A COLLECTION OF ESSAYS WRITTEN IN FAVOUR OF THE IMPROVEMENT OF STEPHENS VALLEY
Author – William Ray
Edition 3. Issue 06.
Two Things – The Last Ride and SV American Flag Etiquette
A couple of years ago, our neighbor, John Whitfield, suggested a book called The Last Ride: Murder, Money, and the Sensational Trial that Captivated Nashville https://www.amazon.com/Last-Ride-Sensational-Captivated-Nashville/dp/B0BFP5LF5P After reading that book and being thrilled with it, I’ve recommended it to several SV neighbors, and I’m recommending it to you now.
All the issues of The Valleyist have attempted to inform the readers about our special part of the South and the history specific to our neighborhood. The Last Ride continues that mission by telling a true story about west Nashville in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many of the landmarks we see as we travel around west Nashville are featured in the book, as well as the culture of Nashville during those years. All of this is useful for any SV resident to know and understand.
The book tells the story of the success of a young man who started off with less than nothing going for him. He went from being abandoned by his parents during a train trip, to becoming a huge success in Nashville and at the center of the Belle Meade society of the time. Then, at the peak of his success, he was murdered. The murderer seemed quite obvious, but the courtroom drama during the trial of the accused had many twists and turns, while involving many famous attorneys and politicians that still have quite recognizable names here in Nashville.
It turns out that our own Judge Tim Easter knows one of the attorneys that was in the middle of the trial, Hal Hardin, and Tim has secured an offer from Mr. Hardin to host a field trip for SV residents to his home to see many of the archives of the trial that he has collected. He has also offered to speak to the group about the events described in the book. Tim has secured dates when this could happen. This is a very unique opportunity for us.
June 21 – Depart SV at 4 pm in time to reach the courthouse before it closes
June 24 – Same times, just an alternate date
Please consult your calendars and contact me at williamjoelray@gmail.com so we can plot the logistics for this exciting trip courtesy of Judge Tim Easter.
Displaying the American Flag in SV
We are very lucky in SV to live among many veterans, and most of those are also very attuned to flag etiquette, so much so that some of them asked me to point out some flag etiquette issues that concern them, especially at this time of year when upcoming holidays when many will be marking the day by displaying the flag. Please consider these concerns as you may want to address them at your home.
Flag Placement. Here is what the National Flag Foundation https://nationalflagfoundation.org/etiquette/ advises us all relative to the display of our American flag:
When flown with Flags of states, communities or societies on separate flagpoles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the Flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor—to its own right (observer’s left).
So, American flags displayed on the front of a home or business are supposed to be placed such that a viewer, standing on the sidewalk looking at the front of the building, sees the flag to the left of any other flag also displayed at the location.
Flag Condition. American flags should not be displayed after the sun has faded them and the constant SV wind has rendered them tattered. Take a look at your flag and consider replacing it.
Flag Lighting. This one is more difficult. Technically, our flag is not to be displayed after sunset unless the flag is illuminated. Since so many of our homes feature landscape lighting, it would be really good if one of those lamps were aimed to specifically illuminate the flag if one is displayed at your home.
Now that we know more about these two matters, here is the updated list of upcoming cool regional events:
June 9 A1A – Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert
https://www.brentwoodtn.gov/departments/summer-concert-series
June 12 An Evening with James Taylor Bridgestone Arena
June 15 RC Cola – Moonpie Festival RC Cola – MoonPie Festival – Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce
June 15 SV BBQ and Bluegrass Day (with fireworks!)
June 21 Full Moon Picking Party https://warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/
June 22 Brentfest Brentwood Crockett Park https://www.brentwoodtn.gov/departments/summer-concert-series
July 13 Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival
July 19 Full Moon Picking Party https://warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/
July 20 SV Dive-In Movie Night
August 10 Peach Cobbler Festival https://allevents.in/murfreesboro/3rd-annual-peach-cobbler-festival/200026120118621?ref=eventlist-cat
August 10 Chattanooga Margarita Festival Chattanooga Margarita Festival — Chattanooga Festivals
August 16 Full Moon Picking Party https://warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/
August 24 Apple Pie Festival At The Little Red Orchard Apple Pie Festival - Rickman, TN (stepoutside.org)
August 24 SV Songwriter Night
August 31 Monroe County (Kentucky) Watermelon Festival Tompkinsville, KY
September 7 Middle Tennessee Fried Pickle Festival https://allevents.in/murfreesboro/200025664344834?ref=sharer
There are a lot more, but the links get a little iffy, further out than this. Stay tuned to upcoming issues of The Valleyist for updates to the list of entertainment opportunities right here in our state and neighborhood!
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