The Stone Steps

By Barbara J. Mason

Carverton, Kentucky, is one of many small communities in the mountains of Appalachia that have endured for centuries, undisturbed by progress. Nestled along the west bank of the Red Bird River, it’s a pleasant, neighborly place where everyone knows everyone, and if they don’t, they soon will. As 1960 approaches, the residents of Carverton realize that ignoring the ever-changing world around them is no longer an option. New challenges unfold throughout the community, while twelve-year-old Wilhelmina Louise Carver, called Willa Lou, takes interest in her own heritage. She listens to stories and experiences of her elders, pursuing hints of a mystery. But when a tragic accident leaves her looking for comfort in her grief, she stumbles upon a well-kept secret.
This novel, set in small-town Kentucky in the middle of the twentieth century, tells the story of a young girl coming of age in the midst of tragedy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Dec 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483435114

Book preview

1960

Prologue

Carverton is a quaint little town, nestled along the west bank of the Red Bird River, in the foothills of Kentucky. The well-traveled sidewalks of patched concrete and uneven brick, in Carverton, become desolate by dusk with the exception of the last Saturday of each month. This is when the volunteer firemen host their street dance and cakewalk. But come Sunday morning, the multitudes of footpaths are alive once again with those who choose to attend services at the Carverton Community Church. After worship at the only church in town, a majority of the congregation can be found milling around out front, conversing with friends or catching up on the latest gossip. In due time, the assembly will dwindle, with everyone going their separate ways to spend the rest of the day at play, and relax with their families.

Willard and Anna Carver spend their Sunday afternoons in Baxter, a neighboring town, while their son James, his wife Rachel, and their daughter Wilhelmina set out for their favorite retreat.

Chapter One

Sunday, August 23, 1959

After changing from their Sunday best, Willard and Anna are ready for their drive to Baxter, to visit Willard’s brother, Augustus ‘Gus’ Carver. With fall colors creeping into view and thoughts of school soon to be back in session, Wilhelmina, better known as Willa Lou, waves to her grandparents as they back out of the lane, and she dashes across the street to catch up with her parents.

Between the Carver and Son General Store and Dr. Hue Reynolds’ office, they proceed down the narrow dirt path that leads to the river. With their destination in sight, Willa Lou charges ahead. Amongst the towering pines, not much farther than a fishing line’s throw, from the Red Bird River stands the steps that once led to her great-grandparents front door.

Rays of sunshine radiating through the trees, softly illuminate the river’s bubbling ripples. Willa Lou brushes back her amber-blonde hair allowing the sun to warm her face. She remembers the stories she has been told of William and Emma Carver and of the log home they built for themselves in 1882. The cabin stood empty for many years after her great-grandparents passed on. Unfortunately, one stormy night several years before Willa Lou was born; lightning struck the old cedar-shingle roof and burnt the cabin to the ground. As her parents approach, Willa Lou re-ties the ribbon in her hair and with great enthusiasm, she addresses their arrival dramatically.

Listen to the water sloshing and the meadowlarks singing. Can you hear the breeze whispering secrets though the leaves? Then, as if it was a first time experience, she shouted, Momma! Isn’t it beautiful?

Her mother replied, Just as beautiful as it was last week and the week before that.

Not to be dissuaded, Willa Lou chimed, Well…it is!

With a smile, Momma sighed, Lydia and I had many a serious talk, sitting on those old steps.

Aunt Lydia and Uncle Raymond live so far away, Willa Lou replied sadly, taking a stance on the top step. Stretching tall with her arms spread wide, she reached toward the sky. I wish I could fly away! She cried out with all the dramatization of a theatrical actress on stage.

Momma warned, Be careful what you wish for!

Willa Lou hopped down the steps, saying flippantly, Why? No Genie is going to appear and wisp me off somewhere. Hmm…If there was a Genie, I’d have three wishes. What would I wish? I’d wish I could go back in time, when the cabin was here…I’d wish…I could go to Aunt Lydia’s in Tennessee, whenever I wanted…and…. Purposely straying from revealing a last wish, since she wasn’t sure what it would be, she pulled up a blade of grass, held it between her thumbs and blew on it edge-wise. Sounds like a bee with a sore throat, she said. Then, taking a peek into the picnic basket, she commented, Grandpa told me, Uncle Gus was five years old when great-grandpa and great-grandma moved here.

Did you know your Grandpa was born in the cabin? Uncle Gus was twelve years old, Momma replied, spreading a blanket on the ground.

I’m twelve, if I had a baby brother or sister…Gee! Uncle Gus was nearly grown by the time Grandpa was old enough to do anything fun.

Far into thought, Momma didn’t respond. A gentle smile appeared as she envisioned a small child attempting to scale the stone steps with great effort. Her daydream subsided, when Willa Lou shouted, Daddy…Let me help!

Momma got to her feet, scolding as she ran. James, what on earth are you doing?

