It seems no time since last Christmas. Perhaps this is because you have been doing nice things for me all year long. First, I must thank The Shopper for the opportunity to write this column and to you for reading it. The thank-yous to me for preserving Union County history are like a Christmas present every time I hear it. The opportunities the Museum of Appalachia’s Fall Festival and the Union County Heritage Festival provided me to renew old acquaintances and to make new ones, and to help persons in search of their heritage, are gifts to me in ways I could not even imagine. For example, Mark Irwin and his wife stopped by the Writers Table at the Museum of Appalachia. Mark told me, “It has made my day to get to meet you.” Well, Mark, your saying that didn’t hurt my day either! Again, I sent word by Helen McMahan Foster to the Musicians area that I wanted someone to jot down the words to “Down in Union County.” What a surprise and a joy when a man from Finland came over and offered to do it for me. By the way, Charlie Acuff was singing it at that very moment. If anyone wants to send me their version, I will be glad to have it.

It is a gift that people would come from all over the world to experience our music, our culture, and our humor. It’s a joy to be invited to family reunions, class reunions, and to see my friends. It is always a thrill to discover old pictures of people and events. So many people have helped me to piece together many history puzzles that I cannot possibly think of all of “your gifts” to me, but I want you to know that I’m grateful.

Knowing that the Union County Cemeteries Association continues to have lots of support and that work continues to preserve our “museums without walls” is gratifying. I know that UCCA appreciates the support of Mayor Lay and the Union County Commissioners, the Property Assessor and his employees, the Register of Deeds and her employees, the Sheriff and the alternative sentencing people. Without the support of these people it would not have been possible to accomplish the good work of this organization.

Another gift to me and to all Union Countians is the upcoming Smithsonian Institution exhibit, “Between Fences” that will be at the Roy Acuff Union County Museum and Library from December 23, 2006 to February 4, 2007. This exhibit is hosted by the Union County Historical Society, and it is a unique opportunity indeed for Union County.

While we’re in the mood of Christmas, I thought you might enjoy my mother-in-law, Anna Hubbs Peters’, fruit cake recipe This was always served at the Peters home as long as she was able to make it. She copied the recipe for me in 1954:

Anna’s Christmas Fruit Cake
1 pound Butter
1 pound brown Sugar
1 pound plain Flour
9 Eggs
2 tbsp. Cinnamon
1-1/2 tsp. Cloves
1 tbsp. Mace
2 tbsp. Milk
1 tbsp. Soda
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
4 tbsp. Lemon juice
2 tbsp. Vanilla
2 pounds Raisins
2 pounds Currants
½ pound Citron
1 pound candied Cherries
1 pound Almond pieces
1 pound Pecan pieces
1 pound candied Pineapple
½ pound candied Orange peel

Mix well the first twelve ingredients; add the remaining ingredients, and place in greased and floured dishpan. Bake for four (4) hours in a 300-degree F or lower heat oven. If you choose to make several cakes instead of one large cake, the baking time should be adjusted accordingly. Incidentally, Mrs. Peters baked her cake in a dishpan!

Enjoy the Holidays!

November 20, 2006