Homecoming – May 3, 1919
Charlie and Mable were desperate for a break from the Sunday’s-only dating routine imposed by the Showns. Finally, an opportunity came their way, albeit only a slight variation from the norm. It was Homecoming weekend at St. Mary’s Pine Church.
The Saturday Homecoming event provided an opportunity for church members who had moved out of the community to return to the company of old friends and family for a festive dinner on the grounds. The daylong celebration included games, story-telling by Moses Shown, and plenty of good food. For the young couple, it simply meant precious time together.
By 11 o’clock a sizeable crowd assembled and the sound of lively chatter and laughter gave evidence that the party was in full swing. Mable anxiously awaited the arrival of her beloved Charlie while helping her mother prepare the food tables. Everything had its place: plates and eating utensils, meat and main dishes, vegetables and bread, and then everybody’s favorite, the desert table, upon which Mable strategically placed her chocolate cake where Charlie was sure to find it.
Mable’s Prince Charming finally arrived riding on a horse he called Blackie. She ran to greet him, immediately led him to her cake, and then revealed an important secret. There were actually two chocolate cakes and his was hidden under the table with a note upon which she had written, ‘Do not touch or the devil will get you.’ Mable laughed at her little joke and when Charlie didn’t get it she explained, “It is Devil’s Food cake.”
After a game of croquet on the church lawn in which Mable soundly defeated Charlie, she persuaded him to participate in the annual cakewalk. He objected, since he already had a cake and also because it was a game for sissies. But Mable insisted and soon Charlie was walking shyly among a group of elderly women and little girls while Buddy Boyd picked his banjo. The object was to land on the winning square when the music stopped. The winner received his or her choice of a pie or a cake from the dessert table.
Round and round they went while Mable cheered for Charlie to win, which didn’t happen for a very long time. Actually, Charlie never did land on the winning square, but when the game leader realized that Gloria Stover had surpassed the three wins limit, Charlie was given a consolation chocolate pie. Then Mable grabbed two forks and the two of them sat under her favorite oak tree, laughing and playfully talking while consuming the entire pie.
“Heard from your family?” asked Mable.
“Not much.”
“How about your daddy?”
Charlie didn’t want to tell her about his recent violent run-in with his father since it would likely upset her. He also didn’t wish to give the Showns any more fuel for their ‘like father, like son’ concern. "Expect he’ll never change. By the way, you ain’t going to believe what Frank asked me.”
“What’s that?”
“Wants me to come to some big deal at Strathmore to meet the Governor. Said the governor would be interested in what I know about animals.”
“Then you should go.”
“Don’t think so. Too many highfalutin folks to my liking.”
“Charlie Polk, you get yourself over there. Maybe God’s getting ready to open a door for you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Been loving your letters,” said Mable.
“I’m glad.”
“Do you like mine?”
“Oh, yeah. They’re great.”
“The Taj Mahal sounds like a beautiful place. Where exactly is it?”
Myrtle’s geography book was getting Charlie into trouble and he struggled for an answer. “Over around Germany somewhere.”
“Is that right? Pretty sure your letter said it’s in India.”
“Oh, yeah. Guess all that chocolate pie went to my head.”
Charlie hated to lie to Mable about the letters, but he was embarrassed to acknowledge that he couldn’t read or write. With the severe limitations on their time together the letters helped grow their relationship so he elected to just change the subject. “Did you hear that Frank popped the question to Cilla? He and his mama took the train to Richmond and picked out a ring.”
There weren’t many things that Charlie could have told Mable that would have made her happier. She saw Cilla as serious competition for Charlie’s heart and was greatly relieved at the news. “Did she accept?”
“Wants to think about it?”
In an instant, Mable’s anxiety returned. “Wonder why?”
“Don’t rightly know. Expect she just needed to think about it.” Actually, Charlie did know the reason for the delayed answer and again changed the subject. “Look, Reverend Beck is coming our way.”
Charlie jumped to his feet and helped Mable up just in time to greet the pastor. “Hey, Reverend Beck.”
“How are you young people on this beautiful day? Looks like you made short order of that pie.”
“Got a weakness for chocolate,” said Charlie.
“But that ain’t a sin,” said Mable embarrassed that the pastor would not think well of her for such gluttonous behavior.
“Maybe if you ate two of them,” quipped the pastor. “Charlie, I’ve heard a lot of talk about your special way with animals. You know where that gift comes from don’t you?”
Charlie didn’t quite know how to answer the pastor’s question so Mable answered for him. “Why, it’s a gift from God, of course.”
Their conversation continued under the watchful eye of Mary Shown, who worried that her daughter and Charlie were making matrimonial plans with the preacher. Mary was so upset by the lengthy discussion that she interrupted one of her husband’s stories to share her concern. “Do something. Mable and that boy should not be talking to the pastor.”
“Listen to yourself, woman,” said Moses. Reverend Beck has talked to just about everybody here today. He’s just doing his job.”
Eventually, the conversation ended and Mable and Charlie enjoyed one another’s company for the remainder of the afternoon. But Mary Shown was dying to know what was discussed so she fixed a plate of food and carried it to the clergyman.
