2008 Homecoming Report

On a beautiful fall day, our annual Homecoming met at the old Baxter schoolhouse/community center on, October 5, 2008. The weather could not have been more perfect. About 80 degrees, bright sun, and a cool breeze blowing in the open windows. No one complained about the heat and the old folks were comfortable. The old building with its 10-inch thick walls and high ceilings stays fairly cool.

The guest book contained 62 names but I know some failed to sign in. I estimated about 65-70 people, including children, were in attendance. This is a nice turnout but down from years in the past. Sickness prevented some from attending, some had had operations and were unable to get out, and of course natural attrition always accounts for several with each passing year. Such is life... or the lack thereof!

Henry McRuiz, who had not been able to make it the past 2 or 3 years, was there and feeling good. He's had several operations but told me he is again in good health and he looked it. Henry is the baby of the McRuiz family and a mere 77 years old. His oldest brother is 96. They are of Spanish decent and moved into the Baxter area in the late 1930s, I believe. The entire family made outstanding citizens and neighbors. Their Dad worked for the railroad section gang.

Odie Vee and Nick Hickman were unable to attend because of health problems. They came last year after an absence of 5 or 6 years and we were hoping they would come this year. Maybe next year. Her sister, Mary Lou, for the second year could not make it because of a knee replacement. These two Perkins girls were raised over in the Flat Creek area along with the rest of the Perkins kids and are wonderful people. They grew up with the Smith girls. Odie Vee and Mary Lou are both jolly souls and never meet a stranger. They always made everyone feel welcome.

Only two, my brother Jack and Robert Neely, of the old World War II veterans were there this year. They're both 83 years old and appear to be in good health. These veterans who gave so much for their country are always treated with respect and reverence, as well they should be. Jack, Doris, Jimmy, Max, and Glenn were the Smiths attending.

Two of the Breedlove girls, Ginny Miller and Patsy Hopson, also made it this year. Patsy's husband Glenn came but you'll remember Virginia lost her husband several years ago. It's always good to see these fine-looking ladies. Two of Ginny's girls and family also came.

LaVerne Morgan Butler, along with son Charles and his wife Ann, was in good spirits. LaVerne, who is nearing 90, was the next-youngest of the Morgan tribe. Only she and Wilson remain and he has been bed-ridden for 10 years or so because of a stroke. He lives up in Kansas. The Morgans and Smiths go back about 120 years as friends and neighbors.

The food this year, as usual, was outstanding. I'm always amazed how these ladies take such pride in their food, as if there was a competition going on. In one way I think it is a hold-over from the days of the Depression and hard farming times when pride was all you had. Old habits die hard!

Homemade yeast rolls were in abundance and fresh purple hull peas from the freezer, along with candied sweet potatoes and good potato salad lined the tables. Barbecued chicken breasts, chicken breasts with brown rice, chicken and dressing and plain crisp fried chicken, sliced ham, meatballs, and several other meats were for the taking. Vegetables of all kinds, including a big, steaming pot of cut-up turnips and greens fresh from Henry's garden. My very favorite dish and will make you wonder what the poor folks are eating.

Desserts of all kinds covered two 8-foot tables and ranged from southern-style banana pudding, to deep homemade cheese cake, to coconut and chocolate pies, to chocolate/pecans squares, to sweet potato pies and several cakes 6-inches high. Such is old-time baking, and it's quickly passing except on the Food Network.

A lot of visiting and renewing old friendships went on and We all went home happy with the temporary feeling that all was well in the world.

  — Jimmy Smith

From last year: 2007 Homecoming report