The 150-Year Day

It has been a most eclectic day. It started with a visit to Bennett Place, the site of the largest surrender of the Civil war that just happens to be in Durham. Today is the 150^th anniversary of the confederate army’s General Johnston and the troops surrender to Union Major general William T. Sherman. No, neither Russ nor I have suddenly become Civil War enthusiasts, but one of my college classmates, Eric Wittenberg was a visiting expert and speaker so we went to see him and his wife Susan.

Eric is a lawyer by trade, but a civil war history is his passion and he has written 16 books on the subject. He gave an interesting talk about the battle of Monroe’s Crossroads. Most everyone in packed theatre were Civil War enthusiasts and knew the players Eric introduced well, but to me most of the story was a new one, which he was able to bring to life for a novice like me.

After spending the morning learning about Durham 150 years ago I went to my friend Lucy ‘s mother’s funeral. Mary Louise had been born in Durham 88 years ago and lived her whole life. Although she had a long decline with Alzheimer’s I can only imagine the changes she saw in Durham over her lifetime.

With so much of my day concentrating on the past I decided I needed to do something hopeful for the future so I thought gardening therapy was the way to go. With my driveway gardens prepped by Russ last weekend I was able to plant my vegetables this afternoon. Putting seeds in the ground with the idea that in a month and a half I will be eating arugula I grew is the most optimistic thing I can do.

I hope that Durham continues to improve over the next 150 years. I will keep doing my little part, which might be as small as planting a garden every year. I wonder how this day will be celebrated at the 300^th anniversary?