The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of The Quill.
It shore is a relief to be outa those hot August days fer a spell. Better fer the crops as well.
In attend'n the Old Threshers Reunions over Labor Day weekend I noticed the herd of spectators was way down in attendance.
Seems some folk preferred to stay somewheres what hads a good cool air conditioner and plenty of good ole ice cold drink'n water.
Fun Filled Weekends
The boys was a question'n how those thresher reunions and reenactments can get by without sell'n beer and have'n a beer tent.
I see's where our neighbors to the east (Warren County) is a advertise'n, quite heavily, their newly promoted beer tent at the Prime Beef Festival fer 2013, fer the first annual real refreshment opportunity in the 64 year history of the event.
After all these years they has finally discovered what real â"tongue loose'n, uninhibited, Wa Hoo fun" actually is. And, by the way, its all about the adults and their pleasures anyways (or so they seem to be say'n).
Now that's progress! Too bad those ole geezers, years ago, didn' realize if'n you really wants â"to make money big time and have the most educational experiences fer young folk" - provide a beer tent fer the best of both worlds.
Saturday, September 8 is Grandparents Day. Might be a good idea to express appreciation fer your existence by do'n someth'n special, like take'n em out fer dinner or simply pay' em a good sincere quality visit.
No, I'm not suggest'n ya takes Grandma and Grandpa out to a beer tent, but if'n that's what trips your'n their trigger, then so be it.
Far from anyone in my neck of woods to discourage anyone from have'n some good ole fashion drunk'n snake eyed fun! Especially if'n ya can use it to demonstrate to the young folk how best to respectfully conduct your lives in public so's they can't wait to do the same, if'n and when they can find someone to provide the stuff fer them, to be and have fun like a real adult!
Thanks, fer the good examples fer the young'ns on how to make money and have lots of fun at the same time-to all those good beer promot'n leaders of today. You'ns are real thinkers and role model leaders.
I is reminded of a poem by George R. Brunk, entitled, "Looseness."
Maybe it applies to our day or maybe it just is interest'n read'n. You decide.
Or maybe it'll broil ya and generate some hate mail fer Dessa and The Quill.
I'm a hope'n not, but then I knows the passions of those who like to publicly demonstrate their booze prowess are strong and powerful.
Looseness
This is an age of looseness and crime
From the heathen debased to the rich of the time;
The tendency strong in church and in state
Is to go where you please and leave open the gate.
It may be that old Dobbin, quite stiff in his knees,
Will stand in the park though not tied to the trees,
And Spitfire, the colt that will never be tame,
Has broken six halters and made himself lame.
But will this be excuse to throw halters away,
To let each horse decide where to go or to stay?
Then why do men fight against law and good rules
For guidance of wise and restraining of fools?
For horses or men there is only hope.
If they break their restrictions, just double the rope;
And if the good laws are wisely applied
They may learn how to stand without being tied.
I dislike to see boys not as high as your shoulder
That know ten times more than persons much older,
And when father and mother lay done some restriction,
Get pouty and sullen and begin to cause friction.
I never saw Master or Miss such a saint
But that they were bettered by parents' restraints;
But many a gone to the gallows has come
For want of a law and a rod in the home.
And then when it comes, to the laws of the land
So many thus tied will not even stand.
Some men for a dollar will take a man's life
Or cheat him in trading or marry his wife,
Or steal from his neighbor his chains or his axes,
Or give him short measure or be dodging his taxes.
But in spite of law-breaking there is not a man
Not constantly helped by the laws of the land.
In matters of Church we know very well
No law of itself can save one from hell;
Yet by heeding good laws a man's ways are made clean
And pitfalls avoided that he never had seen.
The flesh can be checked and the conscience alarmed
And evils suppressed by which others are harmed.
By law man is brought, on this side the grave,
To the point where the Word and the Spirit can save.
Now if children are wiser than matron or sire
And safety can play with poison and fire,
And loungers in stores with soap-box for stool
Know better than Congress how nations to rule,
And the wisdom of God in one single brother
Is greater than Bible and Conference together,
Then nail up the Church!
Lay the book on the shelf!
And let every man be a law to himself!
If opposers of law just only could see
They are cutting a limb 'twixt themselves and the tree'
And if they succeed they not only will fail,
But down will come Home,
Church, Nation, and all.
If men want no law but their precious will
Let them herd with the bushmen till they get their fill.
I think one such year would certainly end it
They would favor God's law and forever defend it.
By George R. Brunk
Thar ya has it then, there ain't no more. It can be supposed this column to be a personal invitation fer hate mail from the Boozer's league of western Illinois. Look out Bertha if'n it's thought anyone might stand betwixt any person and their liquor especially if'n it prevents it's promotion to young folk.
Corn Market Help
Actively Buster Jigs sez he's a gonna visit one of them thar beer tents, not fer drink'n, but just to see what they're a sell'n in there.
If'n its all Miller Lite, he feels they is at least try'n to help the corn market some, fer its begin'n is good ole No. 2 yellow corn.
So, in the end, Miller beer tents could be add'n money to our local corn farmers bottom line. Maybe that's their intent.
It's a Dangerous World
That's all fer this week and if'n I ain't hospitalized by some irate beer drinker "out to have some fun" raise'n some money, and intolerant on me and the boys' views on train'n young folk on the merits of alcoholism-then perhaps I'll catch ya next week.
Fer those whose lineage it applies-"Have A Good Grandparent Day"- and where ever ya is, what ever ya be a do'n - BE A GOOD ONE!
Me and the boys are wish'n all the grandmas and grandpas lots of appreciation from those young ones ya raised.
The wife and I is a hope'n we'll see ya in church thank'n the good Lord for all your'n bless'ns and seek'n His wisdom in all your decision make'n.
In the meantime...
Keep on Smile if'nn,
Catch ya later,
BARNYARD BRUKE