Together, the three managed to roll the big log he was struggling with to the edge of the river.

There! Won’t that be a better place to sit, than those hard old steps? He gloated, seating himself in the middle of the log. Willa Lou sat next to her father. Thickening her southern drawl a bit, she jest, Well…I don’t know ’bout that, we been a sittin’ on them there hard ol’ steps a lot of summers.

Daddy responded by tickling her.

Momma sat on the other side of him. This log could have been made into a picnic table. That would have been better.

Is that so? And just who do you think you are? He quizzed, while maintaining a straight-face.

I am Rachel Louise ‘Potter’ Carver, Momma said boastingly, suppressing any sign of a smile. Daddy began tickling her as well. It wasn’t long before the trio rolled backward off the log, landing with their feet in the air. Willa Lou and Momma pleaded simultaneously, Stop! My sides are hurting, causing them to laugh even harder, and Willa Lou to get the hiccups.

Daddy yelled, BOO!

Willa Lou screamed and Momma giggled, Enough! Let’s eat before the ants get it.

After their picnic, they waded in the river, splashing playfully. While drying off in the sun, they watched minnows swimming in the cool water and frogs hopping from the bank. Soon, the time to head home came. Momma gathered their things and smiled, I wonder how many times Uncle Gus told the story about his ol’ mule ‘Jack’, today.

Daddy cupped his hands above his head and began braying, Hee haw! Hee haw! He chased Willa Lou around the stone steps, Hee haw! Hee haw!

She ran up the path and across the street, screaming and squealing all of the way home with her father close behind, braying like a crazed mule.

Nearly out of breath, Willa Lou uttered, Where’s…Mom...ma?

Just then there was a bump at the door, it swung open; Momma had pushed it with her foot. With the picnic basket in one hand and the lemonade jug in the other, she set them down inside, and while removing the blanket draped over her shoulder, she expressed, The neighbors must think you have lost your minds.

Sheepishly, Daddy leaned toward her, cupping his hands over his head, braying softly, Hee Haw.

Uncontrollably, the corners of her mouth curled upward, and Daddy wrapped his arms around her. Shortly after, Willard and Anna arrived home.

Gus’s mule story along with other events of the day, were topics of conversation at the supper table. Later, they retired to the living room, where watching Sunday evening television wouldn’t have been complete without, The Ed Sullivan Show.

Monday- August 24, 1959

Can you believe the last street dance is this Saturday? Momma said, checking the calendar. Where has the summer gone?

The weather report says rain, Gram replied.

It’s never been cancelled, that I can remember. But they can’t move it inside; the school’s gymnasium floor is being refurbished.

Willa Lou came down from upstairs. Knowing a straight answer would be prolonged, from what she was about to ask, she stammered, Ah…are…we…um….

Gram cut in, For Pete sakes! You must already know the answer is ‘No!’

With a compassionate smile, Momma said, Sweetheart, you were saying…?

When are we going shopping for school clothes? Willa Lou asked clearly.

School clothes…? Don’t tell me you have out grown all of last year’s, Gram remarked cynically.

We could get Mrs. O’Neal to let out some seams, drop some hemlines, Momma suggested, in fun.

Okay, but don’t blame me if someone like Miss Windfield says, ‘Look at poor Wilhelmina, she’s wearing the same clothes she wore last year.’

Gram huffed, Good grief! Edith Windfield would be just the one to say such a thing! Why is she still teachin’ anyway? You’re spoilt! You know that, don’t you?

Momma agreed, You are spoiled.

If so, who spoilt me? Willa Lou smirked.

Grandpa and Daddy arrived home for lunch, just in time to get in on the conversation. Grandpa pointed at the women. They did!

Daddy pointed at Grandpa, He did!

ME…?! Grandpa shouted resentfully.

While the adults found this highly amusing, Willa Lou persisted, So, are we going?

Grandpa asked, Where are we goin’?

Grandpa…! You’re not going.

We can go tomorrow or Friday, Momma said.

With a mouthful of potato salad, Grandpa garbled, If stores were open Sundays, you women would shop seven days a week.

Gram frowned, Huh…Shoppin’ on the day of rest…Never.

Momma decided, We will go tomorrow.

Willa Lou skipped around the table. Where are we going?

Gram said, Let’s go to Middlesboro. I’ll call Rose. Maybe she can have lunch with us.

That’s a good idea, Momma concurred.

Willa Lou loved her Aunt Rose, but she knew what was coming next.

Gram poured a glass of sweet tea, while casually adding, If it would happen to be Rose’s day off, and she can meet with us, she could bring Russell along.

There it was! Willa Lou wanted to burst out, IT’S MY DAY! And I don’t want to share it with my eight year old cousin looking at boys’ clothes! But she remained silent.

Momma stood behind Daddy with her hands on his shoulders. Darling, she said.

He laid his sandwich down and pulled out his wallet. How much do you need?

