A tireless effort led by Dr. Antoinette Harrell to establish African American collections at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

Left to right: Alex Richardson, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, 
Earl Richardson, Jr., Dr. Valarie Richardson
Photo Credit: Eddie Ponds

Dr. Antoinette Harrell's leadership and expertise has played a crucial role in establishing five African American Collections at the Center for Southeast University Studies. Her commitment to preserving and promoting African American history and culture has been invaluable to the institution. Currently, she is assisting the Vernon School Committee of Washington Parish in preserving the school's history before integration. The collection would include photographs of the school's alumni, faculty, staff, and school reunion booklets, letters, etc.

Under Dr. Harrell's guidance, the University has made significant strides in collecting and curating artifacts, documents, and artworks that highlight the rich contributions of African Americans made to Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Feliciana, and Washington Parishes. These collections serve as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of the African American community.

Through her leadership, Dr. Harrell has ensured that these collections are accessible to students, researchers, and the general public. She has implemented innovative strategies to digitize and catalog the materials for anyone to explore and learn from. This has not only expanded the reach of the collections but has also encouraged further research and scholarship in the field of African American studies in the four  Louisiana Florida Parishes.

Eddie Ponds and his daughter Sharon Ponds
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

In addition to her work in establishing the collections, Dr. Harrell has also been instrumental in organizing exhibitions, lectures, and events that celebrate African American history and culture. These initiatives have not only provided a platform for dialogue and education but have also fostered a sense of inclusivity and diversity on campus.

Dr. Harrell's leadership has not only transformed the University's African American Collections but has also had a broader impact on the academic community. Her dedication and passion for promoting African American history and culture have inspired other institutions and individuals to follow suit, ensuring that this important aspect of our collective heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

In conclusion, Dr. Antoinette Harrell's leadership in establishing the African American Collections at the University has been exemplary. Her tireless efforts to preserve, promote, and educate about African American history and culture have made a lasting impact on the institution and the wider academic community. Through her vision and dedication, Dr. Harrell has created a legacy that will continue to inspire and educate future generations. 

The link to the five collection can be found below.

Antoinette Harrell Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/h_k/harrell_collection.html

Richardson Funeral Home Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/

Bernice Alexander Bennett Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/a_b/bernice_alexander_bennett.html

Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/e_g/garrisonkingsleyb.html

Eddie and Carrie Wells Pond Collection

In process of being archived

Genealogist, local historian visited Laurel Valley Sugar Plantation grandson

Connor visiting Laurel Valley Planation
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

In the early hours of the morning on a  beautiful Sunday, Eddie Ponds, owner, and publisher of The Drum Newspaper, along with my grandson Connor and I visited the Laurel Valley Plantation. This historic sugarcane plantation is located in Thibodaux and has been operating for over one hundred and fifty years. A short video on YouTube about Laurel Valley Plantation made me want to visit it as soon as possible. It wasn't long before that day came. It's an hour and forty-five-minute drive from my house, so that wasn't too far to travel on such a lovely Sunday morning. 

The plantation covers about 3,400 acres and includes   several outbuildings, and slave quarters. The plantation was established in 1830 by Joseph Tucker, a Virginian, who purchased more than 50, 000 acres of land along beautiful Bayou Lafourche. African enslaved people, as well as their descendants, worked on the plantation for decades until the Civil War ended. Currently, the plantation offers guided tours that focus on the history of the plantation's enslaved and their lives while working and living there.

Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about sugarcane cultivation, the history of the plantation, and
the daily lives of the enslaved people who lived there. The plantation also hosts events throughout the year, including a fall festival and a Christmas open house. At present, the property is still being used as a sugarcane farm.  Plantations like this are still profitable today. During our drive past the cabins, I could not help but think about how life must have been for those enslaved during those times. As I pondered the hardships they endured, I felt a deep ache in my heart. I thought about how little had changed in the years since they were freed from the chains of slavery. I felt a deep sadness for their suffering and a sense of helplessness in the face of such injustice. 

