History Comes Alive

Today was our Jamestown and Yorktown days, but things didn't go as planned. We headed off to Jamestown early and really enjoyed our visit there. So much has been discovered since Keri and I visited and there is a new museum to view the discoveries. Ian took advantage of every tour and display. Afterwards, we decided to take the ferry (Jamestown-Scotland Ferry) across the James and drive down to Surry and Smithfield to see the home of "country ham". We ate lunch at Surrey House Restaurant, a highly recommended local restaurant. The local crab cake sandwich certainly lived up to expectations.

From there, we headed off to find St. Luke's Church, the oldest existing church of English foundation in America and the nation's only surviving Gothic building. One of Keri's ancestors was the rector there in the early 1600s, shortly after it was built. There is a plaque to him in the church. It really was a beautiful place. We have been seeing all kinds of reenactments these last several days, but going in this church made it all come alive. We ended up spending so much time there that we missed Yorktown. Perhaps we will try getting there on our way out of town.

We stopped by the famous Edwards Ham center on our way back through Surry. Edwards ham is a Christmas breakfast tradition for as long as I can remember.

It's Raining, It's Pouring ...

Day Two at Williamsburg was very wet. It didn't rain all day, but one minute it would be raining and the next the sun would be shining. Once again, we crammed in everything we could possible do in one day. One of the highlights involved a carriage ride around Colonial Williamsburg. The driver was named Lee and was great. He told us all about transportation in Virginia in the 1790s. Another hit was the jail. This jail and cell was where Blackbeard's pirates were housed before execution by the Colonial Virginia government. One that was found innocent later became the source for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson.


We headed back to the motel for a swim and rest. We need a relaxing, non-demanding evening.

Long Day in Colonial Williamsburg

It was an exciting (and exhausting) day. We crammed as must as we possibly could into a single day and I may never walk again. We got back to the hotel a few minutes ago and Keri and Ian are already asleep. We have one more day at Colonial Williamsburg and Ian doesn't plan to miss a thing. The highlight of today has to be the fifes and drums. Today was the last performance for two of the members who had been in the corps for the last eight years and they were doing everything in a form of celebration. It was quite a show.

We went back to Bruton Parish Church for a Handel performance by the organist and a contra-alto. The concert was by candlelight and it was wonderful. I couldn't help but think of Isaac Hite, Jr., whose house we had worked in for the last week and whose grave we had marked this past Saturday. He left Middletown to come to Williamsburg to attend William & Mary. While here, he met and listened to Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson (who would later help design his home) and others. He marched off from here to fight for independence. He is honored on a plaque in the William & Mary Christopher Wren Building. Although he was not mentioned in the Colonial Williamsburg, the fictional Fry students could have been Isaac Hite. It was all very moving.

After the concert we walked around Williamsburg at night. This really is one my favorite ways to see the historic district

Winchester to Richmond to Williamsburg

The Hite Family Reunion chapter has closed and it's time to continue our adventures. We headed out of Winchester fairly early this morning on our way to Richmond. I have wanted Ian to see the Museum of the Confederacy and the Executive Mansion of the Confederacy before they were crowded out of Richmond by the medical buildings that are totally surrounding them. It has been 15 years since Keri and I visited and it was truly amazing the changes around the Museum and the Mansion. It was a great thing for Ian to see. There was a very strange "fish" in front the Museum. I understand the images painted on the fish. I do NOT understand what a fish is doing in front of the Museum of the Confederacy.

We took the James River Road from Richmond and made plans for a visit to some James River Plantations some time this week. We found our little Priceline hotel and were truly delighted. The hotel is the Budget Inn Williamsburg and it's located several blocks from Colonial Williamsburg. It is surrounded by trees, has a wonderful pool, and is restful with a microwave and frig. I think I would recommend this hotel to anyone.

The Empty Tent

We have survived! The Reunion is over and the cousins have headed home. It was a wonderful Reunion but I could use some rest. We had a Hite Family Church Service at St. Thomas Chapel in Middletown, VA. It is occasionally opened for ceremonies and is always the site of our reunion service. It is a very beautiful little church built in the functional Virginia style (as the speaker said).

The Church Picnic followed on the grounds at Belle Grove. The Business Meeting and group photo brought everything to a close around 2:30 and everyone hit the road. We raised $1200 for the Hite Family Cemetery Restoration Fund. The evaluations indicated everyone had a good time and gave some suggestions for 2012. We will soon begin work on that one.

Ian had a hard time leaving everyone at Belle Grove. He really believes that he is on the staff there. We ended the day seeing a movie at the Family Drive-In in Stephen's City. A perfect way to end the week here in the Shenandoah Valley. We head to Williamsburg tomorrow for a couple of days.