She plucked all the folding money from it and tucked it in the front of her blouse. Why thank you, dearest. I was going to ask if the car needs anything done to it before we go. Not waiting for an answer, she motioned for Willa Lou and Gram to come with her. Let’s go upstairs and decide what to wear tomorrow.

Grandpa snickered, Live and learn. Now, you can clear the table because someone has to get back to the store. Can’t leave Richard alone, mindin’ the store for too long. See ya!

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On the opposite end of town was Bob’s Service Station, owned and operated by Bob Barnes. When James arrived, Bob assured him the Chevy would be ready by closing time, with a full tank of gasoline. James walked back to the store with complete confidence.

Later, when the clock stuck five, James said, Dad, I’ve got to run down to Bob’s to get the car, you coming?

Willard locked the door as they closed up for the day, and then he rubbed his shoulder. I believe I’ll go on home.

James stopped at the firehouse, said Hello to the old gentlemen who frequently supported the loafers’ bench in front of the post office, and conversed with Lester Conrad, the postmaster. Before he left the post office, Ralph Featherall came in. When James arrived at the service station, the garage doors were down with a sign hanging in the window. "Closed?! It’s only…." He blurted out, before looking at his watch. …Ten minutes after six, Bob’s gone home for supper. I won’t bother him now, I’ll come back later.

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Before Daddy got seated at the table, Momma began quizzing, Where have you been? Do you know how long we’ve been holding supper?

Sorry, it takes a while to walk across town, he said, while under his breath he added, …and back across town…twice.

What was that dear?

Nothing…Something smells good. I’m hungry.

Is the car ready, Daddy? Willa Lou asked.

Pretending not to hear her, he pulled a letter from his hip pocket. Oh here, Dad, it’s from Uncle Gus.

A letter…Now why is he sendin’ me a letter? He’s had to of mailed it before we were over there yesterday…He didn’t mention it, Grandpa evaluated, while adjusting his glasses. Sometimes, I think he should move here with us.

Gram whirled around, nearly spilling a pan of hot water, with a sharp No! Quickly, she retracted, What I mean is…he’s doin’ okay.

Preoccupied with why a letter? Grandpa didn’t hear any of what she said.

Did you tell Bob to check the air in the tires? Momma asked.

I’m sure he did, Daddy replied. Nervously, he kept talking, While I was at the post office…Pass the butter, please…Ralph Featherall came in. He said Carol has a cold. She hopes to get over it before Saturday night.

Willa Lou ran to answer the telephone. Daddy, it’s for you!

Why does that child have to yell? Gram grumbled.

Daddy took the receiver, Hello?

James? Bob, here. Did ya get held up at the store?

Not exactly….

Six sharp, I lock up. Ellen’s not happy if I’m late for supper. How would it be if we bring your car by this evenin’?

That would be great! If…it’s not too much trouble.

Returning to the kitchen, Daddy said, Bob and Ellen are going to stop by later.

Is Angela coming with them? Willa Lou asked.

Bob didn’t say.

I hope not. She’s always hanging around Elizabeth and me…makes me so-o-o mad.

Dogs get mad! You should try gettin’ along with the little Barnes girl, Gram scolded, but with company on her mind, she shouted, Hurry! Let’s get these dishes done.

Willa Lou started clearing the table, thinking, Whew! I got out of that lecture.

Grandpa got up from the table, Come on, son. Let’s wait on the porch. Maybe by the time these three fine ladies join us, our guest will have arrived. Then, he whispered in Willa Lou’s ear, If mean ol’ Angela comes, we’ll tie her to the porch rail.

Willa Lou put her hand over her mouth so Gram wouldn’t hear her snicker.

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Outside, Grandpa took a can of Prince Albert Tobacco from his pocket, filling his pipe, he chuckled, …So, Bob closed up before you got there.

Like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Daddy confessed, Yep…! That’s what happened. You always could tell when I was hiding something. I guess my visits along the way were longer than I thought.

Glad I didn’t walk all the way up there with you, just to turn ’round and walk back. Lighting his pipe, Grandpa made notice toward the driveway. This might be your lucky day…Here comes Bob. If they get the car parked…the women will never know.

Minutes before Momma came out; Bob and Ellen were seated on the porch. A few minutes later, Gram came out, apologizing, I’m sorry; I was on the phone with Rose. I hoped to see her tomorrow. Unfortunately, her shift at the hospital doesn’t meet with our time frame.

Ellen sympathized, That’s too bad. Rose is a nurse, isn’t she?

Gram sighed, Yes, I’m so proud of her, but she’s always workin’.

Willa Lou listened long enough to learn her day of shopping wasn’t going to be shared with her cousin after all and Angela was visiting her grandma in Knoxville. Relieved, yet disappointed, she soon forgot about either of them by taking this opportune time to call her friend Elizabeth.

Grandpa took Gus’s letter from his pocket. This came today from my brother. He wanted to see how long it would take it to get here from Baxter. Who knows what’s goin’ on in his head? He also mentioned something about the boy that cares for his yard. Seems, Buzz, that’s what everyone calls him, might have to move away?

