Bloomsbury - Mary Chesnut's Civil War

Mary Boykin Chesnut wrote approximately 10% of her diaries at Bloomsbury. In Professor Woodward’s book Mary Chesnut’s Civil War (1981), chapter XVIII: A World Kicked to Pieces, she tries to reconstruct approximately a year’s worth of diaries. “I destroyed all my notes and journal—from the time I arrived at flat Rock—during a raid upon Richmond in 1863. Afterward—I tried to fill up the gap from memory” (p. 425).

She starts the chapter “September 23, 1863. Bloomsbury. So this is no longer a journal but a narrative of all I cannot bear in mind which has occurred since August 1862” (Woodward, p. 425). The chapter goes from pages 425 through 483 or 58 pages in length.

After the war, the mother plantation of the Chesnut family, Mulberry, had been ransacked by Union forces. It would not be brought back to its’ former splendor for over 50 years. When Mary and her husband James returned to Camden they went to Bloomsbury. She begins her passage of May 4, 1865 with “Bloomsbury. Home again” (Woodward, p. 800). There is no indication that they moved from Bloomsbury for the rest of the diary which ends in Professor Woodward’s book on page 836.

While she may have visited Mulberry on at least one occasion, she made it clear about how she felt on returning there. Her husband’s nephew, Johnny Chesnut, had returned from the war as a Captain in the Confederate cavalry. She writes:

"And Johnny! His country in mourning, with as much to mourn for as [a] country ever had! That cold, calm, unmoved air of his is only good form. Under all he is as volatile, as in consequent, as easily made happy, as any lighthearted son of the South. To my amazement he wants me to
give a picnic at Mulberry. Just now I would as soon dance on my father’s grave" (Woodward, p. 811).

From all indications, Bloomsbury was Mary and James Chesnut residence until their move to Sarsfield in 1873. Bloomsbury is rich in tradition and memory. Bloomsbury is truly “Home again..”

Cleaner Glass

Those who really keep things clean usually have great cleaning tips. Point in case, do not purchase window cleaner in the cleaning product section…purchase windshield cleaner (one gallon jug of blue for $.99) in the automotive section. It actually works better! This tip comes from Annie's Inn, Aiken, South Carolina.

Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy

Total preparation time: 45 mins Serves: 8 Ingredients:
Chocolate Gravy• 2 cups sugar • 6 tablespoons flour • 1/3 cup cocoa powder • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 4 cups whole milk
Steps:
1. Mix sugar, flour, cocoa and salt together - mix in saucepan. Place over low heat and gradually stir in milk.
2. Increase to medium heat. Cook (be careful not to boil), stir constantly, until thick.
3. Serve over hot, buttered homemade biscuits. Garnish with a large, ripe strawberry.

The History: What could be more perfect than a fond memory and a beautiful chocolate breakfast! Katherine’s grandmother is the master behind this recipe Sally Rose Stites Chisam, born 3 March 1901, the daughter of Jake and Rose Ann Fisher Stites, married Dolph Chisam in 1921. They farmed in and around Tuckerman, Arkansas for many years. Sally quilted sewed, crocheted, canned, gardened, cleaned and raised two daughters and some of her grandchildren. In July 1978 she was asked how many quilts she had made in her lifetime, “ I can only tell you I have quilted ELEVEN since Christmas and I’ve pieced thirteen or fourteen tops.” Although she was a very busy, productive woman, she always had time to make her grandchildren’s favorite foods - many of them were comfort foods - biscuits and chocolate gravy was a special treat reserved for when the home was full of family.

Think...Do...Think...Do

Is today truly the "Age of the New Thinker"? If today's and following generations are rethinking economics, retirement, travel, health care, then let's rethink learning. It is time to plan small snippet of time for daily learning. Think about what you could learn if:

...each Monday, you totally avoided your most significant vice (fast food, alcohol, lying), you would be on the path of self-control.

...each Tuesday, you deposited an equal amount of money as you spend on coke and coffee, you probably would not miss this small amount, and at the end of 365 days your collection container could conservatively hold $300. in savings. Drink water.

...each Wednesday, you read one news article outside your normal range of reading, you might have a wider prospective of the global war on terrorism or on local crime or humor.

...each Thursday, you engage in one social networking activity, this connection with youth can be very enriching and the savvy electronic engagement will keep you young.

...each Friday, you pick-up one or ten pieces of trash you walk past, you will soon walk in a cleaner area, learning (or teaching) the value of beauty.

...each Saturday, you learn and practice one point of civility, in your next interview your handshake or luncheon dining skills might win you that coveted position

...each Sunday, you listen carefully to one wise mentor and before long you will be the wise mentor.

It takes so very little to learn...to be a growing and rethinking person. In our rushed, trans global environment, you control so much more than you realize. Exercise your right to learn. Allow yourself the opportunity to be a true rethinker.

Happy 4th of July

As you enjoy your holiday, please remember freedom is not free...all salutes to our United States Armed Forces.