The following poem was written by Elkanah Swaim Vickrey. The
spellings and punctuation are kept as in the original.
Our Visit to North Carolina
Aug.5th. to Aug. 18th. 1930.
1. It had been my intention very strongly of late
To visit my old Home in the "Ole North
State.
So on the 5th. day of August my son Parke and I
So bid Iniana soil a pleasant Good Bye.
2/ We purchased Good Passes or we were told so at least
We then at once proceeded to "Approach THE
EAST.
Our rout was through Cincinnatti and Kentucky
too
Tennesee was crossed; Black Mountain came in
view.
3. Through mountains we passed, where winding ways led
Rushing through tunnels as Eastward we sped.
Ashville was approached: Its location is high
And the Homes of Millioairs: But I can't tell
why.
4. We went through Builtmore, and Winston-Salem bye & bye.
The "State's Biggest Tobacco
Marker" we didn't ask why.
We arrived at Greensboro-- the sun going down.
Then a "BUS" rushed us out to
"Old Jimtown"
5. Where a Brother resides: his home on the right,
There we anchored our craft and stayed for the
night.
Under his hospitable roof-- none better in
town:
Where he lives in contentment enjoying renown.
6. They have four daughters with homes of their own,
Where they seem like "Kin Folks" of a
high tone.
I rate them fine daughters: a good tribute to
pay
For they rec'd us as "Vickreys" in a most
loyal way.
7. In the way of real duty their days come and go
Is the path they are traveling: and we found it
just so.
Their Father is a Host of the Vickrey's old
school.
The pleasure of his Friends is his first good
rule.
8. He is always at the service of a brother in need
And carries it out daily, in act and in deed.
We visited the "Old Home" and drank
from the spring
Then to the "OLD SWMIN HOLE, was the next
thing. ??
9. There a picture was taken;- but o how small!
Compared to the pine trees, so stately and
tall.
Where I once had plowed corn, as a "Bare
Foot Boy".
Before the "Civil War". Did I
get much JOY?
10. CHANGE seems to be written on the places I view
But "Fond Recollection" presents them
anew
The places where I labored as a
"Conscript" lad
Are falled to RUINS, and indeed looks Bad.
11. "Old TIME" you're a "Faker": I feel its a
truth:
Give me the Vim and the Vigor of youth
And I'd straighten my pathway when approaching
my goal:
But time rushes on, he is sure of his toll.
12. Next day we went to Greensboro, and sold some fine beans;
Now a good market gardner knows what this
means.
Our next stop was at "MORIAH": a
noted burial place.
Brother Clinton's body lies here in a quiet
space/
13. A Marker stands guard near by his head
His Name, Birth, and Death was the history I
read.
Lucy's Name is there written but her record
left out
The blank will be filled sometime, no doubt.
14. We stopped at "Billy" Wileys, he was "Taming a
Cow:
His boy was holding on bravely: I saw he knew
how.
Billy talked with us much long I think than a
"Minit"
While the boy held on: I saw he "Was in
it"
15. We met Mrs. Wiley and her two daughters so fair:
We looked on them thinking "You are a neat
pair"
We drove to the "Brick House", Met
Anna? Laura and Jane:
It was their milking time just here I'll stop
to explain.
16. They keep a Dairy Farm I understood Thirteen Cows:
They are up to date women, and know all the
Hows. ??
They market the product directly it is cool
Fifteen cents per quart is their general rule.
17. They are real "Kin Folks";- are carrying well their
part:
They are real relatives of a most jovial heart.
We left them with regret; but the visit was
fine/
And visited Monroe Kirkman, an old Schoolmate
of mine.
18. Three quarters of a Century has since passed away
Since Bartley Taught at "Black Jack",
we both can say.
Sunday morning came space: Brother Albert then
said,
"This morning we see "Deep
River" "A Bivouae of the Dead". ??
19. Here are many buried that I one time knew:
The Idols, the Wileys, and the Mendenhalls too.
Brother A. L. has here a "Marker" in
a very nice spot.
Where his body will be laid when life is not.
20. We offered a silent prayer, as all the world ought:
As we move by the mounds where Rank is naught.
From here on to Friendship, A town of my
knowledge,
And directly we arrive at "Old guilford
College."
21/ Where a crowd had assembled: of "Yearly Meeting" fame.
Where we "took in" the sermon that
from Elbert Russel came.
But the next work we coin with tongue or pen
Is Aunt Rhoda's "Fried Chicken" for
three hungry men.
22. At the noon hour we met some most noted men.
Rev. "TOM SYKES was one the of ten.
Miss Ida Mllis May Guilford College bless her
fine soul?
She has never grown protly Just slim as a
pole.