Ellen asked, How old is Gus now?

Grandpa tapped the ashes from his pipe and said, He was eighty-two this past June.

Gram picked up the pitcher of lemonade while asking, Would anyone like some more?

Bob stood up. No, thank you. We really should be goin’.

You don’t have to run off, Momma said cordially. We’ll have to do this again soon.

Ellen smiled and joined Bob at the steps.

Gram said, I don’t believe we’re gonna have many more evenin’s warm enough for sittin’ on the porch.

When Daddy offered to take them home, Bob put his arm around Ellen and smiled, With Angela away, walkin’ in the moon light will be like datin’ again.

Ellen blushed.

Daddy went as far as the sidewalk with them. I’ll be by to settle up, first thing in the morning. Thank you again for the… He winked, …delivery.

Tuesday -August 25, 1959

Willa Lou was having so much fun trying on dress after dress and occasionally a pair of pedal pushers. Gram reminded her, she couldn’t wear them to school, and Willa Lou reminded Gram, she could wear them in gym class. While Willa Lou waited for Gram to return with a dress in another size, she heard a familiar voice in the next fitting booth.

Momma, are you out there? She whispered.

Yes, I’m here.

Willa Lou reached out, pulled her mother inside, and pointed at the partition separating the booths. It’s Miss Windfield, she whispered.

No, it can’t be.

Shhh! Willa Lou cautioned.

At that moment, Gram handed Willa Lou a dress. Here you go, try this one.

Momma grabbed her mother-in law’s arm, pulling her into the now very crowded fitting booth.

What…?!

Gram was cut short by, Shhh!

Willa Lou put her ear to the partition, although there was no need, they all heard the sales lady say, I’m sorry, ma’am. I don’t have one in your size.

Miss Windfield huffed offensively, Well! What kind of store is this? A size eight shouldn’t be that hard to keep in stock. I’ll just go elsewhere!

Gram whispered, Size eight, my foot! More like an eighteen!

When all was quiet, Momma peeked out the door, and then carefully slid the curtain open to the sales area. The coast is clear, she whispered.

They made a beeline to the register and proceeded to the car with caution.

We made it. Edith is nowhere in sight, Gram said with a sigh of relief. That woman will talk your leg off, if she gets half a chance.

It had been a full day; shopping at several stores, lunch at the ‘Five and Dime’, and a near miss with Edith Windfield. As they neared Pineville, Momma suggested, Why don’t we stop at Romper’s? They may have those shoes you liked.

Gram declined wearily, I’ll wait in the car. My feet hurt.

If your feet hurt, maybe you should buy some new shoes. You’ve had those forever, Willa Lou said.

Momma frowned at her, in the rear view mirror.

Surprisingly, Gram agreed, Not quite forever, but they are gettin’ old. Maybe I should see what they have.

Gram must be tired, Willa Lou concluded silently.

The selection of shoes was over-whelming. Willa Lou pleaded, Please-e-e-z! Can’t I get two pair?

Momma counted the money she had left. Let’s be sensible. Besides, Daddy will say, ‘Another pair of shoes!’

Gram tried on a fourth pair. I like all of these, and look at those handbags.

It was difficult to choose, but they each settled for one pair…with matching handbags. After finalizing their purchases, Willa Lou pushed open the door to leave, and someone called out from behind a display. Anna Ruth Carver!! Is that you? Edith Windfield dashed out the door behind them, and in falsetto, she squealed, Well, fancy meeting y’all here!

Gram put on a polite smile, Hello Edith.

Miss Windfield, Momma addressed with a nod.

Hello, Miss Windfield, Willa Lou greeted respectfully.

I see you found something to your liking, Edith said, referring to their packages. Anna, I could have sworn, I saw you in Middlesboro earlier this afternoon. I believe it was Stewart’s. Yes, it was Stewart’s. By the time I got around the rack of dresses, you…she…was gone. Puff…Just like that!

Edith barely took a breath before continuing. Would you believe…they didn’t have one Chartreuse suit in a size eight? Willa Lou! Are you shopping for school clothes? Let’s see…you won’t be in any of my classes this year, will you, dear?

Feeling as though she was about to fail a test, Willa Lou answered politely, Yes ma’am, shopping for school clothes. I’ll be in sixth grade, Mrs. Kellner’s class. Suddenly, Willa Lou realized, but didn’t let it show, Oh no! Next year, I will be in one of ol’ Windy-field’s classes.

Nice seein’ you, Edith. We must be goin’, need to feed our men folk, Gram said encouraging a departure.

Edith checked her watch. Oh! Mercy me! Will you just look at the time? I best be on my way too. Be sure to say hello to James and, of course, Willard for me. Then she hustled off on down the street. The weary trio watched until she turned the corner.

These shoes better be worth…that! Gram mumbled, placing her packages in the backseat of the Chevy and getting in beside them.

