no one is sure why this happened. Perhaps they needed to reroute traffic through one door when it was only used as a residence. So many questions have been answered about these pieces of history and yet there are so many unanswered ones left. This house is not open to the public at this time as, restoration began in early October. Later in September, I returned to Historic
Brattonsville for the event “By The Sweat Of Our Brows.” Tours, theatrical and musical performances and storytelling brings together descendants of the Bratton family along with descendants of the enslaved people who also called Brattonsville home. Demonstra- tions were given of some of the daily chores of the past along with a cook- ing demonstration in the Brick Kitchen which is a reproduction built on the original foundation. Here I met
Joseph McGill of The Slave Dwelling Project. Mr. McGill was there after he spent the night in one of the original slave dwellings to bring attention to these struc- tures which are often neglected in the restora- tion of plantations. This vital part of America’s history has more often than not been either demolished or neglected until re- claimed by nature. This project is devoted to having these structures treated with the same careful preservation as any other structure from that time period.
I also met a lady by the name of Mozelle
Robinson who was dressed in slave attire and telling her family’s history. My heart was so touched by her memories, both good and bad, of a very difficult time in the south. I had the pleasure of sharing a table later with this gra- cious and beautiful lady who charmed every- one in my party of photographer friends. So many experiences were brought by the good folks who worked as historical interpreters, I applaud their dedication to bringing history alive for us and the generations to come. Later in October, I could not resist return-
ing to Brattonsville for the Spirits and Stories event. This is one of the few events that take place after sundown at Brattonsville. With lanterns hanging from hooks and poles light- ing the grounds, tours were taken by lamp- light through the grounds and houses with story telling and volunteers in costume acting out different scenes, the life of Brattonsville from several hundred years prior appeared before my eyes. One gifted storyteller had au-
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