I was wondering, does the
demise of a friend cause
you to think of your own
mortality? The community
lost Bobby Henderson last
week, a man I'd known for
more years than I want to
count. I had the pleasure of
being at Bobby and Betty's
wedding, February 14 (I
forget the year - sorry,
Betty) in the Assembly of
God Church in Century,
now known as the Abundant
Life Church. He always had
a smile for me and was so
quick-witted that I never
could put anything over on him.

Over the years Bobby and I hadn't seen or talked to one another much, but any time I thought of him, or read one of his spirited letters to the editor in the Tri-City Ledger, I felt of him as my friend. I know that not everyone feels the same way about a person, and I'm sure Bobby had his detractors. Nevertheless, when I look at people nowadays, I try to think of them as just trying to make it through this life the best way they know how. I believe we get just one chance, although reincarnationists believe otherwise.

Rest well, my friend; there are those of us who will miss you.

****

Last week at the ASHS meeting, Charlie Booher and his brother Bobby came to show us Charlie's collections. I meant that in the plural, since it appears Charlie collects a little of everything! He spoke to us about his collection of bus tokens (all from Pensacola) bottles, letters, you name it. He told us of his kin in the north end of Escambia County, Florida, the Wards, among others. All in all the talk was mighty informative and those in attendance enjoyed the meeting and the hors d oeuvres ("snacks," for you uncultured folks) afterward.

****

My coming out of retirement to work at the Thomas E. McMillan Museum at Jeff Davis Community College has been an enjoyable experience. It has pointed out to me, however, that the same problem exists there as does at the ASHS museums. There is much volunteer work needed at both places.

For the last month or so, I've focused on attempting to complete a project started by Carol Madden, the previous Museum Coordinator. That project has to do with the museum's inventory. In doing so, there are tons of other things left undone, particularly the filing of materials brought into the Escambia County Historical Society's Alabama Room. There are other chores falling by the wayside because of the lack of dedicated volunteers.

I am not surprised, though, because for three or more years, the inventory at the ASHS Museums needed cataloging and I've asked several times for volunteers to help. I must say there have been a few who have graciously offered help, but the project has foundered. It's not hard work, but it does need someone to take ownership and treat it as if they were doing it for themselves. Someone who won't need someone standing over them directing every move, although I will do that, too if you really want me to!

Anyone interested at either place? Let me know.

****

Some have asked me why am I so interested in history. I got this from a dictionary and would like you to know it's about all these definitions:

History is:
1. A chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes
2. A treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena
3. An account of a patient's medical background
4. An established record
5. A branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
6. Events that form the subject matter of a history
7. Events of the past
8. One that is finished or done for
9. Previous treatment, handling, or experience