Willa Lou looked puzzled. Momma motioned for her to get in.

Wow! I get to ride in the front seat! Willa Lou expressed, closing the door.

Once they were on the road, Gram laid back and closed her eyes. Carefully, Willa Lou turned the radio volume down and changed the station from Gram’s favorite program to rock ‘n’ roll music.

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That evening after supper, Grandpa said, This could be our last chance to enjoy an evenin’ on the porch. He pulled out his pipe and went on out with Willa Lou close behind.

Daddy put the newspaper under his arm. I’ll be out in a minute.

Momma took her packages upstairs and was starting back down when she heard a commotion coming from Grandpa and Gram’s room. There sat Gram on the floor surrounded by a pile of boxes.

What happened?

I was looking for my sweater, pulled a box from the top self of the closet, and…Look at this mess!

Hmm…? Maybe I should get my sweater. First, let me help you put these back.

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Out on the porch, Grandpa puffed on his pipe and Willa Lou fanned the smoke away. Gram put her sweater around her shoulders and started talking, as the screen door slammed behind her. You should have heard her.

Heard who, Mother? Daddy asked, as the door slammed behind him.

Raising her chin with her nose in the air, she began mimicking Edith, Y’all be sure to say ‘Hello’ to James…and of course, Willard, for me! Breaking character, she sat down hard in her rocking chair. Huh! Who wears chartreuse anyway?

Daddy just shook his head and took a seat.

Grandpa grinned, Well, I may have to ask my old sweetheart for a dance, Saturday night.

Gram rocked harder. The harder she rocked, the louder her chair creaked.

Willa Lou’s curiosity exploded, Sweetheart! Ol’ Windy-field was your sweetheart?

Gram frowned and rocked, She thought she was.

Grandpa said, I took her to one picture show and she tried to put her hooks in me.

Willa Lou looked puzzled. …Hooks?

Momma whispered, Not that kind.

Oh! Ol’ Windy-field wanted you to marry her?

You’d better stop calling her that, you might say it sometime you shouldn’t, Momma cautioned.

Daddy corrected one step farther. You don’t need to be calling her that…anytime.

Willa Lou continued questioning, Why did you take Miss Windfield out in the first place?

Recalling what started it all, got Grandpa’s dander up. Why? Because your Grandma went to the dance with Randall Featherall IV…after I told her I couldn’t take her; I had to work. That’s why!

Gram confessed, I was young and foolish. I wanted to make you jealous.

Grandpa rebuked, I took on a second job, hopin’ someday I could afford to ask you to marry me and that’s the thanks I got.

Momma intervened, Anna, how did you meet these fellas?

Well, you see, my daddy died when I was a baby and Uncle Rube took Mother and me in. Later on, one of my chores was to take the noon meal to the mill for Uncle Rube and the men that worked for him. Willard was one of those men. He’d talk to me while I waited to take the dishes back home. I was shy, I didn’t say much. I met Randall in high school. He and his parents lived with his grandmother, there in Middlesboro, for a couple of years. Can’t remember her name…she had a weak heart. When she died, they moved back here to Carverton.

Grandpa jumped back in the conversation. Featherall had a lot more money than I did and after a couple of dates, he up and buys my Annie a big ol’ diamond ring and asked her to marry him!

GRAM…! Rodney Featherall’s totally bald grandpa asked you to marry him?! Willa Lou squealed.

Gram held her ears. Oh! Must you be so loud?

Once again, peering over his paper, Daddy disciplined, Tone it down.

Gram replied, He wasn’t bald then and I told him no, I loved Willard. He didn’t take it well.

Edith didn’t take it well either, Grandpa said. But they both got over it.

I’m not so sure of that. Edith never married, Gram stated.

Momma noted, Randall IV did marry. His wife died not too long ago. Didn’t they have a daughter Ruth and two sons, Randall V and Ralph?

The fifth…? There was five Randall Featheralls? Willa Lou shouted. The screen door slammed as she ran inside.

Daddy lowered his paper, Yes, Randall V was killed at Pearl Harbor.

Grandpa sulked, Named his daughter, Ruth…After my Anna ‘Ruth’, no doubt.

Gram rolled her eyes.

Bubbling with enthusiasm, Willa Lou returned with a pencil and a tablet. One hundred and sixty-five years of Randall Featheralls.

Grandpa asked, How old are Ralph and Carol’s kids?

Momma thought for a moment. Well…Christina’s twenty, the twins, Charlotte and Charlene…Um…I think, they are eighteen, Cheryl must be going on sixteen….

…and that pain in the butt, Rodney, is twelve, Willa Lou blurted out.

Wilhelmina Louise Carver! That’s no way for a lady to talk, Gram scolded.

Daddy peered over his paper again, frowning at his daughter.

Grandpa counted on his fingers. One…two… three…so, with Randall III and Randall IV, there are nine of them livin’ in that house.