23. There was Raymon Binford a man of much knowledge:
I learned he was president of "Old
Guilford College".
Prof. Harlow Lindley a boy I at one time knew:
A graduate of Earlham College where he worked
his way through.
24/ As a keeper of the Library: as a worker really made good:
At the "Newlin Reunion" he talked as
all Newlins should.
He made a fine talk; and at Springfield they a
say
His was the "Big Gun" that went off
that Day.
25. We met Mrs. McCampbell who was at one time Miss Yow.
She planned for us a Dinner, and told us just
how
Her Good "Hubby" Oscar ceased his
work near about FIVE
He would motor to "JimTown" a very
short Drive.
26. Then we motored to Archdate where she laid a fine spread,
Then away to her Mother's our hosts then led.
Where we Visited for two hours in a most
charming way:
Our guides now - suggesting - "We no
longer stay".
27. We were delivered at My Brother's all right,
Whom we found awaiting us, rather late in the
Night.
Many thanks to the McCampbells: We like your
good town.
You are really doing well and winning renown.
28. Accept True Thanks for kindness in a brotherly way
May you enjoy Health And Happiness we honestly
say.
As we travel your roads we call them just FINE,
Bordered by neat Cottages in cool groves of
PINE.
29. We saw Golf Links galore, and Pathing Pools too.
While fine fields of Tobacco enchanted the
view.
We visited Herbert Vickrey: but we met not his
son
Now "Herbs" a Tobacco grower, for he
know how its done.
30. The process of "Curing" is different now
His KEY to success is simply Knowing HOW.
The Son in Law and Myra, his Handsome Wife
Including Mrs V. are true pictures of LIFE.
31/ We took a stroll through Herbert's fine fields
And noted with interest his prospect for
yields.
He is surely making good: his barns bulging
full:
When he "cashes in" his product, it
will be a real PULL.
32/ We called at Joe Vickrey's as homeward we roam:
But the "Fates" were against us-- No
one was at Home.
We stopped at "Rehobath" -- another
City of the DEAD.
Then to see Anna Marsh, Sullivan, Jennings. The
"Shofer" said.
33. Aunt lucy and Lilian just here claim attention:
We dined at their table: which deserves Special
mention.
They seemed to be prospering: - as they know
how to work;
And we venture an assertion-- They dont know
how to shirk.
34. They live all alone since Brother Clinton's demise
They plan foe a sustenance: this we deem WISE.
We were pleased to call on them Before Homeward
we roam.
Indeed we realize "There is no place like
HOME.
35. Previously we had called at "Ebenezar a Noted burial spot.
Elizabeth & Mary (my Sisters) were places
in this lot.
Their Husbands lie near in the same kind of
clay
Awaiting the coming of another GREAT DAY.
36. Now on to "Old Center", where we make a short stay,
This being the place where Bro. Shannon &
Eunice are both laid away.
We drove to Maud's for Dinner: A.L., Rhoda,
Parke & I.
Where we filled up: Hot rolls, Ice Cream, &
chicken Fry.
37. She drove us through "Segefield" Just mile after mile.
Turning corners and curves, as this is the
style.
On the well made roads in this 1000 acre
domain.
to call this a "PLAY ground" is
stating it plain.
38. We heared nothing of John Marsh, Sister Elizabeth's son.
Neither of his where-a-bouts or of what he has
done.
Of her daughter Jane we heard nothing said;
But we trust she is living where ever she has
led.
39. Our visit came to its END;- We enjoyed it thoughtout
Engineered by my veteran Brother there is no
doubt.
They took us to High Point, So named for its
VIEW:
Here we bid Brother Albert and Rhoda ADIEW.
40. Many thanks for their kindness- we both wish to say-
Now the "BUS" moves out - we are now
on our WAY.
To Winston - Salem City) Largest in the State,
Where we ate dinner; and then: - two hours to
wait.
41. Ashville was passed:-- saw the mountains in daylight.
Saw nothing of Tennesee it was crossed in the
night.
Morning found us at Lexington:- the train
running late;
Ate Breakfast in Cincinnatti at half past
eight.
42. Left here for Richmond, on a fast moving train;
Which made the last run in a slow drizzling
rain.
When we stepped on the platform, great the
surprise,
There stood elbert and Myrtle looking quite
Wise.
43. We stayed here in Richmond till Monday near noon
Then finished the Carole to a "Chivrolet's
tune.
Roland & Goldie had motored to Elbert's:
And by the way:
To make a short Visit of a two days stay.
44. We dined at Knightstown at the splendid CAFE.
The "MENU" was fair considering what
we PAY.
Nothing serious occurred on this HOMEWARD RUN,
We had spent thirteen DAYS, and now we are
done.
This August 30th 1930
E.
S. Vickrey