“That was mighty kind of you Mrs. Shown,” said Reverend Beck wasting no time chomping into a chicken leg.
“Saw you talking to Mable and Charlie a while ago.”
“Lovely couple. They seem so happy together.”
“Mind if I ask what you all talked about.”
Reverend Beck was perplexed at Mary’s question. Was she concerned that the topic of the conversation was somehow inappropriate or was she meddling in a private conversation? “Well, we were having a biblical discussion about the laying on of hands.”
Mary turned as white as a sheet, excused herself, and made a beeline back to Moses.
“What now, Mary?” said Moses annoyed at yet another interruption to his storytelling.
“Now this is going to make you mad and I don’t want you to go getting your shotgun with all these people around but I heard some really upsetting news about Mable and that boy.”
“What’s going on?”
“Charlie’s been putting his hands on Mable.”
“What?
“Charlie’s been putting his hands on Mable.”
“Where did you hear such a thing?”
“Reverend Beck.”
“The pastor told you that?”
“Yes.”
Mary grabbed Moses arm and pulled him along for a confrontation with the errant couple. “You take care of Charlie and I’ll talk to Mable.”
Moses and Charlie were already laughing when Mary cornered Mable. She turned to her husband in disbelief. “What is so dadblamed funny?”
Then Mable joined in on the laughter, which further exasperated Mary until Mable explained their discussion with the pastor. “Mama, we were talking about Charlie’s special gift with animals and Reverend Beck wondered if it had anything to do with the laying on of hands found in the Bible.
Mary Shown could have died from embarrassment but eventually came around, not so much from the hu
mor at her expense, but in the knowledge that the discussion had nothing to do with matrimony.
Sensing that this was an opportune moment Charlie requested to take the relationship to the next level. “It would mean a lot to both of us to be allowed to start courting.”
Mable was surprised at his boldness and even more so at her father’s response.
“I agree. You’ve done everything that we’ve asked and always been a perfect gentleman.”
All eyes were on Mary as she weighed her decision. “I suppose it’s time but, of course, there will be some conditions.”
They all laughed at Mary’s obvious response. Even she managed a giggle before expounding upon her expectations. “I will want to know where you’re going, what you plan on doing, when you expect to be there and when Mable will be back home.”
Mable hugged her mother in gratitude while Charlie considered what was missing from Mary’s usual instructions. She didn’t place a moratorium on kissing or physical contact. Maybe she just forgot or possibly this was a test of his real character.
As the crowd dissipated Charlie and Mable helped with the cleanup and they discussed plans for their first real date. Neither of them could explain the bond they felt for one another, but they knew that they had something special.
By the end of their time together a plan was in place. In two weeks, they would travel 15 miles to near New Market for a candlelight tour of Endless Caverns. Before he rode away, Mable had something she wanted to say.
“You probably already know this, but it needs to be said. I love you, Charlie Polk.”
Charlie climbed into his horses’ saddle and smiled. “Glad to hear it because I feel the same way about you.”
High Society – May 10, 1919
Governor Morley Davis was coming to Strathmore and everybody knew it. Ada saw to that. She hadn’t been this excited in a very long time. Ten years previous she was named the Women's Aid Society's Shenandoah County Woman of the Year for the fourth year in a row, which remains the all-time record for most consecutive wins. Now, with the imminent visit of Virginia’s highest elected official, Ada's society star was again shining brightly as she busily spread the good news.
Governor Morley Davis had gained a reputation as the Farmer's Governor, committed to supporting Virginia’s farmers and improving agriculture in the state. Strathmore Farm was of particular interest to him due to the progressive farming methods employed by the Wisslers.
His tour of the Valley began with a speech to a select handful of supporters at Wayside Inn in Middletown where he spent the night. Then it was on to Mt. Jackson, where he was welcomed as a guest at Strathmore House.
This was a time for Frank, Jr. to impress his investors and for John to earn yet more praise from his banking friends. The Governor’s visit signaled the return of prominence and influence of Strathmore Farm and the Wissler name. The Wissler brothers reasoned that their ‘daddy would have been so proud.’
Also on the guest list was a group of hand-picked Valley farmers, selected due to their specialized areas of farming expertise. Oscar Hanley of Winchester represented the orchard interests. Richard Boyer of Woodstock was the chosen expert on dirt farming. Wally Greer of New Market was the dairy specialist and Charlie Polk of Mt. Jackson was selected for his advanced methods in veterinary medicine.
Charlie still couldn’t believe that he accepted the invitation. He was extremely intimidated by the unfamiliar setting, but his friend, Frank Wissler III, assured him that he would fit right in because the topic of conversation revolved around Charlie’s favorite subject, farming. “The Governor is interested in how you do what you do.”
Charlie didn’t share Frank’s confidence. “How can I tell him how I do what I do if I don’t know it myself?”
Then Frank told him to do what he does in similar situations, “Fake it, like that time you fixed Russell Miller’s tractor.”
