Dreams of the past...

[Mark MacKenzie]

Franklin is a town that is trying its best to honor its history. Hard to do in competition with development and commerce, filthy lucre. Does your volunteer know about the recently discovered trove of John Bell Hood documents? I have only heard whispers but it is supposed to be a huge amount of new insight.

The Lincoln movie last was so great showing the period. The coal oil lamps, the carriages, the clothes. My friends think I am crazy to say I would rather live then than now. I know, no penicillin, (trying to think of other advantages of modern life,...)

There is a famous historic site in Nashville called Traveler's Rest. Built in 1799, the home was visited by Andrew Jackson many times. It was a headquarters during the war. Anyway, it is located by the railroad which has grown into a huge rail yard. It is also flanked by the interstate, I-65. The irony of the name Traveler's Rest, and the horrible cacophony of 24 hour traffic and the trains always gets me. A great beautiful place is lost forever and replaced with what?

I don't think its an age thing. Maybe we look at the past with rose colored glasses but we have without question lost so much refinement. I visited Vicksburg last year and stayed in an incredible antebellum bed and breakfast. It was furnished in the period. Natchez is close by. I toured the mansions there. Jefferson Davis lived close to there. He was trimming roses when he received the notice that he was to be the President.

Nashville used to be known as the Athens of the South. Now it is the home of country music, (I like country just not modern country,) and the Titans. Seems like a step down to me but maybe I'm snobbish.

Is it nostalgia?

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I hope someday to tour Richmond, Betty.