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.... seems like it has been raining at least that long. Drought shouldn't be an issue this summer and fall across the south as the radar of late indicates that no area has been spared. During rainy periods such as the ones we've experienced lately, the Creek (aka English Branch) has a strong tendency to overflow its banks as it backs up from from a flooded Tombigbee River. In earlier times, before the waterway, even the waters of the Tombigbee would creep up to the house. When the creek starts rising, it is time to put the furniture up on cans of soup and peaches, just in case it makes its way into the house. Fessie didn't need the Weather Channel (oh, but he would have loved watching it!) to tell him when to make preparations.
It may be time in Peaceful Valley to make a list of two of everything in preparation for an ark (Mike said don't forget the bees).
Below are some photos taken through the years that show flooding on the Pennington farm.
It may be time in Peaceful Valley to make a list of two of everything in preparation for an ark (Mike said don't forget the bees).
Below are some photos taken through the years that show flooding on the Pennington farm.
Jo Ann in driveway, May 1970
Betty Jean in boat in front yard, March 1955
Beck, Peewee, and Jo Ann during a winter flood
Boating in the yard, January 1974Mona and Kirk
7 comments:
Mona, there are many of us who read your interesting times in Carolina and Peaceful Valley but have no idea where in eastern Mississippi they are located. I can honestly say that I don't recall hearing of "these places" until I began following your recollections of our past that either includes some relatives or names that reflect to the friendships of our parents. We can look up Tremont and Smithville, but we can't find Carolina or Peaceful Valley on the maps - tell us what they are near, town or county road.
The first time that I went to the Federal Archives Depot here in Ft. Worth to look at the census records, I discovered that my maternal grandparents lived on "Friendship Road" in Marion County, AL - frankly, I had never seen such a road marking! It wasn't until I finally went to the Friendship Baptist Church & Cemetery where my Cody GGG and GGGG grandparents are buried that I realized why this county road was so named on the census! - their farm was less than a mile nw of the cemetery.
Well, we missed the flood this time. I did look around for some concrete blocks just in case. Next time I'll remember about the tin cans.
To Ma Jean and all others east of the Mississippi, keep watches tomorrow (Wed.) - I'm not sure what directions these storms are taking as they pass over North Texas starting around 6:45 and the first "batch" are about to expire in our area; however, there is another serious looking storm pattern traveling just east of Abilene, TX ( I -20) are expected over us between mid night and three a.m.
We were heading west out of the hospital district around 5:30 when I noticed a cloud like none I've seen before. It looked just like a huge "hunk" of frost that we use to detach from our non frost-free refrigerators, but within a couple of miles of watching this cloud, I noticed on the distant skyline where it looked just like a broad band tornado was coming at us, but we decided that it was a heavy rain fall.
The first weather reports we got when we got home to the TV, said it would all pass north of Ft. Worth, but this storm took all sorts of patterns and movement. I'm not sure just how much rain fell, but if you live where a small rain floods your houses, maybe you best get some large tomato juice cans! This storm has covered everywhere just south of the Red River (Oklahoma border) and down into Hill County.
We needed the rain, but it could have been just a little quieter! Our Min Pin gets so nervous! and must he held. bettye
Nonny ... There are those who doubt the existence of Peaceful Valley (or Happy Holler as it is sometimes mis-named) ... some might say this place is all in Mona's imagination ... But it is a real place near where the waters of the Old Tombigbee, the Bull Mountain and English Creek lazily find common league round an ancient Indian mound, large enough to plant cotton on, joining lesser waters such as Boguefala and other fa-lahs, and rolling on down the valleys, dodging the hills and bluffs, searching for Mobile...
Peaceful Valley, Where the Roses Never Fade, is East of Lost Corners and South of Frog Level on Cardsville Road, or Carolina Road, dependent on whether one is traveling north or south, and certainly below Burdine Hill ....
There was once a Chickasaw Village located right near Fessie's barn and later the Englishes built a grist mill on the creek, its timbers still etching a pattern now and then in the creek sands and its massive stone yet to be found near the miraculous spring where Isaac may have found Rebecca and Fessie certainly found Beck ...
After the the Chickasaws and the English came the Sloans and they are pretty much the remaining stock in the Valley, now disguised as Penningtons and Blakes and Gilmores, but Sloans at heart, sturdy remnant of the intrepid souls who made something of the place when it was mighty hard to do, they today sharing the valley (or holler) with walnut trees and wild hawgs, honeybees and muscadine trees, big flatheads, sweet tea and a panther now and then, they say.
Yawl really ought to go down there for a visit ....
Arvel, I loved your discription of Peaceful Valley aka Happy Hollar, but don't forget Lick Skillet. Everybody come on down, we'll make you welcome, and drink some of that pure spring water.
Mona, I never knew the waters could get that high. Love the pics of Lick Skillet. Arvel, you make it sound like a country boys or girls paradise and I would have to agree. Your description is dead on and sounded like Thoreau penned it. I would encourage everyone to spend at least one day in the Valley! It would be a day well spent!
BTW. I didnt see a paddle in your hand. Poor Kirk!!
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