Andersonville Prison Cemetery /  by Dave Hileman

“That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” …from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Some of the 13,000 plus graves from the Union soldiers that died at Andersonville prison during the 15 months it was in operation. This is a real horror story. The memorial is to the Pennsylvania soldiers. My great-great-grandfather, George Leasure, was one of those imprisoned for 13 months. He survived the war but died rather young a few years later.

Fall in the Smokies /  by Dave Hileman

On Sunday I drove to the GSMNP for a couple of hours of photography. The weather was calling for rain by 4 and it came right on schedule. I was back in the car by then. I found two spots to shoot plus a tunnel. Always a great place to go. This photo is about 1/2 mile from the intersection where the road from Townsend hits the road to Cades Cove. Not a lot of water in the streams.

"Art in Motion" /  by Dave Hileman

That is the catch phrase of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of folk artist Vollis Simpson and enriching the community through art, culture, and education. The park is located in downtown Wilson, NC and is open from 5am to midnight. You can see the art anytime from the street. It is fascinating to watch all the clever structures move and spin in the wind. Nice stop off I-95 if you need a break - and if you are driving long on 95 you do. I recommend you give it a whirl.

Alcove /  by Dave Hileman

This creative person found a way to grow herbs, flowers and some veggies with no ground space at all. This was found along a street in Kirkwall, Scotland. And entertain her cat!

Rare /  by Dave Hileman

I am unsure if I ever saw a statue in honor of the soldiers of the Spanish American War of 1898 other than Roosevelt. This soldier was just outside the edge of the Phipps Conservatory grounds in Pittsburgh. We passed him on our way to lunch at the Porch next to the Cathedral of Learning.

And the Farm /  by Dave Hileman

This is the upper end of the valley known locally as Heilman Valley (FYI the name is spelled both ways here, the first two or three generations used Heilman but since than it can be Hileman or Heilman. Both are found in the church and on gravestones in the cemetery.) This farm was bought from the last of the Heilman named owners three years ago. The current owner’s wife was a Hileman. The farm is large but not the only one in the valley still farmed by Hileman descendants. Lovey view. The pond was just rebuilt and the structure nearby replaced a 1800’s barn that burned five years ago.

Not Every Family.... /  by Dave Hileman

has a church named for them. This is Heilman Lutheran Church near Ford City, Pennsylvania on land donated by the Heilman’s about 200/210 years ago. Jill and I were able to worship with the small congregation and I met a couple of “cousins” (a bit removed) but still neat to meet some distant relatives I did not know existed. I also viewed the original site of the Heilman family farm, but that is for another day.

My 6th Generation Great-Grandfather /  by Dave Hileman

Peter was born 11 Nov 1749, Alsace, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany and first settled in Northampton, PA before moving to Western Pennslyvania after the Revolutionary War. Both he and two of his brothers are active soldiers. His grave is near his farm in the Heilman Valley. His sons donated the land for the church and cemetery in the early 1800’s or possibly Peter did so. The current church building was built in 1879 and I will show that tomorrow.

The Promise of Fall /  by Dave Hileman

There are hints in the less humid blue sky, the initial color changes on some leaves, the prettier light in October and the end of the wildflower succession across the meadow. Hoopers Bald, Western NC Mountains.