First of all let me say that I am thankful to PJ to be given the opportunity to share with you all a few things that I remember about The Weakley County I knew during my young life. Stuck way back in the corner of my brain is a picture which comes to life as I sit and search my memory. I have a picture in my memory of the frontage along the railroad tracks in Gleason during the 1940's, 1950's, and even a part of the 1960's. Mr. Richee's store was the one on the corner across from the Hotel and "Kitty cornered" from the Depot, which was on the West side of the tracks. There was a line of stores all the way down to the next intersection across from where the bank use to be. Across the tracks to the west was (and still is) Gleason High school. In the front of Mr Richee's store was a bench ,as I Remember and maybe some chairs also. The elders of Gleason use to sit there and chat with each other and with passers by. I would be in town with my "Pappy" Henry Brummitt, and, at times my Father John Ray. I would walk down the side walk and speak to these gentlemen as I passed. Among these aged Gleason Icons was a black man by the name of Eurastus White, or as everyone knew him as "Rastus" White. I would speak to him and he would always have a pleasant smile and a few kind words for me. I do not remember the others who sat with him, but my Grandfather and my Dad knew all of them. Mr. White lived to be well over 100 years of age, and when the Ray family would come back on summer vacations from Michigan, I would wander down that "Memory Lane", and there was Mr. White, still sitting there. He had lost his eyesight, but every summer when I spoke to him he would answer with "Ain't that John Ray's boy"? The Dresden would surely have a record of mr White's passing. In the cold of winter this group would be seated inside the back of the same store around a large "Pot Belly" Stove. The years have come and gone and the Elders of Gleason have all passed away, but my memory still takes me back. I am going to Paris for a reunion the latter part of September. I WILL visit Gleason and as I pass this spot, I will pause and remember, and without a doubt I will hear the words again " Ain't that John Ray's boy"? If any one of you should remember anything about this "Hallowed spot", I would be so pleased to hear from you, either on this List or at my email address [email protected] I have a website also bud ray family .net We are only here for a season folks. Some of these Gleason Icons were the relatives of some of you, for sure. I am sure that PJ would also be interested in the feed back...Bud Ray ...Michigan