It has been a busy day filled with meetings, a ceremony, a banquet, family trauma, and just about everything else it is possible to cram into a single day. The highlight, however, has to be the Sons of the American Revolution dedication at the Hite Family Cemetery. It was very dramatic with a color guard, taps, and all the trappings of a ceremony honoring a dead hero. Toward the end, the Master of Ceremonies approached my seat on the front row of chairs and presented me with a flag and certificate honoring Major Isaac Hite, Jr. "on behalf of a grateful nation" as one of the heros who earned us the freedom we now have. I accepted it on behalf of all Isaac Hite Descendants and the Hite Family Association. At the banquet tonight, I presented it to the Board of Belle Grove as a repository of the memories and belongings of the Hite Family. I think Ian was impressed. I know I certainly was. There was a Revolutionary Era flag flying over the cemetery.

It Has Begun!

There were some frantic moments this morning as we completed the final preparations for the 2009 Triennial Family Reunion. However, there were still a few minutes for additional exploration. Dennis, one of the staff, took us into the attic at Belle Grove which is closed to the public. I had been up there many years ago, and I took my parents up there in the 1980s. I was glad Ian got to go this morning. Many of the original 1790 structural components are visible. There is also a lot of graffiti, including a lot of Civil War names and dates left when the Confederate and Union troops occupied the house. The window pictured here is the point watchmen scanned for signals of approaching troops. Ian was fascinated by all the stories Dennis told us.

Many of the attendees were delayed due to a major auto accident on I81. Many did not even make it in tonight. But the Ice Cream Social went well and the Square Dancing was fun. Most people were not into it, but those who participated had a good time. It was wonderful doing the the 1760 Minuet at Belle Grove Plantation. We have a big day planned for tomorrow.

Final Day of Preparations

We had a busy day as we made our final preparations for the arrival of the Hite (Chrisman, Bowman) Family tomorrow. I spent several hours this morning meeting with the Sons of the American Revolution as they walked through Saturday's monument dedication and wreath-laying ceremony for Issac Hite, Jr., "an American Patriot". It will be very impressive.

Our 15 minutes of fame occurred today as we appeared in both the Winchester Star and the Northern Virginia Daily. Our photo and an article about the Reunion in appeared in the Winchester Star to welcome the family. I was also interviewed about the Reunion by the Northern Virginia Daily. Belle Grove will be closed to the public beginning tomorrow through Sunday. Several large tents have been set up behind the house and all the registration packets are complete. It will be an exciting weekend.

Unexpected Discovery

Today, Keri and I drove to the Hite Family Cemetery at Long Meadow Plantation. The original home was build in the 1730s but burned in the late 1790s. It was replaced in the 1830s with this structure. The original out-buildings are all still standing. The family cemetery was established here and the first burial is documented (but not marked) in 1736. As long as Belle Grove has been taking care of the cemetery, we have assumed that two specific unlabeled but marked graves were linked to two existing stones. Recent study has suggested that the two unlabeled graves are some of the oldest in the cemetery. We are initiating research to determine if the graves are of Jost Hite. It is very exciting for the family (but sounds very boring as I read it).

We are working hard and are starting to get a little tired. But it is still a great experience. Tomorrow, I meet with the Sons of the American Revolution to walk through the wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery. They are very intense and want everything to be just right. I'm glad. It's that much less I have to worry about.

Historic Documents

What an experience? How many families have the opportunity to spend a week exploring a historic house? Today we help set up displays involving historical documents and items donated by the family back to Belle Grove. In the photo, Ian and Keri and Pat (a volunteer) look at a journal kept by the sister of President James Madison. We also arranged furniture, labeled items, worked on programs, typed welcome notes for the program and all the other things required to get ready for the registration on Friday.

We heard bad news about one of the paintings originally painted by Charles Peale Polk to hang in the parlor at Belle Grove. The original set included paintings of the Hites, President Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Madison because of his sister and Jefferson because of his contributions to designing the house and friendship with the Hites. All of the paintings have been purchased or donated back to Belle Grove except the one of Jefferson. We have been attempting to acquire it for several years now, but have just been informed that it has sold to a private collector. We had borrowed it back for the last reunion but that space is vacant now.

We feel like we are home! The staff met us this morning with a sign that said "Welcome, Dan, Keri and Ian!" Of course, we had to get right to work so the feeling of "special" was short lived. I had to decide where events were to be held, make sure that all the venues were confirmed, followup up on a couple of family home issues and discuss money for awhile. Our number of registrants are way down. We currently have around 100 registered. Our last reunion had 175. I think it is the economy. Most events in the area that depend on people traveling are down as well. We are probably fortunate with the numbers we have.

Ian is having a great time, as expected. How many kids get to spend a week at a National Trust property? He also is treated like this is his house and he is loving every minute of it. He is doing whatever task they assign him, and counting the hours as some of his service hours for Boy Scouts.