Daddy folded his paper. That house is big enough for nine more.

Grandpa stood up stretching and yawning. Old man Featherall III…yeah…back in the day he sure gave Dad a run for his money.

Great-grandpa knew old man Featherall? How old is he? Willa Lou climbed down from the railing she had been perched upon.

Oh yeah, they knew each other. Want to take a walk?

Momma said, Here, take my sweater. I’m going inside.

Willa Lou rolled up the sleeves as they strolled down the street. Grandpa rubbed his chin to help him recall. Let’s see, Dad was born in 1849 and Randall III was fifteen years younger. Yep! That makes him ninety-five!

He’s not as old as Mr. Hanson, she said.

Winston Hanson was here before either of them. That’s who your great-grandpa, Dad, bought his land from, and then sold off parcels hopin’ to create a town. Don’t know why Winston didn’t consider doin’ that.

Willa Lou walked backwards in front of him. What about the Featheralls?

Well, let me back up here a minute. Randall II and his wife died when their son, Randall III was seventeen. Randall I, his grandfather, was the only family he had left. In less than a year, Randall I died, leavin’ Randall III everything…includin’ a trust fund his parents had set up for him…all at the age of eighteen. Yep! He’s inherited a lot of money, but lost a lot of loved ones. Grandpa paused. Hmm…Where was I? Oh yes, the only lane the Featherall’s had back then came off Snake Run Road. With the house settin’ in the middle of the property, it was closer to town for them to cross the field. Randall III wanted a lane to connect his property to the end of Second Street.

That’s not where it is now.

No, he got a lane into town…but not where he wanted it. You see the one room schoolhouse sat where the playground is now. He wanted the property next to it for the lane and the ground beyond Second Street to connect to a section he already owned north of town. Dad, your great-granddad, knew this would make the Featherall’s property larger than his or anyone else’s in or near town. He was afraid of losin’ his town. Featherall could have very well changed the name. Imagine, Carverton bein’ called Featherall-ton or how about Feather-ville or Feather’s burg?

That’s funny!

It wouldn’t have been funny, if it would have happened. Dad agreed to sell him enough land for a lane and a couple of acres at the end of Angle Street. Needless to say, there was friction between the two, but Featherall wanted the lane bad enough to take the offer.

Grandpa was quiet a moment, then he said, I never did get your grandma a diamond ring.

Realizing they had walked farther and stayed longer than anticipated, he said, Uh, oh, the diner’s closed. It’s later than I thought. Too bad we can’t get some ice cream for on the way back.

There’s some at home, race you! Willa Lou took off running.

After two or three strides, he sat down on the cement wall in front of Milton’s Barber Shop. It’s too…dark…for runnin’, He wheezed.

Willa Lou ran back. Are you okay, Grandpa?

I’m too old to cut the mustard anymore.

Huh?

I’m not as young as I once was and not as young as I sometimes think I am. I can’t run, dance, or stay up passed my bedtime, but I can still eat ice cream.

Chapter Two

Saturday-August 29, 1959

Elizabeth held one of Willa Lou’s new dresses up to herself, admiring it in the mirror. Grandma brought me some new clothes, when I stayed over last week.

Let’s go to your house and see them, Willa Lou said.

Descending the stairs two at a time, they reached the kitchen door just as Gram said to Momma, The sky doesn’t look good in the west. I sure hope the rain holds off or there won’t be any cakewalks.

Elizabeth saw the table was full of cakes and whispered, How many cakes did they bake? My Mom baked one.

Last count; four, Gram got carried away, Willa Lou answered, and then called out, Bye, I’ll be back by four o’clock.

You’re gonna get wet! Gram yelled.

Closing the door behind them, Willa Lou giggled, She tells me not to yell.

What will they do with all those cakes if it rains and there is no dance?

Willa Lou shrugged her shoulders. Let’s stop at the store and get some candy.

Down the bank and across the street they went. In a matter of seconds they were parking their bicycles out front of the store. The old plank steps bounced as they ran up them and the bell on the door rang ting-a-ting-ding.

Hi! Grandpa! Hi! Daddy…!

Here I thought we had a couple of paying customers," Daddy said with a wink.

Elizabeth smiled.

Not so fast son, this young lady may have some money burnin’ a hole in her pocket, Grandpa teased.

Elizabeth turned her pockets inside out and held the contents in the palm of her hand for all to see. I have a nickel, a green gumball and a piece of…lint.

Well…the gumball won’t buy anything, but the nickel and piece of lint will get you six pieces of penny candy, Grandpa chuckled.

Willa Lou flipped her hair back and turned toward the door, in a huff. Well that’s a fine howdy-do! We just came in to say, ‘Hi.’

Her father said, What kind of candy did you say you wanted?

Grandpa bellowed with laughter.

Willa Lou run back, hugged them both, and unscrewed the tin lid from a large glass jar filled with Dum-Dums Pops. Searching almost to the bottom, she retrieved a couple that was butterscotch-flavored.