My grandson and I discussed the experience on our way home. He pointed out that seeing the cabins made him think about what it was like living as an enslaved person and how hard they had it.He found it difficult to wrap his head around the idea of being a slave, and the immense amount of courage and strength it must have taken to endure such hardship. "Looking at the small cabins, I couldn't help but think about the number of people living in them," said Connor. He was amazed by the courage and strength of the former enslaved and was humbled by the freedom he has today. "I was filled with admiration for those who had to endure such difficult living conditions," Connor reflected. He pointed out how he clearly understood why he shouldn't take anything for granted. I hope that he share what he learned with his siblings and friends.

The issues of Critical Race Theory and the removal of historical truths from classrooms really emphasize to me why I must continue teaching my grandchildren about their history. It was time to take the history class on the road. This experience has made me even more passionate about ensuring that my grandchildren learn the correct version of historyso that they can better understand the reality of the world they live in. I have been able to provide them with an in-depth understanding of how the past has shaped the present and how our actions today will shape our future. Teaching them the truth has been an invaluable experience and I look forward to continuing this journey with my grandchildren.

Antoinette Harrell visiting Laurel Valley Plantation
Photo Credit: Connor LaCoste

Explore local swamp with the family

Lake Martin, Louisiana 
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Over the past few years, I have taken several swamp tours in different Louisiana Parishes. The peacefulness and beauty of each of them are undeniable. I enjoy taking pictures of wildlife and beautiful scenes in nature. Capturing the ghostly image projected by Spanish moss draped over Bald Cypress trees.

Looking for a fun and exciting day out for the kids? Look no further than swamp tours! A swamp tour is an adventure that takes you through the wetlands and provides a unique and fun experience for the whole family.

If you're planning to take a swamp tour, be careful to select the right time of day based on the season. Early spring is my favorite time to take a tour. I prefer early morning hours or late evening. For instance, in the spring, early morning hours offer cooler temperatures and less humidity, while late evening hours provide the chance to observe wildlife. You should also keep in mind that the type of wildlife you will encounter on your tour will depend heavily on the time of day chosen. Morning tours will be best for bird watching, while evening tours will be better for alligators and other nocturnal animals. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes inhabit swamps. Matter of fact, I make should that I do not wear any body lotions or fragrances that will attract bugs and other insects. Make your trip exciting for your children by bringing binoculars and a camera. In preparation for the trip, discuss the kinds of wildlife they might see, the types of birds that inhabit the swamps, etc.

Lake Martin Swamp Tour

The guides are knowledgeable and can help to explain the importance of the wetlands and the need to protect and preserve them. They can also show kids how to safely observe the wildlife without disturbing them. The tours are a great way to teach kids about the environment, and they provide an educational and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Take the opportunity to observe unique wildlife, take photos, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Swamps are a great way to get in touch with nature and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. It is also a great way to bond with family as you explore and experience something new together.

The swamp tours I took with my children and grandchildren were a lot of fun. They got a chance to hold a baby alligator. I think they enjoyed it a lot. It was a great opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime while  observing wildlife up close, explore the wetlands, and learn about the diverse ecosystem of the area - all while having a great time! 

Antoinette Harrell
Touring Lake Martin Swamp

St. Helena Parish's Legendary Vegetable Farmer's Field Day at Warner Hall's Farm

Warner Hall
Local Farmer, St. Helena Parish

Early this morning, I drove out to St. Helena Parish's Legendary Vegetable Farmer's Field Day to take part in the event. A number of representatives from the SU Agricultural Center, LSU Agricultural Center, USDA, and WCSHC were present at this event. In order to capture some photographs of the garden and nature scenes before the crowd poured in I arrived early. The atmosphere was vibrant, with old friends greeting each other and new friends forming connections. It was truly a great day to be a part of the agriculture community.

The weather that day was slightly overcast, so I was able to take some photographs. Weather-wise, I could not have asked for a better day.  The mild temperatures and overcast skies made for perfect shooting conditions. His farm has a lot of vegetables that I took pictures of. The acres of land are covered with rows of corn, squash, cucumbers, green bell peppers, strawberries, watermelons, and eggplants.

