Beautifully written, Keel. I have pleasant memories of visiting with both of your grandmothers at your wedding reception before slipping over to the piano to play The Tennessee Waltz while the bride danced with Lamar.
Thanks, Joe. What a wedding night that was, and your music made it very special.
Btw, I’m seeing Lamar later this mornining, down in Cool Springs, We are speaking to a big ‘Bench and Bar’ conference of several hundred lawyers and judges about the ouster of Ray Blanton. The story never grows old, though it’s been 46 years since it happened.
We did! Hal Hardin, who was the hero of the Coup, was also with us on the panel. Much interest from attendees in the audience, yes, and lots of good questions. It was a fun event.
Keel, did you know my great uncle Smoky Davis? Also a WWII veteran (with Patton’s army), then a firefighter at the Holly Street firehall. Grew up on Russell Street. Love your reminisce.
Yes, I remember meeting your Uncle Smoky! My step-dad Karl Martin (who married my Mom in 1968) was a career firefighter and a District Fire Chief before he retired. That must’ve been how I came to know Smoky. Glad you liked the piece!
Love this article, Keel! My husband (and his two younger brothers, Mike & Rodney) share very similar stories. They were lifetime “Army brats” whose visits with grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins always amazed me (an only child). Every visit was an “occasion”—with cousins to run with, uncles to learn about hunting and hunting dogs from, and aunts who cooked amazing family dinners. Their stomping grounds were in and around Mayfield, KY, especially Lowe’s, KY. I am certain that our generation had experiences like no other generation since and a group of “influencers” (I don’t like that term, but we were, after all, the children of the Greatest Generation) who taught us about sacrifice, dedication, a strong work ethic.
Thanks, Gara. I’m grateful that you read what I write and for your sharing these sweet memories. My regards to your husband and his brothers, as well. -Keel
Beautifully written! I wonder if Mrs. Worley and Mrs. Haynes (SHS) had something to do with your sensitive and personal prose. I know you have published books on politics. Any chance you might write a memoir? I wanted to know more!!
Thank you, Janet. Your sweet comments mean much to me. When my first book (Coup, the story of Ray Blanton’s ouster) was published in 2013, I looked up Ms. Worley and took her a copy. She was living in Hendersonville at that time, and she was welcoming and gracious. We had a nice visit in her lovely home.
About that memoir… It’s a good question, thanks. Over the recent years I’ve been writing parts actually - about the old neighborhood(s), family, school mates, friends and teachers I remember most, etc. Last year, I wrote a comparable piece for Mothers Day, which you can find here: https://keelhunt.substack.com/p/my-bad-ass-mom. It likewise touches on the old neighborhood at Sixteenth and Holly. Those old days, as you know, were also a time that is so very different from now, which is another aspect of such a project that interests me. Whether it ever all gets pulled together, and whether there’s an interested publisher of course, remains to be seen.
I will be hopeful that it will be written and published!! These current times of revenge at the instigation of some of the highest political officials in our country make me hungry for the times of Howard Baker and Al Gore, sr. when public officials would stand up for and protect the rights of the most vulnerable. Getting to know your mother (and seeing your father in action) made me think we would always have such people fighting for those rights forever. I have begun to feel ridiculously naïve, but I cannot let myself give up. The recent, heinous events in Minn. (just the latest of example of the deranged actions resulting in deadly attacks on the very people we need in Congress) continues to keep me bordering on hopelessness; however, I cannot simply give up on our “better angels.” Your “Field Notes” are critical for keeping me grounded.
You have touched here on the names of a couple of my favorite characters in recent TN history - Baker and Gore Senior - both of whom I got to know in my newspaper days (1967-77) at the old Tennessean. FYI, I am finishing a new book on the long friendship between Baker and John Seigenthaler, who was my editor back in the day. (The new book is to be published by The University of Tennessee Press, in conjunction with the Baker School at UT.) Stay tuned!