What would you like? She asked Elizabeth.

Elizabeth pointed. Grandpa slid the candy case door open and began filling a small brown paper sack with red licorice. Elizabeth held out her nickel, giving it one last look. He set the sack on the counter and rolled her fingers back over the coin. Get yourself a soda, tonight, with that.

Smiling from ear to ear, she thanked him and put the nickel back in her pocket.

As the girls left, Grandpa shouted over the ting-a-ting-ding of the bell, Save me a dance!

Elizabeth looked back smiling.

After an afternoon of admiring Elizabeth’s new clothes and planning what to wear later to the dance, Willa Lou was home by four. Just in time to watch American Bandstand on TV, before supper.

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Daddy paced back and forth at the foot of the stairs. Are you ever going to be ready? All that primping, never will understand what takes so long.

Momma didn’t make any effort to acknowledge his attempt to rush her.

Gram called down, There’s four cakes and five of us, Willa Lou can hold the door.

Great! Now, we will be a ‘cake-carrying parade’ going up the street.

When you get my age, son, it won’t matter anymore, Grandpa said.

Willa Lou asked, Grandpa, didn’t you want to take your lawn chairs?

Oh that’s right. There’s too much to carry and it’s all uphill. That thunder tells me we’d better take the Willys.

Ready for any suggestion at this point, Daddy said, What are we waiting for? Let get those cakes in the car.

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Grandpa managed to squeeze the Willys into a parking spot, not far from the table that was set up for the cakes. Looks like we’re not the only ones worried about the thunder, he said.

Daddy grumbled, Any later, we might as well have parked at home.

That’s where we usually park, dear, Momma said as she got out of the car. Oh, listen, they are playing my favorite song.

"Let me be your Teddy Bear?" He questioned, as if he didn’t know.

She pushed him toward the music, getting there in time to finish the dance. She was still smiling when Bob and Ellen joined them.

With the weather so threatenin’, there are a lot of people here, Bob commented.

While the men continued discussing the weather, Momma said, There hasn’t been a dance canceled because of…anything, for as long as I can remember.

Ellen agreed. While they swayed to the music, Momma said, My sister met her husband at a dance, here…Seems so long ago.

Isn’t she married to Joel Whittley’s brother? Ellen inquired.

Yes, Lydia fell for Raymond, instantly. He and his brother Joel came to Carverton looking to buy land that James’ grandfather owned in Tennessee. William had passed on, but Emma, James’ grandmother, was happy to sell it. Joel and Karen met that same summer.

Oh, I remember now, Karen’s Grandma Simmons gave them her house for a wedding present. They need that big house now…with three boys.

The band leader tapped on the microphone. Testing…One…Two…testing…Can y’all hear me okay?

There was a simultaneous roar, Yeah!

Okay then! Square up your sets! We’re gonna have a hoe-down!

Lester and Nora Conrad rushed over taking positions next to Daddy, Momma, Bob and Ellen.

Pastor Donald Lowery asked if he and Gwendolyn O’Neal could join them.

Daddy shouted, Looks like we have a set!

After three dances, the band took a break and Bonnie Lynn played records over the loud speakers.

Whew! I couldn’t have made it through one more, Momma said, fanning herself.

The firemen were doing well selling hot dogs, potato chips and cold drinks. Elizabeth and Willa Lou got theirs before the break and were sitting in Grandpa’s lawn chairs, while Gram and he helped at the refreshment stand.

Angela Barnes came skipping by, singing, You better watch out…and I don’t mean because Santa Claus is coming to town.

She took a big bite of her hot dog, and then mumbled, Rodney Featherall and Jeremy Conrad are up to something, and I heard them mention your names.

Willa Lou waited until Angela was out of earshot to poke fun. Ewe…Angela, the Spy.

They giggled, brushing it aside.

Up with y’all, let us old folk sit a spell, Grandpa said as he and Gram approached, juggling their refreshments.

We were warming them for you, Willa Lou giggled.

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Two cakewalks had taken place. Angela won Gram’s pineapple upside-down cake and Edith Windfield won her own cake. Carrying it to the side, she stopped in front of Grandpa and Gram.

Can you believe it? I won my own buttermilk cake!

Grandpa responded, Well then, you know it’s good.

Beaming from an inflated ego, she fluttered her false eyes lashes and giggled like a school girl, Oh yes, it was my grandmother’s secret recipe. Would you like me to cut you a slice?

Staring at the cake, Gram spoke through smiling clinched teeth, Why don’t you take that cake…

Grandpa stuck a potato chip in Gram’s mouth and finished the sentence for her. …and re-enter it! I’m sure the firemen would appreciate it.

What a wonderful idea! Why didn’t I think of that? Edith said giddily, and then waltzed away.

Gram nudged Grandpa with her elbow. I was gonna say, ‘Why don’t you take that cake home before it rains on it.’

He gave her a peck on the forehead.

