Papa’s photos from the Wheel Inn Campground Festival are posted. We had a great time at the show. We especially enjoyed seeing Tommy Brown and County Line Grass, the first time this summer we’ve seen them.
Here is my favorite photo from the weekend, it is of Isaac Smith:
Isaac Smith
Isaac is thirteen, and much taller that one might expect. R.J. Thomas always points out the size of Isaac’s feet; they are pretty big. Someone told me that Isaac has been playing two years or so. He’s improved quite a bit this summer. If he doesn’t know a tune, he just listens, and somehow takes a pretty good break when it’s his turn.
These guys deserve a lot of credit for having Isaac play on stage with them, every show they do.
Windy Mountain Boys
It’s hard to learn without playing, and he’s playing and jamming everywhere we see him. Isaac’s Dad deserves a lot of credit, too. He drives Isaac all over the place whenever he can. It’s not that easy, folks, but he does it.
After Tommy Brown played Saturday, Jimmy, who is on the left above, and was acting as MC, thanked Tommy for making the effort with the kids that play in Tommy’s band, helping them develop into such good musicians.
I’m returning the favor, thanks guys! We enjoy seeing the kids, whatever their skill level, and we thank you for taking the time.
Auburn Hills and the Chrysler Corporation Fund sponsor a Bluegrass Festival at the Civic Center Park on Saturday, September 6, 2008. A shuttle runs from the free parking lot. The show starts at noon and ends about 7:30.
Special Consensus will host the festival again this year. Additionally, the show will include Cherryholmes, and Pine Mountain Railroad. Michigan bands Hardline Drive, and The Cats & the Fiddler will also appear.
This is a free show, but you will need to bring your lawn chair. A flyer is posted on the city site. See you there.
Wow, I’m running in circles, not sure anything is getting done. Today’s list, clean Lex, clean house, shop, mow, hoe. There’s more, but I won’t make it.
We’ve had a good couple of weeks, and seen some great music. the line-up at the Milan Bluegrass Festival was out of sight. We had a ball, and saw a bunch of friends. Here is a cool picture from Milan, which Papa did not take (you can see why).
Doyle Lawson was ready to play, and the MC asked the crowd to wave. Papa snapped the picture. It may be on the front of next year’s program.
Thanks to Maggie for the photo of Papa on the ladder, and thanks to the guy that held the ladder so I wouldn’t go completely crazy.
Here it is:
I’m not sure if it accurately shows the size of the crowd. this one, which he took from the ground, seems better:
Anyway, a good time was had by all.
At Leslie this past weekend, we had an equally good time. It was great to see Tommy Brown and County Line Grass again. Also interesting to find that their fiddle player’s aunt is associated with the Oakland County Genealogical Society. I am too. Another small world deal, for sure.
You can read about Belle Lamunion, 1864-1848, and her amazing box of family memories here. Belle married Henry H Fellows, 1858-1905 in 1879 in Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. This series of posts will center around the items that were in the box. If you are related to this family, please contact me.
The items in the Bell’s Box were scanned one at at time as they were picked up from the box, in no particular order; and so are not arranged by date or any other method.
This card is addressed to Mr. C. Tinker, Manton, Mich; and post marked December 13, 1911, Hesperia, Michigan.
I have no idea who Lon, the writer of this card might be. Possibly an old friend from Charlie’s lumber camp days.
Old Boy
We heard. glad to hear from you
would like to have you come down and see us
I am not very tough getting old ??? and do not go far any more
my eyes very poor
come down
You can read about Belle Lamunion, 1864-1848, and her amazing box of family memories here. Belle married Henry H Fellows, 1858-1905 in 1879 in Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. This series of posts will center around the items that were in the box. If you are related to this family, please contact me.
The items in the Bell’s Box were scanned one at at time as they were picked up from the box, in no particular order; and so are not arranged by date or any other method.
The Christmas card is addressed to Belle Fellows, Manton, Mich; and postmarked December 24, 1912. I can’t make out city from which it was mailed. William H. Puff, about 1910-?; was a son of Etta May Murray, 1883-1964 and Fred Puff, 1884-1910. His mother, Etta, was one of six children of Mary Ann Lamunion, 1850-1899; and her husband John H. Murray, ca 1847-1922. Mary Ann was Belle’s sister.
Dec 24 - 1912
Dear Aunt
Rec Christmas card with thank. I would like to see you
Merry Christmas
You can read about Belle Lamunion, 1864-1848, and her amazing box of family memories here. Belle married Henry H Fellows, 1858-1905 in 1879 in Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. This series of posts will center around the items that were in the box. If you are related to this family, please contact me.
