The final thing John Wilkes Booth did before going to Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865, was to stop at a bar next to the theater. The establishment was known as Star Saloon. Booth had been drinking all day—doubtlessly trying to work up the nerve to do what had never been done before—assassinate the presidentContinue reading “The Failure to Lead”
Category Archives: History
Known but to God
Maude Brown writes that in the spring of 1862, when Confederate General Albert Sydney Johnson led his forces out of Corinth, Mississippi, and into Tennessee to launch a sneak attack on Grant’s forces at Shiloh, he had 500 coffins made. The good general was unduly optimistic in regard to the number of casualties his ArmyContinue reading “Known but to God”
Gloriously More
When Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine were engaged in 1796, he gave her a ring composed of two tear shaped stones—a diamond and a blue sapphire set in opposite directions on a slim gold band. Each stone weighs slightly less than a carat. The ring is relatively modest considering the people involved but reflects the factContinue reading “Gloriously More”
The Right Side of History
“You don’t want to be on the wrong side of history.” I majored in history when I was in college (I tell our grandchildren it was easy because then there was a lot less of it to learn). Maybe that’s the reason my ears perk up a bit whenever I hear someone say the above.Continue reading “The Right Side of History”
Back to Bethlehem
Well, it’s that time of year when the Christmas cliches are taken out of their boxes, dusted off, and put back into circulation. Jesus (not the risen Lord but the less imposing perpetual baby) is brought out for brief appearances in Christmas pageants and plays. Everyone from movie makers to beer companies use His birthContinue reading “Back to Bethlehem”
And That Is What She Did!
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is tomorrow. I can’t think of anything in my life that compares to what we’ve witnessed in the week and a half since her passing. (But then again, I can think of anyone who served in a position for 70 years). The only thing that I thought might come close was inContinue reading “And That Is What She Did!”
911 And Singing On The Steps
For those of you who were around and remember, did your life change significantly because of the events of 911? Unless you lost a loved one, had someone in the military, or are a first responder, I’m guessing your answer is “no.” There have been some changes here and there, maybe a greater appreciation of world events,Continue reading “911 And Singing On The Steps”
A Tornado and a Tragedy
If you live in the South you know this, but if you grew up in the South you understand it’s a way of life. You take it for granted that with spring comes azaleas, dogwoods, pollen and bad weather. Fierce thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes dot our existence. Every so often, they result in the tragicContinue reading “A Tornado and a Tragedy”
What Will They Remember About Us?
Anyone who has lived in Arkansas knows who Paul Eells was. Before his death, he was the “voice of the Razorbacks” for almost thirty years, Sports Director at KATV in Little Rock for the same period of time, and Arkansas Sportscaster of the Year eleven times. The Wikipedia page on him probably sums it up best when itContinue reading “What Will They Remember About Us?”
The Death of Despair
After capturing Chattanooga in the spring of 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman pointed his troops toward Atlanta. Joe Johnson and his men met him in the mountains but were badly outnumbered. The fighting was fierce but Johnson’s line held. Then Sherman’s troops flanked Johnson’s on the southern side where the railroad was. Because the supply lines had to beContinue reading “The Death of Despair”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 