I can just remember your dad. I know my aunt Frances Ward took me to visit your family—and this may have been maybe before Kris was born—as I wasn’t very old. It might have even been the first time I met you. I do recall being shy with your dad because he seemed so big to me! But then to a 4 or 5 yr old, everyone seems big, I guess.
I guess the point I wanted to make was that everyone pulled together at that time. It didn't matter if you were a Republican, Democrat or Independent. It didn't matter if you were religiousness or not. We were all fighting for freedom, be it universal or local! Thanks for your reply.
Great story, Keel! My Daddy was a flight instructor for B-24’s & may have known your dad. My 1st 2 years were in East Nashville; then Daddy built our house in Crieve Hall in South Nashville, where I still live today.
Nashville has changed & so have we, but there’s no place like home! Happy Father’s Day to all our heavenly fathers & to those still walking the earth! 💔
As the daughter of a B-24 flight instructor, do take a moment to read my friend John Bradley’s comment below on the wartime history of the crews who flew them. Important record of service! I had no idea.
Thanks for the referral, Keel. John’s comments gave me happy chills. And even more pride & love for my Daddy & his service to our country, especially on Father’s Day. 💔🇺🇸
Keel, what a wonderful and meaningful tribute to your Dad! You're right, all of the families of that time helped anyway possible. My mom rolled bandages at the local Y or her church. My dad was in the navy. My husband's 3 out of 5 brothers served. One was a pilot, one in the navy and one in the army. My husband was also a Captain and medic in the army much later. Glad your shared!
Keel: This article is one of your best. It is very personal, very informative and contains historical references that all can relate too.
Beautifully written, Keel. I have pleasant memories of visiting with both of your grandmothers at your wedding reception before slipping over to the piano to play The Tennessee Waltz while the bride danced with Lamar.
Thanks, Joe. What a wedding night that was, and your music made it very special.
Btw, I’m seeing Lamar later this mornining, down in Cool Springs, We are speaking to a big ‘Bench and Bar’ conference of several hundred lawyers and judges about the ouster of Ray Blanton. The story never grows old, though it’s been 46 years since it happened.
There are stories that need to be remembered, and that is certainly one of them. I'm sure you and Lamar will have a receptive audience.
We did! Hal Hardin, who was the hero of the Coup, was also with us on the panel. Much interest from attendees in the audience, yes, and lots of good questions. It was a fun event.
Beautifully written Keel. Keep sharing memories.
I hope to!
Keel, did you know my great uncle Smoky Davis? Also a WWII veteran (with Patton’s army), then a firefighter at the Holly Street firehall. Grew up on Russell Street. Love your reminisce.
Yes, I remember meeting your Uncle Smoky! My step-dad Karl Martin (who married my Mom in 1968) was a career firefighter and a District Fire Chief before he retired. That must’ve been how I came to know Smoky. Glad you liked the piece!
Love this article, Keel! My husband (and his two younger brothers, Mike & Rodney) share very similar stories. They were lifetime “Army brats” whose visits with grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins always amazed me (an only child). Every visit was an “occasion”—with cousins to run with, uncles to learn about hunting and hunting dogs from, and aunts who cooked amazing family dinners. Their stomping grounds were in and around Mayfield, KY, especially Lowe’s, KY. I am certain that our generation had experiences like no other generation since and a group of “influencers” (I don’t like that term, but we were, after all, the children of the Greatest Generation) who taught us about sacrifice, dedication, a strong work ethic.
Thanks, Gara. I’m grateful that you read what I write and for your sharing these sweet memories. My regards to your husband and his brothers, as well. -Keel
Beautifully written! I wonder if Mrs. Worley and Mrs. Haynes (SHS) had something to do with your sensitive and personal prose. I know you have published books on politics. Any chance you might write a memoir? I wanted to know more!!
