A few years ago, I listened to a talk by this old Marine and found myself buying some of his books. They were impressive but in the moment, in a talk at the Jay Historical Society, I was overwhelmed by the grace and beauty of singing performed by his son, Josh - accompanied by another author, Jake.
I want you to see this recording I made at the time. Josh, a paraplegic affected by cerebral palsy is a man from whom we should all learn some lessons. (me3tv.org is my youtube channel)
So... today - while attending the opening of a new daycare center in our hamlet of Chumuckla, Florida -- I was told I would really enjoy meeting the father-in-law of the new owner. Turns out Josh's dad is Jerry Morrell - whose book - "The Old Man" touched me with depth and sincerity and whom I had met this night at the Jay Historical Society Talks. Turns out he is the old Marine "I would enjoy meeting". Turns out we already met. I was given another of his books "Once a Marine" and now I can read THAT book too and with appreciation ... since my son is also now a Marine.
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| THE BOOKS and a CD |
Toby, Jerry's stepson, whose last name is Bowman, gave me a great hamburger and some more copies of Jerry's books. (Toby is Ms. Marilyn's husband). You too can experience these books but you need to send him a check in the mail. He is not selling on our beloved internet. This is true also tor the Book of sketches by Jake Nowland which is a classic of sketches from the back woods of the panhandle - and the South accompanied by the most fascinating hand written text.
OLD TIMES ARE NOT FORGOTTEN (Morrell)
THIS BLOG POST will help you find a way to buy Both Morrell's and Nowland's books . (they do not use the web for orders)
It is my hope - with some development of ideas with Ms. Marilyn Bowman, there will become a series of lectures - maybe monthly - at the old church sanctuary. And included will be supplements of talent from people who sing or make poetry write books or just tell stories. Chumuckla and the entire region is packed with talent.
Jerry Morrell is a cousin of another chronicler of the region and a colorful character in our history -- BB Morrell. He wrote of mysteries in the Milton Cemetery - including the stealthy and unmarked burial of serial murderer, Martha Beck - one of the team of "lonely hearts murders". Terrible story. She grew up right here in Santa Rosa County.
ALL THIS because I went to the opening of Miss Marilyn's Little Olives ChildCare Center at the old Methodist Church in Chumuckla.
While there today, I took upon myself the sacred duty of relaying the history of this church to those who would listen. It is my regret I did not record it because every time I tell it, it comes out different.
IN ANY EVENT... it involved the Creek Indian Civil War of 1813 in the middle of America's war with Britain starting in 1812 and General Jackson and Davy Crockett and Jackson's cattleman neighbor near Nashville - Ben Jernigan (who ended up founding Milton), and later the Yankee carpetbagger, who started the lumber industry here (Skinner) and the man who followed him and made an empire that benefitted many people (John C. Pace) and "The Depression" and founding Elizabeth chapel and grading cotton and then WWII and THREE young men from the hamlet that lost their lives in the war-- and who were all closely tied to the history and the founding of this particular church. (Seif Kilpatrick, Adrian Enfinger, OD Harris ... God rest their souls)
I do think the rain-out of the water slide and cookout today will not slow down the startup and services from the new business in this building that has so many memories in it. Ms Marilyn herself has roots that touch this community and serving people with grace, honor and respect will be a continuing honor to those whose history is intertwined within the walls of these buildings.
Thank you, Ms. Marilyn for taking the challenge of bringing these walls back to life. You are bringing a much needed service to the people of our area - especially as we continue to grow with more residents - all hoping to get some of mystique of community from our hamlet.
ABOUT THE CHILDCARE CENTER (Press Gazette)
