Barkerites. Each family is believed to have one evil child, and because they were evil they had to be killed.

Night Out at Daniella's in the Park

Everyone loves to eat here in Alabama. These are some folks, Jimmy and Francis, we met at Charles and Heidi church. Charles invited us to join them for dinner, as they go out every Thursday evening for steak dinner at Joe Wheeler's Resort. We had a great time visiting with everyone.

Joe Wheeler State Park Golf Course

Jerry and Chuck played golf one day on this beautiful golf course. As you can see there is more than just playing golf on this course. In the evening the deer come out to play and eat. It's fun watching them as they are used to having people stop and take pictures.

Lucy's Branch Campground

Once we arrived in Alabama and staying in the front yard of our friends home, we checked out the parks in the area. We moved to this beautiful park, with several views. There are some beautiful views of the Tennessee River or more wooded areas. We chose to have a view of the river. We are staying here for a month as there is a lot to see. It will be great to have tour guides!! Heidi is a shopper and has taken me to some neat stores. She's my kind of shopper! The guys play golf, we shop.

Red Neck Car Wash

We met Hardrock at the red neck car wash, which is actually Anderson Creek. He was panning for gold. He showed us how to pan for gold and showed us the gold he had found. He is a member of LDMA, which we are members too, so Jerry and him had a lot to talk about. He showed us some of the gold he had found in different places.