2021-03

Timeless Treasure in Nathalie, Va. By John Theo Jr. US livestock auctions date back to the 1600s with the sale of crops, animals, tools, tobacco, and land. Even in today’s hi-tech world, auctions are still the fastest (and the most efficient) way to sell these items -- a quick mechanism to convert assets into cash. When Robert Coblentz grew up ...

Story and photos by Norwood Walker In the early days, peddlers brought more than wares to people in the sparsely settled lands of our country. Folks living on the frontier looked forward to seeing the peddler’s wagon cresting the hill and hearing pots and other goods clanging together announcing his arrival. Not only could they get pots, cloth, dry goods, ...

By Michael Gray The leaves have come to turning chlorophyll emerald becomes burnt orange and crimson red, an inferno on every tree Soon they will truly be alight smoke furling into the air tendrils rising up before dissipating Accompanying them are sparks, having broken free from the coals they’re now ready for a taste of fresh air As they float ...

Story and photos by Meredith Bernard “Can’t never could.” Three words my husband says often to our children that have left an indelible mark on me, as well. Three words that sum up so much of how I’ve gotten where I am, at the same time keeping me grounded to move forward. I mean, really -- can’t. never. could. But ...

By “Big J” Jody Allen D.T. and Shirley Neal opened D.T. Neal’s store in 1967 and ran it for 23 years. For the next 30 years, they leased the business to other operators. The store was built before Mayo Lake existed. In fact, Neal’s Store Road leads to Mayo Lake Park and the boat access for the lake. In 1981, ...

By Norwood Walker With apologies to Jimmy Buffett, but Saritaville -- like Margaritaville -- just inspires song. Eatin’ on pancakes Watchin' the lake bake Round me all of those flowers covered with blooms Firin’ up the fire pit after dark, see those weenies Beginning to burn Lazing away again in Saritaville Wanting for nothing at all Some people claim that ...

The Tooth Fairy (a.k.a. Lori Welch Wilson) A Remarkable Adventure By Phyliss Boatwright Once upon a time, on a beautiful summer day, I had lunch with the Tooth Fairy. In the town of Yanceyville. At a Mexican restaurant. And to quote my grandchildren, it was “the best day ever.” When she’s not doing her “real job,” the Tooth Fairy assumes ...

By Phyliss Boatwright If you’ve spent much time in uptown South Boston, Roxboro, Yanceyville, or Danville over the past few years, you’ve probably been by or into a nutrition store, where you can purchase tasty meal replacement shakes and energy drinks, along with other nutrition products. In South Boston, LeAnne Pulliam offers those drinks to customers at Cheers SoBo on ...

By Darnell Abbott Everyone is familiar with the term “green thumb,” and at our garden center, I constantly hear people say they do not have a green thumb. However, I believe that the secret to gardening success, or having a “green thumb,” really boils down to two things: a “green brain” and a “green back.” For a beautiful lawn, the ...

A Time of Transition Story and photos by Sam Seamster Fall is one of my favorite times of the year to fish. The fish are starting to feed up for winter, the temperatures are cooler, and the boat traffic has slowed down as people are winding down from summer watercraft activities. Fishing the Summer Pattern All during summer, the water ...