The therapeutic nature of gardening was emphasized by a retired couple I met at the event. They both agreed that tending to their garden was a calming and peaceful activity that had become an integral part of their everyday routine. I can assure you that every word spoken here is correct. When I'm working in my garden it is relaxing and therapeutic for me. 

Members of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) drove 3 1/2 hours from Lexington, Mississippi to attend this educational agricultural event. A group of Winston County Self-Help Cooperative members traveled three and a half hours from Lexington, Mississippi to attend this agricultural educational event. The event was attended by other local farmers who shared and learned. Sharing farming tips is something they never hesitate to do with each other. 

The free agricultural education material I received was much appreciated.  I walked away with a pack of Wildflowers Mixture for Natural Landscaping which is distributed by the USDA. I am interested in learning more about pollinators and how they work. It is estimated that three-fourth of all flowering plants in the world require pollinators in order to reproduce and survive. There is no doubt that animal pollination is necessary for the majority of vegetables, fruits, and seed crops, as well as other plants that are used for fiber, medicine, and fuel production.  Insect pollinators like butterflies, bees, birds, moths, bats, beetles, and ants contribute significantly to the existence of many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. The type of educational agricultural events is important. 

Warner Hall's farm
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Genetic testing is used by enslaved descendants on Richardson plantation to determine their family relationships

Carl Richardson Descendants

My maternal grandmother's surname name is Richardson. Throughout my childhood, I was acquainted with my grandmother's siblings. My mother frequently shared stories about her mother's relatives and their history. Josephine Richardson, along with her siblings, was born and raised in Montpelier, Louisiana, which is an unincorporated community located in St. Helena Parish. My research delved into the ancestry of my Richardson family, with a focus on my great-grandparents Thomas and Emma Vining Richardson. Through the United States Census, I uncovered valuable information about their lives. Specifically, I discovered that Thomas and his siblings resided in a household with their parents, Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson.

As I was going through the inventory of the Benjamin and Celia Bankston Richardson Plantation, I found out that my ancestor Carrie and her son Thomas were among the twenty-three enslaved individuals listed. It got me thinking if any of the other enslaved people were related to Carrie. Could one of the women have been her mother, or perhaps her brother or sister? I know of another Richardson family in Tangipahoa Parish, and their ancestral origins are in St. Helena Parish. According to some, we may be related based on oral history, while others dispute this claim. The only sure way to settle this is to undergo a DNA test. Supt. Jimmy Richardson took the Ancestry DNA to get answers.

  Carl Richardson and Joseph Richardson
Descendants

Thomas, son of Carrie, is my maternal 3rd great-grandfather. It was discovered during the inventory
following Benjamin's death in 1855 that Carrie was only twenty years old at the time. The plantation inventory also listed a young man named Nathan, who was fifteen years old then. Nathan later fathered a son named Andrew Richardson. Supt. Jimmy Richardson descends from Nathan Richardson. Recently, my friend Lorraine Lizana informed me that her lineage connects to Thomas and Rebecca Richardson. Through Lorraine, I discovered that her ancestors Thomas and Rebecca are buried in the same cemetery as my 2nd great-grandparents Thomas and Amanda. All of them have been laid to rest in Rocky Hill A.M.E. Church Cemetery. Lorraine descends from Alfred Richardson lineage. Alfred was on the same plantation with Carrie, and Nathan.

Last year, we had individuals whose ancestors were Richardson from Tangipahoa Parish travel to Louisiana to establish a Richardson connection. Their ancestors Carl Richardson's ancestors descends from Louisiana. Their ancestors had to leave the south and they never returned to call Louisiana home again.  

Continuing with the genealogy investigation of Thomas Richardson's lineage, we have discovered another Thomas Richardson, Melbourne McNealty's father Joseph often shared stories about his Richardson relatives. After conducting additional genealogical research, it was discovered that Melbourne's ancestor Thomas arrived in New Orleans aboard a vessel called the State. He was sold to a plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana.  