Frank and Cilla did all they could to prepare Charlie for the big day. Frank helped Charlie pick out a proper suit and treated him to his first ever barbershop haircut. Cilla coached Charlie on the art of the handshake, the skill of being a good listener, and most important, how to engage in thoughtful conversation. “The key,” she said, “is to get them talking about themselves.” Regarding matters of proper etiquette, she reminded him that “you should never talk with food in your mouth.” Hardest for Charlie to master was chewing with his mouth shut. “And don’t make that awful smacking noise when you eat,” said Cilla. “Leave that noise in the hog pin where it belongs.”
“I just won’t eat while I’m there. That should settle that problem,” said Charlie.
Frank provided transportation to and from the event. Charlie was so nervous he barely noticed Cilla’s stunning gown. Several times along the way he requested that Frank just drop him off and let him walk back to the Miller Farm, but Frank just kept on driving.
As they ascended the steep driveway to Strathmore and saw the Governor’s shiny black Winton Limousine, Charlie’s nerves turned to nausea. “I think I’m going to vomit.”
“Not on my seats you won’t,” said Frank alarmed by Charlie’s announcement. “Go behind those bushes over there.”
Cilla took a more diplomatic approach. “Take a deep breath and think about something that makes you happy. Just relax. You’re going to be just fine. Remember, the governor puts on his pants the same way you do.”
As Charlie climbed the front steps to Strathmore House, he thought that, at the very least, he would finally get to see the interior of this famous home. “Maybe I’ll invite the Governor over to my little cabin by Miller Creek,” he joked resulting in a giggle from Priscilla.
Ada and John were the official greeting party and quickly acknowledged Frank III’s late arrival.
“Late again,” said Ada laughing.
“I am not,” replied John giving her a hug.
“You know Cilla.”
“Of course. The girl who can’t make up her mind.”
“Aunt Ada, behave yourself.”
“Just kidding,” said Ada who then embraced Cilla.
“Uncle John, I suppose you remember Charlie Polk.”
“Well, Charlie, I didn’t recognize you. It’s been a long time.”
“Aren’t you the handsome one,” said Ada closing the door behind him.
Cilla looked back at Charlie and smiled. “So far, so good.”
Charlie managed a very slight smile. His ordeal had only just begun.
Ada pointed in the direction of the parlor. “You all go on in and take a seat. The Governor said he wanted to make a short speech. Should be starting any minute now.”
The Governor’s short speech lasted nearly two hours and Charlie observed that, based on Cilla’s instruction, the Governor was an exceptional conversationalist. He had never heard any man who had so much to say about himself. When Governor Davis concluded his talk by saying, “I am so very proud of what my administration has accomplished in Richmond,” Charlie couldn’t have agreed more. That was one proud man.
John addressed the gathering briefly and introduced the members of the Wissler family. Cilla thought it would actually be kind of nice to be included in that esteemed group.
Carrie Wissler then announced that refreshments were available in the dining room and gave the strategic locations of the restroom facilities if needed.
Suddenly Charlie realized he was sitting all alone. Frank was talking to his brother, Harold, and Cilla had joined her parents. Attempting to remain inconspicuous Charlie picked up an event program and pretended to be reading it.
“Hey, Charlie. Charlie Polk.”
When Charlie looked up, he saw John Wissler and Governor Davis looking down on him.
“Got somebody I want you to meet,” said John.
“Yes, sir,” said Charlie rising to his feet.
“Charlie, I would like you to meet the governor of our great state, Governor Morley Davis.”
“Pleased to meet you, Governor,” said Ch
arlie remembering that the man before him put on his pants the same way that he did. Although he wasn’t quite sure what Cilla meant by that advice, he did observe that the governor’s britches were considerably larger than his.
“John here, tells me that you have gained quite a reputation for your practice of veterinary medicine.”
“Practice? Yes, sir. Expect I’ve had plenty of practice. Been at it since I was nine.”
Governor Davis laughed. “I like that. A sense of humor. Where did you learn your veterinarian skills?”
“Just something I’ve almost always been able to do.”
“Sounds like your God-given calling.”
John Wissler echoed the Governor’s assessment. “He’s got a gift alright. I’ve never forgotten what he did back in 1910 when our barns caught on fire. He risked his life to save every one of our horses.”
“I’m going to be keeping my eye on you,” said the Governor. “The great state of Virginia needs good men like you.” Then the Governor launched into what sounded like a repeat of his previous two-hour presentation. “As the farmer’s Governor, I want to see that hard working farmers like yourself get the education, funding, and resources needed to make Virginia the breadbasket of the nation. There’s no farmland on earth that can hold a candle to what we’ve got right here in dear old Virginia.”
With the mini-speech concluded the Governor offered an unexpected invitation. “Make an appointment with my aid standing over there and we’ll talk more at my office in Richmond.” Then he shook Charlie’s hand. “Don’t forget to vote for Democrats to keep them sorry liberal Republicans from destroying this great nation. It was real good talking to you, son. Now, John, who do we need to talk to next?”
Charlie was surprised by the brevity of their conversation but greatly relieved that it was over. He had no interest in a second meeting in Richmond and when he saw that the Governor’s aid was engaged an intimate discussion with Frank’s brother, Harold, he quickly departed.
In the Valley of Hope Page 22