We left the Plantation around 6:00 and saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It was a frightening movie, especially for a 12 year old. Ian is trying to get to sleep, but it might take awhile.

Here They Go Again!

Well, the Tulli are off again. We are in Northern Virginia for the next week. As Vice President of the Hite Family Association, an organization of descendants of Jost Hite, the first settler in the Shenandoah Valley, I am in charge of the family reunion every three years. It is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. The event is held at Belle Grove Plantation, a Hite Family property owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We all return to the Plantation for three days every three years to relive history, meet cousins, tour family properties, eat, etc. Keri, Ian and I will get it all set up to begin this coming Friday. The great thing about this week is that we get to explore every nook and cranny, and almost feel that we are living at the Plantation. I will keep an ongoing account posted.

War Eagle Mill

Today was my last chance to explore Northwest Arkansas during this visit. I headed down to War Eagle to see the last working mill in Arkansas. I had not been to the mill since the mid-70s, shortly after it had been restored. It is certainly a must-see for any trip to this part of Arkansas. I bought several packages of grits and several jars of Arkansas jams and jellys for gifts. Certainly a unique place to visit!

It reminded me that this is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games weekend. Many of our friends are there this week for Thistle School. We stopped going when Ian started attending Camp Tahkodah. I really miss going and must figure out some way for us to get back. Today, a friend sent us a YouTube video of John Middleton presenting Robert Burns "Address to the Haggis".

Mama Z's

This morning I headed down to Tontitown, an Italian settled area near here. I had heard about, but had never had the opportunity to go. My students all recommended that I eat lunch at one of the Italian places and I chose Mama Z's. They make all their own pasta so I tried the Italian Sampler plate (they recommended I go with the small). It was great with spaghetti, ravioli, and a large Italian meatball. There is little left to indicate the Italian background of the area, but the food is great. The rest of the day was spent grading papers and getting ready for class tonight.

Isn't He Something?

I was looking at my photos and came across this one I took of Ian on Sunday. Keri and I went up to Camp Tahkodah to see him halfway through his two week stay. He is having a wonderful time. I didn't think about it at the time, but he looks so much older in this picture. I thought many of you, especially those who have not seen him in awhile, would appreciate this photo.

Also, many of you have emailed me and called me about what I am going to do about my eyes. You should know by now that I am the King of procrastinators. With that in mind, let me say that I am very skillfully "delaying" that decision. Thanks for checking.

Northwest Arkansas

I am spending a week in Bentonville, AR, teaching an undergraduate class in Normal Language Development. The class meets every night from 5:30-9:30 and Saturday from 10-3. I am finding it very difficult to cram an entire semesters work into a week of class time and some online work. I'm afraid my students heads were spinning last night, but I think I got most of them calmed down. One contacted the Registrar at Harding to see about dropping, but I think she will hold on.

During the day, I am getting to explore some of Northwest Arkansas. I see why Arkansas is called "The Natural State." I tend to forget that while I'm cooped up in Central Arkansas. Monday, I went to Mount Magazine with my Mom and brother. It was good to spend time with them. I am looking forward taking Keri and Ian back. The Mount Magazine Lodge is absolutely fabulous. Everyone who is reading this must come and stay for awhile. Of course, you had better be saving up some money.

Today, I went to Pea Ridge National Battlefield. It contains 90% of the original Civil War battlefield site. It is as well preserved as Shiloh or Vicksburg. It has certainly changed since I spent time there as a Boy Scout (can you say 40 years ago?). I must figure some way to get my Scouts up for a hike.

Eyes

Vision is a wonderful thing. I have always appreciated the wonderful views that God has given us and I have often enjoyed hiking back into wild areas to see nature in its unspoiled form. Keri and Ian seem to really appreciate those sites as well.

I have thought a lot about vision lately. This time last year, I was recovering from a vitrectomy in my left eye as I explored Zambia. I was unaware that I would have a hemorrhage in my right eye on July 7 on the street in Livingston, Zambia. My left eye seems to have recovered well but I am unable to see well through my right. My last eye exam resulted in 20/400 with my glasses. I had recently been advised by my retina specialist that a relatively simple "nuclear cataract" surgical procedure would restore acuity in my right eye. Unfortunately, I discovered yesterday that that was not necessarily so. As I was informed, "an eye that has had a vitrectomy, is not a normal eye."

I must make a decision in the next few days whether I want to go ahead with the surgery and risk the possible consequences, or have some special lenses made that would improve my vision some in my right eye. Unfortunately, there are complications there as well. Decisions, decisions!?!?!

I have used this blog as a journal for several years now. I was very surprised when the first person left a comment. With that in mind, if you are reading this, keep me in your prayers. In the over-all scope of things, I have been so blessed and have very, very little to whine about. God is so good and all will work out, as it always has in my life. It is a little scary however. OK, enough of this!!!

Happy 4th of July weekend!!!!