A Concise History of Portsong Read online




  A Concise History of Portsong

  A Concise History of Portsong

  Mark Myers

  Copyright 2010 by Mark Myers

  Text Copyright © 2013 Mark Myers

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All Rights Reserved

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without prior written permission of both the copyright owner. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law (with the exception of a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.) Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrightable materials. Your support of the author’s rights is greatly appreciated.

  Authors Note

  I don’t quite know how I came into possession of this document. After doing much research on the time period and historical records of the area, and more specifically the town of Portsong, I found this in my portfolio along with my notes and books. I must confess that I am not the most organized of souls. So whether it was slid into my collection by mistake or placed there by some equally muddled person, I can’t be sure. Late nights of study combined with little sleep and bad coffee make the entire effort somewhat of a blur. Regardless of how it came to me, I can vouch for its authenticity and veracity.

  It appears in style and content, to have been compiled by Ms. Louise Prattlematt, who served as chairperson of the Portsong Ladies Historical Society from the years 1913 to 1931. A meticulous woman by nature, her notes and records have been a key element in my research. She possessed an unparalleled love of all things historic, whether local, national, or international, and journaled constantly. In fact, I believe she devoted herself completely to her work as historian and forsook any life in society whatsoever. While that may have been unfortunate for her, her diligence has given us a plethora of information about the time period. Regrettably, she passed away before her time in a strange knitting incident. Since no one else felt the need to keep records whilst she was alive, the year 1931 stands as a void in documentation. It is almost as if the year was skipped. After sufficient mourning, another took her place as chair of the Ladies Historical Society as well as in the needlework club. 1932 and following are chronicled appropriately and I assume stitchcraft also resumed.

  This record takes place far before 1931 and harkens back to the founding of a small town that always wanted to be a little bit bigger. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

  -Mark Myers

  September 20th, 2013

  Acknowledgements

  Special thanks to the current staff of the Portsong Guardian: Trevor, Mike, and Robert for their contribution to my research. Without the dust-covered stacks in their “morgue,” I would never have been able to accumulate the proper historical context.

  To Phyllis Pinkston for her proof-reading and encouragement (although she’s not laid eyes on this particular work).

  Cover art courtesy of TheOldPostcardShop.com, Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Bill Myers, Shopkeeper.

  To the nightshift staff of Portsong’s own treasure, Annie’s All-Night Diner. You poured me endless cups of coffee, fed my body as well as my soul, and even wiped up my drool when I fell asleep face down on the counter. Irene, Lois, Gerty and even Steve (you cranky cuss – I don’t care what you say, I know you really like me) – you all are the best.

  To Maddie, Jordan, Louis, Madison, Daniel, Eden, and the rest of Ms. Noustril’s class at the Tiny Tots Academy. Thank you for your excellent performance of The Lyrics of Portsong, and I hope all of the bumps and bruises you got in the plunge off the stage heal quickly.

  I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the rich oral tradition of the south and those who imparted their heritage to me. Deliah Hendricks – thank you for spending hours in curlers at Nell’s Salon while you told me about your family tree, which seems to cross nearly every root in Buxley County. Your memory is as stunning as your hairdo. Tiny Stubbs from the VFW – while you gave me the tour of the armory and detailed records of service, you reminded me that not all heroes fought in uniform. Last but not least, Portsong’s oldest citizen, Walter Perks. We may have started our interview with your shotgun pointed at my chest, but you warmed up shortly after and let me rock beside you on the porch. Thank you for your wit, wisdom, and friendship. By the way, I did check in the freezer and no, it wasn’t there.

  I realize I am missing someone and I beg your forgiveness. If I’ve learned anything over the months I’ve spent with these wonderful people of the Deep South, it is that we could all use a liberal helping of grace in our lives.

  A Concise History of Portsong