Hi folks,

Last week several readers of Homefolks U.S.A. made favorable comment about the stories that are published each week.

For the most part, comments were made by people who enjoy reminiscing about the days gone by. However, last week several people from the tri-cities who saw the story on Facebook said they really enjoyed the stories that we share each week.

One person said, “I read Homefolks U.S.A. before I read the obits.” I don’t know if that is good or bad, but I will take that as a compliment.

One person asked about the Decoration Days that are observed every year at a lot of local churches. They could not believe when I told them of the tremendous crowds that would attend church that particular Sunday, enjoy the lesson the preacher preached and the singing that would take place and then stay for the “dinner on the ground” that would follow.

Many churches in north Alabama would set aside a certain Sunday every year when this would take place.

The one I remember most was at Shady Grove in the west end of the county. My dad and I would always attend this one. The church building would be packed, and the singing was the best ever.

Mr. Etheridge Greenhill was the song leader, and he did an amazing job in directing the song service. Many women with beautiful alto voices would join in, and the singing was so beautiful, and everyone had a marvelous time.

Picnic tables were placed outside, and the people in the community would fill those tables with the best food ever. I will have to admit, as a young boy, I really enjoyed the food as much as I did the service.

I recall so many talking about the former members who had passed on and the great part they had played in making Decoration Day the success that it was.

The church was set upon a hill, and the last time I passed by, so many good memories came to mind. Memories like this can bring happy tears to my eyes. All of the “old folks” who were present then have passed on, but the great memories will always be in the minds of us who are still here.

It is a great pleasure to recall those days and look forward to the future in hopes that good things are still to be.

Till next time,

Your friend,

Bobby

P.S. Keep reading and sharing our stories, and just maybe we will all be happy, and healthy as well, and look forward to what God has in store for each one of us.