About that time, the dancing resumed. Elizabeth honored Mr. Carver’s request to save a dance for him. Pastor Don got cornered by Edith and Gram waltzed away with Elizabeth’s father, Sam Avery. Willa Lou twirled the straw in her pop bottle to the music. She found the oddity of miss-matched couples entertaining. Suddenly, she let out a shriek. Something cold slid down her back.

Scrabbling to her feet, she spun around catching a glimpse of Rodney running away. She chased after him until he disappeared into the darkness.

Jeremy could be out here too, she thought, while pulling her shirttail free from her skirt, releasing the trapped ice. I’ll go back and wait. They’ll come back before the night is over.

Square dance sets were forming once again. Pastor Don managed to free himself from Edith by leaving early to look over his sermon before morning. Gwendolyn took her mother home about the same time. Daddy, Momma, Bob and Ellen were in need of two couples to complete their set, and Ralph and Carol Featherall were the only ones left from theirs, so together they still needed one couple.

Bob called out, Willard, Anna, We need one more couple.

Too tuckered out, Grandpa replied, while folding up his chairs.

Ralph scanned the area. Downhearted, he said, Looks like they will have to start without us.

Just then from beyond the shadows, Rodney yelled, Dad! I’ll fill in, if Willa Lou will be my partner.

Willa Lou was shocked. What did he say? Of all the nerve!

Great! Ralph shouted. Wilhelmina! Come on, let’s dance!

Her mind raced, I’ve only danced with Daddy…That pest is probably really good…That’s it! He wants to show off. Oh…The music’s starting…what do I do? It’s ‘Little Lisa Jane’ I know that one. It’s up to me…even Daddy’s telling me I can do it…OHHH!!! She rushed over taking her place next to Rodney. Ice…? Whatever you are planning to do next, forget it.

Symbolically, he crossed his heart. I promise to be a perfect gentleman.

The calling began. Rodney led her out to the right. She shrieked, We’re first?!

It was too late to change her mind. He guided her to switch partner and each couple began swinging. At the very moment they took hands to switch back, there was a flash of lightning followed by a loud crack of thunder…the rain came down. People flurried in all directions, grabbing their belonging and leaving some behind. Within seconds the crowd and band had vanished.

Rodney held on to her hand, as they ran for the Willys. Once she was inside the car, she watched him run up the street.

Grandpa said, We could’ve taken him home.

Gram wiped off a spot on the fogged up window. If his parent’s didn’t drive…Carol will be down sick again.

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Back home, Momma and Daddy went upstairs to change. Momma sat at her vanity, gazing in the mirror. I wonder what Lydia is doing tonight?

I’ll bet she’s not dancing in the rain, Daddy replied light-heartedly, as he left to go downstairs.

Momma watched the tears welled up in her reflection’s eyes. I miss my sister.

Downstairs, Gram was heating milk for hot chocolate. Only one of our cakes was won. I wonder what happened to the other three, she remarked.

Daddy replied, I saw Nora gather some up and put them in her car.

I suppose, she will bring them to sell at church tomorrow.

Grandpa smiled, Well…here’s one, two-layer beauty that won’t be sold tomorrow. He set a cake on the table and cut a big chunk.

Grandpa…How did you get Gram’s chocolate fudge cake?

I’ll never tell.

Sunday, August 30, 1959

Yawning must be contagious; it seemed to spread throughout the congregation. Some of it could have been contributed to Pastor Don’s sermon. His early departure from the dance to work on it must not have gone so well…It was as drab as the day was dreary. The announcement he made, that eight cakes had been rescued from the downpour last night, and would be sold for fifty cents a slice following the service; got more attention.

After devouring an entire cake last evening, the Carvers did not descend to the basement with the others. While they waited in the vestibule for the rain to slack up, Grandpa said, It looks like its set in for the day. Let’s go to the diner.

A few months ago, Dolly Rosewell, a divorcee from Memphis, purchased the Main Street Diner, sight unseen. She persuaded her brother, Jared Johnson, to come with her until she got established. It was slow going at first, but Dolly’s fine cooking and Jared’s friendly service spoke for them.

Hello folks…table for five? Jared put a clean white dish towel over his arm. Follow me.

He led them across the room, grabbed a chair from an unoccupied table for two and placed it at the end of a booth. Your table for five, I’ll be right back with y’all’s water.

Upon his return he rattled off the menu for the day. Today, we are servin’; fried chicken, mashed potatoes, with gravy and green beans or two stuffed peppers, a hot roll and apple sauce. We have sweet tea, coffee and sodas. Dessert is apple pie with or without vanilla ice cream.

Daddy, Grandpa and Willa Lou ordered the chicken. Momma and Gram chose the stuffed peppers.

We’ll have a round of that apple pie with plenty of ice cream, Grandpa said.

Momma declined, Not for me, thank you.

I don’t believe I will have room for any either, Gram receded.

"Alright-y then…Make it three apple pies