In 2021, I Remember the Old Mule. Great-grandmother Viola Toochin and great-grandfather Benjamin Buddy Flood, The Mule and Wagon Classic Photo, Circa 1950-1970, Gregory Taylor, Family Journal Artist, GA
Let me tell you about the mule. Our elders would often use a traditional mule-drawn sugar cane squeezing mill to collect sugar cane juices. I remember how they would put detachable collars, ropes, and a chain for pulling heavy loads on the mule, to support a more comfortable workload.
Then the mule walked around in a circle grinding sugar cane for hours and hours! Mule labor created sugar cane juice, which was boiled into cane syrup. Cane syrup is sweeter than sugar.
One More 2021. I also remember my uncle, Captain Benjamin James "Benji" Singleton, Sr. (1943- 2017) historical legacy. Benjamin “Ben” was a genuine custodian of local law enforcement and fair service to the people for forty-six years plus: Deputy, Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Department, Police Chief for the Town of Ridgeville, SC; served as president of the Palmetto State Law Enforcement Officers Association (1987), a successful business owner, community leader, traveler; family man, father, grandfather; great prideful sense of humor, and sports enthusiast. ---SC 2019-2020 Bill 3563
Josephine Evans Ash grew up in Dorchester County, South Carolina, only a mile or so, from Benjamin James Singleton, Sr. Memorial Intersection, “Red Road” Junction: Orangeburg Road (S-18-22) and Dorchester Road, SC, (Highway 642), Dorchester County, SC. This is what I remembered growing up as a country girl living in lower-state, South Carolina.
I hope what I wrote helps you with your history; because our dear and beloved ancestors did everything with love, care … and the hope that someone would tell their story. Until the next time, it’s good to look back down the line, and wonder how you made it. Whatever you get out of this poem of mine, remember the good times and the bad times. “But God” has been there through all of it. Remember you can always look back over your life to see where you are right now.
I remember and love to all. --- Josephine Evans Ash
Ash’s poem, “I Remember” was first submitted anonymously to The Family Journal, USA & Overseas in 2008. She first submitted this poem honoring her great-grandparents, who lived on Dorchester Road, the “Old Wire Road,” in honor of Black History Month. --- Josephine Evans Ash, Summerville Journal Scene, “I Remember,” February 10, 2015
GoFundMe GeeChee Gumee, HBCU. ECSU1891, Journal Writer
Those who are willing and able can make a GoFundMe financial donation to help preserve the legacy of Viola “Toochin” (1896-1982), Benjamin “Buddy” Flood (1893 -1969), and the continuance of The Family Journal, USA & Overseas publications. Continue your reading of Dr. Singleton’s informative publications by clicking here
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