On September 22, my
husband and myself began our long weekend and headed up the road to Carlisle
Barracks, Pennsylvania. Thursday was a
beautiful day with just a hint of Fall in the air. The sun was shining and it
was a crystal clear day. Driving was
easy peasy, because it was smooth sailing all of the way. Our two-and-a-half-hour trip was scenic and uneventful...just
what we both had hoped for.
Some months ago, I was
invited to host a book signing at Carlisle Barracks. Carlisle Barracks is a United States Army
facility located in Carlisle Pennsylvania.
It is part of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and
is the site of the U.S. Army War College.
It is the nation's second-oldest active military base. The illustrious grounds of Carlisle Barracks
became settlements for those troops during the Seven Years' War (also known as
the French and Indian War) and after the American Revolutionary War, from
1783-1837, the town of Carlisle was significant as the frontier gateway.
In 1794, Carlisle
Barracks became the center of military activity with the outbreak of the
Whiskey Rebellion. President George
Washington journeyed to the barracks to review the troops-perhaps as many as
10,000 men. The crisis came about by
farmers in southwestern Pennsylvania, who refused to pay a tax on the
commercial whiskey they distilled from their crops. The farmers found corn processed as alcohol
was able to be transported east over the Alleghenies and more profitable to
sell than was corn as grain. AND, as my
husband and myself dined in the restaurant, 1774
The Whiskey Rebellion in downtown Carlisle, Pennsylvania we were reminded
of this time in history. From the historic
site, to the menu and "libations" 1774
The Whiskey Rebellion was a place for an enjoyable Saturday night.
All through history
Carlisle Barracks has played a most significant role in our nation's military
missions. The grounds are idyllic and the
structures are strong and beautiful. Our
stay at historic Washington Hall was
a treat and comfortable-especially after my 10:00am-6:00pm days of book signing
and speaking with children and their families.
Sharing my books with
children and their families is the best!
And, the children and their families of Carlisle Barracks were welcoming
and eager to listen and learn of what my books were all about. On Sunday afternoon, a mother and her three
girls stepped up to my book table and inquired about the genre of my five books
that I have written. As we were engaged
in conversation, the youngest little girl decided to step it up a bit and
"take charge." This little one
explained to me that her name is "McKenzie" and that her mommy had
just sailed away! McKenzie continued on to share with me that the cousins and
her aunt standing next to her were her family, and they indeed were going to
take care of her while her mommy was away.
As Mckenzie began strutting around in her boots and dancing away, her
aunt explained that McKenzie's mom serves in the United States Navy Corps and
was recently deployed. This foursome was
a natural and a joy to watch. It was my
privilege to meet them on that Sunday afternoon.
Please take a little
time to view the photos (see more at our Flickr Page) that accompany this
writing, because I believe they will bring a smile to your heart....
Most grateful,
Glenna C. Orr
Reading Specialist &
Director of The Kind Kids, Inc.