Pine Castle Pioneer Days, 1974

Memories of Pine Castle
by Ruth Linton

Way down among the pines
There's a little town I love.
It's my hometown, with its Spanish moss,
Its oak-lined streets, and its little turtle dove.

I'm not really a pioneer!
Why, I wasn't even born til the mid 20s.
But, I spent my childhood here,
And memories I have a-plenty.

4-H, MYF, cake walks, and lunch box socials
School picnics at Scotchman Point and Lakeside Inn.
Taking turns to ring the old church bell,
And realizing about everyone you meet is kin.

Mrs. Barber and her "ten-cent" lunch!
The beekeeper across from the school.
Halloween nights--Doc McCall--
And the old two-story buidling where we learned the golden rule.

Mrs. Smith and her "schoolbus" car.
The post office--then the "news center" of the town.
The oldtimers sitting, whistling, talking.
Yes, we even had some ups and downs.

We had no TV or planned entertainment.
Our games were the same as near and far.
Post office, Spin the Bottle, or Musical Chairs.
We walked instead of being driven in a car.

The old castle from which we got our name
Has long since fallen into dust.
Carry on, live here, make memories.
Some day, yours may be as sweet as man, I trust.