The items in the Bell’s Box were scanned one at at time as they were picked up from the box, in no particular order; and so are not arranged by date or any other method.
This card is dated march 29, 1920 and postmarked Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The card is written to Belle, and signed “Mart & Myrtle”. I have no Idea who Mart is, but Myrtle could be the second daughter of Henry and Belle, Mary/Merta Fellows. She married twice that I am aware of, to a Featherly and to Benjamin Bush.
Edna Rose Fellows, 1892-1950, and her husband Ross Pressley Fenton, 1884-1957; and the “kids” are M-in-L’s family. Edna and Ross were Papa’s grandparents.
In 1920 there were three “kids” in their family, Laura Mae, 1910-1999; George Emerson, 1912-2001; and Frank Alfred, 1915-1994.
\
Dear Mother and all
Received your leter and it found us well
We will be looking for you most any day now
do don’t disapoint us now
Well how’s every little thing The weather is fine here
Well Charlie hows the cider. Give Ross and Edna and the kids our Best regards
You can read about Belle Lamunion, 1864-1848, and her amazing box of family memories here. Belle married Henry H Fellows, 1858-1905 in 1879 in Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. This series of posts will center around the items that were in the box. If you are related to this family, please contact me.
The items in the Bell’s Box were scanned one at at time as they were picked up from the box, in no particular order; and so are not arranged by date or any other method.
This card, dated August 1, 1911 and post marked Newaygo, Michigan August 3, 1911, is from Elizabeth Lamunion Bisard (1846-1930) to her sister Belle Lamunion Fellows. Elizabeth was the oldest known child of Rescum/Ruscum Lamunion and his wife Marinda Jones.
Mirt is probably Mary/Merta Fellows 1885-, second daughter of Henry and Belle. We don’t know much about Mert, but she was married several times and may have lived in Western Lower Michigan for much of her life. We know of one daughter, Dorothy F. Featherly 1901-1945. Dorothy was raised as an orphan. We don’t know where Mert went, or what she did.
August 1, 1911
Dear Sister Just got your card I would like to see you come walking in now. be sure and come Mirt and her husband came and staid from Monday until Thursday we had never seen him before come soon your sister E Bisard.
The husband referred to her may be Benjamin Bush, who Mert married 5 August 1909 in Hesperia, Oceana/Newaygo County, Michigan.
I have to catch up on certain genealogical tasks today, since the Oakland County Genealogical Society Board meets tonight. We’ll be stuffing the envelopes for the fall mailing, which includes your member form and a program schedule.
I also need to finish some personal organization tasks, since I’m going to the Library of Michigan tomorrow! Yea, I get a whole day of research, and someone else is driving. It couldn’t be better, really, it couldn’t.
Well, it did rain a little. People scattered right after supper break on Saturday when it rained a little. Most reappeared quickly, holding umbrellas or wearing other rain gear. The evening line-up was too good to miss.
Since naming favorites among the performers would be suicide, instead I’ll address a subject I saw a while back on bgrass-l. The discussion revolved around the question, “Who is the most influential bluegrass musician/performer/group (other than Bill Monroe)?” There were plenty of opinions on this one, and for a change, I read most of what was posted.
This weekend, I counted musicians and/or bands with some connection to a certain well-known musician, and I’ve reached a conclusion. Doyle Lawson seems to have the biggest footprint, or sphere of influence, or whatever you want to call it. Last weekend’s performers who have a connection to Doyle included Lou Reid, Russell Moore, Jamie Dailey, Mike Hartgrove, Dale Perry,Doyle himself, and probably some I’ve forgotten to mention. These excellent musicians and singers appeared with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, Dailey & Vincent, the Lonesome River Band and David Parmley and Continental Divide.
These are not just good musicians, representative of good bands. These are household names among fans of bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. A strong tenor voice, often singing the lead; impeccable close harmonies; and excellent instrumentals characterize Doyle Lawson’s style. Many groups beyond those who count Doyle’s alum among their members emulate some elements of his style. So, for today at least, hit MySpace and YouTube; search for some of the names or groups and see what I mean.
A small sample of Dailey & Vincent. (Even the amateur quality video can’t ruin this)
Today’s much anticipated line-up includes Don Rigsby, the LRB, Dailey and Vincent, Doyle Lawson, the Grascals, the Lewis Family and The Bluegrass Thoroughbreds.
I’ve hardly cooked a thing, and have eaten several sin foods, an elephant ear was among them. Lightning didn’t strike, so we’re fine.
We’re having a great time, come on out and join us!