Janet M. Noble (SHS teacher 1967- ‘76)
Thank you, Janet. Your sweet comments mean much to me. When my first book (Coup, the story of Ray Blanton’s ouster) was published in 2013, I looked up Ms. Worley and took her a copy. She was living in Hendersonville at that time, and she was welcoming and gracious. We had a nice visit in her lovely home.
About that memoir… It’s a good question, thanks. Over the recent years I’ve been writing parts actually - about the old neighborhood(s), family, school mates, friends and teachers I remember most, etc. Last year, I wrote a comparable piece for Mothers Day, which you can find here: https://keelhunt.substack.com/p/my-bad-ass-mom. It likewise touches on the old neighborhood at Sixteenth and Holly. Those old days, as you know, were also a time that is so very different from now, which is another aspect of such a project that interests me. Whether it ever all gets pulled together, and whether there’s an interested publisher of course, remains to be seen.
So many stories, so little time…
I will be hopeful that it will be written and published!! These current times of revenge at the instigation of some of the highest political officials in our country make me hungry for the times of Howard Baker and Al Gore, sr. when public officials would stand up for and protect the rights of the most vulnerable. Getting to know your mother (and seeing your father in action) made me think we would always have such people fighting for those rights forever. I have begun to feel ridiculously naïve, but I cannot let myself give up. The recent, heinous events in Minn. (just the latest of example of the deranged actions resulting in deadly attacks on the very people we need in Congress) continues to keep me bordering on hopelessness; however, I cannot simply give up on our “better angels.” Your “Field Notes” are critical for keeping me grounded.
You have touched here on the names of a couple of my favorite characters in recent TN history - Baker and Gore Senior - both of whom I got to know in my newspaper days (1967-77) at the old Tennessean. FYI, I am finishing a new book on the long friendship between Baker and John Seigenthaler, who was my editor back in the day. (The new book is to be published by The University of Tennessee Press, in conjunction with the Baker School at UT.) Stay tuned!
I can just remember your dad. I know my aunt Frances Ward took me to visit your family—and this may have been maybe before Kris was born—as I wasn’t very old. It might have even been the first time I met you. I do recall being shy with your dad because he seemed so big to me! But then to a 4 or 5 yr old, everyone seems big, I guess.
Thanks for letting me know this! I remember your Aunt Frances, too!
As a fellow (current) Holly street resident I am fascinated by all the history of our houses. Thank you for sharing.
I guess the point I wanted to make was that everyone pulled together at that time. It didn't matter if you were a Republican, Democrat or Independent. It didn't matter if you were religiousness or not. We were all fighting for freedom, be it universal or local! Thanks for your reply.
Great stories, nicely written, Keel.
Thanks, my friend.
Great article, Keel! You have a lot to be proud of.
Thanks, Betsy. So do you, with that distinguished family of yours.
Sweet, kind memories. Thanks for sharing…
Keel, I felt as if I was there with you! How Beautiful! ❤️🙏🏻
A beautiful story of home and family. Thank you, Keel.
Great story, Keel! My Daddy was a flight instructor for B-24’s & may have known your dad. My 1st 2 years were in East Nashville; then Daddy built our house in Crieve Hall in South Nashville, where I still live today.
Nashville has changed & so have we, but there’s no place like home! Happy Father’s Day to all our heavenly fathers & to those still walking the earth! 💔
Becky,
As the daughter of a B-24 flight instructor, do take a moment to read my friend John Bradley’s comment below on the wartime history of the crews who flew them. Important record of service! I had no idea.
Thanks for the referral, Keel. John’s comments gave me happy chills. And even more pride & love for my Daddy & his service to our country, especially on Father’s Day. 💔🇺🇸
Thanks, Becky. These are all powerful memories.
Keel, what a wonderful and meaningful tribute to your Dad! You're right, all of the families of that time helped anyway possible. My mom rolled bandages at the local Y or her church. My dad was in the navy. My husband's 3 out of 5 brothers served. One was a pilot, one in the navy and one in the army. My husband was also a Captain and medic in the army much later. Glad your shared!
Diane, thanks. So many served, yes?