I had a conversation with a young named Fagan Davis who shared with me that his family linage traces back to a Richardson family in St. Helena Parish. I asked him about the possibility of taking the Ancestry DNA test to establish and familial connection between us. He suggested that I test his mother who is the daughter of Willie Richardson instead of him. His mother agreed and took the test and now we are presently waiting for the results to come back. After receiving the DNA results, it is important to thoroughly compare and analyze them. To facilitate this process, I plan to schedule a Zoom meeting for everyone to share their DNA matches. This is especially necessary due to the historical separation of families caused by slavery, which often leads to roadblocks in our search for answers.

Earl Richardson, Sr., Dr. Antoinete Harrell, and Supt. Jimmy Richardson, Sr. 
Taking the Ancestry DNA test

African American Collections at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

The Drum Newspaper established a collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

Eddie Ponds
Preparing to donate his 
newspaper collection
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

The Drum Newspaper has donated 235 papers to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies through the Nurturing Our Roots and Untold History Foundation, LLC. Dedicated to Eddie and Carrie Well Ponds and their families, the collection is named after them. This is the fifth African American collection to be established under the direction of Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a local historian, and genealogist committed to African American history preservation in the Florida Parishes. 

These papers date back to 1992.  The Ponds family began publishing their own newspaper in 1986. Eddie and his wife Carol attended a lecture by Julian Bonds at Southeastern University. Eddie noticed that there were no news media covering the event. That was the day and event that helped the Ponds family establish The Drum Newspaper.The collection was well received by Keith Finley, assistant director of Southeastern Louisiana University's Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Historically, there has been a piece of history missing from the collections. 

You can take pride in knowing that Dr. Harrell is changing the narrative and working tirelessly to ensure that the history of African Americans in Florida Parishes is included in these collections at the center. There were several Louisiana Florida Parishes covered in the paper. Sharon, his daughter, joined us and talked about how she photographed for the newspaper. The newspaper was a family business that she witnessed her parents working hard to maintain for decades. 

Dr. Harrell was happy to see that he finally took the step to preserve the events, history, and stories of the people who wrote about for decades. His paper will help to fill in the missing pieces of history for African American people in the Florida Parishes. Dr. Harrell was pleased to see he took the step to preserve the events, history, and stories of the people he had written about for decades. In the Florida Parishes, his paper will help to fill in the missing pieces of history related to African Americans. 

Mayor of Ponchatoula signs application for Historical Marker for Rev. Arthur Tasker

Left to right
Eddie Ponds, Councilwoman Batiste, James M. Perrin
Antoinette Harrell, Mayor Robert F. Zambia

I am pleased to announce that today was a memorable day for the committee whose mission is to place a historical marker in honor of Rev. Arthur Tasker, Ponchatoula's first black mayor, local civic leader, educator, and religious leader. Tasker was born into slavery between the years of 1831 and 1835 in Maryland or Virginia. In Ponchatoula, he established the first Black school and church. At the request of Ponchatoula City Councilwoman Roslind McKay Batiste, representatives of Untold History Foundation, LLC, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, and Eddie Ponds of The Drum Newspaper appeared before the council asking the mayor and council for their support in February of 2023. A few years ago, Harrell suggested to Ponds that they put a historical marker in honor of this notable man who refused to let slavery hinder his accomplishments to build a better life for Black people in Ponchatoula. 

James M. Perrin, author of Ponchatoula, "A Community History, 2020," joins the committee. The application was accompanied by copies of the minutes and newspaper articles provided by Perrin. . Mayor Robert F. Zabbia signed off on the Louisiana Historical Marker application today after the committee worked for several weeks on it. Tasker is buried in Kiwanis Park in Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Rev. Arthur Tasker

The Hands That Picked the Strawberries

Melbourne McNealty recalls integration in Amite, Louisiana

Image: Peter Pettus/Library of Congress,
Washington, D.C. (LC-DIG-ppmsca-08102)

There was a time when Melbourne McNealty recalls going shopping with her sister to some local stores in Amite,  Louisiana. Black children was banned from entering the store. She entered the store and man kept telling the lady that I could stay at the grocery store in town if I wanted to. There were some blacks who were treated with respect, while there were others who were not. As she recalled, there was a drug store with a "Nigger" window that she remember seeing.  Having been told by the lady to go around to the window,  Mel was told to go inside by her grandfather. In my grandfather's words, he told her to step into the store.  She was going to listen to my grandfather.

