Today's Biographical Sketch

Horace Kephart.

Kephart was an outdoor writer of the early 20th century. He's associated with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which he advocated to the US government when it was still just mountain wilderness. The Boy Scouts troop in Bryson City, North Carolina is named in Kephart's honor. His noteworthy books include Camping and Woodcraft and Our Southern Highlanders.

Pic:

Quote: "The scrotum of a buck, tanned with the hair on, makes a fine tobacco-pouch." (Camping and Woodcraft)

Today's Poll

Ever eaten chowchow? Ever even heard of it?

I've heard the word, but never seen the stuff, and have certainly never eaten it.

Chowchow.

Have You Ever Eaten Chowchow?
	Love it. Eat it all the time.
	I've tried it, but don't like it.
	I've never tried it, but have heard of it.
	I've never tried or heard of it.
pollcode.com free polls

A Future Road Trip, Perhaps?

Shiloh Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Shiloh Presbyterian Church Cemetery - most of it in southern Cleveland County - dates from 1780, the year a pivotal Revolutionary War battle raged on nearby Kings Mountain. Lt. Col. Frederick Hambright, a key Patriot commander, is buried in Shiloh along with others who fought there. More than 100 stones mark veterans of the War of 1812, the Civil War and early settlers. John Bishop Harry, state senator from Lincoln County in 1835, is also there.

The cemetery's age and the people buried there are important parts of the nomination. But new research has led to another focus: Shiloh's gravestone art. Master craftsmen like Robert Caveny decorated the markers with folk motifs such as quarter sunbursts, eight-pointed stars, willows and trees of life.

This article cries out for a photo gallery, but the Observer didn't bother to provide one. Damnit.

Creepy-Crawlies of the Carolinas

I don't want to boast, but I could probably teach this class myself.

Pic:

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.

Gorgeous George Dead At 85

Retired professional wrestler Gorgeous George Grant has passed away in York, SC. (Looks like his real name was Dan Moody Sheffield.

I had no idea the old fellow was still around, and that close, too. York is just down the road. Charlotte is a good town for the older generation of professional wrestlers; Ric Flair makes his home here, and famous names like Tim "Mr. Wrestling" Woods, Wahoo McDaniel and Andre the Giant all lived in the area.

They Went There

A story in our local paper this morning:

COLUMBIA, S.C. Authorities say a body has been found in a car blocking the drive through lane of a South Carolina restaurant.

Columbia police told multiple media outlets that employees arriving for work Wednesday morning at a Kentucky Fried Chicken found the dead man behind the wheel of a car.

Investigators say the injuries to the victim indicate he was likely a victim of foul play, but they would not give details.

The man's name has not been released.

"Foul play."

*snort*

The Good Sort of Gun Control Law

In Wilmington, NC, a gang member was given a sentence of eight years in prison for possession of a gun while being a felon.

Now there is the sort of gun control law that EVERYONE IN THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION supports.

Court Date Set For SC Horse Bugger

Story.

He's expected to plead not guilty, saying that he was just "horsing around."

Don't Carry A Gun When You Rob Someone...

...your victim might take it away and shoot you with it.

I guess they don't make robbers like they used to.

Happened about 30 miles south of here in Lancaster, South Carolina, population 8177. Saaaaalute!, as they used to say on Hee-Haw.

A Parricide, Probably Praiseworthy

20-year-old Justin Evans (no relation to this blogger) shot his father, Kenneth Evans. The elder Evans was holding a knife to his wife's throat when the son shot him.

Police have indicated that the younger Evans won't be charged.

Treasure Blog: Steamship Found Off Louisiana

Carrying rare gold coins from the Charlotte, Dahlonega and New Orleans mint facilities.

The coins are in Uncirculated condition, so could bring up to $100,000 at auction.

Local Teacher In USA Today.

Story here.

We've had a lot of problems in town in the past with schools, including voters who reject school bonds proposed by the county commission. I can't say that one teacher will make that much of a difference. Time will tell.

No Havoc Here, Thankfully.

The Charlotte Observer is reporting that winds in the area are gusting up to 50mph and causing problems throughout the area. Not seeing much of that here; it was actually more windy yesterday than it was today, truthfully. Fingers crossed.


UPDATE: Apparently it's worse than that first report hinted, but as I said already, it's pretty quiet here. I hope everyone affected is safe and not in danger.

We Need A "Johnny Appleseed" For the American Chestnut.

Jack Betts has a fine article in the Charlotte, NC, Observer about the plight of the American Chestnut Tree, which once covered Appalachia until a blight brought about its near-extinction.