Amelia Wallace Vernon was reared in Mars Bluff; a small farming community in South Carolina's pine belt. Though she moved away from the town early in her adult life; on her annual visits home she became increasingly interested in exploring and preserving the history of its African-American community. Over a period of years; she taped interviews with elderly members; who shared a trove of information about their lives and those of their ancestors. Allowing the story to unfold largely through the words of her subjects; Vernon has fashioned a fascinating history of the African Americans who lived in Mars Bluff from the mid-eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth-century.
#645152 in Books imusti 2016-09-06 2016-09-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.00 x 6.27l; 1.25 #File Name: 080707182X272 pagesBeacon Press (MA)
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Inspiring and poignant. My question about that "Lady Chatterley's Lover" reference -- and their divorce?By craigvThank you; Artemis Joukowsky; for a story that has brought tears to my eyes. When I read your excerpts from both Martha and Waitstill's comments; it is clear that both are not just brave; but highly intelligent and perceptive.Like many; I am sad about their parting and less than totally amicable divorce. The book actually has a less complete quote than the film; about Martha's reference to "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and I am wondering if this might clue us about inherent marital anxieties in the couple. There is a letter from Martha Sharp to her husband dated 07/23/1939 which is narrated at 39 minutes into the PBS broadcast:“I have been reading “Lady Chatterley’s Lover†which I should like to discuss with you when I get back. The parish would disown me if they knew that book. I’ve been thinking about the things that we ought to do that we don’t. Somehow we’ve got to begin to tell the world where it gets offâ€.So; in the midst of their covert deeds and dangers; hours of strenuous work and urgency to save lives; here we have what is the very epitome of a saint . . . the evocation of service Jesus refers to in his Olivet discourse . . . who makes the time to read “Lady Chatterley’s Lover†(knowing the parish would disown her) and who tells her apparently “difficult†(prim) husband she “wants to discuss it with him†and heroically advocates “somehow we’ve got to begin to tell the world where it gets offâ€.That is remarkable; and means more to me personally and emotionally; than all of the progressive (and excellent) UUA OWL (Our Whole Lives) sexuality education program. But I am so very curious: was Martha's brave advocacy for human health and fulfillment mismatched in Waitstill; who appeared to be more relatively traditional and prim. Not much is explained about the separation; given this enormous and compelling story of what they shared; but did sexuality differences ultimately drive them apart?Again; thank you for a wonderful story! Craig1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The perfect book for the perfect timeBy SophiesPlace # 2I believe it is the perfect book for the perfect time....It should be a heads up for our nation as we face an uncertain future; if we forget the lessons of the past. Incredible people during a horrific time. Everyone should read this book. I look forward to the documentary. Thank you for the reminder to always be vigilant that we are never bull dozed again by someone like Hitler.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Ramiro CollazoBy Ramiro C.Everyone; every human; should read this story. It is of two brave incredible people who saved the reason to be alive...To help fellow man.God bless them we will never forget.
