lexington yesterday

Dear reader,

From time to time I receive letters from Lexington Yesterday readers. This one arrived in my inbox a few weeks ago and I am so happy Mary Ann allowed me to share it with you. You will see why.

“I often read your column in The Chronicle and love the stories there. My name is Mary Ann Cumalander and I grew up across the road from Miss Minnie and Mr. Archie, your grandparents. My father was Willard Wingard and he and Mr. Archie served together in WWI.

“I visited Ms. Minnie and Ms. Lizzie (Lizzie was grandpa’s sister) many times as a child and they always had time to spend with me and most times a treat, either a piece of homemade pie or piece of cake.

“Ms. Minnie had many stories to share with me and I loved to be around her as long as George (grandpa and grandma’s youngest child) was not around….people teased us about “liking each other”, needless to say, we stayed as far away as we could. As adults, we have become friends as well as neighbors. He now helps us look after Dad’s place across from him.

“The reason for my contacting you is to perhaps get from you a starting place to research my family’s history. My grandfather was Samuel Wingard and his home stood where the convenience store is now located on #6 highway. Mrs. Annie Lou Corley was my aunt as she was a sister to my father. I grew up making the rounds with Uncle Lonnie and Aunt Annie, Ms. Minnie, and Ms. Lizzie while she lived.

“You have a wonderful family and I have learned many things about Mr. Archie and Ms. Minnie I didn’t know before. Mr. Archie’s T-model remains a fond memory of days gone by. How wonderful to be a part of a family such as yours. I knew all of them Corrine, Willie Lee, Weldon, Lessie Ray, George……I knew of your Mother, Pauline, but she married and moved away while I was much younger and I never got to know her.

“George and I are the same age and rode the school bus riding together. I miss good people like your folks, they helped make my childhood a happy one.

Many thanks for sharing your life stories and memories of days gone by.

Respectfully, Mary Ann Wingard Cumalander”

Thank you Mary Ann and Merry Christmas