When she was in fourth grade, Tangipahoa Parish integrated its school. It was quite a challenges for me to transition from an all black school to Amite Elementary. Some teachers treated us horribly. For example, when they asked us for school supplies that we couldn't afford. There response were, you will never amount to anything anyway so don't worry about the supplies. Without a doubt, we knew they were wrong about us. Once, she heard one of my white teachers call my daddy a porch monkey because he was black. As soon as Melbourne got home from school, Melbourne ran straight to my mother and told her what happened. Her mother went to school the following day to address the matter. Black students in Amite has a hard time adjusting to the new situation said Mel.

Before integration, I rode Mr. Dudley's bus, and after integration, I rode Martin's bus. He was a mean man with an amputated leg. It was not uncommon for him to leave us at the bus stop on some mornings. When my brother told him not to hit him on the bus, he kicked him off the bus.  When Martin took off his leg, he swung it around like he wanted to strike someone with it. In spite of the fact that he never struck anyone with it. Tangipahoa Parish School Board did not take any action after my mother reported him. After reporting the issue without receiving any results, my mother decided to deal with it herself.

Melbourne McNealty

I asked Mel if she ever talked about her experience with anyone. She told me no because she was told by a white teacher that no one would believe her. All these years, she kept it a secret. Mel told me she had never discussed her experience with anyone.  Her secret remained a secret for all these years.  One of my teachers called me a nigger, Mel said.  My auntie immediately told me she would handle it once I told he.  I didn't tell my mother about it.

The school received complaints from black parents regarding their children's mistreatment.  The treatment we received was like being treated like poor dirt.  In 1969-1970, I was also a part of the integration system during the same time period as Melbourne. I asked her why she wanted to talk about it now. In some ways, it is releasing Melbourne. We were never asked about our experiences during that time. The opportunity to share my experience right now has been on my mind for a long time.

What was the names of the Ruby Bridges who lived in Amite, Louisiana? Do you think there is a reason why these stories and experiences are not being recorded? Black students who participated in the integration process have remained imprinted with memories of integration for decades. Can anyone identify the Ruby Bridges of the schools in Amite, Louisiana? Recording these experiences and stories would be highly beneficial.  Former black students who participated in integration often kept their memories buried for decades.  

The foundation of our pain is never considered during integration as children. Scars and memories remain. Things can't be changed, we can only learn to cope with them. Like many black students during that era and time, I wish to heal the scars caused by integration. There was no written or oral documentation of our experiences here. Tangipahoa Parish was no different from any other parish or county in the deep south.

Benin Bronzes at Ly Benson's Gallery & Studio

Benin Bronzes
Ly Benson's Gallery, Beaufort, SC

Museums and galleries are essential for me when visiting any state. I was on my way to St. Helena Island, South Carolina, to visit the historic Penn Center.  The gallery of Ly Benson caught my attention. My breath was taken away once I entered the gallery and saw all the beautiful masterpieces of artwork and antiques. I met the owner Rev. Kenneth Hodges who shared so much history with me in such a short time. This collection of brass sculptures depicts the capture and suffering of being enslaved and is one of his oldest pieces in his collection. The artwork, sculptures, and antiques all tell a story.  You should visit the gallery if you ever get the chance to visit St. Helena Island, South Carolina. It is well worth the drive and time. The Benin Bronzes are a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin, in what is now Ebo State, Nigeria.

A New York Nonprofit Restitution Study Group (RSG)  filed a lawsuit to block the Smithsonian from repatriating it's Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. The suit argues that the heirs of American enslaved descendants have as mis to the Benin Bronzes as the Nigerian government. 

