Smoke Signals and other news
The calendar says October, but somehow, the weather didn’t quite get the message. We get to enjoy more sunshine and warm temps for a bit longer. Remember, this is the season for harvesting, and our farmers are traveling the roads, taking crops to be sold, and going from one field to another. Show patience and tolerance for the slowermoving equipment. Without them, we would surely be in trouble.
Byhalia Library is hosting “Little Ones” Active Storytime for ages one through six every second and third Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. Take your little ones for an interactive hour of stories, singing, and activities. Some days, there will be simple crafts, fun learning videos, or kid-size instruments for extra fun. The Children’s Lego Club is held every Monday from 3:30 p.m. Until 4:30 for ages three and up.
The Art Council has invited members to display their art in the lobby of the Ruth B. French Library. This month, the work of local artist Anthony Morre will be featured.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, there will be a Byhalia Family Fun Day and Cookout at the Byhalia Ball field. Music will feature two-time Grammy Award winner Bobby Rush and other artists, including Stacii Adams, Courtney Little, Kirby Smooth, Charmeka Joquelle, Lightnin Malcom, and Bryd Williams. Gates open at 2 p.m. Food trucks will be on site.
Many activities are being planned around town for your little ones Halloween fun so they can enjoy the season (and the candy) while remaining safe. There is a Trunk or Treat at the Byhalia Ball Field on October 28 from 4:30 p.m. Until 6:30 p.m. Also, on October 31, downtown Byhalia businesses and the Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street will invite trick-or-treaters to come out from 5 p.m. Until 7 p.m.
The last two months have been a whirlwind of activities. Doug and I have had multiple ambulance calls and emergency room visits, some resulting in hospital stays and others which should have. Doug had a six-week stay in a rehab center, a few days at home along the way, and now is a resident in the Veterans Home in Oxford. I now drive to Oxford frequently. Overall, I am more exhausted than I have been in a long time. It isn’t easy to balance everything that needs to be done at home, visit him, and still get the rest my body and mind need. I am grateful for the help along the way and appreciate your prayers.
SHORT HISTORY LESSON: Union troops followed General Chalmers on the Byhalia-Collierville Road the next day, the 12th of October. Military reports of the day often vary and sometimes appear to be reviewing a different engagement. The following dispatches reflect the Confederate retreat through Byhalia, Ingram Mills, to (old) Wyatt, where they crossed the Tallahatchie River to safety. The Confederate military report from General Chalmers dated October 12th and 14th, 1863. Byhalia, Oct.12, 1863 – Tore up railroad in four places, attacked Collierville yesterday morning. General Sherman arrived as we did with part of Smith’s brigade en route to Corinth. Drove the enemy into fortifications, burned camp, considerable stores, and 30 wagons – brought off 20. It took five colors and 104 prisoners, and our loss of about 50 killed or wounded. The enemy’s loss was very heavy. Prisoners report General Smith and Col. Anthony killed. Reinforcements coming from Germantown and LaFayette, we retreated. October 14, 1963 -Eleven cavalry regiments with nine artillery pieces pursued us. We skirmished with them all the way, fought them for four hours near Byhalia and again at the river (Tallahatchie) when they were repulsed and retired after burning Wyatt. Our loss is considerable, the number unknown because of much straggling and saved our train (wagons) and captured property. Brig. General James R. Chalmers.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.