Wordless Wednesday: Roy B. Lane

Roy B. Lane
c. 1924, Tennessee

2013 Genealogy Jamboree in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee

Fern Lake, Middlesboro, Kentucky

Those of you with family roots in the tri-state area of southeast Kentucky, northeast Tennessee, and southwest Virginia may be interested in the 2013 Genealogy Jamboree.  This is becoming an annual event in the tri-state area and will be held this year on June 6, 7, and 8, in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.  While I have never been to the jamboree, I hope to go this year.  Included in the festivities are crafters, surname booths, professional and amateur genealogists, historical and genealogical societies and speakers, demonstrations, music, and food.  Sounds like fun to me--and definitely worth a visit to check out family history leads!  Also, if you've never been to the Cumberland Gap area, you've missed out on one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Mountains and valleys full of beauty surround you, and the area is full of history.  To learn more, check out the links below.  Hope to see you there!

Genealogy Jamboree Website
Genealogy Jamboree Facebook Page
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Roy B. Lane (Uncle B)

When I began this blog, I really didn't know where or how to start.  I knew, however, that if I didn't just jump right in and do it, I would worry myself to death trying to plan and make everything perfect--and the blog would never have come to life.  So I began with one of my favorite photos of my mom and that led to some recollections and details about her life.  Thus, my first blog post.  Since then, the blog has just evolved, and I guess it will continue to do so.  That's what's working for me, and I hope it will work for my readers, too.

Roy B. Lane

So, it seems I'm working my way back, youngest to oldest, through the eight children of William B. Lane and Martha Ann Pierce.

8.  Betty Jewel Lane--check

7. Myrtle Ruth Lane--check

Today, let me introduce you to #6. Roy B. Lane, my Uncle B.

Betty and Ruth's older brother, Roy, or "B" as he was always called, was born on October 20, 1914, in Anthras, Tennessee.  Yes, Anthras was yet another coal mining community my grandparents settled in so my papaw could find work.

Roy B. Lane
c. 1915

Growing up, B moved with the family from Anthras to Eagan to Pruden, and then finally into "town" in Lafollette, Claiborne County, Tennessee.

Roy B. Lane with baby sister, Betty Jewel
Pruden, Tennessee, c. 1926

As a young man, B went to work in a steel mill, and he married the beautiful Mildred L. Wagner (1921-2000).  B and "Millie" had their first son, Richard M. Lane on August 27, 1939, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.  By 1940, according to the U. S. Federal Census, B, Millie, and baby Richard were living with B's parents in Middlesboro.  Uncle B had developed tuberculosis, and he and Millie were expecting their second child.  Phillip David Lane was born in Middlesboro on October 1, 1941.  Sadly, B died only a few weeks later on November 26.  He was buried in the Lafollete (TN) Cemetery.

Roy B. Lane and son Richard
c. 1940

Mildred Wagner Lane
c. 1935

Family Recipe Friday: Ruth Lane Williamson's 24-Hour Salad

Ruth Lane Williamson

24-Hour Salad

Mix together the following ingredients and set aside.

pineapple chunks, quartered
1 pkg. miniature marshmallows
pecan pieces

Next, mix together the following ingredients and heat over medium high heat until thickened, stirring constantly.

2 eggs, beaten
4 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. white vinegar

Add 2 Tbsp. butter to heated mixture, stir, and then let mixture cool.  When mixture has cooled, stir in 1/2 pint of fresh whipped cream.  Fold this gently into pineapple mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.



A big thanks to my cousin, Joy Goins Lewis, granddaughter of Ruth L. Williamson, for sharing this recipe.

Happy Birthday to my precious Aunt Ruth who would have been 96 years old today.

Ruth Lane Williamson, c. 1940

Treasure Chest Thursday: A Letter From My Aunt Ruth

Letter  to Elizabeth Lane Lee from Ruth Lane Williamson, 1979

Thus begins one of my most prized possessions--a letter my Aunt Ruth wrote to me when I graduated from Middlesboro High School in 1979.  I've kept it in my grandmother's Bible for 33 years, but I had to bring it out for this week's Treasure Chest Thursday.

Page 1 of letter

Page 2 of letter

Wordless Wednesday: Ruth Lane Williamson

Ruth Lane Williamson
c. 1940

Tombstone Tuesday: M. Ruth Lane Williamson

Gravestone of Ruth Lane Williamson
Hurst Cemetery, Middlesboro, Kentucky
Photo taken c. 2004

As I'm sure you've guessed by now, the focus of my blog this week is my wonderful Aunt Ruth.  She developed Alzheimer's Disease in her later years, and her daughter, Betty Jo Williamson McManaway, brought  her to live with her at her home in Harrogate, Tennessee.  Aunt Ruth died on July 11, 1997, due to complications from Alzheimer's.  She is buried in the William B. Lane family plot in Hurst Cemetery in Middlesboro, Kentucky.