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MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD IN COLUMBIA TENNESSEE
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On April 20, 1941, I made my entrance into the world in a little place in Middle Tennessee.
I was born at home on West 8th street in (Are you ready for this?) a log house! I'll tell you more about that when
I add the pic of the house.
I lived an eventful childhood causing more concern than joy. You see, I was "free spirited"
when I was growing up. I'll leave it up to you to define "free spirited."
Physically, I left Columbia, Tennessee, in 1959 when I graduated from high school BUT I've never
left my hometown in my mind.
I have good memories about living in Columbia. I've noticed that landmarks trigger some of
those memories.
On this page I want to share with you some of those landmarks and might even share a memory or two.
Hope you enjoy this virtual tour of "My Town"---Columbia, Tennessee!
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St. John's Church is one of Maury County's most treasured historical sites.
Built by Leonidas Polk and his three brothers: Rufus, Lucius, and George cousins to President James K. Polk the church is
located at a point where the brothers estates came together. The land and material for the church was donated by the brothers
and built by slaves. The pulpit, reredos, and altar rail were made from a single wild cherry tree that grew on the site. It
was a plantation church meant to provide a place of worship for the Polk families, their slaves, and their neighbors.
During the Civil War, St. John's was used as a Confederate hospital, although
it did not see many patients. Union troops briefly occupied the church and although they did not cause great damage, they
did carry off the organ pipes.
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Columbia has a beautiful downtown area and this is one of the busiest corners. The pic you
see is the old Wooldrige Drug Store building. What I want you to see is the corner just to the right of the building.
Now, try to imagine a little popcorn stand on the corner big enough where one person could sit in it and operate a popcorn
popping machine! I'd sit there and pop popcorn and sell a little bag for a nickle and a big bag for a dime. It
was my first real "paying" job. A little lady, Mrs. Lancaster, trusted me to run the stand, allowing me the opportunity
to meet people, handle money, and learn a thousand other lessons that have helped me in life.
Harlan Ogle, Popcorn Popper---that was me!
With ten kids in the family, my Mom (and Dad) had to be hard workers. I remember my Mom taking
in washing and ironing most all her life but she did have a couple of other jobs that I remember.
Not far away from our house was a chair factory. For some time my Mom worked at the factory.
I don't really know what her specific job was but I know it must have been hard work.
I just barely remember the Oaks Chair Factory burning down when I was a kid.
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