Kinfolks and Others Interested: The Davenport-Wiseman connection in Western North Carolina is of long standing, going back to before the Revolution. Elaine Steere of Avery County, NC, sent a New Year's Greeting to a limited list of her own, but therein she included a reminder of nostalgic days for some of us that I believe worthy of sharing. For you folks who go back to the Great Depression and WWII, perhaps you'll appreciate this recall of some old friends as I did. Extract from Elaine's greeting: * * * * Subj: Holiday Wishes Date: 12/30/1999 10:47:22 PM Eastern Standard Time From: c21highctry@skybest.com (Elaine Steere) Cyber Friends, ........ "I continue to track those elusive ancestors and volunteer my time at the Avery County Historical Museum. Last year I got the Governor's Award for Volunteerism and this coming season we are featuring the incredible life of one of our local boys, Scott Wiseman. He and his singing partner/wife, known to the world as "Lulu Belle" and "Scotty" sang before thousands in the 30's, 40's and 50's on WLS radio Barndance. They will live for a long time through their music. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" - "Mountain Dew" - "Remember Me" and almost 200 more. Pray that I do them justice and come in May to see it. ......... Elaine * * * * My reply: Subj: Re: Thanks for the Memory Date: 12/30/1999 Elaine: When I was a boy back in Central Illinois in the early 1930s, Lulu Belle and Skyland Scotty were the top-billed stars of prairie radio--on the WLS-Chicago National Barn Dance. I remember them fondly for their plaintive ballad duets, especially "When It's Lamp Lighting Time in the Valley" and "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine." By their music they helped us contend with the harshness of the times. When my father was murdered in 1935, my Mother moved the family to Southern California. We could still get the National Barn Dance on the Network occasionally, and I followed Lulu Belle and Scotty as long as I could. Then I got diverted by the Grand Old Opera from WSM-Nashville which took over the Network time slot that the Barn Dance had, and became a Duke of Paducah, Roy Acuff and Wabash Cannon Ball fan. But I still remember the Wisemans fondly and how our family used to gather around the radio on a Saturday night to hear the National Barn Dance, from the stage of Eighth Street Theatre, Chicago--always topped off by Lulu Belle and Scotty Wiseman. There were also the Hoosier Hot Shots ("Are you ready, Hezzie?"), Louise Massey and The Westerners, Eddie Peabody (The Banjo King), and Henry Burr (a balladeer with a clear, strong voice into his early-80s), all remembered with appreciative nostalgia. Thank you for recalling favorite music and musicians of my youth. Doc * * * * On that note, I'll close the millennium. I send you all best wishes for a Happy New Year--from the Jersey Shore by an Illinois-born, Southern California-raised, old curmudgeon with Virginia roots. Take care, you hear! Jersey Doc