Anderson note sparks more memories By HELEN SUE JOHNSON For the Times-Leader My, did I ever get a boost in self-esteem when reading the recent letter to the Times-Leader (Sept. 17) from Richard W. Anderson of Mountain View, Calif., formerly of McLeansboro, expressing his appreciation of my homey articles printed from time to time in the Times-Leader! Thank you, Richard! And Howard, too! The Anderson family had Anderson School named after them, now the road thereto called Anderson School Road. Their lovely, hauntingly beautiful home by the lake on the outskirts of the city sits there still, now being restored by an Anderson family member, thank goodness. When visiting Concord, Mass., years ago, the house where Louisa May Alcott was raised was almost a duplicate of the Anderson house by the lake! My memories would not be complete were they not to include the Anderson family, whom I believe were members of the beautiful Presbyterian church on West Main Street in McLeansboro. I attended Sunday school there once and never forgot seeing a picture of Daniel in the lions' den. It is a beautiful edifice and deserves the support of all believers. McLeansboro history would not be complete were it not for the remembrance and appreciation of Robert Wilson, superintendent of East Side Grade School, who also was band director; he could play any instrument. Also, Mary Flannigan was director of the McLeansboro Township High School band; both Mr. Wilson and Miss Flannigan contributed so much to the musical history of Hamilton County! There were others whose names I cannot recall, but I still appreciate Miss Flannigan's uncle, Inman Lee, a Baptist minister who played a part in, as I recall, the fracas in Williamson County regarding the criminal activities of Charlie Birger and the Shelton Gang warfare during Prohibition. The Rev. Lee played a Christian role in cooperating with the National Guard sent out to quell the troubles. The Rev. Lee's wife attended the same school in Kentucky as my dear mother when both were little girls. The Rev. Bob Evans, preacher of First Baptist Church in McLeansboro before coming to preach at our church, was pastor of a church in the midst of the racket in Williamson County and presided at the funeral of the federal agent investigating the criminal disobedience of Prohibition who was killed amidst all the troubles going on in "Bloody Williamson County"! Helen Sue JOHNSON is a former Mc Leansboro Resident and now lives in Mt Vernon, Il