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Alabama "Holly House"

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does "not go" in for anything else. The mother could not
since her life is full, caring for the little "Half Dozen"
whose appearance and personalities reflect credited to
any mother.

After the shadows have fallen, the husband and wife rest
from their days toil, he with his pipe and she with a darning
basket in front of a cheery open fire. The days incidents
are exchanged and sometimes they talk of "handed over tra-
ditions" (by neighbors) of another couple who in the long
ago enjoyed lifes joys and sorrows as one. Who fought the
battle of life together on the same scene. Sometimes was
passed in chatting over the interesting history of this
lovely old couple.

"MUGGIE and FRANK" were the bridal couple who made
the home that now is a mere shell and almost just a memory
of the lost century, but memories cling and linger. Muggie
was a belle in 1860. Frank was called to do his bit in
settling the conflict soon to follow.

There were parental objection, and separation was
threatened by the war clouds, so they eloped in a hack to
Benton and were married. She wore a red calico "Mother
Hubbard." This shapeless and unlovely was all she could
find in a house hostile to her lover and suspicions of their
plans.

Life was not kind to them and their trials were many
but they continuously performed small deeds of kindness.
No call for aid at their door was in vain, and the sunshine
they gave others reflected happiness over them. No distance

605