On Memory Lane

More words from Nannie to her cousin. The give-away of her angst I see now, but again, did not when I was younger. She seems evermore insistent in her wishes for an end. I see such a parallel between her old house and her own life.

Dec. 1, 1965

Dear Peregrinating Pal Sal,

It was seasonable last night, cold, and the chill is still with us in spite of beautiful sunshine. So many of my kinspeople came during December. I’ll mention a few--Porter Bibb, Dec. 4., Gov. Jas. D Porter, Dec. 7, Josiah Horton Porter, Dec. 8, Robt. A. Porter, Sr., Dec. 10, Thos. Kennedy Bibb, Dec. 10. The last named was my baby brother who died when he was three months old. It seems December favored males. After all, Santa Claus is a man.

Deane worked herself to a nub for Thanksgiving. George and Missie were here, of course, with little time for sleep. George’s little girl friend, aged 18, was Deane’s house guest. Of course, George and girl went to game with another couple and an extra fraternity brother. There were parties after the War Eagle’s feathers drooped.

Missie had a dinner date with a young Lt. at Maxwell Field Officers’ Club. I believe girls are considered grown at 19, but I can’t realize that Missie is a young lady. She was kind enough to take me to the Fair (Montgomery Fair Department Store) to get a warm bathrobe, my first trip to a store since early July. It is my ambition to die at home but I try to be prepared if they drag me to the hospital again.

The sunshine is brilliant and beautiful and berries on the pyracantha are ready for Christmas. I hope eternal rest fills my stocking this year. Pa (Gov. Jas. D. Porter) was born 137 years ago. A fine gentleman. …I used to wish to see Paris, Tenn. again.

Always with love to you and yours,


Mattie

George, my brother, she mentions in this letter was attending Auburn University whose cry for victory, as all Alabamians know, is "War Eagle". Nannie showed her way with words in her reference to the drooping eagle's wings after a defeat to "Roll Tide" Alabama.