CivilWarTalk Throwback Thursday, 2-27-2020

[James N.]

Although I'm not IN this week's Throwback Thursday photo, I DID at least take it, back in July, 1961 during a marathon vacation trip with my mother, who drove all the way from Dallas, Texas to Gettysburg and back! The subject is the much-fought-over and now desecrated monument and grave of Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest in Memphis, Tennessee on the only occasion I believe I ever visited it. This was well before the cancerous growth of the hospital subsequently engulfed what I remember as still a residential neighborhood. Happily, as recounted in Forums threads, General and Mrs. Forrest will soon be removed and reunited with the handsome statue in a more appreciative location!

Anyone else having (preferably) old Civil War-related photographs, mementoes, or memorabilia from reenactments or other events or vacation or other travel they would like to share is welcome and encouraged to do so in this weekly thread!

 

[DBF]

I DID at least take it, back in July, 1961 during a marathon vacation trip with my mother, who drove all the way from Dallas, Texas to Gettysburg and back!

Was your mother a Civil War enthusiast or just a wonderful mother (or both)?

 

[donna]

Thanks for this photo.

 

[mkyzzzrdet]

Was your mother a Civil War enthusiast or just a wonderful mother (or both)?

I met James just about this time, in Jr High School. I recall him sending me postcards from this trip with his mom. ( I was envious) His mom was not a Civil War buff, but was very encouraging towards James, and later me, in our interests in the war. She was a sweet lady who treated me like one of the family - I remember some great epic struggles at James' house on old Avalon Hill game boards. - Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, in particular. I remember her going out and getting us both some chili dogs to eat while we were playing. ( Man - its been years since I've had a good chili dog.)

 

[James N.]

Was your mother a Civil War enthusiast or just a wonderful mother (or both)?

As I've gotten older I've realized how remarkable she really was - when I was younger I simply took her for granted because she was my mother. She was always reserved and embarrassed about having never graduated from high school, having to quit and get a job because of the Depression. She didn't read much "serious" literature but was interested in historical matters and movies, especially those that reminded her of notions of the Old South. One of her fondest memories was a much later trip we took to New Orleans for a short excursion on the Delta Queen. We went on a December weekend when fares were cheapest, and although it was cold she preferred to sit out on the deck where she could watch the landscape pass by. She always encouraged my interests and bought me my very first relic, a M.1860 cavalry saber, plus my first war game (Gettysburg) as well as indulging me in this vacation.