A statement made Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, founder and  executive director said that "We study the bronzes as scholars, students, and descendants of the people who made them." We need access to them to study them she explained. "We suffer a concrete and imminent injury as a result of this transfer,"

Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Ly Benson's Art Gallery
Beaufort, SC

Dr. Antoinette Harrell visited Ly Bensons Gallery & Studio in Beaufort, South Carolina

Dr. Antoinette Harrell visiting 
Ly Benson's Gallery & Studio
St. Helena Island, SC

To visit the Gullah Geechee communities, we traveled twelve-hour journey from Louisiana to Charleston, South Carolina and the island of St. Helena. It was well worth the time and effort spent on the long drive. The Harrell branch of my family originates from South Carolina. As well as Nansemond, Virginia, which is now a part of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

It is imperative that African Americans in the United States do not allow the history of slavery and the heavy clouds of slavery under which Jim and Jane Crow ruled to erase our history during a time when Critical Race Theory is being debated across the South with the aim of eradicating African American history.

Our blood stain the foundation of this country. Our history is part of America's fabric. Even the most ugly events in history cannot be erased. It is crucial that we protect our right to hold onto our history regardless of how difficult it may be. By visiting the many museums that hold pieces of our history. As we converse with our historians and curators, weoften do not rewrite history, but write our narrative. There is no doubt in my mind that our history and culture should be protected in the same way that those who propose to erase them have. It is essential for me to visit museums in order to gain a deeper understanding of my past and history. A museum dedicated to African American culture tells a story. Our history is told and interpreted through the museums. 

Farm Life in Greensburg, Louisiana with Warner Hall

Preserving History Through Funeral Programs.

The land had been in Larry Freeman's family since 1873

Larry Freeman
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

 

It has been over a decade since I first met Larry Freeman and his wife Shirley Freeman. The last time I visited their farm was a few years ago, when Shirley had her cage-free chicken roaming freely around the yard when I visited them for the first time.  In my last visit to her house, she told me that some animal had eaten all her chicken, and that she was very disappointed. It is my guess that she did not want to go through that experience again. During the course of her farm experiment, she had set up a honey bee hive as part of her research. There is only one guinea fowl that Shirley has now.

They live on a fifteen-acres plot of land that is home to beautiful  horses and cows which roam freely throughout the lush green pastures behind their house. Honestly, I was just curious to see what Larry day  was like on the farm, so I decided to follow him around the farm to see what he was up too. There is a lot that Larry needs to accomplish in a day, so he starts his morning very early. It was 10 am, in the morning when I met up with him, which is late for a cattleman like him. 

He gave me a tour of the fifteen acres of beautiful pastures. Beautiful meadow glistened with yellow wildflowers as the sun glistened on them, as horses freely grazed in the fields while being surrounded by the beauty of the sunshine. He took me on an additional forty-acres where he planned to move the cows later on in the week after we spent some time touring the fifteen acres. His attention was drawn to one of his cows lying down in the distance. He just wanted to make sure the cow was okay. In 1873, his ancestors purchased 160 acres of land on the original tract of 160 acres of land that was located further up the road. It is easy for me to understand why Larry says that with such pride.

"There are few people who can really say that they still own the land in their family since the 1800s? In 1888, my family purchased two hundred acres of land, but what happened to the land is a mystery to me. My maternal 3rd great-grandfather Robert Harrell bought the land along with his son, my 2nd great grandfather Alexander Harrell."

After we arrived, Larry pointed out a beautiful old oak tree that held so many memories for him.  The memories he holds in his mind are something I would like to see visually. The old oak tree brought back memories of playing, climbing, and sitting under it for Larry.  My great-grandmother Emma's homestead in Amite, Louisiana, had an old oak tree, which I fondly remember playing under with my brothers and cousins during the hot summer days. 

Cattle graze the land, feeding and giving birth to calves. Whenever Larry pulls up, cows and calves moo like a chore.Grazing on the new pastures was their desire. It wasn't time for them to rotate into a new pasture yet. There was no end to the ringing of the phone for Larry. In the middle of our day we were interrupted by a phone call and he was forced to attend to some farm matters, and that was the end of our day. Larry understands the power of land ownership. Educating their children and grandchildren about land ownership is a priority for him and his wife Shirley